O.K. Newbie here :).... help leaves something to be desired :)

[caryjames]

Hi Folks, one general comment on the usually great help menu. The help menu assumes that you know some basic information, here is an example.....

I am trying to figure out how to Gaussian blur all 4 edges of a rectangle, I search and find Gaussian blur and the filter section. The help menu explains what the Gaussian blur and Gaussian Smart blur functions do ... the really good part would be if the help menu also mentioned how I could access these functions ! I have encountered this situation before while searching the help section and have found it frustrating.

So am I on the correct path (Gaussian blur) to soften 4 edges of a rectangle or should I be pursuing Transparency (Filters are also explained but no mention of where to access them)?

Is there a way to use a Linear Transparency and 'lock it in'... I can soften one edge of the rectangle but when I go to fade out another corner of the rectangle the first transparent section is lost.

Thanks as usual!!!

[Christine Farrelly]

What you really need is Feather - the last two tools on the top tool bar.

Christine

[sledger]

Is there a way to use a Linear Transparency and 'lock it in'...

Group it.

[angelize]

As Christine said feathering is by far the easiest way. As well as the slider there is also an arrow icon right beside it. That will bring up the profile dialogue where you will find two more sliders which give you a greater control of the feathering.

And Steve (Sledger) forgot to mention that you can only group an object with itself once. You can get two sides that way then you have to group with a 99%transparent object and do the third and repeat the process to do the fourth.

Finally if you really want to use the gaussian blur you can find it in the live effects the plug icon on the left. click new >soften filter>gaussian

[sledger]

Sure Frances.. Though the OP said 'another corner' not all four.
I try to keep answers simple.

If we really are talking about fading all four corners of a rectangle, then maybe everyone has forgotten the elliptical transparency?

[angelize]

I am trying to figure out how to Gaussian blur all 4 edges of a rectangle

,

Actually he wanted to blur all four edges not corners

[sledger]

You win..

[caryjames]

Thanks folks!!!! Yes I did say edges .

I will try out your suggestions and see what happens.

I didn't mean to whinge about the help menu... just gets frustrating when you are starting out.... means I will have to hang around here more, not a bad thing I suppose !

[caryjames]

Brilliant, Feathering did the trick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[angelize]

I'm glad that we were all able to help you out. And by the way, Welcome to Talkgraphics.