? Eraser in Linear Gradient does not work

[andreac6328295]

I am just learning to use Lightroom CC and have watched the tutorials but cannot get the eraser to rub out the red mask where I don't want the picture affected. I know it is probably something simple but I can't see it. Thanks

[JP Hess]

Are you using Lightroom CC, or Lightroom Classic CC. I just checked Lightroom CC (the new cloud-based version which is what this forum is all about) and the eraser tool seems to be working. But I didn't find a mask.

[andreac6328295]

I am Lightroom CC (not classic). I wonder if I have accidentally altered

the settings somehow because I also note that when I click on the photo to

put in a linear gradient in the part of the photo that would be altered

changes colour - as if it is choosing its own colours - and this is before

I have touched the sliders.

[JP Hess]

Seems strange. Could you go to the help menu and click on About Lightroom CC and verify what version you are running for me please?

[andreac6328295]

version 1.2

[JP Hess]

And you're certain that ALL the adjustment sliders are set to the neutral position? I can't seem to replicate the behavior you're describing.

[andreac6328295]

That is interesting - no the sliders weren't all at zero - but - I have

just put them all back to zero and then had another go on a new photo -

eraser still does not work.

I assume that the sliders carry over from the previous edit so I should

zero them all before I start?

Am I doing it wrong? - I put in my linear line, I click on the rubber and

then go to the area I want to wipe out, click on O so I can see what I am

rubbing out - but nothing happens. I try left clicking on the mouse but

that makes no difference.

I'm possibly being totally thick but nothing is jumping out at me.

Many thanks

[JP Hess]

If the sliders aren't set to 0 then that "could" account for the change of color as you draw the new gradient. I don't know because I don't know for sure what you're doing. Also, the eraser isn't going to work until after you have applied a gradient  that has made a modification to the image content. The eraser will only erase what has been modified. I apologize for speaking in such basic terms. But I want to make sure we are on the same page with what we are talking about.

[andreac6328295]

No problem speaking basically - I probably need it. I have started with a

new photo withe all the sliders at zero and then made some changes - such

as darkening the sky and making the water more blue (two linear marks).

I've then tried to rub out the effect on a rock in the water - but the

rubber does not work.

Sorry to be a pain.

[JP Hess]

What are the flow and density settings for the eraser?

[andreac6328295]

I'm sorry - I have no idea where to find this information. I have looked

but can't see anything.

[JP Hess · Accepted solution]

You need to have applied a gradient, still have the gradient tool active and have selected the eraser tool.

If those settings are too low then the eraser will have very little effect or no effect. The idea is to reduce the flow or density so that you can make multiple passes to partially erase if desired.

[andreac6328295]

Thanks Jim - but as I said in my last email I can't see where to change the

settings.

I confirm I am trying to apply the eraser while the gradient is open. I

have tried other ways - ie going back and trying but to no avail.

One mystery solved in that you were correct that it was choosing colours

because the sliders were not back at zero a the beginning.

The link you had in your email was about the forum - nothing to do with

settings.

[andreac6328295]

Hi Jim - Sorry I did not see your picture (did not come up on my email but

saw it in the forum).

When I click on the eraser I get the size and invert.

I do not have flow and density buttons as in your picture.

Thanks

[andreac6328295]

apologies - just found them - hidden.

Flow is at 50%

Density is at 100%

[andreac6328295]

YAY - it works - I put the flow up 100%.

I'm sorry to have been such a pain but it is a relief to have found it.

Thanks very much for your patience

[JP Hess]

I have a feeling that you're trying to use Lightroom CC on your smart phone and I'm trying to give you instructions based on what I see on my PC. That isn't going to work, and I don't use a smart phone. Maybe I'm going to have to stop trying to help users solve these types of issues. But I'm glad you were able to get things figured out.

[andreac6328295]

No. I was doing it on my lap top. I'm sorry it took so much of your time.

It's obvious once you know but when you are new to a system you don't know

where to look.

[JP Hess]

Maybe the smaller screen was causing the issue. I'm not using an extremely large screen, a 24 inch desktop monitor. But when I look at things on my wife's laptop I know things are sometimes quite different. But I don't use her laptop for anything at all. Neither version of Lightroom is installed on her computer.

[andreac6328295]

I don't think the screen size was the issue at all. It was simply the Flow

setting was at 50% and once I put that up to 100 the eraser was working. I

consider now the problem has been fixed. Many thanks for your help

[JP Hess]

You're welcome. As far as the screen size is concerned. I was just wondering if maybe that is why you were having difficulty discovering the adjustment. Maybe not.