Radial gradient outward from shape

Question

I'm trying to achieve a certain effect with Photoshop. Basically, I want the edges of my shape to bleed seamlesssly into the background. I'm trying to achieve a "radial" gradient from black to transparent based on the shape.

Here's a quick and dirty example. I can't use the gradient/radial tool because it is based on a circle and doesn't adapt to the uniqueness of the shape. Any help appreciated, thanks.

Answer 1

Double click on the layer with the shape and check "Outer Glow" and use these settings:

Then you can make a new layer and merge it with the layer containing the shape, so that it's not an effect but part of the layer. Select both, right click and choose Merge Layers.

Answer 2

Roughly this:

Make a Layer Mask on your object,

Command Select your object layer to get the Selection,

Select / Modify / Feather (how much you depends on your taste)
* You might want to Contact or Expand your selection first depending on what you want your finished product to look like.

Then fill your selection (on the Layer Mask) with white.

This should feather your object so the edges blend to the background.

If you want black fading out from your object, just use a Dropshadow Layer Style with the offsets (x and y) set to zero.