A blending mode in Photoshop dictates how two or more layers interact and combine their pixel data to create a final composite image. Photoshop examines the overlapping pixels between the layers and, based on the chosen blending mode, determines how those pixels blend together.
Understanding Blending Modes
As explained in the reference, a blending mode essentially "tells two layers how to work together to create a combined image". Instead of a straightforward layering effect, blending modes create varied effects by adjusting how the colors, brightness, and other pixel attributes are combined. This system works by Photoshop checking the overlapping pixels between two layers and then, using the selected mode, defining how these pixels are blended.
Key Concepts
- Base Layer: The layer located below the layer using the blend mode.
- Blend Layer: The layer to which you apply the blending mode.
- Result: The combined visual outcome of the base layer and blend layer.
Common Blending Modes
| Category | Blending Modes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Normal, Dissolve | Default blending; no special effects. Dissolve scatters pixels. |
| Darken | Darken, Multiply, Color Burn, Linear Burn, Darker Color | Generally makes the result darker than either of the two base layers. Ideal for blending shadows or darker textures. |
| Lighten | Lighten, Screen, Color Dodge, Linear Dodge (Add), Lighter Color | Generates lighter results. Used for adding highlights and creating bright, luminous effects. |
| Contrast | Overlay, Soft Light, Hard Light, Vivid Light, Linear Light, Pin Light, Hard Mix | Increases contrast. Overlay is a staple blending mode for complex blending and texturing. |
| Inversion | Difference, Exclusion, Subtract, Divide | Produces color inversions and subtractive results. Difference, for example, can be used to compare layers. |
| Component | Hue, Saturation, Color, Luminosity | Blends layers based on hue, saturation, color or luminosity values of the pixels. |
Practical Applications
- Creating Shadows and Highlights: Use 'Multiply' to darken and 'Screen' to lighten areas.
- Blending Textures: Use 'Overlay' or 'Soft Light' to merge textures onto a base image.
- Color Adjustments: 'Hue', 'Saturation', 'Color', and 'Luminosity' modes allow for fine-tuning color properties between layers.
- Special Effects: Experiment with 'Difference' or 'Exclusion' for unique visual effects.
- Retouching: Using modes like overlay or soft light along with cloning and healing tools to blend retouched areas with the base image.
How Blending Modes Work
- Layer Selection: You choose the layer to which you'll apply a blend mode.
- Mode Selection: You pick from the range of available blending modes from the layers panel dropdown.
- Pixel Interaction: Photoshop analyzes the pixels of the selected layer, along with those of the underlying layers.
- Calculation: Based on the mode chosen, Photoshop calculates how the pixels of these layers will combine, which can be based on color values, luminance, or other mathematical operators.
- Final Result: The final image is displayed, with the blend applied.
