Layer Blending Modes

Bottom Layer Images

Top Lapyer Images

Normal

The pixel on the bottom layer does not show up at all, we see only the pixel on the upper layer.

Dissolve

Like Normal, except that when opacity is less than 100% intead of transparency you get a noise pattern. Less opacity means fewer dots the upper layer appear.

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Darken

The pixel on the top latyer is compared to the pixe; below. The darker one is used.

 

Multiply

The number value of the top and bottom layer's lixels are multiplied together and then divided by the maximum number of brightness levels (for 8 bot color this is 256).

Color Burn

When the bottom layer is darker and less saturated then the top layer. the top layer lightens and saturates the bottom layer.

Linear Burn

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Lighten

The pixel on the top latyer is compared to the pixe; below. The lighter one is used.

Screen

Adds the values of the upper and lower pixel. Always lightens.

Color Dodge

When the bottom layer is lighter and less saturated then the top layer. the top layer darkens and saturates the bottom layer.

Linear Dodge

 

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Overlay

Areas lighter than 50% grey are screen on to the lower lyers. Areas less than 50% grey are mulutplied on to the lower layer.

Cen be used for dodging and burning.

Soft Light

Similar to overlay, but the effect is not as strong.

Hard Light

Similar to overly in that is screens and multiplies depending on whether the pixel is greater or less than 50% grey, it uses the top pixel, not the bottom one to make the determination.

Vivid Light

Linear Light

Pin Light

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Difference

Shows the difference between the top and bottom pixel. The more the difference, the brighter.

Often used for stiching together parts or an image or panarama.

Exclusion

Black on the top layer leaves the underlying layer unaffected, white inverts the color of the underlying pixel.

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Hue

The color of the top pixel is used whilte retaining the brighness and saturation of the lower pixel. Great for retouching fringes out of digital photos.

Saturation

The saturation in the lower layer is replaced by the saturation in the upper layer. The hue of the lower pixel is not changed.

Color

Combines the hue and saturation of the upper layer with the brightness of the lower layer.

Often used for tinting B & W images.

Luminosity

The brightness of the upper layer is used with the hue and saturation of the lower layer/