Shaun
08-06-2009, 06:29 PM
Normal
Default mode. Your only option is to reduce the opacity of the active layer in order to reveal layer(s) lower down in the stack.
Dissolve
Combines the active layer with those lower in the stack, using a random pattern of pixels. There is no apparent effect at 100% opacity, but increases as the opacity is reduced.
Multiply
Produces a similar effect to viewing two sandwiched transparencies on a light box – multiplying pixels on the active layer with those beneath. Invariably darkens the image.
Screen
Is the opposite of Multiply – invariably produces a much lighter image.
Both these modes provide a useful ‘quick-fix’ for images that are too light or dark. Duplicating the background layer and then applying Multiply or Screen will selectively lighten or darken the image. The effect can then be adjusted via the Opacity slider. Layer Masks should be applied to selectively lighten or darken areas.
Overlay, Soft Light & Hard Light
are variations on the projection of one image (the active layer) on to another (the base layer). Overlay superimposes the active layer onto the base layer, producing effects similar to Multiply or Screen depending on the base layer colours. Preserves the highlights and shadows of the base layer.
Soft Light provides a more gentle effect than Overlay that Adobe suggest is similar to shining a soft spotlight onto the image, whilst Hard Light produces a more pronounced effect that Adobe suggest is similar to shining a hard spotlight onto the image.
Colour Dodge
looks at the colour information in each channel and brightens the base colour to reflect the active layer colour. Blending with black produces no change. Any the wiser?
Colour Burn
Opposite of Colour Dodge, whilst blending with white produces no change.
Darken
looks at the colours in the active and base layers, and reveals whichever is the darker.
Lighten
looks at the colours in the active and base layers, and reveals whichever is the lighter.
Difference
Looks at the colour information in each channel and subtracts either the active layer colour from the base colour or the base colour from the active layer colour, depending on which has the greater brightness value. Blending with white inverts the base colour values; blending with black produces no change. Dramatic adjustments can be made through the changing of opacity.
Exclusion
produces an effect similar to but lower in contrast than the Difference mode. Blending with white inverts the base colour values. Blending with black produces no change, blending with pure white will invert the base image.
Hue
applies the brightness and saturation of the base layer to the colour of the active layer.
Saturation
uses the brightness and colour of the base layer, and the saturation of the active layer.
Luminosity
applies the colour and saturation of the base layer, with the brightness of the active layer.
Default mode. Your only option is to reduce the opacity of the active layer in order to reveal layer(s) lower down in the stack.
Dissolve
Combines the active layer with those lower in the stack, using a random pattern of pixels. There is no apparent effect at 100% opacity, but increases as the opacity is reduced.
Multiply
Produces a similar effect to viewing two sandwiched transparencies on a light box – multiplying pixels on the active layer with those beneath. Invariably darkens the image.
Screen
Is the opposite of Multiply – invariably produces a much lighter image.
Both these modes provide a useful ‘quick-fix’ for images that are too light or dark. Duplicating the background layer and then applying Multiply or Screen will selectively lighten or darken the image. The effect can then be adjusted via the Opacity slider. Layer Masks should be applied to selectively lighten or darken areas.
Overlay, Soft Light & Hard Light
are variations on the projection of one image (the active layer) on to another (the base layer). Overlay superimposes the active layer onto the base layer, producing effects similar to Multiply or Screen depending on the base layer colours. Preserves the highlights and shadows of the base layer.
Soft Light provides a more gentle effect than Overlay that Adobe suggest is similar to shining a soft spotlight onto the image, whilst Hard Light produces a more pronounced effect that Adobe suggest is similar to shining a hard spotlight onto the image.
Colour Dodge
looks at the colour information in each channel and brightens the base colour to reflect the active layer colour. Blending with black produces no change. Any the wiser?
Colour Burn
Opposite of Colour Dodge, whilst blending with white produces no change.
Darken
looks at the colours in the active and base layers, and reveals whichever is the darker.
Lighten
looks at the colours in the active and base layers, and reveals whichever is the lighter.
Difference
Looks at the colour information in each channel and subtracts either the active layer colour from the base colour or the base colour from the active layer colour, depending on which has the greater brightness value. Blending with white inverts the base colour values; blending with black produces no change. Dramatic adjustments can be made through the changing of opacity.
Exclusion
produces an effect similar to but lower in contrast than the Difference mode. Blending with white inverts the base colour values. Blending with black produces no change, blending with pure white will invert the base image.
Hue
applies the brightness and saturation of the base layer to the colour of the active layer.
Saturation
uses the brightness and colour of the base layer, and the saturation of the active layer.
Luminosity
applies the colour and saturation of the base layer, with the brightness of the active layer.