Blending between layers

In the Layer Options section (see Layer options) we explained some of the various options available in the "Layers" dialog. One of the most useful is the Mode option, which determines how colors on the active layer will blend or combine with colors on the layers below. The effect of a Blend mode is usually obtained in conjunction with a setting for the Opacity of the layer.

There are several options for blending. The list of these is the same as for Brush modes (see Brush modes). There are, though, important differences:

The usefulness of blending can be gauged from the following notes.

The image window can contain many layers in a definite order. Each layer can have its own image but all the layers share the same "space", namely the standard image window. However, when it comes to displaying or printing an image that is comprised of a series of layers, it is obviously impossible to display all the separate layer images. In other words, only one image can actually be displayed. Blending is a way of determining the final color values for an image you wish to display or print, when that image consists of more than one layer. Note that the Blend modes do not effect a permanent change and can be cancelled at any time by selecting Normal in Mode and setting the Opacity at 100%.

For some examples of blending between layers, see Blending between layers: examples.