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Using layer modes


    Layer modes control how each layer blends with or reacts to layers beneath it. The stencil and silhouette layer modes affect the alpha channels of layers beneath them. Other layer modes affect how colors appear when blended with the colors from other layers. Layer modes in After Effects are identical to layer modes in Adobe Photoshop.

    Layer modes cannot be animated using keyframes. If you want a layer mode to change at a certain time, split the layer at that time and apply the new layer mode to the part of the layer that continues. You can also use the Compound Arithmetic effects, which are similar to layer modes but can change over time. For more information on splitting layers, see Creating new layers by splitting. For more information on Compound Arithmetic effects, see Compound Arithmetic.

    When using layer modes, it is helpful to think of the effects in the following terms:

    • The underlying colors are the colors of the layers located below the layer to which you want to apply the mode.
    • The layer colors are the original colors in the layer where you set the layer mode.
    • The resulting colors are the final colors displayed.

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