Blending modes

To cycle blending modes Shift ⇧ + + or -
Blending modes are used with Pixelmator layers, painting tools, and fills. Blending modes compare the value of one pixel to that of another pixel, and then, depending on the blending mode you choose, it may determine whether the pixel is lighter, darker, or a different color, or it may add or subtract the value of the two pixels.

To use the Blending mode with painting tools:

To use the Blending mode with layer:

Two Layers can blend using one of several modes which result in different light and color combinations.

Example Blending mode
Normal
Default mode.

Dissolve

Random pixels are removed one by one when opacity is decreased.

Behind

Works only with painting tools Using this mode, you can paint on the back of layers.

Darken

Creates a darker result. Pixels with lighter base values drop out completely.

Multiply

Darkens the image, lessening the saturation and toning down the color.

Color Burn

Creates exaggerated color saturation effects.

Linear Burn

Creates a result that is similar to that of the Multiply mode, but creates more intense color saturation.

Lighten

Creates a brighter result because the pixels are darker than the blend color replaced.

Screen

Lightens the image and softens the saturation.

Color Dodge
Creates exaggerated color saturation effects.

Linear Dodge

Similar to the Screen blending mode, except that Linear Dodge mode creates more intense color saturation.

Overlay

The result is a saturated image with strong color.

Soft Light

Creates a lighter or darker result depending on the brightness of the blend color you choose.

Hard Light

Lightens or darkens the image depending on the brightness of the blend color you choose. Contrast is also increased.

Vivid Light

Creates a highly saturated result that is similar to that produced by the Color Burn mode, but the result is not as dark as the result when using Color Burn.

Linear Light

Works almost like Vivid Light, except that it lightens or darkens by increasing or decreasing brightness instead of contrast.

Pin Light
Preserves the lighter tones and highlights the blend value.

Hard Mix

Creates a posterized effect.

Difference

Results in brightly saturated colors and inverted images.

Exclusion

Works almost like the Difference mode, except the contrast is lower.

Hue

Gives a tinted effect where tinting is darkest in areas of high saturation.

Saturation

Applies the saturation of the blend color to the image while retaining the hue and luminance of the image.

Color

Colors the image while neutral blend colors change the saturation of the color in the image.

Luminosity

Produces the opposite effect of the Color blending mode. Applies the brightness of the blend colors to the image while retaining the hue and saturation of the base image.

Lighter Color

Chooses the highest pixel values to create the resulting color.

Darker Color

Chooses the lowest pixel values to create the resulting color.