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Guide for the color blending reference

This page refers to the illustrations used in the detailed reference for the color blending modesColor blending modeIn digital image editing and digital art, blending modes determine how the pixels of one layer interact with the pixels of underlying layers. These modes apply mathematical operations to color values, altering how the layers combine.
Not to be confused with the brush blend mode.
Learn more
. See the list of color blending modes.

Blending modes — definitions

To be used in the descriptions of the blending modes

The illustrations of the color blending modes in this documentation always depict two overlapping images:

  • the background layer: the landscape photo

  • the foreground layer (the blended layer) — the test sheet:

  • 1
    2
    3
    1

    Blended layer

    (here it is the test sheet) (the one to which the color blending is applied)

    2

    Underlying layer

    3

    Note that the test sheet used in the example illustrations has transparent areas.


    The result (here showing the Normal blending mode)

    Note the semi-transparent areas in the tests sheet.


    The test sheet used in the examples (the foreground layer)

    1

    White and black frames

    2

    50% gray frame

    3

    Black-to-white gradient

    4

    Spectrum colors

    5

    Transparent areas

    (Note that the transparent areas may not be clearly seen here)


    The background image used in the examples

    Image from Pixabay.com; author: kordi_vahle. Learn how to use Pixabay search in Infinite Painter in Pixabay image search.


    The term “color blending mode” may also refer to the application of the color by a brush. In such a case, there is no “blended layer” of course; the 'blended color' is applied by the brush in real time.