Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Layer Blend Modes
In addition to the variety of gradients possible, we can change their effect by choosing a
Layer Blend Mode
.
Layer Blend Modes
can be used with other layer types, but I will be
using gradients to illustrate their effects.
Just above the layers in the
Layers Panel
, there is a drop-down menu. In the image above, it
says
Normal
. This is the
Blend Mode
for the current
Active Layer
and the default for
Blend
Modes
.
Layer Blend Modes
are quite extensive and beyond the scope of this topic. I will, however,
use a few blend modes in our examples to give you an idea of what they do.
The drop-down menu for
Blend Modes
is shown at the left of the next page. As you can
see, the choices are extensive.
Even Photoshop Wizards can't always predict the effect of a blend mode. When
Blend
Modes
are used for artistic purposes, it is common practice to try them all and see which one
works best. This does not mean that there aren't general guidelines for each
Blend Mode
—
just that they will sometimes surprise you.
