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What Are the 3 Most Used Blend Modes in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 2:24 pm

There are four main categories of blend modes in Photoshop: darken, lighten, contrast, and color. Within each category are several options for blending. The three most commonly used blend modes are Multiply, Screen, and Overlay.

Multiply is a darkening blend mode. It multiplies the colors in the top layer with the colors in the bottom layer to create a darker color. Multiply is useful for darkening an image or for creating shadows.

PRO TIP: The three most used blend modes in Photoshop are the lighten blend mode, the darken blend mode, and the multiply blend mode. Each of these blend modes has its own unique effect on an image, so it is important to understand how each one works before using them.

Lighten Blend Mode: The lighten blend mode will lighten an image by increasing the brightness of the pixels. This blend mode is often used to add a highlight or glow to an image.

Darken Blend Mode: The darken blend mode will darken an image by decreasing the brightness of the pixels. This blend mode is often used to add a shadow or depth to an image.

Multiply Blend Mode: The multiply blend mode will multiply the colors of the pixels, resulting in a darker image. This blend mode is often used to intensify colors or create a richer overall look.

Screen is a lightening blend mode. It multiplies the inverse of the colors in the top layer with the inverse of the colors in the bottom layer to create a lighter color. Screen is useful for lightening an image or for brightening shadows.

Overlay is a Contrast blend mode. It multiplies or screens the colors in the top layer depending on the darkness of the colors in the bottom layer. Overlay is useful for increasing contrast or for creating special effects.

The three most commonly used blend modes are Multiply, Screen, and Overlay.

Madison Geldart

Madison Geldart

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