A blend mode lets you combine different areas of an image together in creative ways. Photoshop has six blend modes, but sometimes you may need to use some of them interchangeably, especially if you want to achieve a certain effect. Here are some examples of how you can use the blend modes in different situations.
1. Soft light
Soft light blends a small amount of the image into the background. This creates a soft, diffuse light.
2. Hard light
Hard light adds the brightest part of the image onto the background. The effect is similar to the sun shining through a window and shining on the floor.
3. Vivid light
Vivid light blurs and brightens the image. It can create a dramatic, vivid appearance.
4. Linear light
Linear light makes the image appear flat. It removes fine details and sharpness, so that the subject appears flat.
5. Pin Light
Pin light works by using a highlight effect on the subject. It can be used to brighten an area of the image and add a highlight.
6. Reflective
Reflective mode is similar to Pin Light, except that it creates a glow, rather than a highlight. It works by adding highlights to a dark area.
The final effect of a blend mode depends on which areas of the image are combined and how they are combined. Each blend mode works with a different type of image, so it’s worth experimenting with the modes to see how they work.
How to choose The Best Mode that is right for you
For the beginner
You’ve finally decided you want to try blending images together. But what’s this new feature, called the blend tool? Is it really so difficult to do?
There are many types of blending modes, such as Soft Light, Soft Focus, and Multiply. These are usually used to create special effects in photographs.
What’s the best mode for you? This guide will help you find out.
To begin, load both images into Photoshop. You may want to place them in a separate folder so they will load into Photoshop separately. Once you’ve got them loaded, use the Rectangular Marquee tool (M) to select the entire image you wish to use as the background. Next, go to Edit > Image > Adjustments > Blur and increase the Radius value. This will make your image appear blurred. Finally, click OK, making sure you’ve clicked outside the selected image. Your screen should now look similar to the below example.
Next, select the new background you created. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Increase the Radius and click OK. Now, select your new, blurred background. Using the Rectangular Marquee tool, draw a new selection around your subject. Click Edit > Copy. Next, paste the copied image back into your original image. When you’ve done this, select your new image and press Ctrl+J. This will duplicate your image and create a new layer underneath your existing image.
At this point, go to Layer > New > Layer via Copy. Next, go to Layer > Blend > Add Blend. Drag your new blended layer to the top of the stack of layers and press Ctrl+T to merge the layers. At this point, you have the option to save your file and close the program. If you want to keep working on it, just go to File > Save and select the ‘Save for Web and Devices’ option. This will save your file and allow you to continue editing. If you want to close the document, select File > Exit.
When you open your file again, you will see that the image has merged into one single, combined layer. To work on your new layer, press Ctrl+A to select all of it and then press Ctrl+C to copy it. Alternatively, you can click on your layer, right-click and choose Duplicate Layer. Either method will create a copy of your new layer.
Now, you need to move your copy of your new blended layer to the top of the layer stack. You can do this by pressing Ctrl+J. This will make your new blended layer appear above the rest of your image. To edit the individual parts of the new blended layer, you can do so by going to Layer > New > Layer Via Copy. This will make a copy of your blended layer and then paste it into your image.
To remove the blended layer, highlight it and press Delete. You will need to repeat this process until you’re happy with the result.
You’ll notice that the process of combining layers is quite simple. You just need to work out which areas of the image you want to blend together. If you’re still having trouble, you can always refer to the help files or tutorials for tips.
For the expert
If you’re looking for some more advanced tips, you’ve come to the right place. Photoshop CC 2019 has a whole host of new features, including powerful Blending Modes. These modes can be used to create a variety of visual effects. Here, we’ll take a look at the different modes available.
Multiply
This mode will make a selected area of your image brighten. To do this, you’ll need to duplicate your original image. Once you’ve duplicated the image, select the top layer and go to Edit > Transform > Scale. Next, use the sliders to adjust the size of your image. Finally, go to Edit > Apply Image. Your image will now look like the below example.
Add
The Add mode will increase the brightness of your image. You’ll need to duplicate the layer. Next, use the sliders to adjust the brightness and opacity of the image. When you’ve finished, click OK. You can use the Alt+drag shortcut to quickly duplicate and adjust the layer.
Subtract
This mode will darken an area of your image. To do this, you’ll need to duplicate the layer. Next, use the sliders to adjust the brightness and opacity of the image. When you’ve finished, click OK. You can use the Alt+drag shortcut to quickly duplicate and adjust the layer.
Screen
The Screen mode will make a selected area of your image darker. To do this, you’ll need to duplicate the layer. Next, use the sliders to adjust the brightness and opacity of the image. When you’ve finished, click OK. You can use the Alt+drag shortcut to quickly duplicate and adjust the layer.
Darken
The Darken mode will darken a selected area of your image. To do this, you’ll need to duplicate the layer. Next, use the sliders to adjust the brightness and opacity of the image. When you’ve finished, click OK. You can use the Alt+drag shortcut to quickly duplicate and adjust the layer.
Lighten
The Lighten mode will lighten a selected area of your image. To do this, you’ll need to duplicate the layer. Next, use the sliders to adjust the brightness and opacity of the image. When you’ve finished, click OK. You can use the Alt+drag shortcut to quickly duplicate and adjust the layer.
Soft Light
The Soft Light mode will brighten the colors of your image. This will give the appearance of a soft light. To do this, you’ll need to duplicate the layer. Next, use the sliders to adjust the brightness.