OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Blend Modes

Save
May 1, 2024 4 minute read
Jump to courses and books

Blend modes are a powerful tool in image editing software that allow you to combine multiple images or layers in different ways to create a variety of effects. They can be used to create realistic shadows and highlights, add color to images, or create surreal and abstract effects.

Blend Mode Fundamentals

Blend modes work by blending the pixels of two or more layers together according to a specific mathematical formula. The result of the blend depends on the blend mode that you choose, as well as the opacity and order of the layers.

Popular Blend Modes

There are many different blend modes available in image editing software, each with its own unique effect. Some of the most popular blend modes include:

Path to Blend Modes

Take the first step.
We've curated three courses to help you on your path to Blend Modes. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Blend Modes: by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Reading list

We've selected five books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blend Modes.
Cover image
Photoshop Elements 3 Solutions
Save
Comprehensive guide to using blend modes in Photoshop. It covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, and it is written in a clear and concise style. The book is also packed with helpful illustrations and examples.
Photoshop Elements 3 Solutions
Paperback
Check
Photoshop Elements 3 Solutions
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book
Save
Comprehensive guide to using blend modes in Photoshop. It covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, and it is written in a clear and concise style. The book is also packed with helpful illustrations and examples.
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book
Paperback
Check
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers, 2015 Release
Save
Collection of recipes for using blend modes in Photoshop. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced, and it is written in a clear and concise style. The book is also packed with helpful illustrations and examples.
Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers, 2015 Release
Paperback
Check
Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers, 2015 Release
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Photoshop 6 Killer Tips
Save
Comprehensive guide to using blend modes in Photoshop. It covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, and it is written in a clear and concise style. The book is also packed with helpful illustrations and examples.
Photoshop 6 Killer Tips
Paperback
Check
Photoshop 6 Killer Tips
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS3
Save
Comprehensive guide to using blend modes in Photoshop and other imaging programs. It covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, and it is written in a clear and concise style. The book is also packed with helpful illustrations and examples.
Real World Camera Raw With Adobe Photoshop Cs3
Paperback
$$
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS3: Industrial-strength...
Paperback
$$
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS3
Kindle Edition
$$
Relevant careers
Graphic Designer
Web Designer
Photographer
Digital Artist
Photo Editor
Image Editor
Visual Effects Artist
Art Director
Creative Director
Motion Graphics Artist
Related topics
Image Editing
Digital Photography
Graphic Design
Web Design
Computer Graphics
Photo Editing
Image Manipulation
Digital Art
Visual Communication
Web Development
Share this
Share to help others explore Blend Modes:
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser