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# Blending modes

To cycle blending modes Shift ⇧ + + or -
Blending modes are used with Pixelmator layers, painting tools, and fills. Blending modes compare the value of one pixel to that of another pixel, and then, depending on the blending mode you choose, it may determine whether the pixel is lighter, darker, or a different color, or it may add or subtract the value of the two pixels.

To use the Blending mode with painting tools:

- Select painting tool
- Select any of the blending modes in the Tool Options palette.

To use the Blending mode with layer:

Two Layers can blend using one of several modes which result in different light and color combinations.

- Select upper Layer.
- Select any of the blending modes in the Layers palette.

Example | Blending mode
--- | ---
| Normal Default mode.
| Dissolve Random pixels are removed one by one when opacity is decreased.
| Behind Works only with painting tools Using this mode, you can paint on the back of layers.
| Darken Creates a darker result. Pixels with lighter base values drop out completely.
| Multiply Darkens the image, lessening the saturation and toning down the color.
| Color Burn Creates exaggerated color saturation effects.
| Linear Burn Creates a result that is similar to that of the Multiply mode, but creates more intense color saturation.
| Lighten Creates a brighter result because the pixels are darker than the blend color replaced.
| Screen Lightens the image and softens the saturation.
| Color Dodge Creates exaggerated color saturation effects.
| Linear Dodge Similar to the Screen blending mode, except that Linear Dodge mode creates more intense color saturation.
| Overlay The result is a saturated image with strong color.
| Soft Light Creates a lighter or darker result depending on the brightness of the blend color you choose.
| Hard Light Lightens or darkens the image depending on the brightness of the blend color you choose. Contrast is also increased.
| Vivid Light Creates a highly saturated result that is similar to that produced by the Color Burn mode, but the result is not as dark as the result when using Color Burn.
| Linear Light Works almost like Vivid Light, except that it lightens or darkens by increasing or decreasing brightness instead of contrast.
| Pin Light Preserves the lighter tones and highlights the blend value.
| Hard Mix Creates a posterized effect.
| Difference Results in brightly saturated colors and inverted images.
| Exclusion Works almost like the Difference mode, except the contrast is lower.
| Hue Gives a tinted effect where tinting is darkest in areas of high saturation.
| Saturation Applies the saturation of the blend color to the image while retaining the hue and luminance of the image.
| Color Colors the image while neutral blend colors change the saturation of the color in the image.
| Luminosity Produces the opposite effect of the Color blending mode. Applies the brightness of the blend colors to the image while retaining the hue and saturation of the base image.
| Lighter Color Chooses the highest pixel values to create the resulting color.
| Darker Color Chooses the lowest pixel values to create the resulting color.