Merge modes

The Merge mode drop down box at the top of the Layers tab of the 

Fractal Properties

 tool window 

selects the merge mode of the active layer. The merge mode defines how the layer is combined with 

the underlying layers to create the final image.

Directly returns colors from the layer. Use this if you don t want any special 

Normal

effects.

Multiplies the layer with the underlying layers. The result is always a darker 

Multiply

color, thus darkening the underlying layers.

Multiplies the inverse of the layer with the inverse of the underlying layers. 

The result is always a lighter color, thus brightening the underlying layers. 

Screen

Screen is the inverse of Multiply.

Multiplies or screens the colors, depending on the color in the underlying 

layers. Creates color blending effects between the layer and the underlying 

Overlay

layers.

Multiplies or screens the colors, depending on the color in the layer. 

Emphasizes the dark and light regions in the layer, while the areas with 

Hard Light

medium brightness become transparent. Useful if the layer contains shadows 

or embossing effects.

Darkens or lightens the colors, depending on the color in the layer. Creates an 

effect similar to Hard Light, but with less emphasis on the dark and light areas 

Soft Light

in the layer.

Returns the darkest of the color in the layer and the color in the underlying 

Darken

layers.

Returns the lightest of the color in the layer and the color in the underlying 

Lighten

layers.

Returns the difference between the layer and the underlying layers. Often 

Difference

creates unusual and unexpected color transitions.

Returns the hue of the layer, and the saturation and luminance of the 

Hue

underlying layers. Colors the underlying layers with the hue of the layer.

Returns the saturation of the layer, and the hue and luminance of the 

underlying layers. Changes the saturation of the underlying layers depending 

Saturation

on the layer.

Returns the hue and saturation of the layer, and the luminance of the 

underlying layers. Colors the underlying layers with the layer. The underlying 

Color

layers control the brightness of the resulting image.

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