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

underlying layers. The layer controls the brightness of the underlying layers. 

Luminance

Luminance is the inverse of Color.

Directly adds the layer to the underlying layers, limiting the resulting colors at 

Addition

white (255, 255, 255).

Directly subtracts the layer from the underlying layers, limiting the resulting 

colors at black (0, 0, 0). Difference is similar, but returns the absolute value 

Subtraction

after subtracting.

Adds the layer to the underlying layers using the HSL color model. Creates 

HSL Addition

unusual effects.

Returns the red part of the layer, and the green and blue parts of the 

Red

underlying layers.

Returns the green part of the layer, and the red and blue parts of the 

Green

underlying layers.

Returns the blue part of the layer, and the red and green parts of the 

Blue

underlying layers.

The best way to learn how to use the different merge modes is to experiment. Also try to use various 

settings of the Opacity slider and see how it controls the intensity of the merging effects.

Next: 

Transparent layers

See Also

How layers are merged

204