Photoshop CS5 Blend Modes

Adding a blending mode to a layer can add a quick effect to a photo or logo design in just a few simple clicks of the mouse. Think of it as blending two layers into each other. The two most commonly used blend modes are Multiply and Screen. They darken or lighten images respectively. All of the blend modes are just different ways to make two layers interact with each other.

Blend modes can be found in your layers panel in the drop down menu towards the top. By default, it should say “Normal”. When adding a blend mode to a layer, keep in mind that it will effect that layer and the layer below it. Make sure your layers are in the correct stacking order before adding a blend mode or you will not get the results you want.

To start, I have my background layer (“Background”) changed to “Layer 0” so that it can be hidden. To unlock your background layer, simply double click and when prompted to name the layer, click “OK”. Once you have the layer unlocked, you can click the hide/show icon (looks like an eye) to hide the layer.

I also, added a photo on a new layer above a rectangle shape on a separate layer. These will be the two layers that I will blend together.

Here is what the layers will look like:

The next step is to move the layers so that they are overlapping. The photo layer should be above the rectangle layer, so you will not be able to see the rectangle once they are stacked on top of one another. Once you add a blend mode, you will be able to see the rectangle layer.

Make sure you have your photo layer selected and choose a blend mode from the drop down list at the top of your layers panel. You can always choose the layer with the blend mode, and change it back to “Normal” if you do not like the effect. Blend modes are all about preference. Which one looks best to you?

This is what the photo looks like with the blend mode “Overlay” chosen. The layer with the purple rectangle that it is being blended with, will effect the way the picture will look. By changing the color, the blending mode will look different.

The only change I made here was changing the fill color of the rectangle layer behind the picture. By doing this, the two layers will blend differently.

Blend modes will work with any kind of layer. Remember that adding a blend mode will change the way TWO layers interact with each other so make sure the layer below the selected layer is the right fit for the blend mode. By changing the color and blend mode, you can have hundreds of effects on one photo.