Navigating the Blend Modes

After you’ve selected a layer, or any tool containing blend mode options, you can scroll through the blend mode list by pressing Shift+ (to go forward) and Shift– (to go backward). Note that whenever a tool that does not contain blend mode options is selected (such as the Move tool), Shift+ and Shift– change the blend mode for the currently selected layer.

Hue This applies the hue of the selected layer’s color to the luminance and saturation of the colors contained in the layers underneath.
Saturation This applies the saturation of the selected layer’s color to the luminance and hue of the colors contained in the layers underneath.
Color This applies the hue and saturation of the selected layer’s color to the luminance of the colors contained in the layers underneath.
Luminosity This applies the luminance of the selected layer’s color to the hue and saturation of the colors contained in the layers underneath.

Blend Mode Tips
- A blend mode can be applied to only a single selected layer at a time, not to multiple selected layers.
- You can change the blend mode for multiple layers in a group by selecting the group layer (the folder in the Layers palette) and changing its blend mode.
- Blend modes can also be applied to adjustment layers.