The difference between Opacity and Fill

The blending mode determines how the pixels of the layer blend into the underlying layers of pixels in the image. In other words, a blending mode to a Background is not only futile, but it is also impossible.

In the top of the “Layers” panel, we find three boxes with which we can adjust blending modes in Photoshop.

Clicking on the arrow next to the box one gives us the different modes.
In section two, we have the ‘Opacity’.
And, we find ‘fill’ in box three.
Let me first explain the difference between “Opacity” and “fill”.
It seems that both do the same, but it is not so.

As an example, a photograph with two layers, a background layer, and a layer with Michel.
On the layer containing Michel, the Outer Glow effect is added.
Both boxes, opacity and fill, have a value of 100%.

The opacity applies to everything in the layer, thus also to the different effects applied on this layer.If we change this value, we change the transparency of everything in this layer, including the effects.

The fill covers only the pixels in the layer.
Change this value, then only the transparency applied to the pixels of the picture changes and not the effects.

The different modes

Clicking on the downward pointing arrow next to this box, it give us a drop-down menu with 25 different preset modes.

These are divided into six groups.
Each mode in a group is related to the other.

For example, the modes in the second group are Darken, Multiply, Color Burn, Linear Burn and darker colors.

Each of these modes will darken the layer.
The third group will lighten the layer.
The fourth group refers to the contrast of the colors.

The fifth group will be for determining how to include or exclude the colors of the underlying layers.

And finally, the sixth group, are actually composed modes, we get the final color by performing calculations based on Hue, Saturation and Brightness.

We can perform the different modes on a layer or an effect.
If you have applied a style, you can still change the values of the Fill and Opacity to adjust the outcome.

Tip: To quickly view the modes, click Shift and + on your keyboard. To get to the previous mode, click Shift and – on your keyboard.

All these different modes are discussed in the next Lesson.

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