A layer's composite method controls how it interacts with the
underlying image. You can change composite methods to create special effects
without changing the actual images that make up a document.
The best way to understand the different composite methods is by
seeing them in action. Quickly cycle through a layer's composite methods to
create new and interesting versions of your image.
Painter 7 provides two types of composite settings:
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Composite Method sets the standard composite method.
You can access the Composite Method menu in two places: the Layer Adjuster tool Controls palette and the Layers section of the Objects palette.
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Composite Depth controls how a layer's image data interacts with depth
information on other layers and the Canvas.
For example, if the Canvas contains Impasto brushstrokes, the Composite
Depth setting determines what happens when the Impasto brushstrokes on the
Canvas intersect with brushstrokes on the layer.
You can access the
Composite Depth menu only in the Layers section of the Objects palette. Refer
to "Impasto and Layers" for more information about Composite Depth
options.
You can set a different composite method for every layer in a
document. Keep in mind the role of the underlying image in creating an
effect-you might achieve an unexpected result if the underlying image is solid
black or white.
To change a layer's composite method
1 Select a layer.
2 Choose a setting from the Composite Methods menu on the Layer
Adjuster tool Controls palette or the Layers section of the Objects palette.
The available composite methods are:
In the Default method, the layer covers (hides) the underlying
image.
The Gel method tints the underlying image with the layer's color.
For example, a yellow layer gives the underlying image a yellow cast.
Painter 7 automatically sets a layer's compositing method to Gel
if you paint on it with a build-up method brush.
The Colorize method replaces the hue and saturation of the Canvas
pixels with the hue and saturation of the layer pixels.
You can use this feature to convert a color image into grayscale
and a grayscale image into color. A black layer turns the underlying color
image into a grayscale image. A colored layer adds color to an underlying
grayscale image.
In the Reverse-Out method, the layer inverts the colors behind it.
Reverse-Out is a great way to drop out type. Place a layer over black type and
the type turns white.
A color's inverse, also known as its complementary color, is the
color on the opposite side of the color wheel.
With Reverse-Out, the colors in the layer are not considered-only
the area it covers.
Shadow Map blocks light, letting you create shadows without
changing the image.
In the Magic Combine method, the layer is combined with the
underlying image based on luminance. The parts of the layer that are lighter
than the underlying image appear within the bottom image.
One way to use this command is filling type. With a photograph as
the top layer and black type as the underlying image, choosing Magic Combine
fills the type with the image.
The Pseudocolor method translates the layer's luminance into hue.
You can use this method to turn a grayscale layer into a spectrum of color.
The Normal method is Photoshop's default mode.
Dissolve results in combining the image color with the layer
color, depending on the opacity.
Multiply combines colors to create a darker color.
Screen combines colors to create a lighter color.
Overlay combines colors while preserving the highlights and
shadows of the image color.
Soft Light darkens or lightens colors depending on the luminance
of the layer color.
Hard Light multiplies or screens colors, depending on the
luminance of the layer color.
Darken takes the darker of the image and the layer color and uses
that color.
Lighten takes the lighter of the image or layer color and uses
that color.
Difference subtracts one color from the other, depending on which
color has a greater brightness value.
Hue creates a color by combining the luminance and saturation of
the image color with the hue of the layer color.
Saturation creates a color by combining the luminance and hue of
the image color with the saturation of the layer color.
Color creates a new color by combining the luminance of the image
color and the hue and saturation of the layer color.
Luminosity creates a new color from the hue and saturation of the
image color and the luminance of the layer color. This is the opposite of
Color.