Select one or more layers or groups in the Layers panel.
Last updated on
Sep 28, 2026
Adjust transparency levels and choose blend modes to control how layers interact with underlying content.
Layer opacity and blending modes control how pixels on one layer interact with pixels on layers beneath. Opacity determines transparency level from fully opaque at 100% to nearly invisible at 1%. Blending modes use mathematical formulas to combine pixel values, creating effects ranging from subtle color shifts to dramatic composites.
Use these controls when compositing images, creating special effects, or fine-tuning adjustments. Opacity works on any layer type, while fill opacity affects only the layer content without changing layer effects like drop shadows. Opacity option will be active for regular and inactive for Background layers and locked layers. learn how to convert background layers.
The Layers panel provides quick access to both opacity controls and the blending mode menu. Changes appear immediately on the canvas, letting you preview results as you adjust values.
Adjust overall layer opacity
In the Layers panel, locate the Opacity field in the upper-right area.
Enter a value between 1 and 100, or drag the slider to adjust transparency.
Overall opacity affects everything on the layer, including any layer effects you've applied. Lower values make the entire layer more transparent, revealing more of the layers beneath.
Adjust fill opacity
Select a layer in the Layers panel.
Locate the Fill field directly below the Opacity control.
Enter a value between 0 and 100, or drag the slider to adjust the fill transparency.
Fill opacity affects only pixels, shapes, or text on the layer while preserving the full opacity of layer effects like drop shadows and strokes. This separation gives you precise control when combining layer content with styled effects. Fill opacity is not available for layer groups, only the overall Opacity control appears when a group is selected.
Set a blending mode
Select a layer or group from the Layers panel.
Select the Blend Mode dropdown menu at the top of the Layers panel.
Scroll through the options to preview how each mode affects your image.
Choose the blending mode that achieves your desired effect.
Blending modes determine how pixel values on the active layer mathematically combine with pixels on underlying layers. The default mode is Normal, which displays pixels without blending calculations. Explore all blending modes and their effects to understand which modes work best for darkening, lightening, adjusting contrast, or comparing pixel values.
For layer groups, the default blending mode is Pass Through, which means the group has no blending properties of its own, layers within the group blend individually with layers below. When you choose a different mode for a group, all layers in that group composite first, then the entire group blends as a single image with the rest of the document. This changes the stacking order of how blending calculations are applied.
Tip
When creating a new layer, select Fill With Mode-Neutral Color in the New Layer dialog box to fill the layer with a preset neutral color based on the chosen blending mode. This option is essential for filters like Lighting Effects that require pixel data to function. The neutral color remains invisible until you apply effects. This option is unavailable for layers using Normal, Dissolve, Hard Mix, Hue, Saturation, Color, or Luminosity modes.
Learn more about advanced blending options for knockout effects, channel exclusion, and tonal range blending with Blend If sliders,.
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