Blending Options in Photoshop

“Blending options” is what gives your text, image, etc something extra for it to stand out. The thing for you to do is to practice as much as possible without worrying, that’s how you’ll learn Photoshop. Don’t worry about making a mistake, you’ve got “Ctrl Alt Z” to step back any time you wish.

I’ll show the most common blending options. First of all, to get “Blending options” you either go to “Layer – Layer Style – Blending options” or “Double click on the layer you want to add the effect on”. Alternatively, you can click on the icon circled below.

I’ll describe each briefly and give an example.

DROP SHADOW

A drop shadow allows you to add a regular shadow with the option of increasing the distance, spread and size. Useful to make objects stand out in bright backgrounds.

OUTER GLOW

Allows you to give an object a glow. Useful to make objects stand out in dark backgrounds.

BEVEL AND EMBOSS

In my own words, a bevel and emboss style makes the edges of an object look “sweety” or maybe glassy.

GRADIENT OVERLAY

Adds a gradient(a smooth blend from one color to another) to an object.

PATTERN OVERLAY

Simply fills the object with a pattern.

STROKE

Adds a colored outline to the edges of the object.

FINALLY, all these blending options covered here and others can be joined together to create a really neat text/type effect. See below.

Don't forget to practice... that's the only way to improve.

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Another part of My Photoshop Guide.

God bless.