The Difference Blending Mode
Put simply, the Difference blending mode highlights the differences between the blend layer and the base layer. The more technical explanation is that the blend color is subtracted from the base color--or vice-versa, depending on the brightness--and the result is the difference between them. When white is the blend color, the base image is inverted. When black is the blend color, there is no change.
The primary use for the difference blending mode is for aligning two images. For instance, if you have to scan an image in two parts, you can put each scan on a different layer, set the blending mode of the top layer to difference, and then nudge the image into place. The overlapping areas will turn black when the two layers are perfectly aligned.
The difference blending mode is also used to create abstract patterns and psychedelic effects. You can apply some unusual coloring to a photo by adding a solid fill layer above the photo and setting the blend mode to difference.
Put simply, the Difference blending mode highlights the differences between the blend layer and the base layer. The more technical explanation is that the blend color is subtracted from the base color--or vice-versa, depending on the brightness--and the result is the difference between them. When white is the blend color, the base image is inverted. When black is the blend color, there is no change.
The primary use for the difference blending mode is for aligning two images. For instance, if you have to scan an image in two parts, you can put each scan on a different layer, set the blending mode of the top layer to difference, and then nudge the image into place. The overlapping areas will turn black when the two layers are perfectly aligned.
The difference blending mode is also used to create abstract patterns and psychedelic effects. You can apply some unusual coloring to a photo by adding a solid fill layer above the photo and setting the blend mode to difference.
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