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Blending layers by using composite methods

Composite methods control how layers interact with the underlying image. You can change composite methods to create special effects without changing the actual images that make up a document.

Corel Painter provides two types of composite settings:

For example, if the canvas contains Impasto brushstrokes, the Composite Depth setting determines what happens when these brushstrokes intersect with brushstrokes on the layer. For more information, see Blending impasto with other layers.

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.

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. For a comparison of Corel Painter composite methods and Adobe Photoshop blend modes, see Importing and exporting layers.

The available composite methods are described in the following table:

 

default

 

Corel Painter automatically sets a layer’s composite method to Gel if you paint on it with a brush that uses the Buildup method.
gel composite method

 

Uses a combination of the Default method and the Gel method. The edges of the layer’s content tint the underlying image with their color (the Gel method). The rest of the layer covers the underlying image (Default method).
If you save a file that uses a GelCover composite method layer to the PSD file format, the GelCover information will be lost.
gelcover composite method

 

colorize composite method

 

With Reverse-Out, the colors in the layer are ignored; the layer content becomes transparent and reveals the inverse of the colors beneath it.

 

shadow map

 

magic combine

 

pseudocolor

 

Works like the Default method; the layer covers the underlying image. The Normal method is the default mode in Photoshop.
normal composite method

 

dissolve composite method

 

multiply composite method

 

screen composite method

 

overlay composite method

 

soft light composite method

 

hard light

 

darken composite method

 

lighten composite method

 

difference composite method

 

hue composite method

 

saturation composite

 

color composite method

 

luminosity composite method

 

To change a layer’s composite method Back to Top

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You can also choose a composite depth method from the Composite Depth list box. For more information, see Blending impasto with other layers.


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