Blend modes decide how the pixels of a clip on a higher track mix with the pixels below. Think of them as different math rules for mixing brightness and color. Most editing softwares group blend modes by what they do. If you remember the groups, you will pick the right one in seconds.
TL;DR
Blend modes tell a clip how to mix with the clip below.
Screen and Add remove black. Multiply removes white.
Overlay and Soft Light add contrast without flattening midtones.
Hue, Saturation, Color, and Luminosity change only one part of color.
Results can vary a little by app, project color space, and bit depth.
What blend modes do
Blend modes are the rules for how one layer mixes with the layer below. They are not effects by themselves. They are math that decides what to keep, what to hide, and how to combine brightness and color. Learn the families, not every single name. That is the fastest way to get the look you want.
Quick start
Try this once and you will remember it.
Put your overlay on a track above your shot.
If the overlay has a black background, set the top clip to Screen. If you need a stronger look, try Add (lower opacity if necessary).
If the overlay has a white background, set the top clip to Multiply.
Adjust opacity. If the edges show, add Curves or Levels to the overlay and push blacks or whites a little.
Blur the top copy a little. Set to Soft Light around 25–45%.
Mask faces if needed.
This adds a smooth contrast boost with fewer unwanted halos than using Overlay.
4) Color-only changes
Put a color wash or reference layer on top.
Set the top to Color if you only want hue and saturation.
Set to Luminosity if you only want brightness and contrast from the top.
Use on maps, UI, and brand tints where you must keep the base shading.
Where to find it in different software
Premiere Pro:
Where to find it: Select the top clip. In Effect Controls → Opacity → Blend Mode, pick a mode.
After Effects:
Where to find it: Toggle the Modes column in the timeline to see the Mode popup.
DaVinci Resolve:
Where to find it: On the Edit page, pick Composite Mode in the Inspector.
Final Cut Pro:
Where to find it: Select the top clip. Open Video Inspector → Compositing → Blend Mode.
VEGAS Pro:
Where to find it: In the track header, click Compositing Mode (or Parent Composite Mode) and choose a mode.
Avid Media Composer:
Avid Media Composer doesn’t include blend modes by default.
To get the classic modes: Add an AVX plug-in (e.g., the free option Blend-X) to access Add, Screen, Multiply, Overlay, etc., then pick the mode in the effect.
Why results sometimes look different
Color space and gamma Linear blending treats light more like light. Fades and glows feel smoother. Gamma-space blends can look punchier but clip sooner. Each app has its own switches.
Bit depth Heavy blends on 8-bit clips can band. If your app allows it, switch the project to 16-bit or 32-bit float for complex comps.
Alpha type Files may be straight or premultiplied alpha. If you see dark halos, check the footage interpretation and change the alpha setting.
Wrap-up: what to try next
Learn the groups. It is faster than memorizing every name.
For light on black, use Screen first. Then test Add (lower opacity if needed).
For texture on white, Multiply is your friend.
To add subtle contrast, Overlay or Soft Light at 20–40%.
For color-only moves, use Hue, Saturation, Color, Luminosity.
If something looks off, check project bit depth and linear vs gamma blending.
Want a quick test plate? Try the free Speed Lines Effect Pack and switch between Screen and Add.
What is the fastest way to remove black from an effect clip?
Set the top layer to Screen. If it is too soft, try Add.
How do I remove white from a layer?
Set the top layer to Multiply. Push whites with Levels to adjust as needed.
Overlay vs Soft Light. When to use which?
Start with Overlay for punch. If it feels harsh or clips skin, switch to Soft Light. It is a gentler contrast curve.
Add vs Screen: what’s the difference?
Both modes ignore black and brighten the image, but they do it differently.
Screen mixes light in a softer, more natural way. It protects midtones better and clips less. Good for snow, rain, smoke, clouds, light leaks, and most particle plates on black.
Add literally adds brightness values. It is stronger and can blow out highlights or oversaturate faster. Great for fire, sparks, neon, hot glows, and energy effects. Add is also useful for making low-opacity white or bright elements stand out, like subtle glows or faint light. Layers that may look too dim with Screen.
Can I animate a change of blend mode, and what’s the cleanest way to transition between looks?
Most programs don’t let you keyframe the mode itself. The best method is to duplicate the layer: set one copy to Mode A and the other to Mode B, then crossfade their opacities (A 100→0%, B 0→100%). Alternatively, put the mode on an adjustment layer and keyframe its opacity to fade the look in or out. If you need a hard swap, cut the clip and dissolve across the cut.
Why does the same mode look different in another app?
Color space, gamma, and bit depth. Check the project settings. Linear blending often makes glows and fades look cleaner.
Do I always need to use blend modes with effects packs?
If the file has a transparent background, you don't need to change blend mode to remove the background. However, you can still use blend modes on the effects for creative purposes.
Can blend modes harm color correction?
They can, if you apply them too early in the stack. Do base correction first, then add overlays and stylizing.
