Layer groups and blending

Groups

A group contains related layers and can contain other groups. Group visibility and opacity apply to the combined contents. A group mask limits the visible area of the group.

Blending modes

A blending mode determines how a layer’s colors combine with the layers below. Normal uses the layer’s color and opacity directly. Multiply produces a darker result; Screen produces a lighter result.

Group compositing

An isolated group composites its contents before combining the result with the rest of the document. In a pass-through group, layer blending can also affect layers outside the group.