Darken Blend Mode

Darken is a blending mode that compares pixels and keeps whichever is darker between two layers.

Darken is a blending mode that compares pixels and keeps whichever is darker between two layers.

Feb 2, 2026

Feb 2, 2026

Overview

Darken mode works as the opposite of Lighten. It compares overlapping pixels and displays whichever is darker, causing brighter areas to disappear.

Visual Effect

This produces shadow-heavy composites and is useful for removing light backgrounds while preserving darker details.

Applications

Artists often use Darken for texture blending, shadow enhancement, and compositing ink or pencil artwork over lighter surfaces.

Control

Lowering opacity allows subtle integration instead of harsh transitions.

Overview

Darken mode works as the opposite of Lighten. It compares overlapping pixels and displays whichever is darker, causing brighter areas to disappear.

Visual Effect

This produces shadow-heavy composites and is useful for removing light backgrounds while preserving darker details.

Applications

Artists often use Darken for texture blending, shadow enhancement, and compositing ink or pencil artwork over lighter surfaces.

Control

Lowering opacity allows subtle integration instead of harsh transitions.

Overview

Darken mode works as the opposite of Lighten. It compares overlapping pixels and displays whichever is darker, causing brighter areas to disappear.

Visual Effect

This produces shadow-heavy composites and is useful for removing light backgrounds while preserving darker details.

Applications

Artists often use Darken for texture blending, shadow enhancement, and compositing ink or pencil artwork over lighter surfaces.

Control

Lowering opacity allows subtle integration instead of harsh transitions.

Darken mode preserves shadows and removes highlights for selective compositing.

Creative Pass keeps everything you need right in your pocket—ready when creativity strikes.

Creative Pass keeps everything you need right in your pocket—ready when creativity strikes.

Creative Pass keeps everything you need right in your pocket—ready when creativity strikes.