Layers > Paint using layers >
Blend paint layers

Layer blend modes let you combine and display the content of one or more paint layers in combination and change the visual characteristics of the final composite paint layer (texture map) that results. Layer blend modes work in a manner similar to other popular image editing applications.

Layer blend modes do not change the image data on the paint layers so are useful for non-destructive modification of the paint layers.

To set blending modes for layers:

1. In the Paint Layer window, select a paint layer.
2. Select a layer blend mode from the drop-down menu located in the upper-right region of the Paint Layer window.

   When a blend mode is set for an individual layer, the effect of the layer blend mode is updated on the material in the 3D View.

The following table lists the available layer blend modes in Mudbox and how they affect the appearance of the resulting texture for the layer to which the blend mode was set. That is, blend modes only affect layers at and below the layer to which the blend mode was set.

Layer Blend Mode | Description
--- | ---
Normal | Normal is the default blend mode for any paint layer. No blending/manipulation of the paint layer occurs when this mode is set. The composite result is that only the top paint layer in the layer stack is displayed (unless the layer opacity setting is set less than 100 percent or the top and lower paint layers have transparent regions).
Multiply | Produces an overall darkening effect to the layer appearance. The value for each pixel in the layer is darkened by a value equal to or greater than the value of pixels on other layers occupying the same location in the layer stack. It produces a similar effect as if you combined one or more photographic transparencies together and looked through them to produce the final composite result.
Add | Produces a lightening effect to the overall composite result similar to the Screen layer mode but in a more extreme manner. Each pixel in the layer is brightened by a value equal to or lesser than the value of pixels on other layers occupying the same location in the layer stack. It applies this mode as a linear calculation.
Screen | Produces an overall lightening effect to the composite result. Each pixel in the layer is brightened by a value equal to or lesser than the value of pixels on other layers occupying the same location in the layer stack. It produces an effect opposite to that of the Multiply blend mode.
Overlay | Useful for intensifying color and contrast of the composite result. Multiplies (darkens) when the layer on which the mode is set is dark (1-49 percent overall brightness) and screens (brightens) when the layer on which the mode is applied is lighter (51-99 percent overall brightness). The base color on the layer is not replaced but is mixed with the blend color to reflect the lightness or darkness of the original color.

NoteUsing layer blend modes on multiple layers in combination will not necessarily produce the results described. Some experimentation with the settings (and changing the paint layer stacking order) may be additionally helpful.