Photoshop CS3: Threshold & Blend Mode Design
We'll experiment with several blending modes but in the end you'll want to determine which effect is right for your image.
Step 1: Getting Started - Threshold
Go ahead and select an image to work with in Photoshop.
![Starting Image](images/start.jpg)
- Open an image in Photoshop
- Create a new Threshold Adjustment Layer by doing one of the following:
- The Threshold dialog box opens. Click and drag the slider to adjust the amount of black and white for your image.
![Photoshop Threshold Command](images/threshold_1.jpg)
Step 2: Applying a Gradient Fill
We just stripped out the color by applying the Threshold command. Now, let's bring it back in the form of a Gradient fill Adjustment Layer.
- Create a new Gradient Fill Adjustment Layer by clicking the New Fill/Adjustment Layer button and selecting Gradient... in the Layers palette. The Gradient Fill dialog window opens.
- Click the Gradient swatch to edit the gradient
- Select a preset gradient and click OK. This fills the adjustment layer with the gradient and covers the image below.
Step 3: Selecting a Blending Mode
The next step brings this all togwether. There are multiple blending options that will work with this effect. As always be sure to experiment.
- Click the Adjustment Layer with the gradient fill (should be your top layer)
- Click the Blending Mode menu and select one of the options. For this effect, try selecting one of the following:
- Darken
- Multiply
- Linear Burn
- Darker Color (CS3 only)
- Lighten
- Screen
- Linear Color
- Lighter Color (CS3 only)
- Pin Light
Blending Mode: Pin Light
![Blending Mode: Screen](images/blend_screen.jpg)
Blending Mode: Multiply
![Blending Mode: Multiply](images/blend_multiply.jpg)
Blending Mode: Pin Light
![Blending Mode: Pin Light](images/blend_pinlight.jpg)
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