The default painting mode applies color to all pixels uniformly. When the painting opacity is 100%, the applied color replaces the original color. If you paint in a Black & White or Indexed image, Normal mode is labeled Threshold.

This mode applies color with a random diffused pattern within the brush shape. The effect is similar to drawing with chalk. The diffused effect is stronger when the painting opacity is less than 100%.

Darkens all pixels by multiplying the value of the applied color and the underlying color. Painting with darker colors intensifies the effect. Painting with black results in black; painting with white does not affect the original color. When you apply a color with multiple strokes in the same area, the strokes become darker, similar to the effect of making multiple strokes on paper with an ink marker.

The Screen mode is the opposite of Multiply mode. Screen mode lightens all pixels by multiplying the inverse values of the applied color and the underlying color. Painting with lighter colors intensifies the effect. Painting with black does not affect the original image; painting with white results in white.

Applies color without destroying the underlying shadows and highlights. Overlay mode blends the applied color with the underlying color; the amount of blending depends on the lightness of the underlying color.

Lightens or darkens underlying colors depending on the lightness value of the applied color. If the lightness of the applied color is less than 50% gray, painting lightens the image. If the lightness of the applied color is greater than 50% gray, painting darkens the image. Painting with white or black has the most intense effect, but does not completely replace the underlying color.

Paints in Multiply or Screen mode, depending on the applied color’s lightness value. This mode is similar to Soft Light. However, painting with black produces black; painting with white produces white.

Compares the underlying color and the applied color, and the result is whichever color is darker. In other words, pixels in the image will be painted if the paint color is darker, while pixels that are darker than the paint color will remain unpainted.

The Lighten mode is the opposite of Darken mode. Lighten compares the underlying color and the applied color, and the result is whichever color is lighter. In other words, pixels in the image will be painted if the paint color is lighter; pixels that are lighter than the paint color will remain unpainted.

Compares the brightness of the original and applied colors, subtracts the brightness value of the darker pixel from the lighter one, and applies that value to the original image.

Applies the hue of the paint color without changing the brightness and saturation of the underlying image.

Changes the saturation of the area painted to match the saturation of the applied color, without changing the hue or luminance values. Applying gray does not affect the original image.

Changes the hue and saturation of the painted area to the hue and saturation of the applied color, without affecting the shadow, highlights, or midtones of the original image.