This is the super mathy one! Divide brightens the base layer by dividing its color values by the corresponding values of the blending layer. Darker colors on the blending layer create a stronger brightening effect, while white leaves the base layer unchanged.
The Math
For each RGB channel, CSP multiplies the base color by 255 and then divides it by the corresponding color from the blending layer. If the result exceeds 255, it is capped at 255.
Mathier Math
The basic operation is:
Result = (Base × 255) ÷ Blend
For example, if the Red channel of the base layer is 10 and the Red channel of the blending layer is 100:
(10 × 255) ÷ 100 = 25.5
The result is approximately 26.
The same calculation is performed independently for the Green and Blue channels.
Here’s where things get interesting:
White does nothing: (Base × 255) ÷ 255 = Base
So painting with pure white leaves the underlying color unchanged.
Same color produces white: If the base and blend values are the same:
(100 × 255) ÷ 100 = 255
The result reaches maximum brightness.
Dark colors get intense: As the blending value gets smaller, the result gets larger, causing the base color to brighten dramatically. If the calculation exceeds 255, it is simply capped at 255.
Core Rules of Divide
White disappears: Pure white on the blending layer leaves the base color unchanged.
Matching values hit white: When the base and blending values are the same, the result reaches 255.
Dark colors brighten: Darker colors on the blending layer produce stronger brightening effects.
Results cap at white: Any value above 255 is treated as 255, preventing the result from exceeding the maximum brightness.
When to Use It
Bright effects: Use Divide to create intense highlights, luminous color effects, and stylized brightening.
Neon and glow: Darker colors on the blending layer can produce dramatic brightening, making Divide useful for glowing or highly saturated effects.
Experimental color effects: Try different colors on the blending layer to see how the division changes the brightness and color of the artwork underneath.