Hue applies the hue of the blending layer to the base layer while preserving the base layer’s brightness and saturation. This makes it useful for changing the color of an object without losing the shading, highlights, or existing intensity of the artwork.
The Math
Hue separates color into three properties: hue, saturation, and brightness.
The blending layer supplies the hue, while the base layer keeps its saturation and brightness.
Think of it like changing the color of a light bulb without changing how bright the bulb is. A blue hue can become red, but the original highlights remain highlights and the shadows remain shadows.
Core Rules of Hue
Hue changes: The color family comes from the blending layer.
Saturation stays: The intensity of the original color is preserved.
Brightness stays: The light and dark values of the base layer remain intact.
Shading stays: Because the base layer keeps its brightness, existing shadows and highlights remain visible.
When to Use It
Recoloring artwork: Change the color of clothing, hair, objects, or other parts of an illustration while keeping the original shading intact.
Color adjustments: Shift the overall hue of an illustration to change its color mood without flattening the existing contrast.
Quick color variations: Experiment with different hues on a separate layer without having to repaint the underlying artwork.