Linear Burn darkens the base layer by decreasing its brightness based on the color of the blending layer. It is mathematically similar to Multiply, but produces a deeper, more direct darkening effect.
The Math
For each RGB channel, Linear Burn adds the values of the blending layer and the base layer together, then subtracts the maximum possible value. In 8-bit color, that means adding the two values and subtracting 255.
Unlike Multiply, pure white on a Linear Burn layer does not leave the base layer unchanged. White still contributes to the calculation, so Linear Burn can darken even the brightest areas.
Mathier Math
Linear Burn uses the basic operation:
Result = Base + Blend − 1
Color values are first converted to a range between 0 and 1. For example, if the base value is 0.7 and the blend value is 0.5:
0.7 + 0.5 − 1 = 0.2
The resulting value is 0.2, making the color substantially darker than the original base value of 0.7.
Because the same calculation is performed regardless of which layer is on top, Linear Burn is commutative: swapping the blending and base layers produces the same result.
Core Rules of Linear Burn
White still darkens: Unlike Multiply, pure white on the top layer does not disappear. It can still darken the base layer.
Black wins: Pure black produces black, regardless of the color underneath.
Deep and direct: Linear Burn produces a heavier, more straightforward darkening effect than Multiply, without the strong contrast and saturation boost of Color Burn.
Layer order doesn’t matter: Swapping the top and bottom layers produces the same result.
When to Use It
Deep shading: Use Linear Burn for dramatic, heavy shadows. Lowering the layer opacity can help keep those shadows from becoming completely black.