Linear Light combines Linear Burn and Linear Dodge to create an intense contrast effect. The brightness of the blending color determines whether the base is darkened or brightened, with 50% gray acting as the neutral midpoint.
The Math
Colors darker than 50% gray use a Linear Burn-like effect, while colors brighter than 50% gray use a Linear Dodge-like effect. Unlike modes such as Overlay or Soft Light, Linear Light changes brightness more directly, producing a much more aggressive result.
Core Rules of Linear Light
50% gray is neutral: A 50% gray blending color has essentially no effect on the base layer.
Light colors brighten: Colors above 50% gray use a Linear Dodge-like effect, increasing brightness quickly.
Dark colors darken: Colors below 50% gray use a Linear Burn-like effect, driving the base toward darker values.
Contrast gets intense: Because the effect changes brightness directly, Linear Light can produce much harsher results than Overlay or Soft Light.
When to Use It
Intense lighting: Use Linear Light for strong light rays, neon highlights, reflections, and other effects that need serious punch.
Dramatic color grading: Apply a gradient or flat color to a Linear Light layer and lower the opacity to push the overall lighting and contrast of an illustration.
Extreme effects: Linear Light is useful when you deliberately want a more aggressive result than Overlay or Hard Light can provide.