2.6. HSV Components Layer Modes

The HSV group contains layer modes that make use of the HSV color model.

HSV Hue

Pav. 8.37. Example for layer mode HSV Hue

Example for layer mode „HSV Hue“

Top layer at 100% opacity using HSV Hue mode.


HSV Hue mode uses the Hue of the upper layer and the Saturation and Value of the lower layer to form the resulting image. However, if the Saturation of the upper layer is zero, the Hue is taken from the lower layer, too.

HSV Saturation

Pav. 8.38. Example for layer mode HSV Saturation

Example for layer mode „HSV Saturation“

Top layer at 100% opacity using HSV Saturation mode.


HSV Saturation mode uses the Saturation of the upper layer and the Hue and Value of the lower layer to form the resulting image.

HSL Color

Pav. 8.39. Example for layer mode HSL Color

Example for layer mode „HSL Color“

Top layer at 100% opacity using HSL Color mode.


HSL Color mode uses the Hue and Saturation of the upper layer and the Lightness of the lower layer to form the resulting image.

HSV Value

Pav. 8.40. Example for layer mode HSV Value

Example for layer mode „HSV Value“

Top layer at 100% opacity using HSV Value mode.


HSV Value mode uses the Value of the upper layer and the Saturation and Hue of the lower layer to form the resulting image. You can use this mode to reveal details in dark and light areas of an image without changing the Saturation.