CSS blend modes are one of the most visually powerful yet least-explored parts of the spec — the same compositing math from Photoshop layer blending, available directly in the browser with no JavaScript or canvas required.
What Is the CSS Blend Mode Generator?
A live two-layer preview that lets you pick a base color, a top color, and any of the 16 standard blend modes (multiply, screen, overlay, difference, hue, and more), toggling between mix-blend-mode (blending an element with what’s behind it) and background-blend-mode (blending an element’s own background layers).
How to Use It
- Open the tool at /tools/css-blend-mode-generator.
- Pick a blend target, base color, top color, and blend mode.
- Watch the preview update instantly, then copy the generated CSS.
Key Features
- All 16 standard blend modes in one dropdown, matching Photoshop/GIMP compositing formulas exactly.
- Two blend targets —
mix-blend-modefor cross-element blending,background-blend-modefor same-element background layering. - Instant visual preview on a two-layer color stage.
- Fully client-side, nothing ever leaves your browser.
When to Use This Tool
- Duotone image overlays and stylized hero sections using blend modes instead of pre-baked images.
- Learning blend mode math by experimenting with color combinations live.
- Prototyping design system effects before committing CSS to a production stylesheet.
Try It Now
Open CSS Blend Mode Generator directly, or press ⌘K and type the tool name from anywhere on the site.
Part of the CSS Tools collection on WebdevToolbox — free, browser-based developer tools with no login required.