Definition and Usage

The mix-blend-mode property sets how an element’s content blends with its backdrop — whatever is painted behind it in the same stacking context.

It is not inherited. The initial value is normal. It creates a stacking context. To blend only an element’s own background layers, use background-blend-mode instead.

CSS Syntax

Also accepts darken, lighten, color-dodge, color-burn, hard-light, soft-light, exclusion, hue, saturation, color, luminosity, and plus-lighter.

Property Values

How to Use mix-blend-mode

Put something behind the element, then pick a blend keyword.

1. Give the element content or a background color/image to blend.
2. Make sure a backdrop exists (parent background or overlapping siblings).
3. Set mix-blend-mode on the element that should blend.
4. Use isolation on a parent only when you want to limit blending to that group.

Live Preview

A colored circle sits on a striped backdrop. Change mix-blend-mode and watch the blend.

CSS Examples

Each snippet focuses on mix-blend-mode. Use Try It Yourself for a live editor.

<style>
  section {
    background: sandybrown;
  }

  div {
    background: #2563eb;
    mix-blend-mode: multiply;
  }
</style>

<section>
  <div>Multiply</div>
</section>

<style>
  section {
    background: sandybrown;
  }

  div {
    background: #1e3a8a;
    mix-blend-mode: screen;
  }
</style>

<section>
  <div>Screen</div>
</section>

<style>
  section {
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2563eb, #db2777);
  }

  h1 {
    color: #fff;
    mix-blend-mode: difference;
  }
</style>

<section>
  <h1>Blend</h1>
</section>

Key Takeaways