Opacity vs Flow vs Fill in Photoshop: Explained

Explore the Fundamental Differences Between Opacity, Flow, and Fill in Photoshop! These variables might seem to control the same thing, but in reality, they are very different in several circumstances explained in this lesson. Whether as brush properties or layer properties, let's dive deep into the battle of three intensities using a sketch pen and a couple of papers!

► RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE & GEAR:

► PIXIMPERFECT MERCH STORE:

► PIXIMPERFECT ACTIONS:

► TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Flow with a Sketch Pen
01:30 Opacity with Torch & Paper
03:51 Are Opacity & Fill the Same?
04:40 Opacity vs Fill: Difference #1 - Layer Styles
06:14 Opacity vs Fill: Difference #2 - Special Blend Modes
07:35 Summary: Flow
07:59 Summary: Opacity
08:26 Summary: Fill
09:12 Thank You

► DOWNLOADS:

►LET'S CONNECT:

[Havii]

I genuinely appreciate how much time and effort you put into these videos instead of just lazily explaining features. Been following the channel for a good while now. Love each one of them

[shdwfax]

I've been using photoshop for 10 years and had to familiarize everything by myself but when I stumbled onto a tutorial of years two years ago I definitely learned more about tools' uses and shortcuts. Thank you for everything! I love you

[Korrd]

This video made clear so many concepts I'd struggled with as a novice. Hard Light in particular always seems so useless, but the effect demonstrated here was brilliant! Thank you so much, Unmesh!

[wy]

I've been using Photoshop for 16 years and I still find your "back to the basics" explanations to be EXTREMELY informative. I mostly learned Photoshop from just playing with the tools and eyeballing the results but actually understanding the PRINCIPLES of these tools have really improved my editing. I think a lot of people (myself included, for a long time) would use flow and opacity interchangeably. Also, I recently watched your video on channel mixers, and I finally understand how to use the tool effectively and it's quickly become my go-to adjustment layer for color grading. Thank you for these incredible tutorials!

[veselinalefterova]

Dear Sir, i have watch almost all of your videos, and i cannot express my thankfulness and admiration of what you do for me, dare i say -US!
You are absolutely one of a kind !
There is no other like you !
Thank you for the incredible tutorials, they are straight to the point, nothing useless, no distractions, no nothing... Just pure knowledge !
Keep up the incredible work !
Admiration!!!

[captaincrispy]

It's pretty hard to nail down why I love your videos so much.
But here are a few things: The exceptional video quality, the audio quality + your voice, your charisma, the concise way you explain things while still containing enough details, the way you explain CONCEPTS first before explaining the features and the overall pacing of your videos. Much love!

[dhstarwars]

dude I haven't had time to watch you in a while...but you've bulked up ...excellent ...good health to you sir!

[youngcaptainkeos]

omg, i have been searching this same line up multiple times, but no one explained opacity as well as you because I would make a brush stroke and another brush stroke and wonder why it got darker. now I know it is because it acts as if it were applied on top of each other. this is honestly very helpful. thank you !!!

[jean-francoisleger]

Thank you Unmesh, finally a clear answer to my desire to understand the difference between these tools.

[dhstarwars]

FYI i needed this one...for some reason all the years using PS i've always had issue wrapping my head around then flow and opacity stuff ...I'm sure I would have figured it out long ago if all i did is use PS but i'm also the ops manager/former owner so I don't use it daily ...so thank you for explaining this so well for my simple brain

[goodness]

Excellent video, no beating around the bush with ‘Welcome to my channel blah blah etc’ just straight forward engaging lessons. Thank you! (Been following for years and it just get better)

[gyrgrls]

Unmesh, you never cease to amaze me. I have been an amateur photographer and an advanced Photoshop user for many years, but every time I watch your videos, I learn (and re-learn) something new!

[LakshyaStudios]

Flow and Opacity can be very difficult to explain, but you've explained it incredibly well. Thanks mate!

[heathercarslake]

What a great instructor you are Unmesh, I learn something new each time I watch. Hard mix and fill used like this - wow totally new to me, thank you so much

[nuttyaktaps]

I came across this channel not too long ago, and although I don't regularly use Photoshop the videos are so satisfying to watch and listen to. Everything is explained in thorough detail, while still being simple enough for anyone to understand. There's no wasting time, each video is straight and to the point. Amazing content, keep up the great work!

[MissLiveLaughLove]

I learned the difference between opacity and flow from another photographer You-tuber but your explanation was so simple. Kudos! I did learn something new today at 4:54. I will be using that tracking method. Using the Hard Mix is also new to me. Thanks!

[fj.moraga]

I loved your analogies with the paper sheets and the ink pencil, you are a true teacher!

[cisem]

Have been using PS for like 10 years now (for personal and fun use) and this is the first time I actually got what Fill means. Thanks a lot!

[towhidurrahman]

This guy exactly know how to teach. I am not only learning from you about photoshop but also how to present a lesson the best way possible as I am also a content creator. Thanks a lot.

[princewilloc]

There are not many people that I would say I look up to but he's one of them not just because of his skills but because of his ability deliver information to people in a way that is easy to understand, not to mention that he gives out this information freely and with so much joy his videos always lift my spirits and often times I find myself smiling unexpectedly. In short I'm glad that a guy like this exists.