Brush Flow vs Opacity - for Mouse & Pen

► The Pen Tablet I Use:

Ever wonder what the difference is between Flow and Opacity when working with brushes in Photoshop? Well, I am here to tell ya!

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[codygiron]

I've been using Photoshop since 1992! I taught college-level classes on it through the early 2000s. I've mostly kept up to date with the newest features (nowhere like I did earlier on), but f/64 reminds me constantly there is always something more to learn!

[eanderson]

Thank you Blake. This is the most straight forward explanation of flow and opacity that I've seen.

[Philobr]

Thanks Blake, another informative video

[HawkeScream]

Man what perfect timing, I was just having trouble understanding the difference and what the settings actually did for flow and opacity and when to choose which. This is the best explanation I've seen. Thank you!!

[none]

This is what I was looking for. Really helpful! I was wondering why pressure wasn't increasing the opacity. Thanks a lot!

[emilebaudot]

Thank you Blake...Spot on tutorial again.👍🏻

[zmn]

Awesome! Thankyou for this amazing tutorial.

[horizonimages]

Very useful advice. Would really like to see a part 2 of this using a real world example editing a photo please!

[Rudy]

Thanks Blake....your tutorials are motivating indeed.

[mariobaert]

Thanks Blake, always been struggling with this. Great explanation that will help a lot from now on!

[philduch]

Thanks for the clear informations !
Nice finish :D

[PBerkohPhotoVideo]

That was so useful Blake. I always struggled with the difference between the two. Thank you so much! Also very useful the tips about the pen, I got one for Christmas and I didn't know that yet.

[goldenultra]

Pressure opacity pen dynamics will make everything light.😮

Maybe better or more natural for pen dynamics to be set to brush size?

[nimishshah]

Brilliant was confused between Opacity and Flow and this was the best tutorial to give me a solid understanding. Best was the ending when you drew the Sperm Cell by chance (or there was some sarcasm 😆).

[radianttmoon]

Thanks I was just looking at the flow control pen button (??? Lol) the other day wondering if I should turn it on or not haha

[tiakkoonloh]

Blake, as usual, you explained it so well with the 4 quads illustration. BY the way, how do you get a double concentric circle on your PS cursor.

[alexsax]

There is no touch sensitivity for flow! If you press that button, which you call the touch sensitivity, it works like an airbrush, so even though you don't move the pen or press it, the trail is gradually becoming more intense. Otherwise, it works almost the same with that button and without it.

[maartenroes-francken]

Great! This has really helped me a lot in improving my D&B processes. But one thing I am struggling with is the Opacity and Flow pressure icons in Ps. When either is clicked, looking at them it's virtually impossible to tell whether they are on or off? Is there a way of ensuring one or the other?

[gogecka]

I still can’t use pressure to dictate my opacity, annoying!! And I’ve had a Wacom for years