How to Use Blend Mode in the Color Overlay
Learn what the Blend mode toggle in Helperbird's color overlay does, when to keep it on, and when to turn it off so you get the exact color you picked.
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- features
- reading
What Blend Mode Does
Blend mode controls how the color overlay mixes with the page underneath it.
When it is on, which is the default, the tint blends into the page. Dark text stays dark and sharp under the color, and dark websites keep their dark look.
When it is off, Helperbird paints the color you picked over the whole page as a plain tint, at the opacity you set. The page still shows through the tint, but the color stops reacting to what is behind it.
Who is This For?
This is helpful for:
- Anyone whose overlay looks different from the color they picked
- People who a specialist has matched to one exact overlay color
- People who browse dark websites or use a dark mode extension
- Anyone whose overlay seems to disappear on some pages
Step 1: Open the Color Overlay Settings
Open Helperbird, go to All Features, find Color overlay and open it. The full steps are in how to add a color overlay to any website.
Scroll down to the Settings section of the panel.
Step 2: Find Blend Mode
Below the Opacity slider, find the Blend mode toggle.
It is on by default. Click the toggle to switch it. The overlay on the page updates straight away, so you can flip it back and forth to compare.
When to Keep It On
For most people, on is the right choice. Blending keeps text readable, because dark letters stay dark under the tint instead of being covered by it. It also plays well with dark websites and dark mode extensions, which keep their look under the overlay.
If you are happy with how your overlay reads, leave it alone.
When to Turn It Off
Turn Blend mode off when the exact color matters.
With blending on, the color you see is a mix of your tint and the page, so it shifts from page to page. If a specialist has matched you to one specific overlay color, or you know from experience that one precise shade works for you, turn Blend mode off. The tint then stays close to your chosen shade everywhere, instead of shifting with each page.
The trade-off is that the color paints over everything evenly, including the text. On dark pages it will brighten the page toward your color. If the text gets harder to read, lower the Opacity.
Troubleshooting
The overlay disappears on dark websites. With Blend mode on, the tint blends into dark backgrounds and can vanish on a black page. Turn Blend mode off to see your color there.
The color does not match the one I picked. That is blending at work. Turn Blend mode off and the overlay stays much closer to your chosen shade. A tint is see-through, so the page underneath always has some effect.
The page looks washed out. This can happen with Blend mode off on dark pages. Turn Blend mode back on, or lower the Opacity.
Blend mode is part of the free Color overlay feature, so it does not need a Pro subscription. Your choice is saved and stays set the next time you use the overlay.
Need Additional Help?
If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.