Which scenario best describes the use of Multiply blending mode?

• A. Creating highlights by brightening areas
• B. Saturating colors
• C. Creating shading or shadows by darkening underlying colors
• D. Inverting colors

Answer: (C)

Multiply works by multiplying the color values of the top layer with the colors underneath, which always darkens the result. This mimics how shadows add depth: you place a dark layer over a scene and the areas beneath become deeper in tone. White on top has no effect, black on top makes things darkest, and mid-gray darkens proportionally. That’s why this mode is ideal for creating shading or shadows by darkening underlying colors. It doesn’t brighten areas, increase saturation, or invert colors, so the scenario described as shading or shadows is the best fit.