Home > Web Front-end > CSS Tutorial > Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending

Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Release: 2025-02-08 08:48:10
Original
772 people have browsed it

CSS filters and blending modes: a powerful tool to improve web visual effects

Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending

Core points

  • CSS filters provide a variety of visual effects, such as grayscale, blur, contrast, brightness, and tan, which can enhance the visual appeal of web page content and use it in combination to achieve complex effects.
  • CSS Blend Mode allows visual interaction between elements to create amazing effects. Commonly used blending modes include positive stacking, color filtering, overlaying, difference and exclusion, etc. They handle the color values ​​of overlapping elements in different ways.
  • When using filters and blend modes, accessibility and browser compatibility should be considered. Enough color contrast, text clarity, image alternative text and responsive design are key to ensuring content is available and easy to understand for a wide range of user groups.
  • Common mistakes in using CSS filters and blending modes include overuse of filters, applying filters to interactive elements without considering user interaction, and ignoring the performance impact of complex filters or combinations. Balancing use and prioritizing clarity helps avoid these pitfalls.
  • CSS filters and blend modes provide endless creative possibilities, allowing web developers to create engaging and dynamic user interfaces. Trying different combinations can produce unique effects, adding visual sophistication to the website.

This article will explore CSS filters and blending modes that offer a variety of creative possibilities that can enhance the beauty of a web page.

Learn from CSS filters

CSS filters provide a way to apply visual effects on web elements. These effects can range from simple adjustments (such as changing the brightness or contrast of an image) to more complex conversions (such as blurring or adding tan tones).

Let's dive into some commonly used CSS filters and explore how they enhance the visual appeal of web content.

1. Grayscale

grayscale() Filters convert colors to grayscale shadows, giving the image a monochromatic and classic look. You can control the intensity of the effect by specifying the percentage:

<div class="image-container">
  <img src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/173897569358040.jpg" alt="Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending " />
</div>
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
.image-container {
  width: 300px;
  filter: grayscale(100%);
}

.image-container img {
  width: 100%;
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

By adding <div> to the container filter: grayscale(), we instruct the browser to apply the grayscale effect to everything within this container, including images. As a result, the image displayed in the container will be displayed in grayscale shadows instead of its original color. By setting the filter property to grayscale(100%), we indicate that we want to convert the image to grayscale at full intensity.

CodePen example

2. Fuzzy

blur() Filters create a soft, out-of-focus effect. This is especially useful for background images or elements we want to weaken:

<div class="image-container">
  <img src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/173897569358040.jpg" alt="Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending " />
</div>
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

Here, we instruct the browser to apply the blur filter to everything inside this container, including the images. As a result, the image displayed in the container will have a soft out-of-focus effect, as if it is slightly blurred. By setting blur(5px), we indicate that we want to apply a blur effect to the image with a 5-pixel blur radius.

CodePen example

3. Contrast

contrast() Filters enhance or reduce the difference between the bright and dark areas of an element, making it more visually more eye-catching:

.image-container {
  width: 300px;
  filter: grayscale(100%);
}

.image-container img {
  width: 100%;
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

Here, the contrast between the bright and dark areas of the image in the container will be increased, making it more visually more eye-catching. By setting it to contrast(150%), we say we want to increase the contrast of the image by 150%.

CodePen example

4. Brightness

brightness() Filters control the overall brightness of the element. Increased brightness can make the colors more vivid, while reduced brightness can create soft or darker effects:

.image-container {
  filter: blur(5px);
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

Here, the overall brightness of the image in the container will be adjusted. By setting it to brightness(120%), we say we want to increase the brightness of the image by 20%.

CodePen example

5. Tan

sepia() Filters give elements a warm tan tone, creating a nostalgic or retro feel:

.image-container {
  filter: contrast(150%);
}
Copy after login

Here the image will be presented with a warm tan tone, reminiscent of old photos. Setting it to sepia(80%) means we want to apply the tan effect to the image at 80% intensity. Adjusting the percentage value allows us to control the intensity of the tan effect applied to the image.

CodePen example

CSS filter combination

One of the advantages of CSS filters is their combination. We can apply multiple filters to achieve complex visual effects:

.image-container {
  filter: brightness(120%);
}
Copy after login

Here, we apply multiple filters to elements within the container to achieve a composite visual effect. Multiple filters are separated by spaces in the filter attribute values. Each filter is applied from left to right in the specified order:

  1. grayscale(30%) Filter converts the color of the element to a grayscale shadow with an intensity of 30%.
  2. blur(3px) Filter adds a blur effect with a 3-pixel blurred radial element.
  3. contrast(150%) Filters increase the contrast of elements by 150%.

By combining these filters, you can achieve complex visual effects that enhance the appearance of web content. Adjusting the parameters of each filter allows you to micro-adjust the body effect to suit your design preferences.

In this example, the element will have subtle grayscale effects, slight blur and higher contrast, resulting in a unique and artistic look.

CodePen example

More filters

You can try more CSS filters including drop-shadow(), hue-rotate(), invert(), opacity(), saturate() and backdrop-filter. There is also a

property that blends a translucent background with the background image behind it.

You can learn more about these features on MDN. (MDN link should be inserted here)

Use the power of CSS hybrid mode

CSS blend mode allows elements to interact visually, creating effects beyond traditional stacking of z-axis. Blend mode processes the color values ​​of overlapping elements, producing amazing results. Let's explore some commonly used hybrid modes and learn how to implement them.

1. Main film stacked

multiply

Blending mode combines them by "multiplying" the color values ​​of overlapping elements. It creates a darker blend by multiplying the RGB (red, green, blue) values ​​of each pixel on the top layer with the corresponding pixels on the bottom layer. This will produce a blend where the common areas become darker and the unique colors of each layer are still visible:
<div class="image-container">
  <img src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/173897569358040.jpg" alt="Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending " />
</div>
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

CodePen example

2. Color filter

screen

Blend mode in CSS determines how the color of an element is mixed with the color of its underlying element. It will especially brighten the top layer’s color and produce a brighter blend.

screenThe following is how

Mixed mode works:
    • Color calculation:
    • For each pixel in the top layer, the RGB (red, green, blue) values ​​are inverted.
    • Then multiply the inverted color value with the corresponding RGB value at the bottom layer.
    • Result:
    • The result is a blend where the common areas of the layer become brighter, resulting in a brightening effect.
    • The more saturated the top layer, the stronger the effect.
.image-container {
  width: 300px;
  filter: grayscale(100%);
}

.image-container img {
  width: 100%;
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

CodePen example

3. Overlay

overlay Blend mode in multiplyCSS combines screen and overlay blend modes to produce rich and contrasting visuals. Here is how

Mixed mode works:
    • Color calculation:
    • If the color of the underlying (B) is brighter than 0.5, the result is calculated using formula 2 B
    • T, where B is the underlying color and T is the top color.
    • If the underlying color is equal to or darker than 0.5, the result is calculated using formula 1 - 2 (1 - B)
    • (1 - T).
    • Result:
    • overlaymultiply Blend mode combines the darkening effect of the screen mode on dark colors and the brightening effect of the
    • mode on bright colors.
    • The result is a blend that enhances contrast and saturation. The dark area becomes darker and the bright area becomes brighter, creating a visually striking effect.
.image-container {
  filter: blur(5px);
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

CodePen example

<🎜>

4. Difference

difference Blend mode calculates the absolute difference between the top and bottom color values ​​of each pixel. It creates a high contrast effect by emphasizing the color difference between overlapping elements. Here is how difference Mixed mode works:

  1. Color calculation:
    • For each pixel in the top layer, calculate the absolute difference between the top and bottom layer RGB (red, green, blue) values.
    • The results indicate the color difference between the two layers.
  2. Result:
    • Areas with similar or identical colors will produce darker tones.
    • Areas with different colors will produce brighter tones.
    • If the colors are the same, the result will be black (RGB value is 0).
<div class="image-container">
  <img src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/173897569358040.jpg" alt="Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending " />
</div>
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

CodePen example

5. Exclude

exclusion Blend mode produces similar effects to difference Blend mode, but tends to produce softer and less contrast results. It is often used to mix overlapping colors of overlapping elements in a way that allows both similar colors and different colors to contribute to the final appearance. Here is how exclusion Mixed mode works:

  1. Color calculation:
    • For each pixel in the top layer, apply the formula B T - 2 B T, where B is the color value of the bottom layer and T is the color value of the top layer.
    • The result indicates the combination of the difference between the color values ​​of the two layers.
  2. Result:
    • Areas with similar or identical colors will have a darkened appearance.
    • Areas with different colors will produce a blending and softening effect instead of the strong contrast seen in difference Blend mode.
    • This effect is often more subtle and is often used to create harmonious color blends.
.image-container {
  width: 300px;
  filter: grayscale(100%);
}

.image-container img {
  width: 100%;
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

CodePen example

More Blending Modes

There are many other hybrid modes for us to try, including darken, lighten, color-dodge, color-burn, hard-light, soft-light, hue, saturation, color, luminosity, plus-darker, plus-lighter,

,

,

,

,

and

.

You can learn more about how they work on MDN. (MDN link should be inserted here)

Some precautions

.image-container {
  filter: blur(5px);
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
There are always some end users who will find that CSS filters and blending modes can cause difficulties. Let's look at a few examples.

Browser support

The support for CSS filters and blend modes is very extensive, but to absolutely ensure your end users will get satisfactory results, you may want to consider a fallback plan. For example: <🎜> <🎜> <🎜>Accessibility<🎜> <🎜>When using filters and mixes in design or development, it is important to consider accessibility to ensure that your content is available and easy to understand for a wide range of user groups, including those with disabilities. Here are some key things to note: <🎜>
  1. Color contrast. Make sure there is enough contrast between the text and background color, especially when applying filters or blending modes. Low contrast can make it difficult for users with visual impairment to read text. Test your design with tools that simulate different types of color blindness to ensure users of color vision defects can read.
  2. Text clarity. Avoid filters or blending modes that may reduce text clarity. For example, some blending modes may make the text appear blurred or unclear, which makes it difficult for visually impaired users to read.
  3. Alternative text. Provides alternative text for images and graphics that may be affected by filters or blending modes. Screen readers rely on alternative text to describe content to visually impaired users.
  4. Animation and transitions. If you apply filters or blending modes to animation elements, make sure the animation is not too distracting or fast, as this can be problematic for users with certain cognitive or neurological disorders.
  5. Responsive design. Make sure your design is responsive and works well on different devices and screen sizes. Effective filters or blending modes on larger screens may not work well on smaller screens or may cause problems.
  6. Keyboard navigation. Ensure that all interactive elements are accessible and used through keyboard navigation. Users who rely on keyboard input or assistive technology should be able to seamlessly navigate and interact with your content.
  7. Test using assistive technology. Test your designs using a variety of assistive technologies such as screen readers and voice recognition software to identify and resolve any issues that may arise due to filters or hybrid modes.
  8. Roughly enhanced. Implement a design approach that follows the principle of gradual enhancement. Ensure that core content and features are still available even if filter or blend mode is not supported or disabled.

By keeping these notes in mind, you can create designs that are not only visually appealing, but also accessible to a wider audience, including those with disabilities.

Common traps when using CSS filters and blending modes

The following are common mistakes that developers may encounter and how to avoid them.

Error 1: Overuse of filters

A common mistake is to apply too many filters, resulting in visually overwhelming or confusing layouts. Overuse can make it difficult for users to focus on important content and can lead to a bad user experience.

Example:

<div class="image-container">
  <img src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/173897569358040.jpg" alt="Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending " />
</div>
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

In this example, multiple filters are applied to the same element. While combining filters can create unique effects, it is crucial to strike a balance and ensure the overall design remains consistent and user-friendly. Consider visual hierarchy and prioritize clarity.

Error 2: Use filters on interactive elements

Applying filters to interactive elements such as buttons or links without considering user interaction can lead to a less intuitive and confusing user experience.

Example:

.image-container {
  width: 300px;
  filter: grayscale(100%);
}

.image-container img {
  width: 100%;
}
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

Filters can change the appearance of interactive elements, which may affect users' understanding of their purpose. Make sure the filter does not affect the clarity and usability of interactive elements.

Error 3: Ignore performance impact

Applying complex filters or combinations of filters can have a performance impact, especially on older devices or browsers. Ignoring performance issues can cause page loading times to slow down.

Example:

<div class="image-container">
  <img src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/173897569358040.jpg" alt="Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending " />
</div>
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login
Copy after login

Complex filters may require more computing resources, which will affect the performance of the web page. Test performance on a variety of devices and optimize as needed, taking into account the trade-off between visual effects and page speed.

Conclusion

CSS filters and blend modes enable web developers to push creative boundaries to create engaging and dynamic user interfaces.

By understanding and combining these features, you can enhance the visual appeal of your web content, making it more attractive and memorable to users.

When you explore the creativity of CSS filters and mixes, don't hesitate to try different combinations to discover the unique effects you can achieve.

Whether you are building a portfolio, blog or e-commerce website, combining these technologies can add an extra sense of visual sophistication to make your website stand out.

The above is the detailed content of Exploring the Creative Power of CSS Filters and Blending. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Statement of this Website
The content of this article is voluntarily contributed by netizens, and the copyright belongs to the original author. This site does not assume corresponding legal responsibility. If you find any content suspected of plagiarism or infringement, please contact admin@php.cn
Latest Articles by Author
Popular Tutorials
More>
Latest Downloads
More>
Web Effects
Website Source Code
Website Materials
Front End Template