Alpha Blending refers to the process of combining a foreground image with a background image to create the appearance of partial or full transparency. It uses an alpha channel, which represents the opacity level of each pixel, allowing for smooth transitions and realistic layering effects in graphics.
Characteristics:
– Utilizes an alpha channel to determine pixel transparency.
– Enables smooth blending between images or layers.
– Commonly used in rendering transparent objects, shadows, and anti-aliasing.
– Supports varying levels of opacity, from fully transparent to fully opaque.
– Often implemented in 2D and 3D graphics applications, video games, and image editing software.
Examples:
– Overlaying a semi-transparent watermark on a photograph.
– Rendering glass or water surfaces in video games.
– Creating soft shadows behind UI elements in software interfaces.
– Compositing multiple layers in photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop.
