Color dodge not working on transparent layer

[HEATHERCLARK]

I'm having the identical issue to the one described in this thread: Re: Color Dodge not working in Photoshop

Namely, color dodge blend mode does not work unless I'm drawing a shape / creating a gradient directly on a dark background.

The answer in that thread indicated it had to do with the "Transparency Shapes Layer" checkbox in Layer options. However, I've tried every combination of checking and unchecking this option on both layer and group options, to no avail.

I'm in RGB mode, 8-bit, and have tried a variety of dark-color backgrounds. Any help would be appreciated.

Color dodge with grouped layers - same result with "Transparency Shapes Layer" checked AND unchecked

Color dodge directly on layer

[davescm · Accepted solution]

What version of Photoshop?

It is working correctly here, on CC2017.1.1 provided:

a. Group is set to Pass Through
b. Layer is set to color dodge

c. Layer is set that "Transparency Shapes layer " is unchecked

d. Underlying layer is almost but not full black

Dave

[HEATHERCLARK]

Ahhh! That was it - it wasn't working with my group set to Color Dodge OR my layer set to Color Dodge with the group set to "Normal"... but it works when set as Pass Through.

Thank you!  And I am on CC2017.1.1 as well.

[davescm]

You're welcome.

You may find the link below useful, the second section explains the pass through mode:

Layer opacity and blending modes in Adobe Photoshop

Dave