Channels combine additively, while layers . . . . .

Channels combine additively, while layers combine subtractively (in normal mode). Is this true?

I appreciate that channels and layers have different intents and applications. However as part of trying to understand the differences between channels and layers, I attempted to simulate channels, and their functions, in Photoshop Elements, by using layers. Not sensible, I realize but I'm a curious sort of person. Anyway, for a given image, it is easy to create layers in PSE that look just like the R, G and B channels in PS.

But when trying to combine the R, G and B layers in PSE (using "normal"mode) it clearly doesn't "work". My tentative conclusion is that channels (in PS) combine additively while layers (in PSE) combine subtractively.

Am I right or just confused? Any words or links to educate me or clarify my thinking will be appreciated.

mbarrett

Set your layers to screen mode.

Your background should be black

I'd address Elements questions to the Elements forum. But I know there is add-on software (or something) you can get to simulate Channels, Curves and CMYK in Elements.

No, normal mode is not subtractive in any way.
Normal mode is a simple linear interpolation.

And channels combine additively or subtractive in the channel mixer (otherwise you only combine them as RGB, CMYK, or LAB and they're always orthoginal values).