Segment Layering & Blend Modes
One of the biggest upgrades in WLED 16 is the addition of segment layering and blend modes.
In earlier versions of WLED, each segment acted mostly independently. You could split your LEDs into sections and run different effects, but combining animations was tricky. If you wanted sparkles and movement and a color wash at the same time, you often had to compromise or write custom code.
WLED 16 changes that.
You can now stack multiple segments on top of one another, blending effects together to create richer and more dynamic animations.
Think of it like layers in Photoshop, Procreate, or video editing software — except for LEDs.
What Are Segments?
A segment is simply a portion of your LEDs assigned to an effect.
For example:
- LEDs 1–50 = rainbow
- LEDs 51–100 = twinkle
- LEDs 101–150 = solid blue
That’s how segments traditionally worked in WLED: each segment controlled its own physical section of pixels.
In WLED 16, segments can now overlap.
Instead of dividing LEDs into separate chunks, you can place multiple effects on the same LEDs at the same time.
For example, you can put a gradient on layer 1, and sparkles or twinkles on layer 2, then a random bright flash on layer 3. All three effects can play simultaneously on the same strip, making the results feel very organic and custom.
Blend Modes: How Layers Interact
When multiple segments overlap, blend modes determine how they combine. A blend mode decides what happens when one effect sits on top of another. These are similar to Photoshop's blend modes. Play around with them and discover how very many new effects you can create by layering your favorites. Find the blend modes dropdown inside each segment you define.
Creative Examples
Here are a few ideas to try:
Fire + Sparkle
Base layer:
Fire 2012
Overlay:
Twinkle
Result:
Campfire embers and magical sparks.
Rainbow + Glitter
Base layer:
Slow Rainbow
Overlay:
Fairy Sparkle
Result:
A much richer rainbow effect with shimmering highlights.
Festival Costume
Base layer:
Moving color wipe
Overlay:
Tiny sparkles
Top layer:
Reactive flash when music peaks
Result:
Much more complex wearable lighting without writing code.
A Few Tips
Start Simple: Begin with two layers before trying five. Use slow movement -- fast-moving effects stacked together can get visually chaotic. Lower the effect speed with the sliders at the bottom of the Effects panel. Also, try lowering the brightness of one or more layers. Additive blending can become very bright very quickly. Reducing brightness often looks better.
Save Presets
Once you create a layered effect you love, save it immediately! Complex blends are easy to lose while experimenting.
Page last edited June 15, 2026
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