The glow template suppresses luminous detail in the timeline state so color and light can arrive with more impact after expansion.
Starting settings
Dial in the effect, then adapt it to your source.
Reveal strength72%
Blur8 px
Contrast+12
Saturation+24
These values are a starting point, not a fixed recipe. Image brightness, edge detail, and destination compression can change the best result.
Four-step workflow
Build a reveal that still reads before it changes.
01
Find the light source
Choose artwork with neon, magic, reflections, screens, or a strong illuminated subject.
02
Mask beyond the core
Include part of the surrounding bloom so the expanded state feels naturally brighter.
03
Balance saturation
Increase color without clipping every highlight into the same flat tone.
04
Preview on dark UI
Check that the timeline state still reads against the destination platform.
Best use
Let illumination become the reveal event.
Glow works well for anime energy effects, game art, concert visuals, cyberpunk scenes, illuminated products, and dramatic logo treatments. The strongest source images already contain a believable light source and visible falloff around it.
Masking only the brightest pixel cluster can create a cutout look. Include a controlled amount of surrounding bloom, reflection, or colored atmosphere so the expanded state restores a complete lighting system.
Color control
Saturation creates impact only while detail survives.
Increase saturation gradually and watch bright reds, blues, and magentas for clipping. If a glow becomes a flat block of color, lower saturation and add a smaller contrast adjustment instead.
Blur should soften the timeline state, not erase its composition. Keep recognizable silhouettes and environmental anchors visible so the audience understands what they are about to reveal.
Publishing prompt
A caption you can adapt.
The light is still off in the timeline. Expand the image to switch it on.
Before you export
Template questions
What source images suit the glow template?
Neon scenes, magic effects, illuminated products, game art, concerts, and artwork with a visible light source are strong candidates.
Why is the glow edge too sharp?
Expand the mask into the surrounding bloom and use a softer brush edge so the light falls off naturally.
How do I avoid oversaturated color?
Lower saturation until highlight texture returns, then use a small contrast increase for impact.
Can I use Glow for a logo reveal?
Yes. Give the logo enough surrounding space for bloom and test the result against a dark timeline background.