Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for compositing a digital image. The invention performs the steps of providing a current accumulation image; identifying as the current element of the digital image to be processed a graphics element having a backdrop property, the backdrop property identifying a backdrop image into which the element is to be blended; using the element and the backdrop image to create a modified backdrop image; obtaining a shape mask for the element; and crossfading the current accumulation image with the modified backdrop image using the shape mask. The result of the crossfading becomes the current accumulation image for any further compositing.