Overview
This guide explains the key features and workflows of the layer system in Affinity apps, focusing on organizing, editing, and managing layers for effective design work.
Layer Types and Structure
- Objects, adjustments, and groups are individual layers, managed in the Layers panel.
- Layers have unique icons, thumbnails, and descriptions for easy identification.
- White chevrons indicate nested or grouped layers.
- Layers can be named for better organization.
Layer Effects and Visibility
- The "fx" icon appears when layer effects are applied through the Layer Effects panel.
- Layer visibility can be toggled; hidden layers are not printed or exported.
Selecting and Managing Layers
- Select a layer by tapping the thumbnail or name; double-tap to select hidden layers.
- Select multiple layers by swiping right and using two-finger taps; other selections deselect previous ones.
- Long-press to move layers up or down the stack; three drop zones determine placement: between layers, nested as a child, or as a mask.
- The Arrange options on the context toolbar can also change layer order.
Layers Panel Features and Preferences
- Compact view minimizes the panel for more workspace.
- Panel preferences allow locking/unlocking, hiding/showing, and soloing layers.
- Options to show or hide unlocked indicators, group thumbnails, and object type icons for custom panel views.
- "Edit all layers" toggles group-restricted or full-panel selections.
- Checkerboard backgrounds help visualize transparency in thumbnails.
Creating and Modifying Layers
- Add new vector, pixel, mask, or group layers using quick access options.
- Rasterize converts vector layers to pixels, possibly trimming or converting as masks.
- Merge options combine layers: merge with below, merge selected, or merge visible (rasterizing vector layers).
- Expand/collapse controls manage visibility of group or parent layers.
Grouping, Deleting, and Renaming Layers
- Group and warp group options are available; "Ungroup" replaces "Group" if a group is selected.
- Layers may be deleted using the remove button or bin icon.
- The layer options menu provides renaming, opacity, blend modes, and solo/hide/show controls.
Advanced Layer Settings
- Gamma slider adjusts mid-tone distribution in blending.
- Anti-aliasing modes (inherit, force on, force off) control jagged edge removal.
- Color channel and blend range settings refine blending adjustments.
- Layers can be color-tagged for quick selection using the "select same" function.
Shortcuts and Productivity Tips
- Change opacity and blend mode directly; double-tap restores defaults.
- Double-tap layer thumbnail to zoom into its content.
- Swipe left on a layer for shortcuts: add to selection, delete, lock/unlock, rename.
- Keyboard modifiers: Command selects multiple, Shift selects ranges, Option solos layers, creates duplicates, or expands/collapses groups.
- Option plus actions enables efficient group management and duplication.
Recommendations / Advice
- Explore different layer management workflows to find what suits your needs and maximizes productivity.