KCP

Thank you for the prompt response. I just read the Beta updates link and was pleased to see that these issues are being addressed

I encountered a problem while designing a vector asset in Designer 2.5.7. After creating a custom shape in a horizontal orientation, duplicating it, ungrouping the duplicate, and rotating it 90 degrees, I attempted to reset the bounding box. While the software allowed me to cycle the bounding box handle to the vertical position, it would not permit me to set it there permanently. A Google search suggested that there may be a reason for this limitation, although it seems counterintuitive that the tool cannot reset the box from any position when the object is not grouped with other layers. In previous versions, this action was easily accomplished by clicking the "add" button. The current implementation feels overly complex and is, in some cases, non-functional from certain orientations. This limitation presents a significant inconvenience when working with shape combinations that require precise snapping alignment. I would appreciate guidance on how to utilize this tool to achieve the desired result properly. Please see the attached video and Google search article. Thank you, KCP Reset Bounding Box Bug.mp4

Hi Matt and Andy, Thank you for inviting input on tools—I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts. I’ve been using the Affinity suite since its 1.0 days, though back then, it wasn’t quite ready for my workflow. Version 2.0 reignited my interest, and I began exploring its potential with each update. Adobe remained my primary toolset until you introduced the Shape Builder feature. That was a game-changer for me; it allowed me to fully transition to Affinity and finally cancel my Adobe subscription. While a few key tools are still missing, the addition of Shape Builder enabled me to replicate most of what I used to do in Illustrator. A bit of background: I ran a design firm in Denver until about four years ago, where Adobe’s tools were essential to meet industry standards and ensure compatibility with clients and vendors. These days, I’m semi-retired but continue working with a small, boutique clientele. The Affinity suite has proven to be a strong fit for managing this type of workflow. That said, one important feature I still miss is the Blend Tool. I find myself needing it more often than I anticipated. While I’ve been able to find occasional workarounds (about 30% of the time), these are rarely as efficient or editable as designs created with the Blend Tool. It’s a critical feature for vector work and, in my opinion, would bring Affinity Designer very close to being on par with Illustrator for professional use. A few days ago, I shared an example in a post (https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?/topic/226118-argument-for-a-blend-tool/#comment-1324947) that I hope will resonate with you and your development team. I’ve noticed this tool has been a common request since as far back as 2015, which makes me curious about why it hasn’t been prioritized. Affinity’s development trajectory suggests an ambition to rival Adobe, and your tools are certainly sophisticated enough to appeal to professional designers. However, the absence of features like the Blend Tool might create hesitation for those still considering a switch. In my linked post, I mentioned that many working designers, myself included, might even be open to paying for additional tools if it helped expedite development. However, incorporating features like the Blend Tool directly into the suite would arguably be more appealing and cost-effective, strengthening your position as the go-to choice for independent designers. Thank you for all the incredible work you’ve done to make Affinity a viable and inspiring alternative. I look forward to your thoughts on this and am excited to see what’s next for your suite. Best, KCP

Here is attempt #2 at trying to replicate the logo made with the Blend Tool in Illustrator, using symbols in AD. It's somewhat close, although it has very little editability, and the inner shapes had to be individually warped and lost their shape. Additionally, the shape as a whole cannot be moved around in a 3-dimensional way like the one in Illustrator. None of this is a slight on Designer, which is an amazing tool. I'm just asking you to consider the importance of this core tool, and place it high on your list of forthcoming updates. Of course, using third-party software as a substitute can help, although those layers cannot be edited once they're imported into AD. If production cost is an issue, which is unlikely given that Canva is onboard, then at least offer tools like this as premium add-ons. Best, KCP

I just watched two YouTube videos showcasing 8 logo designs created in Adobe Illustrator. I attempted to recreate these designs in Affinity Designer. Here's what I found: Successes and Challenges I could easily replicate 7 out of 8 designs in Affinity Designer. The burst design proved essentially impossible due to the lack of a Blend Tool in Affinity Designer—at least to make it non-destructive and editable. Creating the "B" logo was possible using strokes and the contour tool, but would have been easier with Illustrator's vector-based art brushes used in the video. Observations Some of the YouTube designer's techniques seemed unnecessarily complex, even in Illustrator, but I digress. The Blend Tool is crucial for commercial design, comparable to the importance of the Shape Builder tool. Affinity Designer is close to being a direct competitor to Illustrator but the powerful functionality of a Blend Tool. The presence of a similar tool in Inkscape suggests that implementing this feature is feasible. Conclusion Affinity Designer is nearly ready to directly compete with Illustrator, especially for independent designers. While it may not yet be suitable for large institutions because of its limited file-sharing capability, it's very close to being on par with Adobe Illustrator, even without advanced AI functionality. Blend Tool Design in this video: The other 7 in this video:

Thank you, Nathan. I don't know whether to feel stupid or that it feels unintuitive. It's been a while since I left Adobe, so I can't remember if clicking on the effect tab was required there as well. In any event, you solved my problem, so thanks again! Happy holidays!

Has anyone found the cause and/or solution to this problem?

I'm experiencing a problem with the FX panel in Affinity Designer. When I try to add a new layer effect, the following happens: I open the FX panel to apply a new effect. Regardless of which effect I choose, Bevel/Emboss is automatically applied. If I uncheck Bevel/Emboss, the effect I actually wanted doesn't work. The only way to apply my desired effect is to click the plus sign next to it. ChatGPT has informed me that Bevel/Emboss isn't supposed to be on by default. This leads me to believe I may have accidentally preset it to behave this way without realizing it. My question is: How can I reset the FX panel so that Bevel/Emboss doesn't automatically apply whenever I try to add a layer effect? Please see the attached Video. Thanks, KC FX FOUL.mp4

The Blend Tool has been a highly requested feature for Affinity Designer since at least 2015. While Designer has made significant progress since its initial release, it now stands as a serious competitor to Adobe in the industry. The Blend Tool is a crucial tool in commercial design, comparable in importance to the Shape Builder tool, which greatly enhanced Affinity's capabilities. Many professional designers, including myself, have switched to Affinity apps as an alternative to Adobe, making it essential to consider implementing this tool to meet the needs of working professionals Best regards, KC

I had already done 9 other folders with PNG files that worked perfectly, so I'm curious about what is different with this one. I just copied the vector layer into the warped placeholder layer and it worked. Thank you!

I've been making Windows 10 custom folder icons for several days, without issues, and finally ran into a layer that won't warp. It is a text layer converted to a curve and then combined (Boolean Add) on a transparent background and saved as a .png. It was originally produced in Illustrator, like many of the others that are warpable. I created a folder template in Designer 2.5.6 that has a folder-front layer with a perspective-warped placeholder layer clipped to it. I dropped the .png files into the warped layer, and they successfully perspective-warped with no issues until I got to the .png in question. I tried rasterizing it (fail), saving it as a .svg (fail), and finally a .eps (fail). In some cases, the outer edges of the layer warp while the body of the layer does not. See the attached video. I'm at a loss and would be grateful for your help. Please also be aware that the art is a copyrighted logo and is not to be reproduced, replicated, or copied in any way. Best regards, KC Warping Issue.mp4

The frequency of updates seems to have decreased significantly following the acquisition. This raises the question: Is this slowdown in development likely to become the new norm for the product?

I'm working in AP 2.5.3 and have a recurring problem with adjustment layers when grouping them. For instance, I'm working on a portrait retouch and just tried to group an assortment of eye-work layers, which include a curves adjustment to lighten the sclera. When I group all of those layers, the curves adjustment is disabled. Does anyone know why this is happening and if there is a fix?

Truth be told, I had just starting an earnest transition to AF when I posted this after having been a professional Photoshop user for several decades. You are correct in that Fill Layers essentially do the same thing, and they do it better, so I stand corrected.

Changing the blending mode did not correct the problem, which is intermittent. It smells like a bug.