smadell

This is awesome, I've been looking for something like this. Couldn't get it to look right myself.

Although I understand the math, my “gut” understanding of the Gamma slider has always been to see it as the “grey point.” I visualize this as if I had created a black to white gradient map with a 50% grey value dead center. If I shift that central point to the right, the underlying image gets darker because more of the midtones are being mapped to darker grey values. Slide the midpoint to the left, and the image gets lighter, because the underlying luminance values in the midtones are being mapped to even lighter values.
I don’t know if the Gamma slider is precisely equivalent to a Grey Point slider mathematically. But, conceptually, it has always worked for me as a way to understand what’s going on.

I think the problem is that we are conflating the "Gamma" slider with a "Brightness" slider, and it really isn't that (although admittedly that's what it "feels like.") Methinks it's just a matter of getting used to what the Gamma slider actually does, and coming to understand it on its own terms.
Can you imagine how many posted complaints there would be if the Gamma/InverseGamma/Brightness slider (whatever we would call it – you know, the third slider down) was reversed to work the way the OP describes? I can hear the complaints now - "how can I use this ridiculous program that doesn't work exactly the way Photoshop does?"
Also, why not just use the "Brightness and Contrast" adjustment if the Gamma slider in Levels is too much to bear?

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

@firstdefence - First, I'll admit that I'm leaping without a net here. But, I think the difference you're seeing is because Command-clicking the layer thumbnail (what I'll call the "smadell method") creates a selection based on Luminosity, and sequentially loading and adding the individual channels (what I'll call the "firstdefence method") is based on adding RGB channel values. And, I have to assume that Luminosity and (R+G+B) do not give the same values.
To test this out, I made a single pixel layer. It has a white background and a dark blue rectangle. The white background has an RGB value of (255,255,255) and the dark blue rectangle has a value of (40,60,80). I then created two additional layers, one by command-clicking the layer thumbnail and then duplicating the selection (the smadell method), and the second by choosing Load to Pixel Selection in the Composite Red channel, then Add to Pixel Selection in the Composite Green and Composite Blue channels, and then duplicating that selection (the firstdefence method). The result is shown below.
Clearly the results are different, and I think that the difference lies in the method of selection (luminosity vs RGB values). Also, I would have expected the "firstdefence method" to give a rectangle with the color (180,180.,180) since 40+60+80=180, but clearly that didn't happen either! At this point, only the Serif developers (or someone with way more color theory info than me) can take the explanation further.

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

In Photoshop, command-clicking the RGB channel creates a luminosity selection. You can do the same thing in Affinity Photo by (a) command-option-clicking on the thumbnail in the Layers panel, or (b) choosing Selection from Layer Intensity from the Layer menu. Once you have the selection, choose Duplicate from the Layer menu (or press command-J). Set the new layer’s blend mode as appropriate. Same result as you saw in Photoshop.

Brilliant!

This is a great macro, worked well with my goal, to superimpose something on a dollar bill 👍🏻

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Thank you for trying this out @retrograde and @tzvi20. I hope you enjoy it.

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

Updated Version Available (December 2023)
Recently, @christerdk posted in the "Desktop Questions" forum about trying to achieve the engraved look of U.S. currency. He was given a variety of suggestions (including one or two commercial products). Because of this, I am attaching a macro that I created several years ago and have refined a bit more recently. It is meant to approximate the look of engraved currency.
The macro uses a number of adjustments and filters, all enclosed within a Group. Because of this, the effect can be turned on and off by simply using the Hide/Show checkbox on the group itself.
The attached .afmacros file is a Macro Category and therefore should be imported from the Library panel. It contains a single macro (called "Currency Effect"). Once imported, the macro can be moved to a different category, if desired. The macro was created in Affinity Photo version 2.2 which probably means that it will not be compatible with AP version 1. However, since it is provided as a category, it can be imported into Affinity Photo 2 for iPad.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Clicking on the macro will bring up a user dialog in which you can set certain parameters:
1) Set Line Size (default = 20)
The macro uses a live Halftone filter, and this will vary the width of the lines used. In general, use larger lines for larger images.
2) Set Line Angle (default = 30 degrees)
This affects the angle at which the lines are drawn. Try various settings to achieve subtle but important differences in output.
3) Set Contrast (default = 85)
This setting also affects the embedded Halftone filter, and can change the contrast between the dark lines and the background.
4) Adjust Overall Brightness (default = -20)
This affects a Brightness and Contrast adjustment, and will lighten or darken the final image, to your taste.
When you hit the Apply button, the effect is added to your image at the top of the layer stack. Note that the effect contains only adjustments and filters; because of that, it is completely non-destructive. You can make changes to the underlying image and this will not adversely affect the result. Also, you can open the individual adjustment and filter layers to make changes even after you have hit the Apply button.
Here is an example of a Before and After image, with the User Dialog showing the settings used to create this particular variant.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As always, I am one person using one computer and a single iPad. I have tested this macro on both of my devices, but cannot claim that this testing has examined every possible scenario. Nevertheless, I believe that it will work as suggested. Try it and, if you like it, keep it and enjoy it. It is free for you to use in any project you would like – personal or commercial.
I ask only 2 things. If you've used the macro, please let me know by posting your impressions. Perhaps, even provide a before and after screenshot. Second, please remember that this forum is a wonderful way to learn, and an even better way to share that learning. Pay it forward.
December 2023 Update
The .afmacros file attached below is now an updated category. It can still be imported into the Affinity Photo Library panel (or into the iPad version) but it now contains 3 macros. (1) The original version of the Currency Effect is included. (2) An updated version 2 of the macro is also provided. This update adds a live Ripple filter which makes the engraved lines a bit wavy, better simulating true engraving. (3) There is an Instructions macro, which will place on-screen instructions into your Layers panel.
Please feel free to download the new file, and to replace the previous Currency Effect category with the new one. Have fun!
 
Currency Effects (v2).afmacros

I'm not sure if anyone is still interested in this thread. Nor do I know if anyone else out there has experienced the same problem and is watching to see if Serif has been able to help out. Or maybe it really is s just me...
I just wanted to let everyone know that I have been working with @Lee D through Affinity Support, and he and other team members at Serif have been exquisitely helpful. I think they have found, at the very least, the step(s) that have been causing the issue as well as a serviceable workaround. I am amazed (and thrilled) because (i) it's been an exquisite pain in the arse for me to deal with this issue; and (ii) Lee and the Affinity support staff have spent enough time working through this to have isolated the issue and found a way to avoid it. Hopefully, an honest-to-God bug fix is coming before too long.
Without going into detail, this hopefully final post is simply to let everyone know that Affinity/Serif really does put the effort into their products, and they have been terrifically supportive. It's hard to imagine that they put as much time and effort into this as they did, especially considering that it seems like it's been an issue for me alone.
So, a very thankful tip of the hat to Affinity, Lee D, and everyone else at Serif for all their work. And a public acknowledgement of same. It's always easy to complain; we should all remember to give thanks when they're due.

I'm not sure if anyone is still interested in this thread. Nor do I know if anyone else out there has experienced the same problem and is watching to see if Serif has been able to help out. Or maybe it really is s just me...
I just wanted to let everyone know that I have been working with @Lee D through Affinity Support, and he and other team members at Serif have been exquisitely helpful. I think they have found, at the very least, the step(s) that have been causing the issue as well as a serviceable workaround. I am amazed (and thrilled) because (i) it's been an exquisite pain in the arse for me to deal with this issue; and (ii) Lee and the Affinity support staff have spent enough time working through this to have isolated the issue and found a way to avoid it. Hopefully, an honest-to-God bug fix is coming before too long.
Without going into detail, this hopefully final post is simply to let everyone know that Affinity/Serif really does put the effort into their products, and they have been terrifically supportive. It's hard to imagine that they put as much time and effort into this as they did, especially considering that it seems like it's been an issue for me alone.
So, a very thankful tip of the hat to Affinity, Lee D, and everyone else at Serif for all their work. And a public acknowledgement of same. It's always easy to complain; we should all remember to give thanks when they're due.

Works nice, so a big thank you to you!

I am attaching a macro category called “Seth’s Relighting.” The relighting macro lets you selectively darken and lighten areas of an image to add drama, create areas of interest which draw the viewer’s eye, and make up for flat lighting. It is free for anyone to download and enjoy. The category includes two macros – one for setting up a set of layers and a second which provides on-screen instructions.

The macro sets up a series of adjustments, filters, and masks, all of which are enclosed within a Group. In that way, the effect can be turned on or off by quickly showing or hiding the Group. The various layers inside the group are numbered, indicating the best order in which to use them. There are on-screen instructions (the second macro) as well as a video attached to this post. (Feel free to download the video too, if you’d like.)
To summarize, the layers allow you to darken the overall photo with a Curves layer, then indicate areas that need highlighting. Both the amount of darkening and the amount of lightening are entirely customizable (and non-destructive). The color of the highlight is also editable.

Using the Relighting Macro.mp4 The attached macro category should be imported into the Library panel, using the “hamburger menu” at the top right corner of the panel. The macros were created in Affinity Photo version 2 and, therefore, will not be compatible with version 1.
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 
As with all of the macros that I have submitted over the years, please remember that I am one person working with one computer (and one iPad). I have tested the macros as extensively as I can, and have been using them in my own work for several months now. However, there is no way to have foreseen all possible scenarios that another user might encounter. I believe that the macros function well, although I cannot make any guarantees.
If you like the macro, please keep it and enjoy it. It is free to use in both personal and commercial work. All I ask in return is that you post a comment in the Forum (below this post) and let me know that you are using it and (hopefully) enjoying it. As you continue to get better and better in your editing skills, please try to “pay it forward” by contributing your expertise and your resources to others in the community.
Seth's Relighting.afmacros

The "Replace Image" button only shows up if you have an Image layer selected with the Move tool. It will not work if the layer is a Pixel layer. The easiest way to get an Image layer into your document is by using the place command, rather than the Open... command or by using Copy and Paste. However, once you have "placed" an image into your document, selecting the Move tool lets you use the Replace Image button. (see below)