I can see that the discussion about global layers is developing a lot. I also see that Serif has added global layer functionality to Publisher - thanks a lot.
As an advanced user of typesetting software, I would like to mention a few important things - important for the future of Affinity software.
As simple as it gets, but not simpler.
Adobe has a lot of bugs in its software - everyone who uses it knows that. Even if the software does not close itself at the least expected moment, it tends to horribly slow down the speed of operation. Assembling a 100-page publication in InDesign with links to other pages makes using the program like playing a game on a very old computer. Illustrator also shows these features, just link a few photos, add a few effects and after comfortable use of the program.
I can see Serif starting to get lost in what is needed and what shouldn't be. I would like to add a few practical comments from myself, which are the result of many years of work in DTP.
Publisher - what is absolutely needed (for professionals of course):
1. Global layers
1.1. Layer rules (global as there should be no local)
No matter where I create a layer (Master or regular), it should be visible everywhere. Same with deletion.
Global layers are an invaluable tool for typesetting, especially large/very large and complex publications. If I create a layer, it should be visible on all pages of the publication.
The system as it is now in Affinity Publisher v1.8 where there are global and local layers will cause a lot of problems. I can already imagine how in a document that has 125 pages I have to look for a page where I placed some local layer with something that should not be in the publication. Let's say it's a price catalog and we have several different prices for a given product, e.g. regular price and promotion price. I accidentally placed a regular price for one product in the local tier. I turn off the "regular prices" layer and turn on "sale prices". With this product, however, I will have two prices imposed on me. The consequences of what is currently in Publisher for professional creators is unacceptable.
1.2. Bugs in Affinity Publisher
Unable to delete layer
How to do it:
a) create a new layer in the Publisher document on the Master page.
b) create a new layer on a regular page (not Master).
c) while still on the regular page, drag this new layer to the Master layer.
d) the new layer cannot be removed.
It cannot be deleted because it is in the Master layer area and these layers can only be deleted while on the Master page. But the new layer wasn't created from the Master page, but from the normal page, so it doesn't even appear in the list of layers.
2. Global Colors - Only Global Colors!
2.1. Swatch Management Policy
Creating a new color automatically adds it to Swatches. It shouldn't be possible to create a new color and not end up in Swatches.
It's great to be able to find all places in the document where a specific Swatches appears. Sometimes it drives a man to white fever looking on 200 pages of one color that is in Swatches. What if the sample wasn't automatically added to Swatches - you wouldn't even know it existed. Only after printing would it turn out that the whole material goes to the garbage because of one lost color sample. Who will pay for it?
Adding a color swatch in a Publisher document must necessarily result in that color automatically appearing in Swatches - there should be no exceptions to this.
Now it's like there are global and local colors. This is a very big Publisher's mistake. The sooner it is removed, the fewer people will turn their backs on Affinity.
The current version of Publisher generates two very serious problems. The first appears when you need to change a color in a million places in your publication. Without or when you need to find a color because it is on the swatches list but you don't know where it is in the document.
I have noticed, that the comma on the numeric keypad is not always recognised as decimal separator , meaning I have to awkwardly swivvel from quickly typing my measurements with the right hand to using the period on the letter part of the keyboard.
My suggestion: ALWAYS use the comma / period key on the numeric keypad as decimal separator when filling in elements of the UI (measurements, colour values, tabs, font sizes, leading and so on).
