[Infected & Comic Book Toolkit]

PB 32 Comic Pencilling

Added Comic Pencilling brush set consisting of a mix of 8 eraser and 22 inking brushes. Primarily for sketching and layout

[Raster perspective and mesh warp live filters added to Designer]

22 hours ago, Ash said:

First off great artwork Stuart! Now to be honest what you are trying to do there is actually a reason as to why we have been a little unsure about including this feature. The use case we are trying to cover is not about warping artwork in that way with 1000s of objects. It is actually to more cover the cases of needing to warp embedded documents or images. And I can say that the only reason you are seeing pretty decent performance there is because you are on the Windows version and that in fact currently has the destructive version of the filters which is incorrect.

I've just recorded a quick vid of why we have included it. This is using Designer to create some mock up options of an iPad app, where the UI of the app itself is also a Designer document. You can place the multi-artboard UI file as an embedded document in your mock up. Apply a live perspective from pixel persona to place in the iPads. As it's non destructive after you've done that you can still choose which artboard you want to show in your mock up. You can even edit the embedded document, float the window and update the source file while the mock up updates in real time.

Obviously this is perspective, with live warp you could use it to warp an embedded document on something like an open brochure (where the page is curled a bit) or a bottle label or whatever. But yeah, for these cases it felt wrong we are forcing people to use Affinity Photo to achieve this, especially when the type of mock up or whatever you are doing is better suited to use Designer to create the other elements around it (or to have options on artboards and things like that).

While this I think offers a fantastic (and unique) workflow for this kind of thing, the possible issue is the assumption that could be made that this is some alternative to use like vector warp when that isn't the intention. We'll have to try to be very clear about this with our help / learning materials around it as best we can.

LivePerspective_2.mov 31.77 MB · 4 downloads  

 

Many thanks for your comprehensive feedback. I was not suggesting it is a bug.. I just wanted to try it out to see what the results would be!😀.. I was actually really impressed. To use the tool more effectively I would have rasterized the whole lot and distorted it using the tool. When you mention embedded files.. Strangely this is the way I used to build the artwork (Creating individual layers on separate files and adding them to stacked master file.) You can see this in some older files  here

But...the apps have progressed so much that it is no longer necessary...I have been blown away by the speed of progress with their development and how much faster V2 Versions are in comparison to V1 and this new raft of tools for 2.1 are just fantastic. I think the vector fill is going to be a big hit!.. and the brush improvements.. I can only say thanks...looking great.. which is good as I have so many brushes!😀 

I fully understand what you are saying with regards to the video. I was surprised that it worked at all....nut it was not a failing more just a glitch. The Perspective options interested me as I was looking into what tools | assets I could add to the Comic Book Template toolkit. One thing I considered was creating a simple vector based Perspective grid tool that could be incorporated into asset panels or tiers; using it sort of as a sub-template. (Using warp: Perspective or mesh)...but it is ok for simple distortions...but the lines inside the grid can actually 'bend'

Footnote: Thanks for the video...that is really what I expected it to be used for !...Microsoft would not let me play it!😀

 

[Surface pattern design]

This is the template I use for brush base textures. Was not a fan of off-setting the base pattern onto a separate artboard. It is set up for 400 x 400 px symbol repeats. Each symbol just contains a container rectangle. (Black) but usually set to none. Adding objects inside will reflect on the adjacent symbols so you can easily build a pattern with other vector objects (bugs). The shape does not necessarily have to be a square but it need to be precise. The grid reflects the symbol size > the rectangle symbol

It is pretty basic but works I built all my brush patterns around it!

Surface patterns.zip

[Surface pattern design]

I had a detailed look this file yesterday and agree with the points that @NotMyFault has made.
liking the design and all the bugs but the original tile does not map out correctly. have a look at the work of Weronika Salach who has been featured on AffinitySpotlight but also has a YouTube Channel and site here

Symbols are great for producing seamless patterns but it is also necessary to contain the elements within a rectangle. If you need something to flow off | repeat off edge just duplicate it and slide to opposite edge position and use transform for precision. Hope it helps!...

[Raster perspective and mesh warp live filters added to Designer]

I just tried the perspective filter on a large really drawing with a mixture of vector and raster elements. Works great initially!. I was impressed with the speed. but If I undo after applying the layout gets a bit broken...then corrects itself! will upload a video...

So
Process
1. Select Artboard in PX Persona
2. Activate Perspective Filter
3. Apply results
4. Undo
6. Switch to Wireframe to correct!



Apart from the weird bit at around 50 seconds it is great!.. surprised me a bit as this file is well...complex!
 

[Vector Flood Fill]

Wow! this has grown on me this afternoon....Playing around with complex mesh type vectors and trees...
1. A really quick way to weld all your vector shapes and create a new asset at the same time...A real time saver! Fantastic!😀
2. Colour individual elements of a compound and lift out of the curve
3. Split complex objects without the knife tool....
4. Create overlays inside objects and use as shadows!

 

[Drag / Drop bitmap fill to colour and swatch panel]

I find this feature really useful. Been using it lots recently and added a set of seamless patterns to assets as vector files to play around with it. It works well!. Except for the annoying 'jump' in the context menu bar (to left) when you try to re-apply another 'asset swatch'. It's a UI issue really where the Fill field on the context bar switches to first position (Removes Context: Fill | Stroke) when you try to apply a new pattern to the Fill swatch

[Brush panel improvements]

Had a strange issue with the loss of current nozzles (i.e Nozzles contained in existing brushes) and their disappearance in a large number of brushes in any particular category.. bit weird.. but apparently fixed with a restart!

Process (vague!)
Deleting | Renaming older brush categories and importing recent modified ones (These were updated for version 2 to take into consideration distance dynamics). I sort of decided to clean up the list as per previous active beta and test with some of the newer versions

During the process a large number of the brushes in the categories became broken. Nozzle samples not displaying in the panel and unable to use brush. Name was still visible.. list was still complete but number of brushes available varied according to category! In the the dynamics (Nozzles)..the brush nozzles were showing as blank (White)..will investigate!😀
 

[Brush panel improvements]

I like the new brush panel Structure. It is a welcome improvement. It would be useful for some connection between the 'used brushes' in the layers panel and the brushes panel. Such that if you switch between brushes in the active layers panel they also get highlighted in the brush panel

[Asset Guide Lines]

On 2/8/2023 at 9:43 AM, 25a said:

The Data part ist not really handy, because I need to make this Database.

Maybe later. We´ll see.

Is there a way to export only one Page as temeplate?

The Asset contains 2 Pictures and one textframe.
I guess by now I have to deal with the assets, ..

thx for your Help!!

Yep!
Just create you layout; add your template content; Import | set up colours | add Styles etc | margins | sizes
Export as a template (File > Export as Template)...Applies to whole Suite but obviously options settings and tools will vary accordingly
You can mix and match
Easily over-write an existing template (open and edit)
Add multiple pages to template and be selective when say added back to Publisher
Crate modular documents with different template layouts or combine templates with assets to create a flexible system 

In the layout described:
Remember to set the image placement options onto the picture frame first
Apply text styles to your text frame
Define any colours (global useful here as you can sort of remotely adjust them!)

[Page Numbering From Master Page...]

Could it be the text wrap settings on either your page text or the number frame settings on the master page?

[Asset Guide Lines]

Data

Not really the Data Merge is quite basic
There is an introductory tutorial on Affinity Spotlight that you can read here

Templates
You can make a template out of any page layout including ones created in Designer and imported | Placed in Publisher. You can also have multiple pages in a single Publisher | Designer File and import the ones you require.
Add Colour Palette with Global Colours to template so you can easily change the colours
Add Style Sheet for you fonts
Add Different layouts to the template or series of templates
 

Just export your final layout as template + Easy to edit

Assets
Limit your assets to features or alternative layouts or groups or text structures



 

[Asset Guide Lines]

Hi

Interesting. Is the page data Driver?
I can see why you would like this as an asset collection. But it loos to me as this type of arrangement would be better suited to template layouts placed pages and data management.
personally I would not recommend adding a huge collection of assets but go down the template and embed | import route. You can easily create a sequence of pages based on templates and use a collection approach using the option of adding specific pages to a document. Both Indesign and Affinity Publisher are capable of this type page structural arrangement. If the pages and content are similar Templating is a much better route

[Fill a Section with a Texture]

In Designer you can use a vector pattern contained within the assets panel. Simply drag the object onto the Fill swatch of a vector shape. It can be seamless and scaled. I use this a lot now! really useful for adding quick textures to images

[Fantasy Map Brushes]

I think this question has been asked before on the forum.

Previously with the help of google I came across this site. (K.M Alexander) Here which may or may not be of interest to you.. The brushes are .abr and will probably need some tweaking in Affinity...but it is a useful starting point!...

[Pixel brushes]

I had play around with some of my brushes to see if there was an issue...I could not find one!

Initially  I though that maybe the image was imported at a different resolution or that the brush anti- aliasing was creating the impression that the brush is larger than the actual specified size. Also you could try comparing the pixel brush with the brush tool to see if the results you require are better. Zooming in can create some strange illusions!. Also check the blend modes on context menu and | or see if something unexpected is set in the dynamics that would influence the size of the brush.. like 'size jitter' for instance

You do get this with brush settings...As a footnote, normally I would not use a brush at 1px as it tends to look too pixelated. 2px with a reduced hardness works better for me personally...

Scaling would have influence on what you are seeing!

As below
the Brush used is the same 
but red appears to be larger as original pixel object was scaled (Black)

[New artwork - Put the Knife Down Sandra]

Absolutely Marvellous!...

[non-editable layers?]

I downloaded your file:
I can also change the colour easily. Duplicated the artboard and grouped the lines to easier to change.
Are you accidentally trying to change the fill colour rather than the stroke colour on the colour palate?

 

change colour.afdesign

[Sizzlers Chips - 3D]

really impressive.. Good to see Blender and Affinity used in collaboration.
Also makes me hungry..!

[Infected & Comic Book Toolkit]

Large vector Grunge Patterns

Added 48 Vector Grunge patterns to the template created from the Comic Grunge and Comic Sketch brushes. Visible vectors on test sheets is 100 x 100 mm as single compound curve. Actual size is around 190mm+ x 90mm+ to fit Tier panels of 180 x 84mm inside A4 page mask 

 

[Is Pixel Persona really necessary, having Affinity Photo?]

Personally! I believe that the option to edit | create pixel images or raster paint within Affinity Designer is one of its greatest innovative functions not only do you have the ability to work totally within 1 application; you can apply options in many different ways. Mixing 2 'creative' options together adds to the versatility of the application

The capability and variable options are extremely powerful for controlling and exploring new workflows!.. sometimes just takes a bit of getting used to.:

You can (but I am sure there is much more):
1. Combine vector and raster illustrations (Paint in both modes with ease and really useful for conceptual and comic art!)
2. Edit shapes | forms and convert to raster with single key press (Also applied to 'Vector Brushes' if you want to create quick textured shapes!)
3. Re-colour  raster and vector images simultaneously.. and apply layer adjustments to vector shape overlays for rapid colour experiments
4. Get complete control over texture effects and painting and re-colour drawings with vector overlays (or combined with layer adjustments)
5. Apply raster painted effects to Masks (Vector or raster)
6. Add vector graduations inside raster objects to re-colour
7. Apply blend modes to shaped overlays to change the appearance of an image using vectors
8. Helps with non-destructive editing
9. Ability to use a large combination of different tools by simply switching personas

It would be useful to be able to convert raster to vector but hey you cannot have everything! (Inkscape useful for this and you can just copy | paste )

[Brush Overlay]

I thought this is really an issue with the configuration of the selected | used brush. Try adjusting the Head offsets in the brush editor to achieve a better result.
The 'Vector Brush' is a bit limited in this respect but you can easily adjust the result.

If you really want the brush to blend on the ends or along the edges you can create your own brush with an 'extended' .PNG and apply a transparency effect towards the required edges.

or

Set the brush transparency

or

set a blend mode on the context toolbar

[Pen tool]

There are several ways you can do this but a quick option is to use the Node Tool (A) and join the selected nodes.
1. Select both lines
2. Switch to Node Tool (A)
3. Select end point nodes (Marque around end of lines)
4. Select the 'Join Curves' option on the Context Menu Bar:

 

To Help you:
Switch on snapping options:
'Snap to geometry of selected curves'

You can also add to lines by selecting the pen tool , select end node and extend the line to the position of the required join. Then marque the 2 end nodes and join

[Newly downloaded Affinity suite is not responsive]

I have been watching this thread for a couple of days now...I am sure a moderator will be along to help you soon. I believe they are extremely busy at the moment. Must be really frustrating not being able to get the apps to run!

In the meantime it might be worth posting your hardware specifications in your forum signature. just to see if there are any visible known conflicts there. Also. Read under an earlier comment that you attempted to install via Microsoft Store and cancelled the download. Not sure what the issue is but if you haven't already!...

Possibilities
There is a list of FAQ + issues here
Check this one out (app already installed) here Check in apps and make sure no conflict
Could be a conflict with third party applications This is an old thread but worth a look may be an updated version!
Could be anti-Virus or Firewall issue
Could be Font issue
Could be graphics card and driver update issue
or

Something else!

[effects/adjustments above artboards in hierarchy are not applied on export]

Thanks for the additional information...I can see your issue now!. mm

Nice idea but appears to be not available...could add it as a feature request!

Interesting. I had a play around with the same king of scenario.. having objects on separate artboards and attempting to apply FX (outline)..You are correct this does not work!.. But I can see the logic of why it does not work. Simply the FX has nothing to apply.. I had a play with a possible solution to the problem.

If you cannot apply the FX to the artboard and content then:

Set up a file with xx objects on artboards (mixed groups and layers + a couple with existing FX applied). Nested artboards to see if could apply inheritance.. erm NO!
(artboards | symbols are just objects in layers) I would think this is because trying to apply FX to a container that has no content (+ logically the FX would apply effect to the artboard no the nested content!)

So to get the FX effect to work you either apply FX to all objects (Slow) or create 1 and duplicate to all object layers (works but not efficient and could get messy)

So what if objects were at group level!.. could you apply to all with 1 FX.. yes! if grouped.. This works. BUT.. would need to restructure | organise file to something like:

Artboard > Group [FX] > Objects OR Artboard > Group >Objects [FX] 

Possible solution
1. Set up a single artboard (a lot of artboards just delete the artboards and keep objects!. re-arrange on single board)
2. Add objects to artboard and group (or separate if want different FX)
3. Apply changes on mass ..to group
4. Slice option from original artboard would be lost: 
a. Make sure have a naming convention for objects (to avoid confusion!)
b. In export persona mass create your slices (with objects sometimes I get odd results so check slice is containing object.)
c. Outline size change: Check whether Slice size considers FX position i.e. grows with object.. I expected this to fail but if you change the size of the FX the slice will grow to compensate!

Then the FX needs applying at the Object level