[new version can not be opened]

That's the way it's been. Older versions of the program can't open files created with newer versions. I giess it's nice that they're not carrying forward legacy code and get bloated files like Photoshop.

[Duplicate font issue specifically with OpenSans]

I have the same problem with duplicate fonts showing up. Is there a way to delete the font cache?

[Import layers in After Effects from Affinity Designer]

Here is a free script that will move the groups to layers if you want..less twirling.  But it's a one-way street.  You can't merge layers to groups.  I know the explode shape layers script is $30, but well worth it for the time that I save.

 

https://github.com/takahirome/AdobeScripts/blob/master/AeScripts/customUI/Additional_Scripts_CS4-CS6%201.zip%20%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BF%E3%82%99/Explode%20Shape%20Layer.jsx

[Import layers in After Effects from Affinity Designer]

Export as an EPS file. Import into AE. Add EPS to a new comp. Run explode shape layers script and you will have one shape layer for each element.

[Affinity Designer - Paste inside of group]

I would love a way to paste an object inside a group.  In the attached image, I want to paste the pink rectangle inside the group that contains three elements.  I know that there are ways to get the same effect, but I want to keep the file as small and editable as possible.

[Black and White Images as Layer Mask]

Ha!  So great!  I totally overlooked that one!  Thank you for the heads up.  That's what I needed and of course, it works better than PS.  Thanks.

[Black and White Images as Layer Mask]

We need a way to use black and white images as a Layer Mask.  I am trying to use some grain/noise images as a matte, but my final image needs an alpha channel.  Currently, I have to use PS to convert my BW images to an image with an alpha channel to use.  The workflow isn't very convenient.  I have attached the type of image that I would like to use as a Layer Mask.  You can see that creating a selection from the image would be impossible. 

[Interesting behaviour of masked layer]

We definitely need support for b/w images as a mask.  I want to use textures like paint splatter as a layer matte, but it is impossible at the moment.  The grain/splatter/noise textures that I want to use are too integrate to create an image with an alpha channel.  I have to use PS to create a file to use as a matte first...not a good workflow.