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I love this! Works great! 
Only thing that's related to this tool that I hope gets improved is this panel:

It's too small. Being able to resize it and making the Profile feature more global so other features could reuse them, i.e. brush settings, would make it even better. It also needs an option to invert the curves.

I think my Affinity app is snappier since Canva took over!

Is this a sign? 😅

Is this a sign? 😅

Is this a sign? 😅

Canva is definitely going to turn Affinity into a subscription service. And when that happens...

Aged like milk. 

Well holy sh#t, I was about to post the old "what chu talkin bout Willis" line, but thought I'd do a quick Google first, and wow 😲

This is HUGE news, and I'm a little miffed we didn't hear it first from the company we have supported and trusted for many years. I personally hate what Canva has done to the design industry, however I can only assume they have the $$ and resources to actually give Adobe a run for their money, on top of that we may finally get image tracing!! Speaking of money, we should prepare for the inevitable subscription-based model, and / or price increase to return the unconfirmed billion-dollar acquisition to investors pockets.

Overall, I'm quite torn about this news, yet not surprised.

The honeymoon is over.

2.4 Features and Improvements
This post is the list of all new features and improvements included in the 2.4.0 release, and the next post is a list of the main bug fixes.
Features and improvements affecting all platforms
(Designer) DWG and DXF export  Outlines created in Affinity can now be exported for use in various CAD applications and utilities for vinyl cutters, plotters and CNC tools Supports drawing scale Tutorial on DWG/DXF Import & Export 
Set selection box can be explicitly set for your selections. Double-click / tap to switch from Node to Move Tool so you can now toggle between them (Designer & Photo) Filename available as variable in Export Persona offering Document Name Document Filename Ability to lock insertion target for all new objects you can choose to: lock "Behind" lock "Inside" lock "On Top" Spacebar modifier for ‘Lock Children’ 
hold the spacebar to temporarily toggle Lock Children on or off for the opposite of the context toolbar setting Tutorial for Lock Children Layers (in Photo) 
 
Space Horizontal / Vertical now considers key object 
If you specify a key object in your selection, the behaviour changes to mean the furthest left (or right) object and the key object will not change position, and the other items are spaced evenly. Tutorial on Aligning, Distributing and Unifying Layers (in Designer) 
Tutorial on Aligning, Distributing and Unifying Layers (in Photo) 
 
Size / Rotate objects to same 
Make all items in your current selection adopt the same width or height or rotation 32-bit HDR PNG support added 
Import and export of 32-bit HDR PNG files, as described in the PNG specification (3rd edition) Tutorial for HDR PNG Import & Export 
(Photo & Publisher) Improved RAW processing and support for 58 new camera models including:  Apple iPhone (14 & 15 [inc Pro/Pro Max/Pro Max Plus]) Canon EOS R8 Nikon Z8 Panasonic DC-GH6 Leica Q3 and M11 Monochrom Fujifilm GFX 100 II DJI Mavic 3 Pro (drone) and many more… In addition to those features on all platforms above, these are the Windows and macOS features and improvements
(Publisher & Designer) Layer States added
Already a feature in Photo, the States Panel is an exciting addition to Designer and Publisher, and adds this new functionality to all applications Capture the current layer visibility across your document Create queries based on various criteria to make a selection or toggle visibility of layers Button to select all layers that fulfil the criteria specified in the query Tutorial on Layer States (using Designer):
 
Localised versions of the changes in 2.4 (and those in earlier releases) can be found here
Affinity Designer Feature List  Affinity Photo Feature List Affinity Publisher Feature List As well as all those improvements above, listed below is a list of the fixed bugs in this release

Currently it's only possible to set export name, path and variables per slice. It would be a huge improvement if you could set global values for all slices, like Illustrators prefix and suffix settings. One way would be simple prefix and suffix fields in the export options tab, or there could be a global path constructor for all slices with user variables and path components like document name, date, incremental counter (for versioning) etc.

Hi Pipouille,

Thank you very much for your suggestion, unfortunately this is currently out of the scope for 2.4, however I will pass your suggestion onto development.

Thanks a lot! This will be a very useful feature!

One point to consider is the conservation of origin. I don't know if this is planned. Being able to preserve the origin of the drawing makes it easy to import dxf files between programs so that they fit in the same place. By having a reference point, you can easily make updates, re-import just one object and have it placed directly in the right place between the software. 
This is a basic principle of CAD files and software.  
Unless it's a mistake on my part. When you import a dxf into Affinity designer now, you can't insert the drawing according to its origin. It's an option that's missing and that would save a lot of time. Rather than having to replace the drawing every time you import it. 

Hi All,
Below is the list of all new feature and improvements which are included in the 2.4 beta (bug fix list is available here).
To learn more about these features please click on the link to go to each feature's dedicated post. To give feedback or report bugs against any of these features please reply to that same post (also check out bug reporting and feedback tips).
Layer States added to Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher DWG and DXF Export added to Affinity Designer Set Selection Box Double click / tap to switch from node to move tool Filename available as variable in Export Persona Ability to lock insertion target Space modifier for Lock Children Space Horizontal / Vertical now considers key object Size / Rotate objects to same 32-bit HDR PNG support added (PNG Third Edition) Additional RAW format support Getting the 2.4 beta
If you have not enrolled into the beta program yet and would like to take part, you can do so here. This will immediately give you access to the latest 2.4 beta builds to try for yourself.
If you are already enrolled in the beta program you have two options:
1. If you still have the 2.3 beta installed, you can now run up those beta versions and you will be prompted to update them to the 2.3 beta.
2. If you have uninstalled the 2.3 beta, you will need to go back to Your Account -> Downloads and product keys and find your previous order for the Affinity Beta Software Program, and you can download the 2.4 beta from there.
Thanks,
Ash

Apps: Designer
Platforms: Windows, macOS and iPad

Affinity Designer now supports both DWG and DXF export, available from both File->Export and the Export Persona.
It's important to note that both these file formats are primarily concerned with vector outline data, with limited support for many of the features Affinity offers. However, it's been a heavily requested feature particularly as it means outlines created in Affinity can be easily exported and consumed in various CAD applications as well as utilities for things such as vinyl cutters, plotters and CNC tools.
Because of this, as well as some of the other fundamental differences in the file formats such as layer structure, while both import and export of DWG is now available we do not consider this a format which is suitable to round trip in Affinity. Or put another way we would not recommend collaborating with an AutoCAD user on the same DWG file.
Within export we do offer various options on how to deal with some of the unsupported features / differences in the file format:

 
Layers
All entities in DWG/DXF belong in a layer. There is always a default “Layer 0” in a valid DWG/DXF file. Affinity also has layers. This setting determines how Affinity layers are mapped to DWG layers, and therefore which DWG layer an exported item belong in

Gradient Strokes
Determines what to do with strokes with a gradient fill applied, which DWG does not support.

Gradient Fills
Determines what to do with fills with a gradient fill applied

Bitmap Strokes
Determines what to do with strokes with a bitmap fill applied, which DWG does not support:

Bitmap Fills
Determines what to do with fills with a bitmap fill applied, which DWG does not support:

Pressure Strokes
Determines what to do with strokes with a pressure profile applied, which DWG does not support:

Overweight Strokes
Determines what to do with strokes with a line weight > 2.11mm, which DWG does not support:

Dashes Strokes
Determines what to do with strokes with a dash pattern applied. DWG does support dash patterns; however DWG dashes do not scale automatically with line weight, as they do in Affinity. 

Scale dash patterns
If any line weight adjustment is made to an exported curve (e.g. it is clamped to the 2.11mm maximum), you may expect the dashes to stay the same length, or you may prefer them to scale automatically as they do in Affinity. The former is similar to AutoCAD’s behaviour - when you change an entity’s line weight, it does not recompute the dashes, which is effectively the opposite of Affinity’s behaviour. If “Scale dash patterns” is on, Affinity’s behaviour is used, so dashes will be scaled down if the line weight had to be scaled down.
Apply drawing scale
When enabled, the drawing scale is honoured. If you export an rectangle that is 1 inch wide and your drawing scale is 1:10, the rectangle will be exported 10 inches wides. Note that Affinity documents support multiple drawing scales within the same document, which cannot be honoured in a DWG/DXF file, so only the first/common drawing scale is applied.
 

Hi All,
I’m pleased to say that we will be pushing 2.3 live to retail this morning. The beta versions were updated yesterday to the same build (2.3.0.2165) as detailed in Patrick’s post here. This means the beta versions are in effect exactly the same as the retail versions we will push so you can keep them installed if you wish. 
As always it’s been a pleasure working with you all on this release and cannot thank you enough for all the bug reports and other feedback you have given. I mentioned at the start of this beta we are working towards a shorter cadence between updates to help us release improvements and bug fixes sooner - and I hope you agree this has worked very well.
With that in mind we will be starting 2.4 beta very shortly (hopefully in just a couple of weeks). Looking forward to seeing you all on here for that!
Thanks again,
Ash

Yes - the construction for a Phi spiral would be fundamentally different to Fibonacci.  The Fibonacci we build from the centre following the sequence.  A Phi spiral would be a constant scaling from the outside.  I'll have a think.
Actually - try using the Decaying spiral, set "Decay per segment" and use 100-(100/phi) for the Decay value. I could probably add this as a preset.
We do have a continuous spiral - it's the plotted one.  Each point is correctly placed.  Currently it's line segments only (though you can increase that to add accuracy).  If I can figure out the maths for correct(ish) curve segments I'll add it.

Nice additional tool.
To bad it only has context toolbar options and none on canvas like other quick shapes.
The presence of nodes suggests as such but it would only draw a new spiral.

Maybe have something like this:
 

2023-10-25 13-58-04.mp4  

OK, I see, grouping is the solution. Thanks for the info.
However: can we agree on this being if not a bug then a very weird behaviour? There is no situation in which the ungrouped behaviour makes sense, no?
To me it's a bug.

Been good to see you having fun with this feature. tbh the main objective of the feature was to make it easy to move an object (and now rotate of course) by a specified value. We originally planned to just have an option to either just move or duplicate a single copy to new location. But then thought useful to add ability to create multiple copies at the same time - effectively power duplicate but with ability to specify number of duplicates rather than hitting cmd-J n times.

I want to be clear we do not consider this something which could become a blend tool, pattern maker or replicate / distribute type tool - we can do a better job of that functionality in other ways. Some of which might be in a >2.2 beta in the not too distant future

Hi All,
We have just made 2.2 live across all App Stores and our website. As always, the feedback we have received from you all during this beta has been an incredible help in both shaping the new features as well as squashing many bugs!
The build we have released is the same as RC3 (build 2005), meaning for the time being whether you use the latest beta version or switch to using the release version they are the same. If you anticipate taking part in the next beta you may wish to keep your current beta version installed, as this will be updated on auto update when a new beta is available. This will either be a 2.2 patch if we feel one is needed, or moving straight onto a 2.3 beta.
It would be impossible for us to do what we do without your support, and I just wanted to say a huge thanks for everything you have contributed to this release.
All the best,
Ash

We are pleased to announce Affinity Designer 2, Affinity Photo 2 and Affinity Publisher 2 are now all updated to version 2.2.0 (for all existing customers on all platforms).
Here are links to the release notes
Affinity Designer 2.2.0 for Windows               ( Microsoft Store and Affinity Store [as sandboxed MSIX and unsandboxed MSI/EXE] ) Affinity Designer 2.2.0 for macOS                  ( Mac App Store and Affinity Store ) Affinity Designer 2.2.0 for iOS                        ( Apple iPad Store )
  Affinity Photo 2.2.0 for Windows                    ( Microsoft Store and Affinity Store [as sandboxed MSIX and unsandboxed MSI/EXE] ) Affinity Photo 2.2.0 for macOS                       ( Mac App Store and Affinity Store )  Affinity Photo 2.2.0 for iOS                             ( Apple iPad Store ) 
  Affinity Publisher 2.2.0 for Windows              ( Microsoft Store and Affinity Store [as sandboxed MSIX and unsandboxed MSI/EXE] ) Affinity Publisher 2.2.0 for macOS                 ( Mac App Store and Affinity Store ) Affinity Publisher 2.2.0 for iOS                       ( Apple iPad Store )  Please follow this thread here to get notified when any new releases are made.

Affinity could handle inherent mask identical to separate mask layers.
meaning offering „release mask“ that would create a seperate mask layer, and then fills the inherent. Saves a few clicks (select from layer, create mask, move mask layer, fill adjustment alpha)

Hi @Ash and @Patrick Connor
After further testing it looks like it is not working on my Mac Studio M2 Ultra, Ventura 13.4.1.
I have installed your config as instructed but when opening any exr file the 32 bit display panel shows only 'raw' in the drop downs (there appear to be other slots but there is no text filling them.) There is a limited choice of 5 variations in the other drop down list. Selecting any combination of these does nothing to the image. 
The OCIO layer option shows many more choices in source colour space and destination colour space but again, none of these changes the image. 
I use an adaption of an AGX config from Eary Chow  in Blender which is written in OCIO v2 format and allows an AdobeRGB workflow. If the program is directed to that config rather than yours, it does not load at all. An earlier version of this config, written for OCIO v1 does work in Affinity Photo V1. 
I hope this helps toward fixing it. I would very much welcome OCIO v2 in Affinity Photo (and rather hastily bought the update thinking it would work without issue.) Not a gripe, appreciate you making the effort toward providing it. I do think though there are many Blender based workflows that will pick up Affinity 2 once functionality is assured. 
Let me know if you need further feedback. 
cheers
 

Very cool, but it would be even cooler if there was an option to add this as an effect or entity to the appearance panel like is done in Illustrator. This approach opens up many options for experimentation. 
Transform.mp4

Hi All,

Below is the list of all new feature and improvements which are included in the 2.2 beta.
To learn more about these features please click on the link to go to each feature's dedicated post. To give feedback or report bugs against any of these features please reply to that same post (also check out bug reporting and feedback tips).
Features and improvements affecting all platforms
OCIO v2 Support (new in build 1931)
Custom text variables (new in build 1903)
Additional keyboard shortcuts for brush tools (new in build 1903)
Alt-click new layer automatically adds selection to that new layer (new in build 1903)
Cross References added to Affinity Publisher
Greyscale and no-FX view mode options added
Change guide colour
Long press tool shortcuts
Custom date formats available in Publisher
All supported image files now available from File->Open in Publisher
Find and replace includes scope and result count
Go to previously viewed spread
Create symbol option added to Layer Menu
Additional options when creating indexes
Windows and macOS features and improvements
Object creation data entry (new in build 1931)
Move data entry (new in build 1931)
Data merge allows fields to set URLs, File locations, emails and anchors (anchors new in build 1931)
Delete node added to right click menu
"Select All on Current Layer" option now available
Grid presets and favourite fonts now sync between apps on device
iPad features and improvements
Decimal place accuracy preferences added to iPad
"Prefer to keep selection" preference added


Getting the 2.2 beta
If you have not enrolled into the beta program yet and would like to take part, you can do so here. This will immediately give you access to the latest 2.2 beta builds to try for yourself.
If you are already enrolled in the beta program you have two options:
If you still have the 2.1 beta installed, you can now run up those beta versions and you will be prompted to update them to the 2.2 beta. If you have uninstalled the 2.1 beta, you will need to go back to Your Account -> Downloads and product keys and find your previous order for the Affinity Beta Software Program, and you can download the 2.2 beta from there. Thanks,
Ash