Feature request: The outer shadow on its own layer

[Pietje Bogerman]

In Photoshop it is possible to give a the layer effect of the outer-shadow its own layer. So you can transform the shadow without transforming the object. I use this a lot, because the shadow tells a lot about the position of the object. I realy would like this possible in Affinity Designer as well!

[Old Bruce]

Not available as far as I know.

[fde101]

@Pietje Bogerman,

You can use the Offset Tool in the Layer Effects window (click on the "fx" along the bottom of the Layers panel) to do this, for both inner and outer shadows.

[Imaginary]

There is a workaround:

1. Duplicate the layer without the fx

2. In the original layer create the outer shadow (or whatever fx you like)

3. In the fx dialog set fill opacity to 0%

4. Rasterise this layer with "Preserve layer fx" unchecked

5. You get a pixel layer with the fx only

[RNKLN]

I do the following (still a workaround, but non-destructive):

1. Duplicate the layer
2. Apply Levels adjustment, black all the way up to make it fully black
3. Apply Gaussian Blur effect
4. Move to bottom (if you not already took the bottom layer) and shift position 

It can even be used if the original image is under a certain angle or has a perspective filter applied (using Affinity Photo, probably).

[fde101]

4 hours ago, RNKLN said:

Duplicate the layer

To take this a step further, considering making it a symbol and having your "duplicate" layer being a symbol to which the levels adjustment is applied.

That way if the original shape is modified the shadow will reflect those changes.