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Posted

So I noticed that dropping a PSD/AFPhoto file into an open Affinity Photo document puts them in a layer named "embedded document", and double clicking on it opens it in a new window, just like "smart layers" in Photoshop.

So what are other methods of creating "embedded document" layers? I can't seem to find options to select a group of layers and gathering them into an "embedded document" like you can in Photoshop.

Second, how can I "explode" that embedded document out into its separate layers in the "parent" document? That is, what if I don't want it embedded anymore, but rather see the actual layers without double clicking on it?

 

EDIT: One bad thing usability wise with editing these embedded documents is that you can't double click them in the layers panel, or even right-click and get an option to edit them. You must double click them in the document with the move tool, which is rather bad for discoverability.

EDIT: Oh, and the above editing paradigm is a bit inconsistent with the "image" layer type, which I hope is non-destructive in its transforms, but which you cannot double click to edit...

Posted

File > Place is the other way to get them.

And yes, embedded documents work differently from embedded images.

The better way of editing them, by the way, is to click on the Edit Document button on the Move Tool's Context Toolbar.

-- Walt
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Posted
14 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

The better way of editing them, by the way, is to click on the Edit Document button on the Move Tool's Context Toolbar.

I did not see that one, thanks! But more consistent would be to also have it in the right-click menu in the layers panel.

 

Anyone know how to convert an "embedded document" to a group of layers?

Posted
16 hours ago, eobet said:

Second, how can I "explode" that embedded document out into its separate layers in the "parent" document? That is, what if I don't want it embedded anymore, but rather see the actual layers without double clicking on it?

Not sure why you would want to, but you could try this...

1. Make a note of the position and size of the embedded document placed in your main document. (Transform Panel)
2. Edit the embedded document
3. Select & copy all layers
4. Paste into the main document (do not deselect the layers after pasting)
5. Resize and position (as per step one) in the transform panel
6. Delete the original embedded document

To save time I am currently using an automated AI to reply to some posts on this forum. If any of "my" posts are wrong or appear to be total b*ll*cks they are the ones generated by the AI. If correct they were probably mine. I apologise for any mistakes made by my AI - I'm sure it will improve with time.

  • 7 months later...
Posted

There are many reasons why you might want to EXPLODE an embedded document, however for me, the main one is to use a vector component of an already constructed vector image. For example a star or a light glint or lens flare. Having already designed them once in the original document, you might want to use them again in a new document without the tedious work of recreating them from scratch. Import the original document, and then delete the parts you don't want ... simple and effective. I find it a bind having to edit the document and then cut and paste the right items. A simple EXPLODE command would be very useful (at least it would for me).

Posted

Instead of importing the original document and deleting the parts you don’t want, try making an Asset from the item in the original document.
That way you can build up a library (or many libraries) of items which can be used in any document without extra editing (unless you actually want to do extra editing, that’s up to you).
This video might be a good start: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/tutorials/designer/desktop/video/301628435/
(Assets work in all Affinity applications but, currently (as of version 1.8.5), Assets aren’t shared between applications, so if you need the same Assets in many applications you will need to export/import.)

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