Tricks using Affinity Designer

[MaxClass]

To All,

 

As we experiment daily using Affinity Designer we all probably at some time or another run across little tricks that make using the program easier, quicker, more precise, or just more pleasurable to use.

 

So, if you have any special tricks or shortcuts that may be of help to others just post them here under “Tricks” for all to use.

 

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My first trick that may be helpful has to do with Rotations and Accuracy.

 

First would be to always use the “Transform” option and set the exact Rotation you need if possible.

 

When you do not know exactly the angle you need and are trying to rotate an object to align up with some arbitrary angle or line start by zooming in to the highest level where you can still see the object you need to rotate, leaving yourself some wiggle room, and the angle you need to match it to. Once you click and begin to drag on the rotation handle you no longer need to keep the cursor on the handle but can move it away from the center of rotation. The further you move the cursor away from the object the finer the amount of control you have over the rotation.

 

Using this approach you can get extremely fine adjustments of the object you are rotating.

 

Anyone else have some handy ideas?

 

Max

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[MaxClass]

In the “Points to paths” thread someone was talking about selecting points (node) on a path without accidentally moving them.

 

Node Tool Trick

 

Another trick I have found to selects a nodes quickly without actually clicking on them is to touch the path first to select it then using the same node tool drag a selection rectangle around the node(s) you want to select. They will highlight without moving them.

 

Once a path is selected you can also drag a selection rectangle around the complete path, thereby selecting every node in the path, without selecting any other object path around it. Once all the nodes are selected you can them move the entire path by placing the cursor directly over any one node and drag it to wherever you may want it.

 

Also, if you want to align a specific node of a path directly over a specific node on another path using the above technique you can drag the entire object by the node you wish to align on some other path using the “Snap” options.

 

You can also just drag a selection rectangle around multiple nodes and move all those nodes together at the same time.

 

Once you are done moving any nodes you can just press the “A” key to go directly back to the “Move Tool” and continue working.

 

Max

 

P.S. Something to be aware of. If you accidentally click and drag on any part of a straight line segment and move it it WILL get converted into a “curve” segment. Use the ‘command-z’ immediately to “Undo” that action if you need to. You can also use this action to convert a straight line segment into a curve if you need to.

 

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[GRScott]

Great idea! Perhaps a category like "Tips and Tricks" would be good for the forum?  :)

[MaxClass]

No silly, Tricks are for kids..s

 

That was the original idea. Any Tip or Trick that anyone has they can post here for the benefit of all Affinity Design users. A place were we can all learn something from others.

 

Max

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[Ben]

We do have our Tutorials forum section for stuff like this.  If anyone has a way of getting the best out of Affinity, such as neat ways of structuring for clipping and effects or useful ways of using our various tools, that is a good place to share it.  Obviously, it needs to be in the form of a tutorial with clear explanations, rather than just a discussion.