AFFINITY PHOTO - Convert Pixel Layer - Image Layer / Create a Path From Selection

[Krisna]

Hi, good day everyone. I'm wondering is there a way to convert pixel layer to image layer or shape because I can't find the option or button, and is there a way to create a path from selection? Thank you.

[GarryP]

One way to get an Image layer from a Pixel layer is to select the Pixel layer, Copy, Paste Special – Device Independent Bitmap. There may be other ways.

As for getting a path from a selection, I don’t think there’s an easy way (if it is possible at all) but someone else might be able to point you towards something as I remember seeing this requirement come up from time to time.

P.S. This is really two questions and, in the future, you should probably ask them separately so that the answers to each don’t get all mixed up with each other. Easier for others to find the answers too.

[loukash]

4 hours ago, Krisna said:

convert pixel layer to image layer

2 hours ago, GarryP said:

There may be other ways.

1. File > Edit in Publisher (if present)
2. Layer > Convert to Image Resource
3. File > Edit in Photo

or

1. temporarily export layer e.g. as TIFF
2. File > New > any random document size
3. File > Place > place your image
4. Document > Unclip Canvas (to restore original size)

^ If you actually want to open an image as an Image type layer, skip step 1.

2 hours ago, GarryP said:

Paste Special – Device Independent Bitmap

Not available on Mac.

[MEB]

Hi @Krisna,
1. There's no way to convert a pixel layer into an Image layer in Affinity Photo directly. You have to export the layer as a new file as @loukash already explained above (second set of instructions) and place it in your document.

2. Currently there's no way to create a path from a selection, only the opposite.

[loukash]

4 hours ago, Krisna said:

is there a way to create a path from selection?

9 minutes ago, MEB said:

only the opposite

Yeah, the best thing to do is to get used to the reversed workflow:

1. create curves with any vector tool you like;
   if you use predefined Shape tools, convert the shapes to Curves then
2. switch to the Pen tool while the curve is still selected
3. context toolbar > click the Mask or Selection button;
   if you want to keep the curve(s) for later, duplicate them before converting to selection

Also to keep in mind: a closed curve can always serve as a non-destructive mask a.k.a. crop layer, so the destructive mask conversion is often not even necessary.

[Krisna]

Thank you guys for all these answers, it helps me a lot.

[Krisna]

On 4/16/2021 at 3:46 PM, GarryP said:

One way to get an Image layer from a Pixel layer is to select the Pixel layer, Copy, Paste Special – Device Independent Bitmap. There may be other ways.

As for getting a path from a selection, I don’t think there’s an easy way (if it is possible at all) but someone else might be able to point you towards something as I remember seeing this requirement come up from time to time.

P.S. This is really two questions and, in the future, you should probably ask them separately so that the answers to each don’t get all mixed up with each other. Easier for others to find the answers too.

 

22 hours ago, loukash said:

1. File > Edit in Publisher (if present)
2. Layer > Convert to Image Resource
3. File > Edit in Photo

or

1. temporarily export layer e.g. as TIFF
2. File > New > any random document size
3. File > Place > place your image
4. Document > Unclip Canvas (to restore original size)

^ If you actually want to open an image as an Image type layer, skip step 1.

Not available on Mac.

 

22 hours ago, MEB said:

Hi @Krisna,
1. There's no way to convert a pixel layer into an Image layer in Affinity Photo directly. You have to export the layer as a new file as @loukash already explained above (second set of instructions) and place it in your document.

2. Currently there's no way to create a path from a selection, only the opposite.

 

21 hours ago, loukash said:

Yeah, the best thing to do is to get used to the reversed workflow:

1. create curves with any vector tool you like;
   if you use predefined Shape tools, convert the shapes to Curves then
2. switch to the Pen tool while the curve is still selected
3. context toolbar > click the Mask or Selection button;
   if you want to keep the curve(s) for later, duplicate them before converting to selection

Also to keep in mind: a closed curve can always serve as a non-destructive mask a.k.a. crop layer, so the destructive mask conversion is often not even necessary.

Thank you guys for all the answers, it helps a lot.