Multilayer EXRs Import With Each RGB Channel as a Layer

[ebergerly]

So I made a multilayer EXR in Nuke with the results of some 3D render passes. And when I import it into Affinity Photo, the added layers (not including the main image layer) are shown as 3 separate R, G & B layers for each of the render layers. 

Is this something that Affinity is doing, or did I set up the Nuke mulitlayer EXR incorrectly? I was expecting each layer would include the RGB channels, rather than each layer BEING an R, B, or G channel.

Thanks

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by ebergerly

[ebergerly]

Okay, I think I answered my own question. In Affinity Help under OpenEXR support it says:

"Each channel is imported to a discrete layer in the Layers panel."

I don't get it. Why not make a layer a layer, since you already can access the channels under the Channels tab? And it doesn't seem to apply to the main RGB image. 

[ebergerly]

Okay, so one way to do this is to create a new pixel layer, then for each layer representing the R,G&B values create a corresponding spare channel. Then select the new pixel layer, and for each spare channel right click and select "Load to.." and choose the corresponding R, G, or B channel of the new pixel layer.

You also have to make sure you've got full white in the alpha of the new pixel layer, and also that you make everything visible (channels, etc.) once you're done. 

I just wish there was a "import EXR layers as layers, not RGB channels" option.

Edited May 13, 2021 by ebergerly