Can we create an instance of a layer to use as a mask?

[SimonTheSorcerer]

Hello,

often I am using the same layer, e.g. a Text, in multiple instances in the project. I may use it as a mask multiple times for layering effects on it and use have the original as a base as well. Currently I make multiple copies of that layer.

But if I want to then edit that layer, e.g. change font, I have to do it in every copy of it separately. That is time-consuming for Text layers, and borderline unusable for pixel layers.

I wonder how others deal with this workflow. Is there something like Linked layers or Instances or Symbols that we find in Affinity Designer? Can we create a live instance of a layer to use as a mask alongside the original?

[firstdefence]

You would need Affinity Designer, to do what you want, if you have Affinity Designer you can be in Affinity Photo or Affinity Publisher and go to designer to create a symbol but you'd be ping ponging back and forth all the time to grab another instance of a symbol.

[carl123]

5 minutes ago, firstdefence said:

you'd be ping ponging back and forth all the time to grab another instance of a symbol.

or just duplicate a copy of the symbol in the Layers panel - no matter which persona you are in

[,,,]

1 hour ago, SimonTheSorcerer said:

Is there something like Linked layers or Instances or Symbols that we find in Affinity Designer?

Yes, Affinity Photo has layer linking that uses the same technology as Designer's symbols.

Select a text object then do Layer > Duplicate Linked. Now when one text object is edited, the linked text object is simultaneously updated.

 

[SimonTheSorcerer]

4 minutes ago, anon2 said:

Yes, Affinity Photo has layer linking that uses the same technology as Designer's symbols.

Select a text object then do Layer > Duplicate Linked. Now when one text object is edited, the linked text object is simultaneously updated.

 

Fantastic, I didn't know it was there. Thanks a lot.

[Old Bruce]

2 hours ago, SimonTheSorcerer said:

often I am using the same layer, e.g. a Text, in multiple instances in the project. I may use it as a mask multiple times for layering effects on it and use have the original as a base as well. Currently I make multiple copies of that layer.

 

You can try using Photo's Link panel to connect the Text layers's Text Content.