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


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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?

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

 

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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.

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I have never mastered color management, period, so I cannot help with that.

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