Image layer and Pixel layer

[telemax]

Frequent question - what is the difference between two different layers like "Image" and "Pixel".

"File > Open" command, opens the photo as a "Pixel" layer. Dragging photo from a folder to an open document, creates the "Image" layer.

To work with pixel selection, the "Image" layer must be converted to the "Pixel" layer (right click, Rasterise).

 

Image layer allows you to replace images, this is very useful for working with complex design.

 

Image layer allows you to return the original scale or dpi (ppi).

 

Image layer saves compression if it is jpg, reducing document file size.
https://affinity.help/photo/English.lproj/pages/Layers/layerImage.html

 

Image layer can be a link to a file, which greatly reduces document file size.
https://affinity.help/photo/English.lproj/pages/Media/embeddingVsLinking.html

 

Image layer allows you to quickly recolor, by simply selecting the desired fill or stroke color.

 

"Convert to Curves" command, turns the "Image" layer into a vector object with a Bitmap Fill.
You can edit the Bitmap Fill using the "Gradient Tool" https://affinity.help/photo/English.lproj/pages/Tools/tools_gradient.html

 

[John Rostron]

@telemax, I do appreciate such short-and-sweet tutorials, especially as text/pictures rather than video. I see that this information comes from the help files, but your tutorial told me things that I had not realised. So, keep up the good work.

However, your title is Image layer and Pixel layer. But you focus almost exclusively in just the Image layer.

John

[walt.farrell]

1 hour ago, John Rostron said:

But you focus almost exclusively in just the Image layer.

There's an implied comparison, as each point illustrates something that is not true of Pixel layers.

@telemax: It is also possible, in Publisher, to convert a Pixel layer into an embedded Image layer. From memory (as I'm away from that computer right now), Layer > Convert to Image Resource. (And subsequently, to use the Resource Manager to extract the embedded Image to an external file and make it a linked Image.)

[Graphix_Guy82]

Thank you for explaining.  I don't know if I need to write this as a new question in a new section or not, but I was wondering if you could please tell me the difference between a layer and a pixel layer in Affinity Designer then?

 

 

[GarryP]

11 hours ago, Graphix_Guy82 said:

I was wondering if you could please tell me the difference between a layer and a pixel layer in Affinity Designer then?

There are many types of layer – Smart Shapes, Curve layers, Curves layers, Layer layers, Adjustment layers, Mask layers, etc. – and they each have their own idiosyncrasies, so trying to explain “the difference” between “a layer” (in general) and “a pixel layer” (specifically) would be difficult.
Would you be able to re-word the question?