Edit Channels like Layers and/or Map Layers to Channels

[Jochen Damm]

Hi there,

I'd like to discuss a new way of editing by manipulating the channels directly.

• create adjustment layers for specific channels
• create layered sub-channels - they do exist but not the possibility to group them under the composite channel
• group several channels of specific layers like all rgb red channels of 3 layers and apply adjustment layers
• copy and paste channels

There are quite a few requests for pasting images into alpha channel. But why the limitation to that? There should be the option to paste something in every channel possible across all color spaces. And it should be possible to open a channel like a layer for editing it directly with the tools like brushes or eraser/rubber. It could be opened as grayscale or in the specific color of the channel (if rgb or cmyk).

But I focus on an other way/highlight: Mapping or assigning layers to specific channels like in Krita. It is possible to assign a layer to one or more channels. By defaull every channel is active but you can deactivate channels you won't be feeded with. I think it is the easiest way to create non-destructive color extractions. You keep the original image but extract only the parts you need because it's just filtered output. The ideal solution for projects with needs for 1c or 2c. Examples might be 2c newspaper print or pad printing. Affinity has the black and white filter to produce 1c black images instead of 4c black. But that is not the best way of handling. There are problems if the linked image has the wrong proile attached. With these solution it can be possible to overcome that obstacle by defining how Affinity Photo should handle it: convert or assign.

Both ways oppose and complement each other. If you can assign layers to channels there is no need to edit channels directly. But I think that Affinity should support both ways because they're complete opposite. Designers are quite different in their thinking how something should work and therefore the tools need to be flexible to fulfill their users will.

[kirk23]

That all is already possible  in APhoto through "procedural" live filter   where you could set to which channel  a layer inputs. By setting zero values to CMY  you , make the layer input to only K  etc.

And for alpha you  can use erase blend mode and  blend ranges .

Also levels and curve adjustment layers have a drop down  to chose which channel is affected.  

In a word  editing a specific channel is  no issue in APhoto at all.     The problem although  APhoto  multiply zero alpha pixels on  other channels when open a tga or tiff with alpha.   making "black holes" in them .

 

 

But I agree  such a simple interface could be  easier  to work with . more elegant and simple.

I'd love we have  a few  feature borrowed from Krita.   Clone layers that inherit transforms for example.   16/32 bit cmyk.     non-destructive  mesh deform. wrap mode etc

Krita has chances to become more advanced  2d image editor than Affinity

 

 

 

[NotMyFault]

For that purpose even a channels mixer adjustment might be sufficient (directly available both in Designer and Photo)