Trying to convert a compound set of geometric shapes to picture frame doesn't work

[techi]

Hi,

I recently bought the Affinity Publisher workbook to help me learn the software. I am working through the picture frames chapter where it explains that I can convert compound geometric shapes to picture frames. The files that accompany the book include the attached example, which is a set of shapes groups together. The book says to select Layers -> Convert to Picture Frame. However, when I select the group of objects (not the objects individually), then Convert to Picture Frame option is greyed out on the Layers menu. It only enables that option when I select one of the shapes.

How do I convert the shapes so that my inserted picture has a cloud-like border?

 

Thanks,

Paul

[GarryP]

I don’t think you can do what you want as any layer within a Compound Layer is used to further define the shape of the Compound Layer.
This means that if you put a rectangular image inside a Compound Layer the rectangle of the image becomes part of the compound shape.
Your best bet is probably to make a duplicate of the Compound Layer and hide it (for later manipulation, if necessary) and then select the original and use Convert to Curves, then use Convert to Picture Frame.

[GarryP]

Duplicate question to: 

 

[R C-R]

18 hours ago, techi said:

I am working through the picture frames chapter where it explains that I can convert compound geometric shapes to picture frames. The files that accompany the book include the attached example, which is a set of shapes groups together.

I don't have that workbook or the file but are you sure the set of shapes is in a Group layer & not a single Compound layer?

[techi]

@R C-R - I'm not 100% sure of the difference, but I think so (see attached)

 

Thanks

[techi]

@GarryP - I can't convert to curves either. All "convert to" options are greyed out with the group selected.

[techi]

"You must select the layers in the group instead the group layer. After selecting go to menu Layer -> Geometry -> Add. Then go to menu Layer and select Convert to Picture Frame."

**I realise I have duplicate posts so have moved your reply to one thread...

@Komatös - If I select the individual layers rather than the group layer and convert, then it converts each individually, not as a group (see attached)

[Komatös]

@techi

You have to select all layer in the group together! 

[GarryP]

techi: I think Komatӧs has your answer – you have a group of shapes rather than a compound shape.
You need to be aware that the word “compound” has a specific meaning in the Affinity applications when it comes to shapes/curves. (This is in English, I don’t know which word is used in other languages.)

[Alfred]

2 hours ago, GarryP said:

(This is in English, I don’t know which word is used in other languages.)

It’s easy enough to find out!

https://affinity.help/publisher/English.lproj/index.html?page=pages/ObjectControl/compound.html?title=Creating compounds

English (UK): Creating compounds

English (US): Creating compounds

Deutsch* (DE): Erstellen Montagen

Español (ES): Creación de composiciones

etc.

________
*I’ve just noticed that the Language dropdown for the online Help says ‘Español (ES)’ but ‘German (DE)’.
  Edit: Reported here.

[techi]

Brilliant, that solved it. Thanks for the help everyone, especially for the video @Komatös. I've read up on the use of Compounds in Publisher and now understand.

 

Many thanks