How to increase size of small layer to be the same size as canvas without enlarging image on the layer.

[Affinity Rat]

In a multi layer document with imported or placed layers that are all different sizes, how to increase the white space around each small object layer to be the same size as the document canvas?

At present because the top layer is smaller than the bottom layer, the bottom layer can be seen. Obviously I could put a blank layer between, or merge the layer with canvas sized blank layer below but I thought there would be a more elegant way to increase the size of the overlying layer.

I assumed when placing the layer that this wouldnt be so clumsy.

 

 

 

 

[NotMyFault]

Hi,

 

an example document would help.

It depends on layer type (image, pixel, vector) and many more factors.

What colour do you want for the extension?

Ok if the resulting layers are of type pixel?

When all layers get the document size, only the top layer stays visible.

10 minutes ago, Affinity Rat said:

Obviously I could put a blank layer between, or merge the layer with canvas sized blank layer below but I thought there would be a more elegant way to increase the size of the overlying layer.

That is about 3 clicks, and elegant in my eyes. Can't image a better way.

• If layer is of type "pixel", select fully / partially transparent, and fill

[Affinity Rat]

Below refers to pixel layers.

In other graphic programs a layer is distinct from an object, ie all layers are the same size. In that case can just paint on the smaller layer covering transparent pixels thereby hiding the layer below.

In AP, the placed layer is an object that can be modified. but adding an new empty pixel layer is different it is not selectable and behaves like layers in other graphic apps.

 

 

[Affinity Rat]

Oooops my misunderstanding, “Place” means position a new object not add a layer. doooh!

[NotMyFault]

Sorry, I don’t understand the issue. Would it be possible for you to upload an example document, and a short screen recording what you are intending to achieve, and what you rate as an issue?

You are mentioning layers, objects, imported layers, placed layers, it is still unclear what exact Affinity object you are referring to. In the context of your original question this is highly relevant to avoid wild guessing on my side.

 

Assuming you are using pixel layers (no curve / image / vector layers), and have the transform panel (xfm) visible to check size and position:

A newly created pixel layer cannot be moved (you call it placed) by move tool, before anything is brushed into it. When it is empty, all pixels are fully transparent. it has no position!
When you have at least one pixel partially transparent, you can start to move it. The fxm shows it size and position. Adding more (e.g. select a rectangular area, and fill it), and the xfm will always show the size/position of the bounding box of all non-transparent pixels in that pixel layer.

If you want all transparent pixels filled with white, select>alpha range>Partially transparent and the Edit>Fill.

 

normally, most users are asking for the opposite function: remove white or remove background.

 

[Affinity Rat]

Below from the help

Quote

About placing content

Once you've opened your image/document, you can place additional content.

Some useful tips when placing content include:

• For images, the placed image is added as an image layer rather than a pixel layer. 
  

So placing is an image layer but has all the properties of an object.

This seems different than most graphic apps that treat a “Layer” as having no boundaries. An image layer in AP does have boundaries if added by using Place but not by adding a layer with the + layer button.

Hmmmmmm

 

[NotMyFault]

Which + Layer Button do you mean?
You can add an empty pixel layer, but you can’t create an image layer this way.

An image layer is kind of a rectangular shape with a bitmap fill.

It can easily be converted into a pixel layer if required, and you can simply put a fill layer behind.

You are correct about 

2 hours ago, Affinity Rat said:

This seems different than most graphic apps

This might cause some initial confusion for all who are switching from other apps. But once you are used to it, it shows some advantages. And again, if unwanted simply rasterize the layer.

[carl123]

On 1/15/2022 at 8:08 PM, Affinity Rat said:

how to increase the white space around each small object layer to be the same size as the document canvas?

Edit > Matte...

If that command exists on iPads

[NotMyFault]

13 minutes ago, carl123 said:

Edit > Matte...

If that command exists on iPads

Filter>Colors>Matte (non-live only)

But only for pixel layers. 
 

We have a gazillion existing different methods to matte a layer destructively or nondestructively.

But all will include at least choosing a color, and rasterizing (in case of image layers, and to consolidate layers)

[Affinity Rat]

I guess my point is, Place does NOT create a layer but an object.

Layers have no boundaries. 
 

Anyway, there are a multitude of ways to deal with it, I just assumed I was missing something.

[walt.farrell]

2 hours ago, Affinity Rat said:

I guess my point is, Place does NOT create a layer but an object.

In Affinity, all objects are layers.

And some layers are Layers (with a capital L), which are a kind of container object that does not have defined boundaries.

[Paul Mudditt]

On 1/20/2022 at 10:19 AM, Affinity Rat said:

I guess my point is, Place does NOT create a layer but an object.

Layers have no boundaries. 
 

Anyway, there are a multitude of ways to deal with it, I just assumed I was missing something.

Once you rasterise the 'object' it becomes a limited by canvas layer. With that layer selected and rasterised try painting outside the old 'object' boundaries and it will be part of that layer.