Virtual Rasterization

[telemax]

Hi,

Is it possible to rasterize a selected layer/group in a non-destructive way, with a "Live Filter" for example with a live filter "Procedural Texture"?

I would like to rasterize a certain object/layer at a resolution less than the document resolution. For example 1/2, 1/4, etc.

[EmT]

Hi @telemax

Rasterizing cannot be done non-destructively. 
You could make a hidden copy of the group/layer as a backup before rasterizing. 

Live Filters can be added in Affinity Photo, you could try adding Noise which may give a similar effect. 

[joe_l]

56 minutes ago, EmT said:

Live Filters can be added in Affinity Photo, you could try adding Noise which may give a similar effect.

When you work with AD or APu lower the document DPI e.g. from 300 to 72 dpi, rasterise the object and then change back the document DPI to 300. Not sure about any side effects.

[telemax]

Thanks for the reply! I just wanted to reduce the resolution of some of the content to export to PDF ("Nearest Neighbour" method, no blurring). 

2 hours ago, EmT said:

You could make a hidden copy of the group/layer as a backup before rasterizing. 

Yes, I'm using that technique now.

1 hour ago, joe_l said:

When you work with AD or APu lower the document DPI e.g. from 300 to 72 dpi, rasterise the object and then change back the document DPI to 300. Not sure about any side effects.

I use a different method, I create a duplicate for a backup, reduce by half the desired content, raster, increase by half, raster. That's my workaround.

The second workaround is to use the "Pixelate" filter instead of rasterizing, but it gives a slightly rougher result.