How to copy both semi transparent and opaque pixels in one operation?

[Affinity Rat]

I’ve been disappointed in my recent work because when I copy an pixel based object not all pixels are selected, as a result the copy tends to be smaller than the original as the semi transparent pixels on the edge are not copied.

This is particularly noticeable with small objects.

So how to capture all pixels with a copy or duplicate operation? 

[carl123]

Just a couple of guesses as I don't really know what you are trying to do

Option 1:

Select > Alpha Range > Select Fully Transparent
Select > Invert Pixel Selection

 

Option 2:

Select > Alpha Range > Select Opaque
Select > Save Selection > As Spare Channel

Select > Alpha Range > Select Partially Transparent

In the Channels Panel, right-click the Spare Channel, you created above, and select...

Add To Pixel Selection

 

57 minutes ago, Affinity Rat said:

How to copy both semi transparent and opaque pixels in one operation?

Record the above into a macro

[walt.farrell]

@carl123: Your answer seems desktop-specific, but the question is about the iPad applications.

Sorry, Affinity Rat, but I don't have an answer for you.

[carl123]

1 minute ago, walt.farrell said:

Your answer seems desktop-specific, but the question is about the iPad applications.

So it is, my mistake.

I wonder if you created a macro on the desktop, would it work on an iPad?

[Alfred]

1 minute ago, carl123 said:

I wonder if you created a macro on the desktop, would it work on an iPad?

It should do. You would need to export it as a *.macros file from the Library panel, rather than a *.macro file from the Macros panel, because APh on iPad can only import the former file type.

[NotMyFault]

The safest option is to use an rectangular shape (no fill, no stroke) in the “full” size, and embed the “too small” pixel layer into it. then copy / paste the container object.
Affinity automatically removes fully transparent areas of every pixel layer, at the source. You can see this if you activate the move tool: it shows lower size for pixel layers having fully transparent areas at the edges.

As far as I know, there is no way to change this behavior only using pixel layers / pixel based tools.

Another method would be to separate rgb content from alpha channel by using a mask. The combination of pixel layer with mask should work keeping the size of the original pixel layer.

[NotMyFault]

5 hours ago, Affinity Rat said:

the semi transparent pixels on the edge are not copied.

I cannot confirm. Only full transparent pixels get removed. E.g. if all pixels are fully transparent on the left side for 7px, then the copied layer will start on position 7 and will be 7px less wide.

[walt.farrell]

5 hours ago, Affinity Rat said:

because when I copy an pixel based object not all pixels are selected

How are you copying it?

[Affinity Rat]

5 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

How are you copying it?

Either selecting and duplicate or holding pick tool til the context menu gives copy option.

Seems to me users should be able to control these semi transparent settings. This is really a pain for what should be such a basic operation.

How else can you copy an object? 

[walt.farrell]

5 minutes ago, Affinity Rat said:

How else can you copy an object?

You could be talking about using one of the pixel selection tools, or one of the various options in the Select menu. Or about selecting the layer in the Layers panel. 

How you build the selection may influence what gets copied.

[NotMyFault]

Could you screen record an example?
actually, i cannot reproduce what you describe, especially regarding semi transparent pixels. Affinity strips off fully transparent pixels, but not semi transparent ones. then, duplicate always duplicates the full pixel layer no matter if a selection is active or not (on iPad), and does not respect any selection.

 

[Affinity Rat]

I used the rectangle selection tool to “enrectangle” an object with a feathered border, then using the pick tool and holding finger down until the context menu says copy then paste.

Now selecting the newly pasted object from the layers palette and again using pick tool to copy and paste, no selection tools used, the two layers are not identical.

 

[NotMyFault]

What is the pick tool?

which persona is active ? Selection or photo Persona, or switching between both?

sorry, this piecemeal information is not sufficient to understand the whole edit workflow you are using. A screen recording or listing of every single step would help, including an example document (pixel layer, other layer types, …)

[walt.farrell]

2 hours ago, Affinity Rat said:

I used the rectangle selection tool to “enrectangle” an object with a feathered border, then using the pick tool and holding finger down until the context menu says copy then paste.

Now selecting the newly pasted object from the layers palette and again using pick tool to copy and paste, no selection tools used, the two layers are not identical.

 

They would not be identical unless you were sure to "enrectangle" all of the pixels, which may be more than you can see given the feathered border.

But as @NotMyFault mentioned, having a video would help. I would also like to have your sample document to play with