Apply HSL adjustment to multiple objects or groups of objects at same time [Designer V1]

[ronanski]

Hi is there a way to use the HSL adjustment dialog with several objects at once. When I try selecting all the ones I want with the same adjustment, after I select the adjustment option all but one just get deselected. Seems it should be a simple thing to do. Am I missing something.

[iconoclast]

Did you also try to apply the HSL-filter to a group with that several objects or groups of objects in it?

[ronanski]

Well yea that was my workaround, but it just seemed messy in my layers panel, and then I have 2 layers of adjustment as each one is adjusted previously in a different way as well, just wanted to add to the existing adjustment without having to edit them all individually.

[iconoclast]

I'm not sure if I understand what you want, but you can add adjustment layers to single layers and also to the group they are in. So you can adjust the single layers separately and also the group they are placed in. I can't imagine another, easier way at the moment.

[NotMyFault]

On 6/7/2023 at 11:56 PM, ronanski said:

Hi is there a way to use the HSL adjustment dialog with several objects at once.

No. All adjustments create a new adjustment layer - exactly one layer. Selecting multiple layers before adding adjustments has no effect.

Once you created and adjustment layer, it depends on its position in layer stack how manny layers get impacted.

If you want to have the adjustment layer impact specific layers, but deviating from the usual layer blending rules, you can

• copy (duplicate) the layer multiple times, and nest it as child layers where you want it applied 
• duplicate linked to have all copies using the same settings, allowing later adjustments 
• merge down optionally

This behavior is industry standard for layer blending, and file formats capable to store multiple layers Mandate this behavior.

Other apps using destructive instead of non-destructive methods may offer the function you desire.

[GarryP]

Note: The OP asked about Designer V1 but if you have Photo then this sort of thing is possible via Links. (I can’t remember if Linking is available in Photo V1, or whether it’s just a V2 thing.) (The Links functionality is available in Photo V1 but the V1 applications are no longer available for purchase.) Just thought I’d mention this in case it was useful to anyone who finds the thread. See attached video.

Edited June 9, 2023 by GarryP
Added clarification.

[ronanski]

Duplicating the adjustment layer sounded like a good idea at first, so tried that. Although it made the end result more organised it ended up being far more time consuming than remembering an exact number and manually changing them all unfortunately.

Could you explain further the 'duplicate links' option (although am I understanding from Garry P this is not available on designer?) and the 'merge down' option please, thanks

[R C-R]

1 hour ago, ronanski said:

Could you explain further the 'duplicate links' option (although am I understanding from Garry P this is not available on designer?)

Yes it is only available in AP (& via Studio Link in the Photo persona of APub if you have AP installed) & it is not very intuitive but check out the AP Linking help topic for how that works. As Garry showed, you drag the adjustment layer from the Layers panel into the Links pane to link it. 

[NotMyFault]

For me the big question is what you want to achieve. It seems you have a fixed idea how to get this, and run into limitations or dead ends soon.

• why do you need HSL adjustments (identical) on multiple layers (which are not grouped, or have a suitable sequence in layer stack)?
• can you simply use the adjustment layer inherent mask?
• can you use other criteria to selectively apply the HSL adjustment? E.g. based on color, alpha value etc.
• are layers vector, pixel or mixed?
• Could you use global colors ? (For vector layers)
• Could you use Photo (which is more flexible for this kind of workflows)

It would really help us understanding your needs and suggest better solutions if you can provide an example file.

The most native solution is to adjust the layer sequence in layer stack, either directly or by using groups. It really depends on how many layers you have in the file, the type of that layers, and if the number is static or you need to add more layers later.

[NotMyFault]

Another creative approach in Designer, using symbols instead of linked layers

1. create symbol from all layers in the document (may need to move them into a group of vector layer)
2. duplicate symbol 
3. add HSL adjustment between symbol layers in stack
4. deactivate sync
5. now deactivate layers inside symbol instances: on top, all who should get HSL adjustment. On bottom, all who don’t get HSL adjustment

This approach only works if the layer blending can be split and does not depend on sequence

[ronanski]

I looked at that help section on linking, however, the duplicate linked option was always greyed out, not sure what I'm doing wrong.

So I want it so I don't have to go through and edit the individual elements, (which could be a hundred or so if it were a more complex design). Not sure why one cannot select all instances and edit in one dialogue box for all like you would for other things, such as stroke, colour, effects etc.

Not sure what the adjustment layer inherent mask means? or the next line? (sorry I'm not exactly an advanced user with this programme)

All layers are vector and I want them to stay that way

Not sure how global colours work, would this be something I should've set up before duplicating/ creating multiple copies?

I do have photo, but is this just for pixel related content? I want non destructive actions that can be easily editable.

The layers issue shouldn't be an issue in this very basic design, however if in another design some of the layers that I wanted to have the same adjustment I then wanted not next to each other (layers wise, as in something in between them without the same adjustment) then this workaround would not work.

Symbols I do sometimes use, but I always forget before I duplicate them, so then it's a bit late. Not sure I understand your 5 steps.