Layers

[Mrsm12]

Hi. I'm really new to this and am currently working through a beginners course. One of the tasks is to open a new doc and then use the rectangle tool to create 3 separate rectangles, color them different colors and then work on each 1 (as a separate layer). My problem is, (a) when I create a rectangle, I can't create a second 1. (b) I can't 'set the rectangle on the page. (c) I can't add color to it by clicking on the 'color palette' in the studio. (d)I don't get layers for each rectangle. 
Sorry if this sounds really confusing, but if someone can help I will greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[GarryP]

Welcome to the forums @Mrsm12

You are using the wrong tool for what you want to do.
You are using the Rectangular Marquee Tool whereas you want the Rectangle Tool.
Click on the little “double-right-arrow” icon at the bottom of your Tools Bar (left of the window) and you should see more tools.

I would show you a video but my Tools Bar is very different to yours.

[Hangman]

Hi @Mrsm12 and welcome to the forums,

In your screenshot, you have the marquee tool selected which is used when making a selection.

You need to use the Rectangle tool which isn't shown in your screenshot but is likely shown in your fully expanded UI and will appear as a white outlined box which when hovered over with the mouse will be called Rectangle Tool. The keyboard shortcut for the rectangle tool is 'U'.

[Mrsm12]

13 minutes ago, Hangman said:

Hi @Mrsm12 and welcome to the forums,

In your screenshot, you have the marquee tool selected which is used when making a selection.

You need to use the Rectangle tool which isn't shown in your screenshot but is likely shown in your fully expanded UI and will appear as a white outlined box which when hovered over with the mouse will be called Rectangle Tool. The keyboard shortcut for the rectangle tool is 'U'.

Thank you SO much. I'm sorted. Feel so silly. Thank you.

[Mrsm12]

14 minutes ago, Hangman said:

Hi @Mrsm12 and welcome to the forums,

In your screenshot, you have the marquee tool selected which is used when making a selection.

You need to use the Rectangle tool which isn't shown in your screenshot but is likely shown in your fully expanded UI and will appear as a white outlined box which when hovered over with the mouse will be called Rectangle Tool. The keyboard shortcut for the rectangle tool is 'U'.

Thank you SO much. You solved my problem with 1 click! Thank You.

[Mrsm12]

17 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Welcome to the forums @Mrsm12

You are using the wrong tool for what you want to do.
You are using the Rectangular Marquee Tool whereas you want the Rectangle Tool.
Click on the little “double-right-arrow” icon at the bottom of your Tools Bar (left of the window) and you should see more tools.

I would show you a video but my Tools Bar is very different to yours.

Thank You. You solved my problem in 1 click. 

[GarryP]

You’re welcome.

It’s worth saying that you can show more tools by:

1. selecting menu “View → Customise Tools…”;
2. setting the "Number of Columns" to 2 (or more) via the drop-down at the bottom-left of the tools customisation panel;
3. dragging tools from the tools customisation panel, if you want to;
4. pressing the “Close” button when you’re finished.

See attached screen grab.

[Mrsm12]

4 minutes ago, GarryP said:

You’re welcome.

It’s worth saying that you can show more tools by:

1. selecting menu “View → Customise Tools…”;
2. setting the "Number of Columns" to 2 (or more) via the drop-down at the bottom-left of the tools customisation panel;
3. dragging tools from the tools customisation panel, if you want to;
4. pressing the “Close” button when you’re finished.

See attached screen grab.

You're a lifesaver! Thanks!

 

[GarryP]

You’re welcome.

I think I should also probably point out, in case you weren’t aware, that the tool icons which have a little triangle at the bottom-right are dual-purpose.

You can click them to select the tool shown in the icon, or you can long-press (or right-click) the icon or click the little triangle part to get a drop-down of other similar tools which can then be selected to become the 'main' tool for that icon.

[Pšenda]

6 hours ago, Mrsm12 said:

and then use the rectangle tool

If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to use as much information as possible from the application's Help.

https://affinity.help/photo2/English.lproj/pages/Tools/tools_rectangle.html
vs
https://affinity.help/photo2/English.lproj/pages/Tools/tools_marquee.html

Also use Hint/Tooltip for tool icons.
 vs