Vector/pattern fill

[bitblitter]

Just reposting this v1 feature request in the v2 feedback forum.

Would be good to know if implementing this feature is even possible, I assume the inner software architecture doesn't allow it (only bitmaps) and it might only be possible with a hacky and unstable implementation, but if you can confirm it at least we can close the question with a definite answer.

Here's the v1 thread: 

 

[D.E. Main]

This is a must have as far as my work goes.  I've been doing hacks to get around it - but at a cost of many hours, literally.  I vote +1

[DesignDex]

Having this feature would save me the additional steps of exporting a bitmap image every time I need to edit my patterns that are defined using Affinity Designer's Bitmap Fill workaround.

As well, it's important for those like myself who use Affinity Designer art in vector animation programs where vector art is required for all assets so that they maintain their crisp quality no matter how large they appear on screen.

I add my vote to this too!  +1

[PancakeLegend]

I'm just going to keep bumping this feature request whenever it surfaces. 

Vector pattern fill is one of the few features of Illustrator that I really miss. I used it regularly and frequently notice its absence.

[gaiaswind]

+1!

I think the bitmap fill works okayish (but for me raster images kinda defeat the purpose of a vector based tool). I mostly use masks + groups for that purpose, but creating a style with a vector pattern would be sooo much more convenient - I really dearly wish for this feature! 🫰

[v_kyr]

I for my part do clip (clipping) vector patterns to shapes in v1.

[Pep75]

I really really really mis this the most in Affinity Designer! Just a decent vector pattern tool.

[Pipouille]

+1 It's a very useful basic tool for flexibility in vector graphics.

[Ryan Dashkevicz SG]

+1

Very useful. Bitmaps are not necessarily a good workaround.

[Juhani]

+1

As a new user coming from Illustrator I couldn't believe this seemingly basic feature is missing from the Designer.

Please implement this ASAP with an ability to resize the vector pattern fill independently from the selected object.

[JariH]

Designer should be all vectors. No bitmaps, please.

 

[Alfred]

12 minutes ago, JariH said:

Designer should be all vectors. No bitmaps, please.

That’s like saying SVG files should only contain vector objects. Allowing raster objects means more flexibility: you can choose not to use the feature if it doesn’t suit you.

[Old Bruce]

On 6/21/2024 at 2:41 AM, Alfred said:

That’s like saying SVG files should only contain vector objects.

I really wish there was a Vector only document format. One that everyone could use to exchange vector only files, no hidden surprises for the recipients. "Why is the Text rasterized?"

[FrankenGraphics]

The want for vector-only files is fair. It could help avoid some headscratches if popularized. 

However, the pixel persona in Designer was one of its main selling points for me. Different people will have different usecases, mine involves mixed media on the regular. 
Having both is one of Designers' key strengths.

[2ddpainter]

I like also the Vector/Bitmap mix that Affinity Designer have
and the possibilities it offers

for more heavy vector graphics related things
i just use other Programs with more vector graphics features

[Juhani]

I also think the bitmap aspect seems to be quite well implemented inside Designer, in much better way than in Illustrator, and quite often we need to work with images as well, right. But it does not replace vector pattern fills in any way.

It also does not seem too difficult to implement. Now I can take a seamless vector pattern, make it a symbol, duplicate it along the horizontal and vertical axes as many times as I need, group the whole thing and get my vector pattern that I can scale, rotate, etc in any way I want. Updating the symbol updates the pattern. Sounds good right. But it is clunky and requires too many steps to achieve it. It also produces a whole lot of vector paths, which are all the same, adds unnecessary complexity to the file, and there’s no way to save my patterns in a neat fashion within Swatches panel to be used as instant fills for any shape.

[FrankenGraphics]

Absolutely - I'm honestly confused why bitmaps were brought up in this thread to begin with, it's not a dichotomy where one makes the other impossible. 

And as you noted, half the functionality is already in Designer; what's missing is a toolbox along with the ui to orchestrate those functions on a higher level, with a preview included. 

[Artworkzzz]

It would make a lot of sense if we could use a symbol as the fill source instead of a bitmap. Then you could edit it on the fly and see the result instantly and, of course, fully scaleable....no brainer for me!

[D.E. Main]

Many of my projects need a precise, mutable fill that can be tweaked dynamically and used as an asset in a stream of projects.  Bit fill is NOT a viable solution.

I believe that this basic feature request has been our there for a year or two. A vector fill like a symbol fill or pattern fill would make Designer a more serious contender.  Yes, Designer has many Pro tools, but lacking a basic like this is like having a Porsche with out turn signals.  When you need them, they are essential. 

Affinity and CANVA, if you're serious in advancing, supporting the Community, and competing with Adobe - please add.

[maxen]

Eagerly waiting for it.

[GRAFKOM]

And I stopped waiting and bought a year of Adobe package yesterday with a 47% discount on all Adobe programs. Adobe made a promotion for the entire package of programs. I stopped believing that Affinity would make corrections and implement many basic functions.

There are so many bug fixes that appear with each update that it will probably take a hundred years before they are fixed. I always wanted to give a lot more money to the development of Affinity.

There have been no program updates since April, after Canva took over, some corrections are made in secret from the world. Most of the staff probably went on a very long vacation after receiving a solid dose of cash from Canva.

I have been using Affinity in the company on a daily basis for 7 years, but I am starting to get tired of the resistance from SeriCanva people regarding communication with users.

[fde101]

On 6/22/2024 at 2:52 PM, Old Bruce said:

I really wish there was a Vector only document format.

Yep, so when I export my 20 Mpix photos into that format I wind up with 20 million squares... oh, wait...

[Tankitha]

+9 (me, myself, and I, both past, present, and future..... 😉)

But really, though....so useful when you're creating objects and you just need it to have a very simple pattern...like a grid...or something a little more complex. Could create a square with a stroke, drop it in swatches, batabing, bataboom, you drag and drop that on your shape and voila! your rectangle just became a mesh screen...

Can I have it please....?

If it won't ever be available, I want to know why. Affinity is competing with Adobe and if you can't perform, people are gonna jump back to their old ship. Why I never bought V1...it just was not even close.

(I posted this on the old forum, but posting here as well...BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT)

[Cuando]

+100 vector patterns 

[EmmaMeunier]

Using affinity for semi-technical drawing, vector pattern are a strong need!