Non-layer groups for editing?

[AndresTDF]

Hi,

I'm looking for a way to make groups of objects so I can select and edit them (effects, fill colour, etc) simultaneously that are not layer groups. "Layer groups" (the groups made with cmd+G) won't work because that grouping puts all the objects together in a layer, which means I can't intercalate objects from a different group (I want the relative position of objects to be independent of these groups). I would also like to be able to assign an object to multiple groups, for example all purple objects are in group A, all blue in group B, but some from A and some from B are also in group C, so groups within groups doesn't work either.

The closest I can do is versions of "select same", but there are way to few filter options for it to work like I intend. I would need to be able to select objects by shape, fill, stroke, and layer group in any boolean combination (and, or, not, or not) at the same time. But being able to assign the result to an "edit group" would save a lot of time, and I could manually add/remove objects to/from those groups. Is there any way to achieve something like this? Thanks!

[walt.farrell]

Welcome to the Affinity forums.

Layer States might help you. 

Help for Photo: https://affinity.help/photo2/en-US.lproj/pages/LayerOperations/layerStates.html

Help for Designer: https://affinity.help/designer2/en-US.lproj/pages/ObjectControl/layerStates.html

[AndresTDF]

Thanks Walt! It's not exactly what I was looking for, but it would be close enough if it existed.

There is no "States" option in my Affinity Designer 2 (version 2.1.1 for Mac). I've looked at the links you provided and the tutorial on Layer States from Affinity Designer on Youtube and the option is just missing for me. It's right between "Snaphots" and "Stock" in the video, but as you can see in my screenshot it just isn't there in my case. I've also searched for it in the Help bar and there is nothing. Any idea on what's happening?

[Alfred]

19 minutes ago, AndresTDF said:

There is no "States" option in my Affinity Designer 2 (version 2.1.1 for Mac).

You need to update.

 

[AndresTDF]

Yes, thanks I realised that

I assumed I had the latest version because I did try the "check for updates" option and that didn't lead to an update. It turns out it's blocked by my institution's IT security, and I can't just update software on my own, the updates have to roll out through the IT department. They're usually really good in keeping things up to date, but for some reason they haven't updated Affinity software in over a year... I've escalated the issue with them and with some luck it will be updated soon.