Request: Layer to document size

[Yuli]

I found the following post while looking for this feature, but I'm posting it here as well as a request so it might get noticed:

 

I'm asking for a "layer to image size" feature like the one in GIMP. This option expands the current layer with transparency to the dimensions of the document.

Some use cases I thought of:
- First and foremost, to facilitate alignment of the layer; not only while working within the document but also across different documents.
- To quickly export the selected layer with the document's dimensions.
- And possibly for other conveniences when using filters or adjustments that affect the alpha channel.

It's impossible to do such a simple task. If anyone knows a workaround that doesn't involve creating a new document just to paste the desired layer... please let me know. Affinity crops out the alpha channel no matter what I try.

 

[HCl]

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[Yuli]

4 hours ago, Return said:

Selection Area

If you mean "Area: Selection Area" in the export panel, that's not what I meant. That exports the layer in its current size, not the document size.

[GarryP]

While you are waiting, you can, in the Transform Panel, with the layer selected, type:

• 0 in the X field;
• 0 in the Y field;
• spreadwidth in the W field, and;
• spreadheight in the H field.

It’s not quick but it does the job.

Maybe it could be made into a Macro, as it will need to do the same thing every time, but I’ve never tried.

[HCl]

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[Yuli]

2 hours ago, Return said:

Just use a rectangle with te size of the document.
Put image on top.
Make the rectangle invisible in the layers panel.
Select both image layer and the rectangle>export selection area>done.

 

 

 

Thank you, this works. It's a bit tedious to have to draw a rectangle for this, but I'll add it to my list of Affinity workarounds for simple tasks...

At least it's non destructive and it solves my two main issues regarding this matter. Thank you!

 

3 hours ago, GarryP said:

While you are waiting, you can, in the Transform Panel, with the layer selected, type:

• 0 in the X field;
• 0 in the Y field;
• spreadwidth in the W field, and;
• spreadheight in the H field.

It’s not quick but it does the job.

Maybe it could be made into a Macro, as it will need to do the same thing every time, but I’ve never tried.

I tried that, but it deforms the image, I only wanted to expand it with transparency.

 

 

 

[GarryP]

10 minutes ago, Yuli said:

I only wanted to expand it with transparency.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.

Another option is to, in the Transform Panel:

1. Set Lock Aspect Ratio to ON;
2. Set the W field to spreadwidth;
3. Set Anchor Point Selector to the Centre point;
4. Set the X field to spreadwidth/2;
5. Set the Y field to spreadheight/2.

Alternatively to step 2, you can set the H field to spreadheight if the image is in a portrait aspect.

Then, if necessary, in the Layers Panel, right-click the image layer and choose “Rasterise & Trim” from the menu.

[carl123]

20 hours ago, Yuli said:

It's impossible to do such a simple task.

Right-click the layer, you want to export, in the Layers Panel and select Hide Others (CTRL+H)

File > Export as normal

(Selecting... Whole document, if previously changed)

Windows 11

[HCl]

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[carl123]

4 minutes ago, Return said:

Not very convenient when 50 pages with text and/or images.

I am assuming this was a question related to APhoto due to the fact that the original post references APhoto and Gimp not Publisher(?)

[HCl]

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