Why isn't the pixel drawing pixels in Affinity Photo?

[DanielFlaum]

I am trying to use the pixel tool to, well, draw pixels. But every time I try to use it, nothing happens. The brush tool works just fine.

I have checked to make sure that:

• My layer is a pixel layer.
• The pixel layer is not locked.
• The pixel layer is not transparent or hidden.
• The pixel layer's blending mode is normal.
• The pixel tool's opacity is 100%.
• The pixel tool's hardness is 100%.
• The color I have selected is a different color than that on which I am drawing.

Nothing seems to work. Here is a screenshot of my window, in which someone might spot what's wrong:

Thanks very much in advance!

[DanielFlaum]

Figured it out. I found instructions in the user manual under "pixel-aligned painting". It says:

1. Use the Layers panel to select the layer that you want to work on, or create a new layer.
2. From the Tools panel, select the Pixel tool.
3. From the Brushes panel, select a brush thumbnail of your choice. Use hard-edged brushes from the Basic category for best results.
4. Adjust the context toolbar settings.
5. Select a stroke color from the Color panel.
6. Drag on the page in the direction that you want the brush stroke to follow.

What worked for me was step 3. Apparently a brush is not selected by default.

[firstdefence]

Also need to look at the other settings such as if Protect Alpha is Checked this is on the top context menu next to the "Normal" blend setting. If checked you need to uncheck it if the pixel layer is transparent