How To Fill and Preserve Layer Transparency

[TomHu]

In Photoshop the Fill option has a checkbox that allows you to preserve the transparency of the layer you're filling.

I can't figure out how to do this in Affinity Photo, and haven't been able to find anything in the Help files either. If this kind of thing is possible in Affinity Photo, can you tell me how it's done or point me to a web page that explains it? Thanks!

[Gabe]

Hi @TomHu,

Welcome to the forums. 

We do not have "Preserve transparency" as an option when using the Edit > Fill. However, there is a workaround. Make your selection, select the Brush Tool, in the context toolbar, tick "Protect Alpha", and use it to fill the area. That will keep the transparency intact. 

Thanks,

Gabe. 

[lepr]

.

[pixeldroid]

On 9/28/2018 at 5:10 AM, >|< said:

You can temporarily lock the Composite Alpha channel in Channels panel when a tool lacks a "preserve alpha" option.

Thanks for point that out! That's how I always did it in PShop.

Note that locking is toggled by clicking the pencil icon - different UI than the lock icon Layers Panel.

As a feature request: This is a common requirement so it would be nice to have this in the Layers Panel and also to be toggled via KBS.

[Brett Stebbins]

There is a simple solution for making transparent PNGs.

1. Go to "Document Setup"
2. Select "Color" tab
3. Select the "Transparent Background" checkbox
4. Export your PNG
5. Vola!! Transparent PNG

[CaroleA]

On 9/28/2018 at 5:46 AM, Gabe said:

We do not have "Preserve transparency" as an option when using the Edit > Fill. However, there is a workaround. Make your selection, select the Brush Tool, in the context toolbar, tick "Protect Alpha", and use it to fill the area. That will keep the transparency intact. 

Interesting that it does not exist for the Flood Fill command. I sure would find it faster than doing it with the Brush.

[carl123]

9 hours ago, CaroleA said:

Interesting that it does not exist for the Flood Fill command. I sure would find it faster than doing it with the Brush.

in APhoto, in the Channels Panel, you can toggle the "Editable" icon for Composite Alpha to off which does the same as Protect Alpha (I think?)

[CaroleA]

8 minutes ago, carl123 said:

in APhoto, in the Channels Panel, you can toggle the "Editable" icon for Composite Alpha to off which does the same as Protect Alpha (I think?)

I guess it does the trick, but that seems convoluted to have to change the panel (or open it if it is not already open), and come back to the Layers panel. And then go back to that panel to toggle it off. Sigh!

But thanks for the information.