Copying shapes from a photograph

[Jacla]

I want to create detailed outlines for selected elements of  photographs. I have tried this using a raster graphics package with some success , but cannot enlarge the resulting images very far. In Affinity thus far I have imported a photo, opened two new layers and use the top layer for drawing. The middle layer is filled to provide a white background that I can turn on or off to see how the image is developing. At present I am using the pen tool with either a line or polygon setting. I cannot discover how to definitively indicate that I have completed a shape outline and wish to move on to a new one. I click around rather wildly in the hope that the blue line will turn back and I shall get an indication of a new curve showing in the layer area. Sorry for the naive question! Also , is there any limit to the number of curves one can create in a particular layer?

[R C-R]

16 hours ago, Jacla said:

I cannot discover how to definitively indicate that I have completed a shape outline and wish to move on to a new one.

In Line mode, you can only draw lines with one start & one end node, so each pair of nodes you create is automatically 'completed' into a line.

In Polygon mode, you can either close the shape by clicking on the first node you created, which creates a closed path & thus completes it, or if you want to leave its path open you can press CMD (Mac) or CTRL (Windows) + D or the Escape key to deselect the shape & 'complete' it as an open path shape.

17 hours ago, Jacla said:

Also , is there any limit to the number of curves one can create in a particular layer?

In Affinity, each curve (or other object) is normally on its own individual layer. Exceptions are the special "(Curves)" & "(Compound)" layer types. In general, leaving each curve on its own layer & combining them into Group layers works well for most uses.

You did not mention if you are using Affinity Designer or Affinity Photo but for either one there are lots of video tutorials you may find helpful, particularly the 'getting started' ones found here for Designer & here for Photo.

[John Rostron]

@Jacia, I had difficulty reading your post. I can just manage the default size  script on my tablet, but not yours. I can enlarge the screen, but the text then runs off the sides.

Please use the standard font size when posting.

John

[Jacla]

Thanks for the help. I'm using Affinity Designer. Sorry about the font size. Will use default in future.

Jacla