How to Use Layers

There are several types of layers available depending on the type of graphics and artwork you are aiming to achieve: bitmap or vector.

Bitmap Layers: Allow you to use bitmap graphics which are made of pixels on a grid that resemble tiny dots, which altogether make up the drawing you are creating or artwork you are importing. Bitmap graphics impart a more natural and soft look to your work. The colour is defined on a pixel-by-pixel basis—see Changing the Resolution of Bitmap Layers and About Layers.

Vector Layers: Allow you to create 2D graphics that are made of many individual, scalable objects. Each object is created by a mathematical equation rather than pixels, so they always display at the highest quality. Because they are scalable, vector objects are resolution independent. You can increase and decrease the size of vector objects and your lines remain crisp and sharp, which is ideal for cartoons! On vector layers, the colour is defined for the whole stroke.

Vector objects consist of lines, curves, and shapes you can edit and transform using their control handles. Vector graphics are not restricted to rectangular shapes like bitmap graphics. You can place vector objects over other objects, and the object below will show through.

3D Layers: Allow you to manipulate imported 3D objects (.fbx). After importing 3D object into the Library, you can add it the Layers list to automatically create a 3D layer.

Group Layers: Allow to group multiple layers that can consist of vector, bitmap and 3D layers—see Grouping Layers.

Adding Layers

You can add an unlimited number of layers to a panel.

Deleting Layers

You can delete layers you no longer need. This keeps your project clean and tidy.

Showing and Hiding Layers

Working with many layers, it may be useful to hide certain layers.

You can also show or hide group layers. When you do so, all of its sub-layers are shown or hidden, and the state of the Show/Hide icon on each sub-layer is respected. For example, if you hide a group layer that contains one hidden layer and two visible layers, all of the layers in the group are hidden. When you show the group layer, it will once again show one hidden and two visible layers because the visibility state of each layer is retained.

NOTE: When merging layers, hidden layers will be excluded and left unmerged.

Locking and Unlocking Layers

You can lock a selected layer to protect any objects on it from being changed. Once locked, you can unlock the layer to make changes to any objects on it.