Go beyond Krita layer basics
Learn about more advanced layer features and find out how to use them. Katarzyna Oleska lays out the available options
Advanced layer features, with Katarzyna Oleska.
Apart from the basic actions you can perform on layers, you can also control them in a couple of more advanced ways, which can speed up your painting process. Each layer can be adjusted by using filters, and choosing one of these options will affect the layer permanently.
Transparency Mask
To create a Transparency Mask click an arrow next to the + icon on the Layers Docker and choose it from the list. Select the Transparency Mask and start painting (Color Selector will change to monochrome). The black painted areas represent 100 per cent transparency and the white areas 0 per cent. Shades of grey in between these two colours represent different values of opacity.
Filter Layer vs Filter Mask
Both Filter Layer and Filter Mask enable the user to apply different filters to the image or selected layer without affecting it permanently. Filter Layer works independently and affects everything that’s below it. Filter Mask works only with one particular layer and affects only that layer. Here the Filter Mask only affects the pirate and not background
You can also use masks and special layers (accessible via the Layers Docker) that will only temporarily affect the painting, because they can be switched off and on. It may increase the size of the file (for formats that support layers), but these special layers ensures the user has greater control over their painting process.
Bring in artwork on a File Layer
File Layer makes it possible to import any image file to your painting. Once imported, it acts like a new layer (a multi-layer file will show in a flattened state). The File Layer, however, remains linked to the original file and so any changes made to the original file will also be visible in your painting.