Filters can be applied to layers within your document for corrective or creative purposes.
About filters
In Affinity Photo, filters are available in both non-destructive and destructive forms. A variety of filters are available as Live Filters which are non-destructive.
For destructive filters, it's a great idea to make a duplicate layer of the layer you planned to work on. By applying a filter to the duplicated layer, you preserve the original layer's contents, with the option to hide the 'filter' layer as needed.
The following general settings are available from all filter dialogs:
Before/After—when selected, a dividing line is displayed over the document to show a before and after preview. Drag the dividing line to reposition it.
Cancel—exits the dialog without applying the changes to the filter.
Apply—exits the dialog and applies the filter settings to the layer.
Live filters have these additional settings:
Delete—closes the dialog and deletes the filter layer, removing the filter from the image.
Merge—merges the current filter layer with the layer immediately below it in the layer order.
Add Preset—adds the current settings as a preset for use with later images and projects.
Reset—reverts all dialog settings to default.
Opacity—how see through the filter layer is.
Blend mode—changes how the applied pixels interact with existing pixels on the layer below. Choose mode type from a pop-up menu.
To apply a filter:
On the Layers panel, select a layer (we recommend that this is a duplicate layer).
Select the filter from the Filters menu.
If a dialog appears for the filter, follow the steps below:
Adjust the settings in the dialog.
Click Apply.
To apply a live filter from the Layers panel:
On the Layers panel, select a layer.
Click Live Filters and select a filter from the pop-up menu.
If a dialog appears for the filter, follow the steps below:
Adjust the settings in the dialog.
Close the dialog to apply.
The filter is clipped to the selected layer, restricting its effect to just that layer.