Layers

Vector Layer

Vector layers are the default drawing destination for vector brushes. They store their contents as vector shapes and can be edited with the brush, eraser, smudge, fill and transform tools.

Vector Layers vs Vector Groups#

Vector layers are effectively a simplified alternative to vector groups. Here is an overview of the benefits and limitations of vector layers compared to vector groups in ToonSquid.

Benefits of Vector Layers#

• Vector layers can have editing performance benefits over vector groups when working with a large number of vector shapes since they do not require each shape to be stored in a separate layer.
• Some users find it easier to navigate the drawing layer list without vector groups, especially when the layers are also organized using regular group layers.

Limitations of Vector Layers#

• The vector shapes inside of a vector layer cannot be independently selected.
• The order of the vector shapes inside of a vector layer cannot be changed.
• The individual shapes inside of a vector layer cannot be animated independently.
• The path control points of the vector shapes inside of a vector layer cannot be viewed or edited using the path tool.
• The individual shapes inside of a vector layer don't support masking, corner radii, or the trim properties of path layers.
• The shapes inside of the vector layer can only have a normal blend mode and no opacity reduction that affects their combined stroke and fill colors (unlike the path layer's opacity property).
• Effects cannot be assigned to the individual shapes inside of a vector layer.

Converting Vector Layers to Vector Groups#

Any vector layer can always be manually converted into an equivalent vector group.

1. Tap the vector layer in the drawing layer list.
2. Select Create Vector Group.

Converting Vector Groups to Vector Layers#

Vector groups can be converted into vector layers if all of the path layers in the group are compatible with the limitations of shapes inside of vector layers as described above.

1. Tap the vector group in the drawing layer list.
2. Select Create Vector Layer.

Converting All Vector Groups to Vector Layers#

If you would like to convert all of the compatible vector groups in a project into vector layers at once, follow these steps:

1. Open the project.
2. Tap on Actions at the top.
3. Tap on Settings.
4. Select the Info tab on the left.
5. Scroll down and select Convert Vector Groups to Vector Layers.