Filters can be applied to layers within your document for corrective or creative purposes.
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.
As well as to pixel layers, you can apply destructive filters to mask layers, adjustment layers, live filter layers and masked fill layers; spare channels can also take destructive filters too.
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.
Filters are organised into the following categories.
The following general settings are available from all filter dialogs:
Live filters have these additional settings:
The Fade command becomes available when the most recent edit to the selected layer was made using a destructive filter or tool. The command blends the result of that edit with the layer's previous appearance. The result replaces the layer's current contents.
The filter is clipped to the selected layer, restricting its effect to just that layer.