layer mode in folder

[gimp-artist]

I created many layers, it is messy. I organized by creating folders. Layer modes in folders seem to affect only layers in the same folder. How do I make the layer modes to affect layers outside the folder?

In particular, I have a layer of which layer mode is screen in a folder. The layer has a lens flare with black background color. When the layer is not in the folder the layer screens with background images well. However the layer is in the folder, The whole image background color becomes black since the screen mode doesn't work for the rest of background images.

How do I solve this issue?

[Espermaschine]

Dont think there is a way in Gimp 2.8.

In Gimp 2.10 you can apply the 'Pass through' mode to the layergroup.

[Ofnuts]

(06-30-2018, 01:21 AM)gimp-artist Wrote: I created many layers, it is messy. I organized by creating folders. Layer modes in folders seem to affect only layers in the same folder. How do I make the layer modes to affect layers outside the folder?

In particular, I have a layer of which layer mode is screen in a folder. The layer has a lens flare with black background color. When the layer is not in the folder the layer screens with background images well. However the layer is in the folder, The whole image background color becomes black since the screen mode doesn't work for the rest of background images.

How do I solve this issue?

Fundamentally, layer groups are not meant to organize folders, they are meant to determine the composition order (they are the equivalent of parentheses in a mathematical equation). It turns out that the grouping has no influence on the "Normal" compositing operation, but that one is an exception...

In 2.10, you can use the pass-through mode on the group, but there are still slight differences.

[rich2005]

Using Gimp 2.8

Layer groups - often used in templates to turn on/off various aspects of the image.

starting with something like this: https://i.imgur.com/E7Wqcyu.jpg the black flare layer hides under layers.

Does not make much sense to have a single layer in a layer group. If you have, then set the layer group mode to screen.

If there are several layers then the group mode (screen) is fine for the black background but affects the other layers : https://i.imgur.com/Iays1VE.jpg

What can you you do with lens flare?
While you can not add a flare to a transparent layer, it is possible to remove a black background with Colors -> Color to Alpha once it has been rendered. https://i.imgur.com/yqyjHUL.jpg

All layers back to Normal modes gives a result: https://i.imgur.com/IY9N3Ot.jpg

[gimp-artist]

I want to try pass-through mode some day, definitely. As rich2005 said, "colour to alpha" is a great solution for my issue. I didn't know there is such a thing like colour to alpha that is obviously a great function that makes gimp awesome again. Thanks guys.

[Espermaschine]

(06-30-2018, 09:12 AM)gimp-artist Wrote: As rich2005 said, "colour to alpha" is a great solution for my issue. I didn't know there is such a thing like colour to alpha that is obviously a great function that makes gimp awesome again. Thanks guys.

From my experience, Colour To Alpha can produce transparency in areas where you didnt want it, depending on the colour.
Especially with colours other than black and white.

And its destructive.

[rich2005]

Same as any tool, has to be used in the context of the image. For the OP post regarding a lens flare rendered on a black layer it works.

Other situations you have to jump through hoops to restore the original colour.

Touched on that in this post about re-constructing an animation. https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-assist...98#pid8998 74 layers to fix on that one.

[Espermaschine]

(06-30-2018, 06:57 PM)rich2005 Wrote: Same as any tool, has to be used in the context of the image.

No doubt, i just think the 'Screen' blendmode is superior to 'Colour To Alpha' in this case.