Feature request "Release to layers"

[Rockbard]

I just noticed that Xara's PDF format properly supports layers so I can use it with Adobe software which is extremely exciting.

(I'm attaching the pdf that works for me and the result that it gives in Adobe After Effects)

Layers Xara.pdf




However, the current layers command list is fairly limited, so we are forced to move each object to a new layer one by one, which is a considerably time-consuming and labor-intensive process.


What I propose to implement is an equivalent of the Adobe Illustrator "release to layers" command, which is specifically:

Getting all the objects of the selected layers on level one (without expanding groups) and creating a new layer for each item under it.

This would essentially automate creating a new layer for each item within the selected layer and moving that item to its corresponding new layer.


Here is also a screen record of the "release to layers" command in Adobe Illustrator for your convenience - Release to layers.mp4


P.S.
I love Xara so much and I truly hope it keeps evolving. Thank you!

[handrawn]

layers in xara are a joke

you can't even nest them

they may well work well enough for web design, which I don't do, but for serious graphic work and integration with other software they are just not helpful

[Rockbard]

Well, the fact that it is being recognized by Adobe software is already a lot. I just need a little bit of the automation from it.

Of course, a lot of Xara's functions are basic, but it has a lot of benefits in being simple software.

[Rockbard]

I just realized that I posted the thread in the Xara Web Design thread, while this feature is probably eligible for all Xara versions.

So If Admin finds a better place on a forum for this thread I wouldn't mind of him moving it.

[gwpriester]

It's in Xara Graphics Chat now so maybe Acorn moved it.

Ancient thread. I don't work with Layers in more than a superficial way, but my guess is if your software is not current, download the latest free trial copy and see if maybe this has been added.

[handrawn]

not sure why - it is a request to enhance xara layer commands and as such it should be in Dear Xara ...

[Acorn]

not sure why - it is a request to enhance xara layer commands and as such it should be in Dear Xara ...

I felt it would have better coverage in Graphic Design for discussion before it was considered a feature request as the ask is fairly specialist and as such needs clarification and elaboration.

MY UNDERSTANDING
I would Group and Ungroup all the require elements just to bring them together to the top of the current layer.
Keep the Locate button active.

I could automate the next steps in the Page & Layer Gallery

1. Press New layer button
   
2. OR
3. Right+Select the top element
4. Pick New layer
   
5. THEN
6. Right+Select the top element
7. Pick Move to Current Layer
8. Repeat 1/6/7 or 3/4/6/7 until last element

Fine for five layers, tedious for 50.

Acorn

[Rockbard]

Nah, I just checked the latest version, and the status of the deals regarding the layers is essentially the same.

[Rockbard]

Exactly, sometimes I wish we had some kind of scripting module in Xara.

But yeah, that is the gist of the command that I'm requesting.

[handrawn]

it's on a par with batch importing PDF

It's common for me to have 50 or so vectors as seperate PDF files and want them all on one page - can do that with merge option up to ver 15.1, but that was taken out in later versions; can be done though if you have earlier version so not so bad

but if you want to select and copy across pages in xara I know of no way of doing this except page by page, equally tedious without automation