Layer Kit - v1.1.7
A kit of tools to make navigating and organizing your layers faster.
What is Layer Kit?
Layer kit is a Krita Python plugin that adds several convenient features to the existing Layers Docker. The plugin adds…
A clipping mask button
When pressed, it executes 4 actions to replicate the clipping mask feature from Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint.
Visible groups and add group button
Layer Kit automatically darkens all your groups to make them easier to spot, useful when using many layers. Adding an empty group in Krita now only needs 1 click instead of 2.
Move layers to top or bottom
Layer kit allows you to right-click the arrow buttons to move layers/groups all the way to the top or bottom of the layers docker.
Shortcuts for Layer Kit’s actions
Label Box plugin
@LunarKreatures’ Label Box plugin is the fastest way to color label your layers and is also tablet/touch friendly by only requiring left-clicks. I decided to bundle this plugin with Layer Kit for those who don’t have it already since it’s a must have in my opinion.
The included Label Box plugin now reacts to your current layer for visibility and consistency
What is a Clipping Mask?
A clipping mask is a common feature in digital painting programs in which your current active layer can be clipped to the layer directly below it. If no layer/group exists below the active layer, then it’s not an available option as the feature requires a parent layer in which the active layer can be limited by.
Why does Krita need it?
The clipping mask feature assumes you want your mask to apply to only the layer directly below the active layer. To make a clipping mask apply to multiple layers below the active mask layer, you’re required to clip it to a group directly beneath it instead.
On the other hand, Krita’s alpha inheritance has the opposite assumption by making your mask apply to all layers below your current layer so when you turn it on it looks something like this:
Krita (left), Photoshop (middle), Clip Studio Paint (right)
If you’re familiar with alpha inheritance you already know that to make it apply to only one or several layers, you have to use groups. I think that the process required to do this has more steps than necessary (who needs to have alpha inheritance apply to all layers below by default?) and the lack of a clipping mask shortcut alienates those coming from standard painting programs like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Sai, etc.
Krita’s steps to make Alpha Inheritance apply to one layer below:
- Enable alpha inheritance for your layer
- Ctrl + left-click your second layer to select it
- Ctrl + G to group both of them together
- Click on your first layer again so both aren’t selected
Layer Kit’s step to do the same thing:
- Press the clipping mask button
Layer Kit’s clipping mask button executes the previous 4 actions in one click, essentially a macro.
Doesn’t Krita already have this shortcut?
No, Krita has a shortcut called “Quick Clipping Group” which may seem identical at first, but has a distinctly different purpose. The shortcut always adds a new layer mask instead of masking your current layer to the one below it (the more familiar action by PS and CSP users).
Krita’s “Quick Clipping Group” shortcut:
Layer Kit’s Clipping Mask button:
This plugin can save time for Krita users who repeat this sequence of steps in their workflows and can make layer management more accessible to PS and CSP users.
I hope this plugin helps any Krita users and newcomers to Krita, thanks for reading.
Installation
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Download the plugin:
Get the latest version
v1.1.7here or visit the plugin’s github repo -
Open Krita and in the top bar click:
Tools > Scripts > Import Python Plugin From File > select the zip file
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Restart Krita
“Can I turn off/change the automatic group color label?”
Yes, just follow these steps:
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Go to:
Windows:
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Krita\pykrita\layer_kit
Linux:~/.local/share/krita/pykrita/layer_kit -
Open layer_kit.py
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Scroll down to
GROUP_LABEL_COLOR -
Change to desired color or turn off labeling by inputting zero
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Save and close
Layer Kit Plugin for Krita – Organize your layers faster
