Unlinking the ratio in Photopea opens up a world of possibilities for image editing. Whether you want to crop an image to a specific aspect ratio, resize it without distorting the proportions, or simply unlock the image’s dimensions for more creative freedom, unlinking the ratio is the key to achieving your desired results.
To unlink the ratio in Photopea, simply click on the “Image” menu in the top menu bar and select “Image Size”. In the “Image Size” dialog box, you will see a checkbox labeled “Constrain Proportions”. Uncheck this box to unlink the ratio, allowing you to adjust the width and height of the image independently. You can also enter specific pixel dimensions or percentages to resize the image to a precise size.
Once you have unlinked the ratio, you can resize the image as needed without worrying about distorting the proportions. This is especially useful for cropping images, as you can now select a specific aspect ratio for the crop without affecting the overall size of the image. Additionally, unlinking the ratio allows you to create custom shapes and designs by adjusting the width and height of the image independently, opening up endless possibilities for creative expression.
Understanding Layer Linking
Layer linking is a feature in Photopea that allows you to connect two or more layers in a way that they move or scale together. This can be useful for creating animations, as it ensures that all the linked layers move in sync. Additionally, layer linking can be used to create complex effects, such as blending multiple layers together or creating distorted shapes.
There are two types of layer links in Photopea: ratio links and instance links. Ratio links connect two layers so that they maintain the same ratio between their widths and heights even when scaled. Instance links, on the other hand, create a duplicate of one layer that is then linked to the original layer. This means that any changes made to the original layer will also be applied to the linked layer.
Layer links can be created by selecting two or more layers and clicking on the “Link” button in the Layers panel. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + L (Windows) or Cmd + L (Mac). To unlink layers, simply select the linked layers and click on the “Unlink” button in the Layers panel or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + L (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + L (Mac).
| Type of Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Ratio Link | Maintains the ratio between the widths and heights of two layers. |
| Instance Link | Creates a duplicate of one layer that is linked to the original layer. |
Isolating the Linked Layer
Once you’ve identified the layer that’s linked to the ratio, the next step is to isolate it. This means separating it from any other layers that may be connected to it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Select the linked layer: Click on the layer thumbnail in the Layers panel to select it.
- Check the linked layer icon: In the Layers panel, you’ll see a chain-link icon next to the selected layer’s name. This indicates that the layer is linked to another layer.
- Unlink the layer: Right-click on the linked layer’s thumbnail and select “Unlink Layer” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + U (Mac) to unlink the layer.
- Verify the unlinking: After unlinking, the chain-link icon will disappear from the layer’s name, indicating that it’s no longer linked to any other layer.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the linked layer by clicking on its thumbnail in the Layers panel. |
| 2 | Check for the chain-link icon next to the selected layer’s name in the Layers panel. |
| 3 | Unlink the layer by right-clicking on its thumbnail and selecting “Unlink Layer” from the context menu. |
| 4 | Verify the unlinking by checking if the chain-link icon has disappeared from the layer’s name. |
Once you’ve isolated the linked layer, you can proceed to the next steps of modifying its ratio without affecting other layers in your project.
Activating the Layers Panel
To unlink the ratio in Photopea, you must first activate the Layers Panel. The Layers Panel displays all the layers in your image, and it also allows you to control the visibility, opacity, and other properties of each layer.
To activate the Layers Panel, click on the “Layers” tab in the toolbar at the top of the Photopea window. The Layers Panel will then appear on the right side of the window.
Selecting a Layer
Once the Layers Panel is activated, you need to select the layer that contains the image whose ratio you want to unlink. To do this, click on the layer’s thumbnail in the Layers Panel.
The selected layer will be highlighted in blue. You can also tell which layer is selected by looking at the “Selected Layer” field in the toolbar at the top of the Photopea window.
Unlinking the Ratio
Once you have selected the layer, you can unlink the ratio by clicking on the “Unlink Ratio” button in the toolbar at the top of the Photopea window.
The Unlink Ratio button is represented by a chain link with a slash through it. When you click on this button, the ratio of the selected layer will be unlinked, and you will be able to resize the layer independently in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
Here is a table summarizing the steps to unlink the ratio in Photopea:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Activate the Layers Panel. |
| 2 | Select the layer that contains the image whose ratio you want to unlink. |
| 3 | Click on the “Unlink Ratio” button in the toolbar at the top of the Photopea window. |
Deselecting Linked Layers
Unlinking the ratio in Photopea is a straightforward process that can be achieved by following these simple steps:
1. Select the Layer
To begin, select the layer that you wish to unlink the ratio from. This can be done by clicking on the layer’s thumbnail in the Layers panel.
2. Deselect the Link Icon
Once the layer is selected, locate the link icon in the Options bar located at the top of the Photopea interface. The link icon resembles two overlapping circles and is typically grayed out when the ratio is linked. Click on this icon to deselect it.
3. Adjust the Layer’s Dimensions
With the link icon deselected, you can now adjust the layer’s dimensions independently of its linked counterpart. To do this, hover over one of the layer’s boundaries (top, bottom, left, or right) and drag the cursor to resize the layer as desired.
4. Dealing with Constrained Proportions
In some cases, you may encounter layers with constrained proportions, meaning that their width and height are locked to a specific aspect ratio. To unlock these constraints, hover over one of the corner points of the layer and hold down the Alt key (Option key on Mac) while dragging. This will allow you to resize the layer without maintaining the original aspect ratio.
| Corner Point | Action |
|---|---|
| Top-Left | Resizes the layer while maintaining its original aspect ratio |
| Top-Right | Resizes the layer while maintaining its original aspect ratio |
| Bottom-Left | Resizes the layer while maintaining its original aspect ratio |
| Bottom-Right | Resizes the layer without maintaining its original aspect ratio |
Breaking the Layer Link
Photopea offers a convenient way to link the aspect ratio of layers, allowing you to maintain the proportions of your images while editing. However, there may be times when you need to break this link to adjust the aspect ratio independently for different layers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to unlink the ratio in Photopea:
1. Select the Layer
First, select the layer you want to unlink the aspect ratio from. Click on the layer in the Layers panel to activate it.
2. Open the Layer Properties
With the layer selected, go to the menu bar and select “Layer” > “Layer Properties.” Alternatively, you can press “Ctrl + Shift + E” (Windows) or “Cmd + Shift + E” (Mac) to quickly open the Layer Properties dialog.
3. Uncheck the “Lock Aspect Ratio” Option
In the Layer Properties dialog, you will find a checkbox labeled “Lock Aspect Ratio.” Uncheck this box to disable the aspect ratio link for the selected layer.
4. Adjust the Dimensions
Once the aspect ratio is unlinked, you can now adjust the width and height of the layer independently. Simply enter new values in the “Width” and “Height” fields in the Layer Properties dialog.
5. Advanced Unlinking Techniques
In addition to the basic method described above, Photopea also offers advanced techniques for unlinking the layer ratio. Here are some tips to achieve more precise control:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Shift+Drag | Hold the “Shift” key while dragging the layer boundary handles to constrain the aspect ratio, but adjust the width and height proportionally. |
| Free Transform with Shift+Ctrl | Select the layer and use the “Ctrl + T” (Windows) or “Cmd + T” (Mac) shortcut to enter Free Transform mode. Hold “Shift + Ctrl” (Windows) or “Shift + Cmd” (Mac) while dragging the layer boundaries to unlink the aspect ratio without constraining the proportions. |
| Canvas Size | Adjust the size of the canvas to match the desired aspect ratio of the layer. This method works well when the layer is the only element on the canvas. |
Using the “Layer > Unlink” Command
Step 1: Select the Layer
Open the layer that you want to unlink in Photopea. Ensure that the layer is selected in the Layers panel.
Step 2: Go to the Layer Menu
Navigate to the top menu bar and click on the “Layer” tab.
Step 3: Choose “Unlink”
From the “Layer” menu, select the “Unlink” option. This action will unlink the width and height of the selected layer.
Step 4: Subsections
- Unlink Width and Height: This action will break the link between the width and height of the layer, allowing you to resize them independently.
- Unlink Top and Left Position: This option will unlink the top and left position of the layer from the anchor point, enabling you to move it independently.
- Unlink Blend Mode: This action will unlink the blend mode of the layer from the underlying layers, granting you more control over layer transparency and composition.
- Unlink Layer Mask: This option will unlink the layer mask from the layer, allowing you to edit them separately. Layer masks are used to control transparency and visibility.
- Unlink Transform Parameters: This action will unlink the transform parameters, such as rotation, scale, and skew, enabling you to adjust them independently.
- Unlink Smart Object: This option will unlink a smart object from the source file, allowing you to edit it locally without affecting the original.
Step 5: Verify Unlinking
After selecting the desired Unlinking option, check the Layers panel. You will notice that the layer icon has changed to indicate that the layer is no longer linked to its previous dependencies.
Drag-and-Dropping Layers
Step 7: Drag-and-Drop Layers
Now that the linked layers have been highlighted, you can drag and drop them as a group to move them around within the document. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Select Layers: Ensure that the linked layers you want to move are still selected. If they’re not, click on the right-most icon on the selected group.
- Hover Over Selection: Move your mouse hovering over the selected area of the linked layers.
- Drag and Drop: Hold down the left mouse button and drag the selected layer group to the desired location. You can drag the layers horizontally or vertically.
Tip: To avoid accidentally unlinking the layers, make sure to hover over the selected area before dragging. If you hover over a single layer, it will be dragged separately.
Table:
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Drag a selected layer group | Moves the entire group to a new location |
| Single-layer drag | Moves only the layer that has been hovered over |
Re-Establishing Layer Links
If you’ve ever unlocked the ratio of a layer in Photopea and want to re-establish the link, here’s how:
1. Open the Layer Panel
Click on the “Layers” tab in the right sidebar to open the Layer Panel.
2. Select the Locked Layer
Click on the layer with the broken link to select it.
3. Right-Click on the Lock Icon
In the Layer Panel, right-click on the lock icon (shaped like a chain) next to the layer name.
4. Select “Link Proportions”
From the context menu, select “Link Proportions”.
5. The Ratio Will Be Re-Established
The length and width of the layer will now be linked again, maintaining the original ratio.
6. Unlock the Ratio (Optional)
If you want to unlock the ratio again, simply right-click on the lock icon and select “Unlock Proportions”.
7. Check Other Layers
If you have multiple layers with broken links, repeat the process for each layer.
8. Advanced Linking Options
Photopea provides advanced linking options that allow you to link layers in specific ways:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Link Width Only | Links the width of the layer to another layer, allowing the height to be adjusted independently. |
| Link Height Only | Links the height of the layer to another layer, allowing the width to be adjusted independently. |
| Link Width and Height | Links both the width and height of the layer to another layer, maintaining the original aspect ratio. |
Linking Multiple Layers
Sometimes, you may want to link multiple layers together so that they move or transform as a single unit. This can be useful for creating animations or for aligning objects precisely. To link layers, follow these steps:
- Select the layers you want to link in the Layers panel.
- Right-click and select “Link Layers” from the context menu.
- The selected layers will now be linked together and will move or transform as a single unit.
To unlink layers, simply right-click on the linked layers and select “Unlink Layers” from the context menu.
Unlinking the Ratio
When you link layers, their width and height ratios are also linked. This means that if you resize one layer, the other layers will also be resized to maintain the same ratio. However, you can unlink the ratio to allow each layer to be resized independently. To unlink the ratio, follow these steps:
- Select the linked layers in the Layers panel.
- Right-click and select “Link Layers” from the context menu.
- In the Layer Link Options dialog box, uncheck the “Maintain Aspect Ratio” option.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
The linked layers will now be unlinked and their width and height ratios will be independent.
| Linked Layers | Unlinked Layers |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Editing Individual Layers
To break the link between two layers, you can access the layer panel and select the layers you want to unlink. Right-click on the selected layers and choose “Unlink Layers” from the menu that appears. This will remove the link between the layers, allowing you to edit each layer independently.
Using the Layer Properties Panel
Another method to unlink layers is through the Layer Properties panel. Open the Layer Properties panel by clicking on the “Layer” menu and selecting “Layer Properties.” In the Layer Properties panel, uncheck the “Link with Layer” checkbox for the layers you want to unlink. This will break the link between the layers, giving you the ability to edit each layer separately.
Keyboard Shortcut
You can also unlink layers using a keyboard shortcut. Select the layers you want to unlink and press the “Ctrl+Alt+L” keys (Windows) or “Cmd+Option+L” keys (Mac). This will instantly break the link between the selected layers.
Troubleshooting Linking Issues
10 Possible Causes and Solutions for Linking Issues
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Layer visibility | Make sure both layers are visible. If one layer is hidden, the linking operation will fail. |
| Layer size | Ensure that the layers have the same width and height. Linking layers with different sizes can cause issues. |
| Layer type | Linking is only possible between raster and vector layers. Text and adjustment layers cannot be linked. |
| Transformations | Apply any desired transformations to the layers before linking. Linking layers with transformations can lead to unexpected results. |
| Clipping masks | If a layer is clipped to another layer, the linking operation may not work. Remove any clipping masks before linking the layers. |
| Raster layer resolution | Ensure that the raster layers have the same resolution. Linking raster layers with different resolutions can cause misalignment and distortions. |
| Locked layers | Unlock any locked layers before attempting to link them. |
| Incorrect layer selection | Make sure you are selecting the layers you want to link correctly. |
| Software version | Check if you are using the latest version of Photopea. Older versions may have limitations or bugs that affect linking functionality. |
| Browser compatibility | Photopea is compatible with most modern browsers. However, certain browser extensions or settings may interfere with linking operations. |
How To Unlink The Ratio In Photopea
To unlink the ratio in Photopea, follow these steps:
- Open the image you want to edit in Photopea.
- Click on the “Image” menu and select “Image Size”.
- Uncheck the “Constrain Proportions” checkbox.
- Enter the new width and height for the image.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
People Also Ask About How To Unlink The Ratio In Photopea
How do I keep the aspect ratio in Photopea?
To keep the aspect ratio in Photopea, check the “Constrain Proportions” checkbox in the “Image Size” dialog box.
How do I resize an image without losing quality in Photopea?
To resize an image without losing quality in Photopea, use the “Bicubic sharper” or “Lanczos” interpolation method in the “Image Size” dialog box.
How do I crop an image in Photopea?
To crop an image in Photopea, select the “Crop” tool from the toolbar and drag a rectangle around the area you want to keep. Then, click “Enter” or “Return” to crop the image.
