A document in Photopea is a rectangular area, which contains graphics [layers with images, text, vector shapes, etc.]. But what if we want to have "multiple documents in one document"?
A document can have artboards, which look like "documents inside a document". We can move them around, move layers from one artboard to another, resize the artboard, etc. A document will be saved as a single PSD files, with all artboards inside it.
If we look deeper, an artboard is just a folder of layers. If we move a folder, all layers inside are also moved. But there are a few differences:
- Each artboard has its own rectangle [a "window"] attached to it, only the layers inside that rectangle are displayed.
- An artboard can have a custom background color.
- Artboard can not be placed into another folder, it is always "top level".
Working with Artboards
When creating a new document, we can check the "Artboard" checkbox, to have a document with a single empty artboard. Artboards are common in formats like Sketch, XD, Figma, and Photopea can detect artboards in these files. If you open a PDF, each page is converted into an artboard.
You can manage artboards with the Artboard tool. Chose the tool and draw a rectangle to create a new artboard. If you select an artboard [in the Layers panel], you can resize it, or click the "+" button to add a new artboard of the same size. You can rename or delete an artboard just like you do with any other layer.
Press Window - Properties to see properties of an artboard. You can enter specific dimensions there, or change the background.
When you select an artboard, rulers are redrawn relative to that artboard [zero at the top left corner of the artboard]. When you add guides, they will be attached to a selected artboard [and will be hidden if you select another one].
Exporting Artboards
When you export to formats like PNG or JPG, there is the "As Artboards" checkbox. Enable it to export a ZIP archive with a PNG/JPG file for each artboard. When you export to PDF, each artboard is turned into a separate PDF page.
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How do I split an image into layers in Illustrator?
Then, go to the Layers menu with the three horizontal lines, click on it and you will see a dropdown menu. Then, scroll down the menu and click on Release to Layers [Sequence]. This will tell Illustrator to help you separate your sub-layers to make them become their own layers.