Introduction
When working on large digital paintings, comics, or game art in Krita, your project can quickly grow into dozens or even hundreds of layers. Scrolling endlessly through layers is frustrating and kills productivity. Luckily, Krita has a Layer Filtering and Search feature that many artists don’t even know exists.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Krita’s layer filtering and search tools to organize complex projects easily, improve speed, and keep your workflow professional.
Table of Contents
Why Layer Filtering Matters in Krita
- Saves time when handling complex files.
- Quickly find layers by name, type, or color label.
- Reduces mistakes (no more painting on the wrong layer).
- Improves workflow for illustrators, animators, and comic artists.
- Essential for professional digital painting.
How to Use Layer Filtering in Krita (Step by Step)
Step 1: Open the Layers Docker
- By default, you’ll find the Layers Docker on the right side.
- If it’s missing, go to Settings > Dockers > Layers.
Step 2: Locate the Filter/Search Box
- At the top of the Layers Docker, you’ll see a search bar.
- This is the Layer Filtering tool.
Step 3: Filter by Layer Name
- Simply type part of the layer’s name.
- Krita instantly hides all unrelated layers, showing only what matches.
Step 4: Filter by Layer Type
- You can search for:
- “Vector” (to see vector layers only)
- “Group” (to show groups only)
- “Filter” (to show filter layers)
- “Paint” (for raster painting layers)
Step 5: Use Color Labels for Organization
- Right-click a layer → Set Layer Color Label.
- Then filter by that label using the search box (e.g., red, green, blue).
Pro Tips for Layer Management in Krita
- Name Your Layers Properly
- Instead of “Layer 1” or “Layer 2,” use descriptive names like “Character_Skin” or “Background_Sky.”
- Use Groups Effectively
- Group related elements (e.g., “Characters,” “Environment,” “Effects”).
- Combine Groups + Filtering
- Search inside groups while keeping your project clean.
- Pin Favorite Layers
- Krita allows you to pin layers for quick access to the ones you use most.
- Color-Coding Workflow
- Assign specific colors for layer types (e.g., blue for line art, red for shading, yellow for text).
Advanced Layer Filtering Tricks
- Search Multiple Keywords: Type partial names like “sky light” to find multiple related layers.
- Search Operators: Some versions of Krita allow advanced search (like filtering out groups).
- Filter During Animation: When working on frame-by-frame layers, filter by frame or object for easier navigation.
- Use Layer Filtering with Scripts: Advanced users can create custom scripts to automate filtering tasks.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Can’t see the filter box?
Enable the Layers Docker from the Settings menu. - Search doesn’t show expected results?
Check if spelling or naming is consistent across layers. - Too many unnamed layers?
Rename and group them before filtering – organization is key.
FAQs
Q1: Can I filter layers by visibility in Krita?
Not directly, but you can use groups and color labels to manage visible layers.
Q2: Is layer filtering available in older Krita versions?
Layer search/filter is available from Krita 4.x onward, with improvements in 5.x.
Q3: Does filtering affect the final export?
No, it only affects what you see in the layer list—it doesn’t change your artwork.
Conclusion
Managing layers in Krita doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By mastering Layer Filtering and Search, you can keep even the most complex projects organized and efficient.
Whether you’re an illustrator, animator, or digital painter, using layer filtering, grouping, naming, and color labels will make your workflow smoother and more professional. Also learn about feathering and advanced selection tricks in krita.
Also check who we are.
Do follow us on our Social Media:
Facebook: Visit Here
Instagram: Visit Here
LinkedIn: Visit Here
YouTube: Visit Here
