Stop unselected vector layer from blurring

[Hoptoad]

A few years ago, somebody posted this image. I'm re-using it for my example.

How do I stop a vector layer from blurring when I'm on a different layer? I'm trying to trace a line precisely, but the original (unselected) layer is blurred.

I did a search, and evidently there is (or was) a Preference box that could be checked or unchecked, but I can't find this box.

This is not a situation for copy and paste. I need to subtly adjust around 30 switch layers, on a case-by-case basis, to align with artwork outside the switch group.

Also, is there a way to "see" the points on a different (unselected) vector layer in addition to the vector layer I selected? This would allow more accurate tracing.

I'm using Moho version 12.5. Thanks for your help.

[Daxel]

You can right-click on a vector layer, select fast settings (I'm translating from spanish so the name may be different... quick settings?) and then on the "details" section you can check what you want to see, and the first option there is uncheked. Check it and you will be able to see the vector path.
I think that having a "quick settings" panel that contain options that are not on the main layer settings panel is a little bit confusing or misleading, because some people (me at least) will expect to find ALL the layer settings on the layer settings panel, including those that were put on the quick settings panel for convenience.

I don't know about the blurred layers, but I'm interested too. Maybe someone can help with that.

[Hoptoad]

I appreciate your detailed answer, and it worked! Thank you. The unselected layer is now sharp, not blurred.

[hayasidist]

...I don't know about the blurred layers, but I'm interested too. Maybe someone can help with that.

if you have GPU enabled then inactive layers are "pre-rendered" which gives them the blurry effect -- turn off GPU in Display Quality (or disable GPU entirely in Preferences / General)

[Daxel]

I appreciate your detailed answer, and it worked! Thank you. The unselected layer is now sharp, not blurred.

I'm glad it worked!

if you have GPU enabled then inactive layers are "pre-rendered" which gives them the blurry effect -- turn off GPU in Display Quality (or disable GPU entirely in Preferences / General)

Oh it makes sense. And now that I'm cheking it, I see that with GPU acceleration on I only see the other layers blurried when I'm interacting with a layer. For example, using the magnet tool to try to adjust my points to an image, that image gets blurry and it hinders the process. But turning off GPU accel. prevents it, so I will keep it enabled and try to remember to disable it when I need to precisely adjust points to other layer.

[Greenlaw]

FWIW, I do the opposite: I normally leave GPU acceleration disabled. I use a lot of masking and the workspace previews are generally more accurate with it disabled. I only enable GPU Acceleration when I need to see a specific feature that is only visible with GPU acceleration (which is rare,) and I disable it again when I'm done.

To be clear, GPU acceleration can speed up certain types of rigged characters, but in my work it's been more productive to leave it off.

[Hoptoad]

I normally leave GPU acceleration disabled.

Thanks for the information about GPU acceleration. I turned off GPU acceleration and suddenly everything in the workspace is nice and sharp. I think I'll go ahead and leave it off while constructing the characters, then turn it back on when animating.

Hmm. I just thought of something. With GPU acceleration enabled, I always know what layer I'm on, as non-selected layers are blurry. With every layer appearing sharp, I bet it won't be long before I create vector art on the wrong layer by mistake. Oh well, I guess I'll simply pay better attention to what I'm doing.

[Greenlaw]

Under Display Quality there is an option called Fade Unselected Layers. The effect can be extreme, but I'll sometimes use it when I really need to focus on the currently selected layer.

Alternatively, I'll use the Layer Comps window to create sets that isolate the visibility of certain layers. (Don't forget to create a 'Master' layer comp first so you can easily switch back.)

But most of the time, yeah, I just try to pay more attention.

[Hoptoad]

Under Display Quality there is an option called Fade Unselected Layers. The effect can be extreme, but I'll sometimes use it when I really need to focus on the currently selected layer.

Ooo, I like Fade Unselected Layers. Thanks for the tip.

Alternatively, I'll use the Layer Comps window to create sets that isolate the visibility of certain layers. (Don't forget to create a 'Master' layer comp first so you can easily switch back.)

Oh my goodness, what is Layer Comps? It looks awesome. I watched a video and read about it, but I'm not sure what it's for. Could I create a unique head for my character and create a Layer Comp where the alternate head is used, replacing the default head? Is it used to quickly hide background elements? How is Layer Comps different than just turning off visibility? What is it usually used for? Is it simply a faster way of doing something? Do you use it often?

[Greenlaw]

Layer Comps is a way to create presets for which layers are visible.

The main use of Layer Comps is for creating render passes for compositing programs like After Effects or Fusion.

A really basic example would be: make a layer comp for the background, a layer comp for the characters, and a layer comp for the foreground layers. When you go to Moho Exporter, first set your output path, and then click the Split button--this tells Exporter to look at the Layer Comps settings and create a separate project for each Layer Comp.

A more complex example is to break out parts of your character as matte passes, so you can create internal shadow and lighting effects. Or specially textured layers for interesting effects. You can see how this works in the Kung Fu Panda footage in my 2019 demo reel.

And, as mentioned earlier, I sometimes I use Layer Comps during rigging or animation to focus on certain parts of a setup.

In any case, it's a good idea to make a 'master' layer comp before adding new layer comps. This can be different from 'show all layers' because it can be only the layers you wish to have visible by default (hiding 'tracing' layers and other guides, for example.)

For what you described, you can use Layer Comps that way but it might make more sense to use a Switch Layer for that. I guess it depends on the intent.

[Hoptoad]

The main use of Layer Comps is for creating render passes for compositing programs like After Effects or Fusion.

Ohhhh. Now I see the value. I haven't used After Effects or done anything like that yet, but I understand the basics.

A really basic example would be: make a layer comp for the background, a layer comp for the characters, and a layer comp for the foreground layers. When you go to Moho Exporter, first set your output path, and then click the Split button--this tells Exporter to look at the Layer Comps settings and create a separate project for each Layer Comp.

Hmm. Thanks for posting that. I had been contemplating using a compositing program at some point to add motion blur effects (if I'm not happy with the Moho motion blur effects). Layer Comps seem ideal for that sort of thing.

And, as mentioned earlier, I sometimes I use Layer Comps during rigging or animation to focus on certain parts of a setup.

In any case, it's a good idea to make a 'master' layer comp before adding new layer comps. This can be different from 'show all layers' because it can be only the layers you wish to have visible by default (hiding 'tracing' layers and other guides, for example.)

For what you described, you can use Layer Comps that way but it might make more sense to use a Switch Layer for that. I guess it depends on the intent.

Yeh, I was misunderstanding Layer Comps completely. I assumed they were a new and improved version of the Switch Layer. Thanks for clearing that up for me.