Why can’t I edit my imported image?

If you are importing an image using the Import Images dialog box, chances are it will be imported as a bitmap image (unless vector options are chosen). Bitmap layers in Harmony have different properties to vector layers and need to be edited differently. Try the following steps when you want to edit bitmap layers.

Optional: Import the image with the correct settings

In order to edit a bitmap image in Harmony, we need to make sure it’s imported as a format that Harmony can edit: a Toon Boom Bitmap Drawing. This format imports the image with bitmap layers, which is essential for editing bitmaps with Harmony tools. Do the following to make sure your bitmap is imported with the correct settings.

1. Open the Import Images dialog box.
2. Adjust all settings as needed, see How do I Import a flat bitmap Image? for more.
3. Under the Import Options section, make sure to select Import As Toon Boom Bitmap Drawing:

4. Click OK to import the image.
5. If you still have issues editing the layer, continue to Step 1.

Step 1: Make sure the bitmap layer is selected

1. Select the bitmap layer by doing one of the following:
   • In the Timeline view, locate the layer and make sure it is selected (highlighted).
   • In the Camera view, use the Transform tool, or the Select tool, and click on the artwork of the bitmap layer. This should automatically select the layer.
2. If the bitmap layer seems selected, but you still cannot edit it, make sure that the Line Art layer is also selected. Imported bitmap artwork always defaults to a bitmap Line Art layer.

Step 2: Edit the bitmap artwork 

When a bitmap layer is selected, some tools will be unavailable and will be visibly greyed out. The following tools can be used to edit or draw on a bitmap layer with some differences:

• The Brushtool: No vector options will be available.
• The Colour Eyedroppertool: Will pick colours as is instead of picking a specific colour ID or swatch.
• The Erasertool: No vector options will be available.
• The Cuttertool: The best option for separating and adjusting parts of a bitmap image.
• The Rectangle , Ellipse , and Linetools: Will be drawn in pixels instead of as a vector pencil line.
• The Paint Bucket tool: Fills with pixels, not solid shapes. Gaps still apply.

Q&A 

Question: 

Why are my drawing tools only limited when the Line Art layer is selected?

Answer: 

Harmony allows for a mixture of vector and bitmap art layers within a single drawing layer. When a bitmap image is imported, it defaults to being on the Line Art layer, and this art layer will automatically be set to bitmap. The other art layers will remain as vector layers, hence the difference in the available tools.