If you’ve ever wondered how to make knockouts in Affinity, you’re in the right place!
Knockout text is a popular design technique where one object is cut out of another, creating a clean, professional effect that’s perfect for PNG designs, tshirts, stickers, and digital products.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through my complete workflow for creating true knockouts in Affinity. We’ll start with text, convert it to editable curves, build multiple contours, and use the subtract operations to create a polished knockout effect. I’ll also show you how to use the Glyph Browser to add decorative characters and make your typography even more unique.
Watch the full tutorial below to follow along.
What Is a Knockout?
A knockout is created by cutting one shape out of another rather than simply placing objects on top of each other.
This creates a true cutout that remains clean and editable, making it perfect for:
- PNG designs
- POD graphics
- Stickers
- Tshirt designs
- Layered typography
Once you learn this technique, you’ll be able to create all kinds of custom text effects.
Step 1: Convert Your Text to Curves
The first step is preparing your text for editing.
Since text can’t be modified until it’s converted into shapes, I first:
- Add my text
- Choose my font
- Convert the text to Curves
Once converted, each letter becomes a vector object that can be edited just like any other shape.
Step 2: Duplicate the Text
Next, I duplicate the text several times.
Keeping multiple copies allows us to create different contour sizes while preserving the original text in case we need to make changes later.
This makes the editing process much easier.
Step 3: Expand the Contours
Now it’s time to build the knockout.
Using the Contour Tool, I create several expanded versions of the text.
Each duplicate receives a slightly different contour width, creating multiple layers that will be used to build the final knockout effect.
This gives us the shapes we’ll need for the next step.
Step 4: Create the Knockout
With the contours complete, it’s time to create the actual knockout.
In the tutorial, I demonstrate how to:
- Select two contour layers
- Use the subtract operations to subtract one contour from another
- Create a true cutout instead of simply stacking objects
This produces a clean, professional knockout that can be recolored, resized, and reused in future projects.
Step 5: Add Decorative Glyphs
To finish the design, I also show you how to use Affinity’s Glyph Browser.
The Glyph Browser gives you access to alternate characters and decorative symbols included with many fonts.
You’ll learn how to:
- Open the Glyph Browser
- Browse alternate characters
- Insert decorative glyphs into your text
- Add extra personality to your designs
It’s a simple feature that can make your typography feel much more custom.
Why Use Knockouts?
Knockout designs are popular because they add depth and visual interest while remaining clean and easy to read.
They’re especially useful for:
- Boutique style graphics
- Seasonal designs
- Monograms
- Layered typography
- Trendy PNG files
Once you understand the process, you can apply the same technique to almost any project.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make knockouts in Affinity opens up so many creative possibilities.
Combined with decorative glyphs and custom typography, it’s an easy way to create designs that stand out and feel professionally made.
Join Crystal’s Crafties Design Club
Want even more Affinity tutorials, design resources, and trend reports?
Inside Crystal’s Crafties Design Club, you’ll get:
- Exclusive tutorials
- Commercial use design resources
- Monthly Etsy trend reports
- Live Q&As
Get My FREE Canva Design Course
Want to improve your digital design skills?
Grab my free Canva Design Course
Get Free Designs & Weekly Tutorials
Join my newsletter for:
- Free design downloads
- Early access to tutorials
- Weekly design inspiration
Leave a Reply