Path Tool

Objective

Enhance path editing, snapping, and visibility features while refining path commitment behavior to prevent unintentional selections.

Design Revisions

Revision	Current Design	Issues	Changes
1. Path Snap Distance	Snapping uses a single distance for grid, guides, and paths.	Users can’t adjust snapping precision separately for paths.	Introduced an independent `Active Paths` snap preference option.
2. Path Visibility Control	Created paths aren’t visible by default.	Users need to manually enable visibility for new paths.	Added visibility control for paths at creation via a new `Visible` property.
3. Handle Locking	No lock handles option for path editing.	Limits, making certain edits awkward.	Added a `lock_handles` property to lock handles during editing.
4. Enhanced Movement Controls	Movement lacks refined state controls for duplicating and snapping.	Limited control and feedback for path manipulation workflows.	Added automatic `Move` mode upon path duplication, intuitive handle and curve point movement, and a “Finish Edit Mode” button.
5. Enter Key Path Commitment	Enter previously selected enclosed area on path commitment.	Selection behavior was often distracting and unwanted.	Updated Enter to commit path edits without selecting enclosed areas.

Path Snap Distance:
- Edit -> Preferences -> Canvas Interaction -> Snapping -> Snapping Distance -> Active Path
Path Visibility Control:
- Added a “Visible Path” checkbox in the Path Tool options GUI for quick user control over path visibility.
Handle Locking:
- Added a “Lock Handles” option in the GUI, allowing users to easily enable handle locking.
Enhanced Movement Controls:
- Automatically switches to Move mode after duplicating a path, simplifying workflow.
- Updated path handle and curve point interactions for a more intuitive editing experience.
- Increase the size of the handles for HDPI.
- Added a “End Edit Mode” button in vector tool options, allowing users to quickly exit edit mode, to start a new path.
Enter Key Path Commitment:
- Updated the Enter key functionality to commit path edits without selecting the enclosed area, preventing unintended selections that could disrupt workflow, especially with linear paths.

Improved Snap Control: Users can adjust snap distances independently for paths, providing more precise control based on element type (e.g., paths vs. grids).
Enhanced Workflow with Auto-Visibility: Paths are automatically visible upon creation, improving user feedback and reducing manual toggling.
Streamlined Movement & Editing: Movement and editing controls are more refined, with automatic Move mode for path duplicates, handle locking options, and a quick exit button from edit mode.
Refined Path Commitment: The Enter key now only commits path changes without selecting enclosed areas, reducing distractions and providing a smoother workflow for linear and complex paths.