Objective
Enhance path editing, snapping, and visibility features while refining path commitment behavior to prevent unintentional selections.
Related Links
- Branches: Artbox, feature-snap-to-path-distance, feature-path-editing
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. |
MR Description
This merge request refines snapping, visibility, movement, handle locking, and commit behavior, providing users with greater flexibility and control in path manipulation.
Changes
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
Movemode 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.
- Automatically switches to
Enter Key Path Commitment:
- Updated the
Enterkey functionality to commit path edits without selecting the enclosed area, preventing unintended selections that could disrupt workflow, especially with linear paths.
- Updated the
Benefit
- 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
Movemode 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.