#213 Switching Tools (control + arrow key)
Hi all
Drawing molecules may be at times "cumbersome". Add a carbon atom, then click on an hydrogen atom: a new methyl will be added, but the C-C
distance is that of a C-H bond. I would prefer ~1.54 angstrom. After adding a number of atoms, I would like to modify a connection in the "background".
First move to the "navigation tool", rotate the molecule, back to the "draw tool", then proceed. While in the "draw toot", "left click, drag" results in adding
say an ethane molecule unconnected to the actual scene. This action should in my opinion results in a rotation of the scene, if this action occurs in
an empty region. For those familiar with GaussView, this behavior is evident, but to a new comer to Avo, it is quite disturbing.
This is the reason I think that this maybe difficult modification to the "draw tool" is a very desirable feature in coming versions of Avo.
Cheers,
Louis
Discussion
I think what you're saying is that there should be a way to rotate the molecule while using the draw tool.
That would be great, but I can't come up with a great solution. Right-click is used for deleting atoms. And I need to use modifier keys in case someone uses a 2-button (or 1-button Mac) mouse or trackpad.
The code is not difficult, but I don't know how to make the user interaction clear.
Would it be possible to use the left-right arrow keys to navigate the toolbar?
This interaction would be quite clear since the display changes in significant
ways when changing tool.
But one can live without!
Cheers,
L.
How about command (or control) + number:
Command+1 = first tool (draw)
Command+2 = second tool (navigate)
We might be able to also hijack command+arrow for switching tools
On a french keyboard at least, Command+1 would mean Command+Shift+1 ?
Still faster than moving the mouse around. If it is not interfering with future addition
Thanks for considering.
L.
This should already work -- it certainly does in both the stable and unstable Mac builds.
I haven't tried a French keyboard, though. If needed, we can figure out a way to localize this.
Great!!!
With the development version:
on the Mac, Command+Shift+2 does it;
in Linux, Ctrl+Shift+2 has same effect.
And Ctrl+Shift+0 = measuring tool!
Nice, would need documentation...
L.
I'm working on a more comprehensive "manual" plus a tips-and-tricks list for v1.1. I'm going to close this.