Re: [Sodipodi-list] Et =?ISO-8859-1?Q?voil=E0?= some RFIs (Request For Implementation)

[Lauris K. <la...@ka...>]

Hello!

Disclaimer - I have written my answers about sodipodi 0.27, as I do
not remember by heart, which features exactly were implemented in 0.25
which were not.

On =E5=9C=9F, 2002-10-19 at 17:13, Emanuele Aina wrote:
> After a while using sodipodi I've done a list of features that maybe
> exist in other verctor graphic software (I've used a lot CorelDraw in
> the past) but they are actually missing in sodipodi (take this as a sort
> of TODO :)
> * Combine two paths in different ways:
>        add       - take two or more paths and merge them in a path that
>                    is the sum of their areas;
>        subtract  - take two or more paths and subtract from the first of
>                    them its intersection with the other paths;
>        intersect - take two or more paths and return the intersection of
>                    them;
>        combine   - the way sodipodi actually works;

Yes, we all would like these. Unfortunately I have not found any library
for doing such stuff, and implementing it from scratch takes some
time.

> * Delete with a single <del> keypress all the node selected with the
>     node edit tool (not oly the one highlighted by the pointer);

Currently there are [Del] and [Shift Del], one deleting highlited,
another selected nodes. The same logic applies for other node
shotcuts too - but I agree, that iut may not be the most intuitive
approach. Such things will hopefully sorted out all together at some=20
future time (we have to choose some compromise between Corel,
Illustrator, GIMP... key shortcuts).

> * Add a node in the middle of a line clicking in the place you want to
>     add it (with sodipodi showing a temporary pseudo-node) and pressing
>     the already present "Add node" button;

Yes, I'd like that too. I even have algorithm in pocket, but no time
for implementation.

> * Modify a curve dragging its profile;

Belongs together with previous, imho. At least shares some code.

> * Snap to nodes the way it works for snapping to grids (maybe it
>     can be useful to have a button to easily toggle it when you don't
>     need it);
>=20
> * Apply transformation (resize, rotate, etc) to a group of selected
>     nodes, considering them as a pseudo-object (showing around them the
>     handles as a normal object);

Hmmm... this may be useful, although I have not encountered situation
needing something like that yet. I have contemplated on something
likke 'rubber mode', where other nodes move together with dragged one,
but to smaller extent (like they have been connected by rubber thread).

> * Select an object in a group clicking on it while holding the <shift>
>     key (it should work also for sub-groups);

Shift is currently assigned to Add/Subtract selection. So we need some
other key assignment.

> * Specify if a shade should be rotated and resized with the object or
>     not;
>=20
> * Set one or more intermediate colors in a shade;

Yeah, these are planned.

> These are proper RFI, but the following are more usability bug report :)
>=20
> * To continue a freehand line it is necessary to hold the <+> key and
>    there isn't the ability to continue a previously drawn path.
>    In coreldraw it is possible to select the path with he pointer tool,
>    click on the node edit tool and then, by clicking on a terminal node
>    of an open path, continue this path. Maybe this can be done with
>    sodipodi?

Hmmm... pressing '+' should toggle 'add' and 'append' modes. In add
mode, all lines drawn are new objects. But if in append mode, currently
selected (it may be selection coming from select tool) path endpoints
become anchors, you can continue drawing from. Also, if drawing
discontinued line in append mode, no new objects are created, but all
segments added to existing path object. Isn't that, what you mean?

> * It is often annoying to have to click in the editing window after
>    selecting a tool: it is possible to have sodipodi pass the focus to
>    the editing window after the selection of a tool?

How should this work with multiple editing windows open?
But you may be right. I am personally using focus-follows-mouse mode,
so I really have no usablility experience for click-to-focus mode.

> * maybe this is a limitationof svg: what about multi-page document?

SVG itself does not allow that. We 8I and Masatake) have some ideas,
how to do that, but in general we need some new collection file format,
because xml is not well suited for too large documents.

> * using the mouse wheel opens the grid dialog: why? (the mouse wheel is
>    mapped on the button 4 and 5);

Hmmm... interesting. Desktop dialog should come up by double-click -=20
maybe Gdk is interpreting buttons 4/5 such way?

> * when I drag an object out of the view the viewpoint should move,
>    following the dragging;

Yeah, it should... :)

> * in the shade colors window it is oly possible to specify the colors in
>    RGBA, lacking HSV and CMYK support.

The whole window should be remodeled, if we support more than 2 stops
(colors) in gradient (shade).

> * How can I specify the number of tips of the star tool?

There is 'Tool Options' dialog. It is not implemented for all tool=20
types, but works for star.

> Thanks for the time spent working on a wonderful piece of software as is
> sodipodi!

I am glad you like it :)

Best wishes,
Lauris Kaplinski