On Thu, 29 Jan 2004, bulia byak wrote:
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 05:06:18 +0000 From: bulia byak <archiver_1@...19...> To: horkana@...44... Cc: inkscape-devel@lists.sourceforge.net Subject: RE: Inkscape minor changes I'd like before the next release (if acceptable)
I've been reading the KeyboardShortcutsToDo document in Wiki http://inkscape.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?KeyboardShortcutsToDo
You ask ::(two rotation directions ''times'' two rotation speeds ''plus'' two radial movements) ''times'' two handles for each node ''equals'' 12 keys or key combinations in total! :I'm thinking about how to fit this into the keyboard in a more or less elegant way that can be remembered. Suggestions welcome.
I would venture a guess that a certain amount of context could be used to reduce the requirements for so many unique keybindings.
I think I managed to shape this quite well with [] <> with various modifiers. See the KeyboardShortcuts page (the ToDo needs updating). Try it on a real node path to get a feel.
I'm thinking we should be able to heavily overload the arrow keys. Also my instinct is that treating Alt and AltGr differntly is something that should be avoided if possible.
I'm not sure what is AltGr, but left and right Alts or Ctrls are pretty convenient for rotating the two handles separately. Try it.
On most of the keyboards I have seen the right Alt key is labelled AltGr (which as far as I can remember is short for Alternative Graphic which is a holdover from back in the days of machines like the Commodore 64 where holding down AltGr and a letter would print a graphical symbol).
I tried using them, lots of crashing http://sourceforge.net/tracker/index.php?func=detail&aid=887327&grou...
No. Arrows are for moving. Rotation is different and needs different keys.
I disagree (rotation is still moving and I think) using differnt keys is unnecessary.
I think it is advantagous to be able to keep ones hand fixed on the arrow keys and only need to make slight adjustments (Ctrl|Alt|Shift) with the other hand to do all these differnt tasks.
If i can get a working build I will be sure to try using the keys you proposed but using both Alt keys as you have suggested seems like it would be quite awkward.
Inkscape already uses up and down arrows for Nudging, shift+arrow gives a bigger nudge. Inkscape uses Ctrl+Arrows for some sort of Panning/scrolling but I think this is a waste.
Why? I use it all the time. It's very convenient.
I'm not sure if it is this is a good keybinding for panning but it should not be used when there is a selection.
Panning must not depend on whether there is a selection.
I dont understand. Can you explain why?
When something is selected then Ctrl+Arrows could be used for rotating it.
No. Confusing. Panning keys always pan. Rotating keys always rotate. That's the way it should be.
I see it as same keys doing slightly different things when associated with a differnt modifier or in an entirely differnt tool mode. I'll ponder this some more.
I'm thinking maybe also that you cannot have a meaningful 'rotate' when you are in Node Edit mode (as opposed to the standard select mode)
Yes I can. Select a node and press [ or ].
I alway think of the node as being the point specifically, you mean to rotate the bezier spline (i think spline is the word I'm looking for, you know the lines that go throught the node and that you can adjust to change the curve).
Errm I've got more to say but I dont think I'm convincing anyone so I'll respond to your other post and deal with discuss slightly diffent ascpects.
- Alan