* All object-creating tools can use the current style for new objects. The current style is the style that you last applied to an object (when changing its fill, stroke, transparency, etc). For example, after you paint some object black, new shapes you create will be black too. Alternatively, a tool can use its own style for new objects, which is not affected by document editing. The Preferences dialog lets you choose between using the current style (shape tools by default) and the tool's own style (text, pen, and pencil by default) for any tool, as well as to set the style of a tool from current selection. The "Apply to" list in the Fill & Stroke dialog is removed; this dialog now always sets the style of the selection.
* Double-clicking a tool button calls up the Preferences dialog open on the page of that tool.
* The Preferences dialog remembers and reopens the page that was active the last time you used it.