Extend Square Star by one Point

b77

@Subpath Currently this parametric shape (Square Star) has control handles that scale the shape at the locations where you suggested it could have an editable path point.

Where should the handle for scaling the shape be? Or it should not have that?

VectorStyler

@Subpath The gear shape options are symmetric, in that they have the same effect for each knob.
Would this peak be the same (as in the 3rd tow), so when dragged it would be on all knobs?
In this case the example from the first row would not work.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

Such a shape was the original reason for my request.

Yes, this shape is also possible with the gear shape.

So only for the first form, my request is maybe a bit too much,
but i still found it useful.

Victor Vector

@Subpath I like your idea and I see value in adding this function.

Here's an interface suggestion to make your idea easily editable:

Of course the Shape Panel would need to be updated as well.

Subpath

@b77

Yes, the position of the scaling point is the weak point in my request.
Honestly, I don't really know where to put it.

Subpath

@Victor-Vector

Like your idea, for the scaling point.

b77

I thought about all this, and things might not be that simple.

First, an observation:

The bending knob of the Square Star shape is positioned between the two segments it bends, which is different from the Star and Gear shapes, where it is positioned on the segments:

Unless there is some good reason for this being in the middle, I would move it also on the segment — it makes more sense IMO.

…………………… … .. .

Anyway, I made a mockup to see how the star-based shapes would look with the scaling knobs positioned between the rays:

0_1651881200973_sst copy.png

What I'm afraid is that these knobs can be less visible if there are other objects in the background.

The way half of each knob overlaps the shape now avoids this.

And… it all looks a bit busy. Maybe use just one knob for scaling?

0_1651881591885_sst cl.png

…………………… … .. .

Another thing:

Can the bend knobs have a way to reset their segments to straight — a double-click maybe?

And a question:

Just in case the developer would include a [–|+] button/handle that allows you to change the ray count for the Star shapes directly on the canvas, where should such a handle be positioned? Somewhere between the rays of the shape or in a corner of the bounding box?

VectorStyler

@b77 I added these to the backlog for the extra shape parameter.

There is no bend knob reset at this time, but double click seems like an easy solution.

I would leave out a [+/-] handle for now. The up/down arrow keys can be used to change the count.

Subpath

@b77

Thank you for your explorations,
I really appreciate it.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

I always use the Shape Panel to change the count
and also to reset the Bend.

But the Bend in the Rectangle/Square shape
doesnt have an Option to do that.

Only the Rectangle Option have this
0_1651906974731_Rectangle Option.png

Subpath

First of all, I have to say that I am not in a hurry at all.

I will try to explain my somewhat diffuse thoughts.
.

One point of my thoughts is that I like the concept of non-destructive modeling
in 3D programs and, of course, in 2D. Therefore, in my vector graphics heaven,
shapes always remained editable.

VS already has a lot to offer in this regard.

The second point of my consideration is the creation of shapes that always
remain editable for pattern creation.

.
.
.

Using clones is certainly also a way to create such editable shapes.
Composite objects also offer some possibilities.
Unfortunately, both have transformation bugs at the moment.

If one day the transformation problems with them are solved,
then I see a very flexible way to create such editable shapes.
.
.
.

I looked at the shapes themselves and found that some shapes don't use
a scale point at all, they are scaled just with the normal selection rectangle.
So whats the scale point for ?
.

shapes without scaling point
0_1651906052930_without scaling point.png

shapes with a scaling point
0_1651906081400_with scaling point.png

VectorStyler

@Subpath The best way to keep shapes editable (and reused) is to enable the Shape role of an object, and select Shape styles.

The composite shape transformation errors will be fixed, but these concern only the arrangement of shapes inside a composite shape.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

I looked at under Object > Object Role and found only "Shape"
as a Role, did you mean this ?

And where will this be different instead of using symbols or clones
(i know the different between Symbols and Clones)

VectorStyler

@Subpath Yes that is the "Shape" role. It can also be set in the Object Options view with the Role button.

The difference:
When using the Shape role a "virtual" shape style is created (think of a shape style as a fill or stroke style, but for shapes).
This shape style can then be selected on any object to be the shape of the object. These objects will not be symbol instances, and they may have any other local attributes, but their shape is linked as a style to the shape style.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

thank you for the explanation.
Could you briefly explain how I then pass this "style" to other objects ?
.
.
I think I figured out how to do this.
Select Panels > Styles > Styles (alt+v).

Open Shape in the panel and here is your previously
created Shape role

Select the object(s) you want to apply it to and press the icon in the bottom
left corner. To test it, just scale your original object

Did some tests:
Node editing is possible
Group shapes after you applied the style too
Even composite objects work (not possible with clone)
but give me a fixable strange position for an object inside the composite object
.
will explore this further

0_1651916012455_Style apply-2.png
.
.
Video: here my results

VectorStyler

@Subpath When an object is selected, the Shape panel (and the Context panel) will contain a "Shape" drop down, that lists all the Shape styles and presets.
Select the shape from there. The shape is listed with the name that was assigned to the object with the Shape role.

VectorStyler

@Subpath Yes, the Styles panel also works for this.

Victor Vector

@Subpath said in Extend Square Star by one Point:

shapes without scaling point

shapes with a scaling point

For consistency, and to clean up the Shape Tool "blue point" interface, it wouldn't bother me if there were no scaling points, but scaling was achieved via the Transform Tool, or the Shape Panel.

But I do like the "one point" scaler idea too!

@b77 said in Extend Square Star by one Point:

And… it all looks a bit busy. Maybe use just one knob for scaling?

Subpath

@Victor-Vector

As from my point of view, i dont know the cause that Point for scaling by now.

It doesnt matter that much to me if there is one or non.
So i have nothing against your Idea, if you like one.

The Post of mine where you reply to is just an observation i made.

b77

Having a knob or knobs for scaling the shape when in Shape Editing mode (shortcut: A) means you don't have to switch to the Move/Transform tool (V) for scaling.
So I'm not suggesting it should go away.