Improve workflow - Bézier tool + Node tool
Introduction
I am proposing improvements to path editing. Combining strengths of Pen tool and Node tool with modifiers and new beahiviours. This improvement should benefit pro users but also beginners. Good example of this implementation is in blenders new pen tool.
DEMO of unified PEN TOOL in BLENDER
Bezier tool + modifiers
1. Show All nodes of the pats and give access to edit them while you are still in the bezier tool
Add new key modifier ALT :
2. quick toggles to tolh switches to node tool
When you press and hold ALT pen tool behaves like Node tool.
3. Control handle length of newly created handel
pen tool clicks and drags to create a handle . Stil holds and presses and hoold ALT to change handle length.
4. For deleting one side of the handle without shortcut SHIFT+L
Alternative solutions :
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Option: click the last node (best option)
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Option: hold ALT double click handle control point
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Option: hold ALT+CTRL and click on the handle control point
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Option: hold ALT and click on the last node
5. Add a key modifier to move the node after you put it down ALT + SPACE BAR
(or shift+ spacebar)
allows you to change node position without switching tools
6. shift plus click on the last handle of bezier curve
This allows you to brake (unilink) handles faster without of need for switching tools
Node tool + modifiers
New keyboard modifiers:
hold a bezier handle (left click) and then:
- CTRL snaps to the angles
- Shift brak handles apart
- Alt make them linked and with the same length
- SHIFT+SPACE Move node
- No shortcut make them linked but change the size of just one side (now default behavior)
Node tool - Select and manipulet multiple bezier hendels
Let me select and manipulate multiple handles of different nodes at once. Propos solution:
SELECTING handle control point:
- Click on a handle control point /or click and drag to select
- Hold Shift and click next one that you want to add to selection
- Hold Shift and click on a handle control point that is already in selection to remove that point form selection
Manipulation behavior:
You can select 3 modes which could be changed in UI top panel and Shortcut:
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1 MODE: all linked All handles move together relatively linked to the position of a handle you are manipulating Click and drag on any a handle control point form selection to move all of them
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2 MODE: continue in the direction
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3 MODE: Continue in reverse direction
New node type icon (BONUS)
every node type should have own shape
End Summary
All shortcuts are up to debate it's more about this function to be added as a modifier for faster workflow for pro users. Let me know what do you think about this changes and how hard it would be to implement.