I've been trying to learn how to use the Shape Builder tool (so I can write a tutorial) but I'm just stumped on one particular area. To me, it seems like a basic feature is missing. But I want to clarify it, before I think about writing a bug report/feature request. Here's my process.
draw 2 or 3 simple, overlapping or touching, objects
select them all
click on Shape Builder tool in the toolbox
click on a couple of gray areas (they turn blue)
switch back to the Selection tool
Now I find that I can select the areas that were blue, while the Shape Builder tool was active, and drag them aside. And that's what I consider is the result of using the tool. But the confusing part is why doesn't the Shape Builder delete the original shapes, and display only the results (the blue parts that I selected out of the gray)?
If I truly am using the tool to only create "a shape" or maybe a few, that seems to be a reasonable process.
But if I am drawing a more complex design, and I want to use the Shape Builder tool instead of a path operation, it does not seem to be either faster or easier. I select some shapes in my larger design and apply the Shape Builder. But now in this case, dragging the result to the side is not appropriate. I want my result to stay in my design. So I have to find the shapes I used as original, and remove them -- if they can actually be removed from the larger design.
It's the part where I have to dig out the original shapes from a complex drawing that is time consuming....and to me, it seems not necessary. With path operations, the object that does the "cutting" or "dividing" or whatever, is automatically deleted, so that only the result remains. I'm having a hard time understanding why the tool does not have at least an option, to automatically delete the original shapes -- so that only the result remains.
Am I missing the purpose for this tool? Is it really only meant to create a few individual shapes? It is mostly meant for beginners? Or is there a way to use it in a complex design? As a long time user of Inkscape, I'm having a hard time finding a use for this tool. But I can see why beginners might like it.
Oooohh, I see! The first few times I experimented with that button, it took away things that I still needed. And the tool tip is not especially helpful. But if you use it only on the last step, yes, that's perfect!
Thanks!
I would suggest tweaking the tool tip a bit though. Because the only thing that's selected when shape building is complete, is the actual results. And it does not actually replace anything, does it?
Well, in one mode, it's creating new geometry based on the selected geometry; in the other mode, the selected geometry is removed and the new geometry remains. So, I'd say replace is an appropriate description.
It sounds like you are explaining the difference between the Add and Remove buttons (see attached, add_shape.png and remove_shape.png))
As far as I can see, the button called "Replace Objects" (your screenshot), determines whether the original objects are going to be retained or removed. When it's enabled, one would assume it's going to replace something. Or something is going to be replaced. But something is only removed.
What is being replaced? And what is it replaced with or by?
Edit
Not unless.... Not unless it's supposed to mean the results are going to replace the originals? That would seem to be kind of a given -- one expects results to replace whatever was there. Or unclicked, the results are going to be added to the originals?
Well I stand by my experience. The current terminology is not very clear.
Maybe if they added "original": Replace Original Objects ? "Replace original objects with results" Or maybe if it's the other way around, where you select whether you want to keep the originals?
Beyond the Basics shape builder tool, auto-delete original?
Inkscape.org
Hi Friends,
I've been trying to learn how to use the Shape Builder tool (so I can write a tutorial) but I'm just stumped on one particular area. To me, it seems like a basic feature is missing. But I want to clarify it, before I think about writing a bug report/feature request. Here's my process.
Now I find that I can select the areas that were blue, while the Shape Builder tool was active, and drag them aside. And that's what I consider is the result of using the tool. But the confusing part is why doesn't the Shape Builder delete the original shapes, and display only the results (the blue parts that I selected out of the gray)?
If I truly am using the tool to only create "a shape" or maybe a few, that seems to be a reasonable process.
But if I am drawing a more complex design, and I want to use the Shape Builder tool instead of a path operation, it does not seem to be either faster or easier. I select some shapes in my larger design and apply the Shape Builder. But now in this case, dragging the result to the side is not appropriate. I want my result to stay in my design. So I have to find the shapes I used as original, and remove them -- if they can actually be removed from the larger design.
It's the part where I have to dig out the original shapes from a complex drawing that is time consuming....and to me, it seems not necessary. With path operations, the object that does the "cutting" or "dividing" or whatever, is automatically deleted, so that only the result remains. I'm having a hard time understanding why the tool does not have at least an option, to automatically delete the original shapes -- so that only the result remains.
Am I missing the purpose for this tool? Is it really only meant to create a few individual shapes? It is mostly meant for beginners? Or is there a way to use it in a complex design? As a long time user of Inkscape, I'm having a hard time finding a use for this tool. But I can see why beginners might like it.
Thanks for any clarity anyone can offer 🙂
Maybe this:
Oooohh, I see! The first few times I experimented with that button, it took away things that I still needed. And the tool tip is not especially helpful. But if you use it only on the last step, yes, that's perfect!
Thanks!
I would suggest tweaking the tool tip a bit though. Because the only thing that's selected when shape building is complete, is the actual results. And it does not actually replace anything, does it?
Well, in one mode, it's creating new geometry based on the selected geometry; in the other mode, the selected geometry is removed and the new geometry remains. So, I'd say replace is an appropriate description.
Huh?
It sounds like you are explaining the difference between the Add and Remove buttons (see attached, add_shape.png and remove_shape.png))
As far as I can see, the button called "Replace Objects" (your screenshot), determines whether the original objects are going to be retained or removed. When it's enabled, one would assume it's going to replace something. Or something is going to be replaced. But something is only removed.
What is being replaced? And what is it replaced with or by?
Edit
Not unless.... Not unless it's supposed to mean the results are going to replace the originals? That would seem to be kind of a given -- one expects results to replace whatever was there. Or unclicked, the results are going to be added to the originals?
Well I stand by my experience. The current terminology is not very clear.
Maybe if they added "original": Replace Original Objects ? "Replace original objects with results" Or maybe if it's the other way around, where you select whether you want to keep the originals?