We have the circle, square and star shapes that have "special" things happening when we drag the nodes; couldn't the basic shapes do special things too? As they stand, they are just 'symbols' that may as well be added in through fonts, clipart, clipboard, 'symbols' or a one click off-set: there is nothing special about them that warrants the space used in the toolbar (in my opinion of course ;)
In no particular order...
If I understand you right, you've got some good points, though I disagree on a few. I do agree that the basic shapes could stand some updating, including your points 1,2, and 3. I disagree that the basic shapes are simply symbols. A few of them are, but most have control nodes that allow for specialized reshaping that you don't get in other tools. I like the ease of use of those, and wouldn't want to have to input individual characteristics much more than is currently possible.
The polygon tool and the basic star tool are somewhat different. The polygon tool allows for symmetric rotation of nodes and both inward and outward movement. The basic Star tool is strictly an in and out setting of "pointiness" and doesn't allow for the sides to invert the way the polygon tool does. Admittedly, you can make stars from polygons and polygons from stars, but if you've got a quick job to be done, I like to be able to grab the one that's going to do what I want fastest without converting to curves.
Triangles: Some of what you say could be handy. Right now the best way I know of to draw an isosolese triangle is with the smart drawing tool. At that point, it becomes a basic shape. Why isn't this in the basic shapes list? I wouldn't want the center of rotaion changed by default. Right now, ALL objects have the center of rotation as the center of the object (or at least the center of the selection handles) by default. Changing that for a few objects would play havoc with working with CorelDRAW because you'd never know what to expect.
Perspective Shape: Doesn't the trapezoid in the Basic Shapes do this now? I may not be understanding what you're asking for here.
Arrow shape - I think this would take a whole new tool, far from Basic Shapes, and more along the lines of the line end options (where there is a button to reverse the curve and you can create your own arrowheads.)
Love th idea of the moon shape! That one really is what Basic Shapes are all about and would come in ever so handy for a lot of projects.
Val P.
Val P. said:Triangles: Some of what you say could be handy. Right now the best way I know of to draw an isosolese triangle is with the smart drawing tool. At that point, it becomes a basic shape. Why isn't this in the basic shapes list?
I normally draw a square, break it, add a node in the middle of one side and delete the ones either side: this way I can get an accuratly sized triangle. I suppose I could just use the polygon on 3 sides then stretch it (or type in the size) as well - that seems quicker and I can snap within a shape.
I wouldn't want the center of rotaion changed by default. Right now, ALL objects have the center of rotation as the center of the object (or at least the center of the selection handles) by default. Changing that for a few objects would play havoc with working with CorelDRAW because you'd never know what to expect.
Just thinking on something Val said - every 'special shape' could also be an end-cap for a line, and every end-cap becomes a 'special shape' - perhaps a special 'class' of special shape? To make it an end-cap, there are two "special nodes" that could be added to a shape:
End caps:
Just posting on this thread to keep things together: going through each of the special shapes...{Arrows, banners, flowchart and callouts for another post.}Ones to get rid of:
Facelift for existing shapes{See attached sketches for the shapes mentioned below}
Perspective trapezoid
Page Curl
No entry sign
Rainbow arc
Heart
Droplet
New: 3D box
New: "Celtic Cross"
New: "Flanged Cross"
New: "Tail"
The basic shape group "Banners"... well it's a little poor isn't it? An up the way scroll, a down the way scroll, a wave box and two jaggie splats. The scrolls are not even very well done - straight lines and a simple fold.
Everything on this can be done much (raised to the power of ten) better simply by drawing stuff and using the tools available. The jaggie splats are completley out of date due to the zipper tool. The wave box can be done with the envelope tool and scrolls have soooo much more potential.
Attached should be self-explanitory, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to post.