Attribute Palette Compact Mode

[cberg]

The Attributes palette takes up a lot of VW real estate, relative to its functionality.  The big bars of color and transparency waste tons of space, and do not look all that attractive either.  We need a version that can be minimized for use on laptops and smaller resolution screens. 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 27 by cberg

[Jesse Cogswell]

I personally miss the simplicity and ease of use of the original Attributes palette.  With the new one, whenever I try to enter in an opacity, the first click always seems to register on the bar behind and not the percentage.  While the new one avoids having to open a dialog box, the old one still feels more effortless to use.  I also detest the new widgets used for adjusting gradient or image fills.  Tabbing through goes through the fields in an unpredictable order, I'd much rather just have the original dialog box.  I also miss being able to turn on line end markers with just a click and having an unambiguous indication that a marker is engaged, rather than having the "no marker" be shown as a marker type.

 

[E|FA]

3 hours ago, Jesse Cogswell said:

  I also miss being able to turn on line end markers with just a click and having an unambiguous indication that a marker is engaged, rather than having the "no marker" be shown as a marker type.

@Jesse Cogswell +1 for everything you said and +2 for this^

[Elite Exhibits]

On 2/27/2025 at 11:01 AM, cberg said:

We need a version that can be minimized for use on laptops and smaller resolution screens. 

 @cberg this appears to be another in a series of VW faux pas where an updated UI change is NOT flushed out completely.

 

Starting with VW 2024, the complexity of some items - Attributes as you mention also snaps   - are much more involved to use. Drawing on a laptop, I find the ability to open / close Palettes (as in ... say 2021 and before) equals an efficient uncluttered workflow. Many palettes (OIP / Attributes / Resource Manager...) are only opened via the keyboard only when needed. This equates to more visual design real estate, and when open, the palettes can be centrally located. The Attribute Palette is one I do NOT leave open. 

 

One Workflow trick (avoiding the Attribute Palette ? ) is to use the Eyedropper tool with a few "example items" placed outside the drawing area. These "example items" could be shapes & lines with desired attributes / class settings / Styles / etcetera. One might have these "example items" in a Template or Favorite drawing that is easily opened through the Resource Manager. Copy from this Favorite drawing / Paste into the current design.

 

Keyboard shortcut Shift-E brings up the Eyedropper or Shift-E twice will show the Eyedropper settings.

 

The Eyedropper is able to extract some or all of the attributes in the "example item" and insert same into the target item.

 

We use this workflow for items specific to our different clients / designs. (Logo colors for instance) Makes for an easy and consistent look / feel - helps avoid the looooooong waits when selecting some VW features. Line type for example.

 

Keep in mind that when you copy from one drawing and paste into another, the Class and associated settings "come along for the ride".

 

 

@Jesse Cogswell As you point out, it would also be nice to have the Attribute Palette retain UI simplicity

 

That said ... what about the missing Constraints (snaps) Palette?

 

 

 

Peter

 

 

Eyedropper tool_01.mov

Edited March 3 by Elite Exhibits
added URL

[hdmcclx]

I agree with it taking up a lot of space! to help with this ive made it as an un-pinned (popout) pallet on the side of my screen. 

What id really like to see is the ability to have it on the Smart Options Display! even if it was a slimmed down version.