Re: [Gimp-developer] Bug 719435

["Hodgin, Rick C." <rick c hodgin mykolab com>]

On 2013-12-02 03:36, Ofnuts wrote:
> On 12/02/2013 01:10 AM, Rick C. Hodgin wrote:
> > On 12/01/2013 12:15 PM, Ofnuts wrote:
> > > On 11/30/2013 10:53 PM, Hodgin, Rick C. wrote:
> > > > I was asked by Michael Natterer to discuss this enhancement on the 
> > > > GIMP developer list.
> > > > https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=719435
> > > >
> > > > Basically, I'd like to see the line cue for the Pen tool colorized 
> > > > when either of the two X,Y axis offsets are 0, or when their 
> > > > absolute values are equal (or have it match the existing angles used 
> > > > for snapping, though I personally only use the 45 degree angle 
> > > > setting often).
> > > >
> > > > This colorization cue would be visible without activating snapping, 
> > > > and would simply change the line color when those conditions are 
> > > > met.
> > > >
> > > > I have no other reason for wanting it except that I think it is 
> > > > difficult to see when the line is at exactly 45 degrees since it 
> > > > uses such a smooth anti-aliasing algorithm, and that it would 
> > > > provide added value, be a nice helpful feature, and something that 
> > > > I've wanted in GIMP for quite some time. :-)
> > >
> > > How would that be better than the current "constrained angles"?
> >
> > It would cue automatically without constraining.  As the cursor moves 
> > around, the colors would indicate alignments.  It could be used to 
> > examine existing image content, or to help align new.
>
> First,  unless we introduce some error margin the cue could be rather
> elusive because you would have to be on the right pixel (and stay
> there).
>
> Second, I don't see the logic of checking if you are at 45° and not
> draw the line in a paint tool. If you want to check alignments, the
> right tool would be the Measure tool. Having display changes (color or
> else, there are color-blind users) on some angles (and perhaps
> distances) could be useful there (one more Tool option, and with the
> caveat about elusiveness). And as a reminder, the Measure tool also
> has constrained angles (so you can move the second measure point along
> an accurate vertical/horizontal/diagonal), and will let you to
> position H/V/H+V guides where the cursor is. So using both
> capabilities together you can easily define some point at 45° from an
> existing point(*)
>
> (*) Note to the devs: Currently using the constrained angles disables
> snapping to guides and path.  Having both together would be useful:
> draw the perpendicular to a line through a given point, etc...

First, ofnuts, if you're the one who decides whether or not a new 
feature is included, I hereby withdraw my request and will cease all 
further input into GIMP.

Second, it would be while you're on the correct pixel only. If using 
fractional pixels (floans), then whenever integer rounding places you on 
that pixel it would highlight.

Third, it's for while you're already doing something on the image using 
that tool.  The cue would provide useful information from time to time, 
for very little additional programming as the line cure must already 
redraw itself as the mouse moves.  A simple test when rendering onto the 
output window and you're there.

Forth, as for changing the color, make it an option that must be enabled 
and let the user decide their own color. Or, make it a non color feature 
-- such as an alternating white/black dotted line cue on a 250ms timer.  
Lots of possibilities.

Best regards,
Rick C. Hodgin