Extend Square Star by one Point

Subpath

Would be great if the Square Stare could
be extended by one point.

Because that would expand the possible shapes a bit.
I would like to have a moveable/editable peak point.
Like so, but editable.

left my Idea, right as it is by now.

Boldline

@Subpath I completely understand why you are asking for that additional point.
Here are two thoughts why it might not be needed:
1- it's adding more potentially unnecessary nodes to the design. (for shapes created that don't need that middle point)
2. you can easily add a node to the exact center point of any shape like that by double-clicking the node next to it. So to add a node where you are requesting it, just double click on the node to the far left side. it's really a neat feature

I have this same thought about the potential addition of a triangle shape. Sometimes I prefer a dedicated triangle shape in VS and other times I realize it would just take up more space when I can click on the star tool and make it have three points instead of 5 and have the triangle I need.

Subpath

@Boldline

...1- it's adding more potentially unnecessary nodes to the design.
(for shapes created that don't need that middle point)...

I suspect that this shape already has points that Users don't use.
But i have uses for this and it's just "one" more point and many more possibilities.
Sorry but I don't understand your concerns in this case.

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... 2. you can easily add a node to the exact center point of any shape like that by
double-clicking the node next to it. So to add a node where you are requesting it,
just double click on the node to the far left side. it's really a neat feature ....

I know I can do what you described, and I know how to do it.
But I would like it to be "editable", like the Square Star, before I turn it into a curve.
That's the point of my request in the first place.

b77

@Subpath Currently this parametric shape (Square Star) has control handles that scale the shape at the locations where you suggested it could have an editable path point.

Where should the handle for scaling the shape be? Or it should not have that?

VectorStyler

@Subpath The gear shape options are symmetric, in that they have the same effect for each knob.
Would this peak be the same (as in the 3rd tow), so when dragged it would be on all knobs?
In this case the example from the first row would not work.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

Such a shape was the original reason for my request.

Yes, this shape is also possible with the gear shape.

So only for the first form, my request is maybe a bit too much,
but i still found it useful.

Victor Vector

@Subpath I like your idea and I see value in adding this function.

Here's an interface suggestion to make your idea easily editable:

Of course the Shape Panel would need to be updated as well.

Subpath

@b77

Yes, the position of the scaling point is the weak point in my request.
Honestly, I don't really know where to put it.

Subpath

@Victor-Vector

Like your idea, for the scaling point.

b77

I thought about all this, and things might not be that simple.

First, an observation:

The bending knob of the Square Star shape is positioned between the two segments it bends, which is different from the Star and Gear shapes, where it is positioned on the segments:

Unless there is some good reason for this being in the middle, I would move it also on the segment — it makes more sense IMO.

…………………… … .. .

Anyway, I made a mockup to see how the star-based shapes would look with the scaling knobs positioned between the rays:

0_1651881200973_sst copy.png

What I'm afraid is that these knobs can be less visible if there are other objects in the background.

The way half of each knob overlaps the shape now avoids this.

And… it all looks a bit busy. Maybe use just one knob for scaling?

0_1651881591885_sst cl.png

…………………… … .. .

Another thing:

Can the bend knobs have a way to reset their segments to straight — a double-click maybe?

And a question:

Just in case the developer would include a [–|+] button/handle that allows you to change the ray count for the Star shapes directly on the canvas, where should such a handle be positioned? Somewhere between the rays of the shape or in a corner of the bounding box?

VectorStyler

@b77 I added these to the backlog for the extra shape parameter.

There is no bend knob reset at this time, but double click seems like an easy solution.

I would leave out a [+/-] handle for now. The up/down arrow keys can be used to change the count.

Subpath

@b77

Thank you for your explorations,
I really appreciate it.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

I always use the Shape Panel to change the count
and also to reset the Bend.

But the Bend in the Rectangle/Square shape
doesnt have an Option to do that.

Only the Rectangle Option have this
0_1651906974731_Rectangle Option.png

Subpath

First of all, I have to say that I am not in a hurry at all.

I will try to explain my somewhat diffuse thoughts.
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One point of my thoughts is that I like the concept of non-destructive modeling
in 3D programs and, of course, in 2D. Therefore, in my vector graphics heaven,
shapes always remained editable.

VS already has a lot to offer in this regard.

The second point of my consideration is the creation of shapes that always
remain editable for pattern creation.

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Using clones is certainly also a way to create such editable shapes.
Composite objects also offer some possibilities.
Unfortunately, both have transformation bugs at the moment.

If one day the transformation problems with them are solved,
then I see a very flexible way to create such editable shapes.
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I looked at the shapes themselves and found that some shapes don't use
a scale point at all, they are scaled just with the normal selection rectangle.
So whats the scale point for ?
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shapes without scaling point
0_1651906052930_without scaling point.png

shapes with a scaling point
0_1651906081400_with scaling point.png

VectorStyler

@Subpath The best way to keep shapes editable (and reused) is to enable the Shape role of an object, and select Shape styles.

The composite shape transformation errors will be fixed, but these concern only the arrangement of shapes inside a composite shape.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

I looked at under Object > Object Role and found only "Shape"
as a Role, did you mean this ?

And where will this be different instead of using symbols or clones
(i know the different between Symbols and Clones)

VectorStyler

@Subpath Yes that is the "Shape" role. It can also be set in the Object Options view with the Role button.

The difference:
When using the Shape role a "virtual" shape style is created (think of a shape style as a fill or stroke style, but for shapes).
This shape style can then be selected on any object to be the shape of the object. These objects will not be symbol instances, and they may have any other local attributes, but their shape is linked as a style to the shape style.

Subpath

@vectoradmin

thank you for the explanation.
Could you briefly explain how I then pass this "style" to other objects ?
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I think I figured out how to do this.
Select Panels > Styles > Styles (alt+v).

Open Shape in the panel and here is your previously
created Shape role

Select the object(s) you want to apply it to and press the icon in the bottom
left corner. To test it, just scale your original object

Did some tests:
Node editing is possible
Group shapes after you applied the style too
Even composite objects work (not possible with clone)
but give me a fixable strange position for an object inside the composite object
.
will explore this further

0_1651916012455_Style apply-2.png
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Video: here my results

VectorStyler

@Subpath When an object is selected, the Shape panel (and the Context panel) will contain a "Shape" drop down, that lists all the Shape styles and presets.
Select the shape from there. The shape is listed with the name that was assigned to the object with the Shape role.

VectorStyler

@Subpath Yes, the Styles panel also works for this.