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Controlled size adjustments
To facilitate precise placement of an object, we presently have the ability to use the arrow keys to bump it in any of the four directions by two pixels at a time. I'd like that same sort of functionality for resizing.
I'm thinking that using the number key pad would be perfect. If I hit #8, the top bar expands upward (perhaps by two pixels again). If I hit Shift-#8, the top bar contracts downward. #2 would make the bottom bar move, #4 the left bar, and #6 the right bar. (If you wanted to get crazy, you could use #1, #3, #7, and #9 to make an object expand/contract in two directions at once!)
While making these fine adjustments, I would like to see the size displayed, just like when I'm dragging the bars with the pointer.
Also, as mentioned in a previous post, the ability to type in specific dimensions for an object would be great. Further, I'd like the ability to type in a precise X, Y position for the top left corner.
Thanks for a terrific product!
I'm thinking that using the number key pad would be perfect. If I hit #8, the top bar expands upward (perhaps by two pixels again). If I hit Shift-#8, the top bar contracts downward. #2 would make the bottom bar move, #4 the left bar, and #6 the right bar. (If you wanted to get crazy, you could use #1, #3, #7, and #9 to make an object expand/contract in two directions at once!)
While making these fine adjustments, I would like to see the size displayed, just like when I'm dragging the bars with the pointer.
Also, as mentioned in a previous post, the ability to type in specific dimensions for an object would be great. Further, I'd like the ability to type in a precise X, Y position for the top left corner.
Thanks for a terrific product!
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Inappropriate?Hmmm - have you tried using CTRL-DRAG/RESIZE?
This is fine move/resize without snapping. Does this fit your needs?
See this post:
http://getsatisfaction.com/balsamiq/t... -
Inappropriate?It's certainly better than nothing, but here's my use case: I tend to do a lot of GUI brainstorming when I'm away from the office: sitting in Starbucks, or sitting on my couch, for instance. That means I'm NOT using a mouse, and I AM using this blasted touch pad on the laptop. Try doing ANYTHING "fine" with a touch pad. --groan--
No, I'm just suggesting that for those of us with poor fine-motor skills, a keyboard method would be really handy. -
Inappropriate?Why not just get a mouse?2 Comments
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This is one of the best points
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:) I'm on the road right now without a mouse, so I totally understand where Charles is coming from...these trackpads really aren't very fun to do real work with. -
This comment was removed on 10/29/08.
see the change log -
Inappropriate?Hi Charles, thanks for the feedback. How about CTRL+ALT+arrow keys for "nudge resizing" like you suggest? As for having some text fields to specify the size and position, I need to think of a way to offer that ability without cluttering up the property inspectors...maybe add a "view size and position toolbar" command in the view menu? Or an icon in the property inspector that opens a dialog box? Do you find that you need to specify size and position mostly of a few kinds of controls or would this be needed for all kinds of controls?
I’m thankful
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This is one of the best points
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The arrow keys (with modifiers) would be great! Just didn't know if there were other uses for those combinations in mind...
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As for specifying size/position, it would just be handy on occasion. My biggest use case for putting in specific sizes would be images. My biggest use case for specific placement is in placing a container-type object on the same place from one mockup to the next. (Like putting the "app" box into the overall web page across different pieces of the "app.")
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Inappropriate?Charles, I found a little empty spot in the UI in which to squeeze this:
You just click and it turns into this:
Enter to commit, ESC to cancel, easy!
Let me know what you think. I like it!
http://www.balsamiq.com/products/mock...
I’m happy
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Inappropriate?Peldi,
That rocks! I think people will quickly get turned on to using that little box.
- Charles
I’m thrilled.
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Inappropriate?If you drag the panel with the edit field still active this happens...
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Inappropriate?If you edit the position/size and hit "Enter" on any object that has text, you immediately end up in text editing mode.
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Inappropriate?I'll fix those, thanks a ton guys!
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Inappropriate?Peldi,
Have you gotten around to implementing the CTRL-ALT-Arrow keys as a mean to resize the UI elements ?
I would definitely like that.
Luc
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This is one of the best points
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I have not. How bad do you need it? Doesn't the new pos&size inspector work well enough? Just trying to gauge the priority...
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Inappropriate?Peldi,
Yes, the inspector works well, but sometimes it's more "natural" to use the keyboard to do those "fine tunning" adjustments.
I just happened to see this post, and was wondering what direction you had decided to go. If you were to decide to implement resizing of widget with the arrows, I feel it would be close to what we are used to with our IDEs.
Luc
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