Anchor CTRL-Z to Undo, CTRL-C Copy, CTRL-V Paste

MacThule · May 31, 2018

(Edit: CTRL-Z undo is now IMPLEMENTED!)

In advanced build mode, these keys have no use currently, but in every other program that uses functions for Undo, Copy, and Paste frequently these (CTRL-Z, CTRL-C, CTRL-V I believe) are the standard keyboard anchors. Can we please have standard keyboard anchors for undo, copy and paste?

I think this would make the advanced build mode editor - it's basically a ship editor, right? - way more convenient. The intuitiveness is just a bonus; mainly it would make using all of these vital functions faster and easier on the carpal tunnels in our mouse hands.

Seems simple - is there a good reason we can't do this?

NTIMESc · May 31, 2018

This would be nice for defaults, but I would rather see Undo, Redo, Copy, Cut, and Paste be added as user configurable key bindings.

MacThule · May 31, 2018

NTIMESc said:
This would be nice for defaults, but I would rather see Undo, Redo, Copy, Cut, and Paste be added as user configurable key bindings.

Yeah, all of our current keyboard functions can be re-configured I didn't assume these would be unique in that sense. The standard seemed like a good default, but I'd be open to any keyboard shortcuts for these functions.

Sachys · May 31, 2018

How about holding alt for remove mode as well?

Edit: or as a shortcut switch for it (maybe better actually).

Edit2: for anybody unclear as to what remove mode is: Anchor CTRL-Z to Undo, CTRL-C Copy, CTRL-V Paste

MacThule · May 31, 2018

I'd go for that too. I'm just tired of mousing over to undo a hundred times every hour as I detail something to juggle systems inside a hull, and also feel like Copy & Paste are powerful functions that should be more accessible.

Nosajimiki · May 31, 2018

MacThule said:
In advanced build mode, these keys have no use currently, but in every other program that uses functions for Undo, Copy, and Paste frequently these (CTRL-Z, CTRL-C, CTRL-V I believe) are the standard keyboard anchors. Can we please have standard keyboard anchors for undo, copy and paste?

I think this would make the advanced build mode editor - it's basically a ship editor, right? - way more convenient. The intuitiveness is just a bonus; mainly it would make using all of these vital functions faster and easier on the carpal tunnels in our mouse hands.

Seems simple - is there a good reason we can't do this?

I already hit Ctrl-Z 50% of the time before I remember that this does not work in SM.

Sachys said:
How about holding alt for remove mode as well?

Edit: or as a shortcut switch for it (maybe better actually).

Why do you need remove mode...isn't that what right mouse button does?

Sachys · May 31, 2018

Nosajimiki said:
Why do you need remove mode...isn't that what right mouse button does?

Remove mode, as in "hold control and scroll scroll scroll until you can check the box for remove mode that lets you delete x by x by x space". One block at a time right by click is gash for large areas / specific areas bigger than a few blocks.

Edit: added screenshot for absolute clarity!

MrGrey1 · Jun 1, 2018

Would love this!
I'm in remove mode more often then not and yes it's a PITA to get in/out of due to it's insignificant position in the build menu. You can still place blocks in remove mode, you just have to get used to it left clicking and placing blocks away from the remove boundary box. Having a key toggle for remove mode and normalizing ctrl+VCX would be fantastic!

Nosajimiki said:
Why do you need remove mode...isn't that what right mouse button does?

Right mouse button IMO is a bad way to remove things. Personally I consciously avoid right click to remove, it's inefficient as far as clicks are concerned and fills your undo que with useless steps. Remove mode with a block filter on is also much safer as far as accidentally leaving a plane on and removing blocks you didn't want to in another location on your ship.

MacThule · Jun 1, 2018

MrGrey1 I'm glad you agree - I felt like a UI improvement like this would be particularly appreciated by extremely prolific builders like yourself.

Hadn't even thought about CTRL-X, but yes, please to that one as well!

kupu · Jun 1, 2018

CTRL Z undo / CTRL Y redo key-binds are a nice idea.
Little things like this often slip through the cracks, i'll pass this on. I'd like to see it.

MacThule · Jun 1, 2018

kupu said:
CTRL Z undo / CTRL Y redo key-binds are a nice idea.
Little things like this often slip through the cracks, i'll pass this on. I'd like to see it.

Greatly appreciated - thank you!

I know CTRL-V may initially seem like a more complex matter, but it may actually not be. It only needs to call the actual paste function itself using whatever the currently selected template of copy selection already is, just like clicking the [paste] button would. It doesn't actually have to call any of the other aspects of the copy/paste constellation. I know the editor lets you paste repeatedly, but often you place an object and realize you need to adjust structures around it before moving on to the next iteration. This does result in some waving back and forth to the [paste] button within something that feels like it should be a more seamless task. It is a more minor item though. CTRL-Z/CTRL-Y would be fantastic.

Nosajimiki · Jun 1, 2018

Sachys said:
Remove mode, as in "hold control and scroll scroll scroll until you can check the box for remove mode that lets you delete x by x by x space". One block at a time right by click is gash for large areas / specific areas bigger than a few blocks.

Edit: added screenshot for absolute clarity!

I think that is only in there as an alternative for people who don't use a 2-button mouse. If you want to remove an area, I believe it is Shift + Left-Click. No scrolling required. This also works if you have replace mode enabled, it will replace instead of remove.

I suppose if you are using a mouseless laptop or something, having hotkeys to toggle those modes may be nice. Personally, I would love to be able to hotkey Lighten Mode for the same not wanting to scroll reasons.

MacThule · Aug 1, 2018

Hey, is CTRL-Z anchored to UNDO now or am I crazy?

MacThule · Aug 4, 2018

kupu said:
CTRL Z undo / CTRL Y redo key-binds are a nice idea.
Little things like this often slip through the cracks, i'll pass this on. I'd like to see it.

Thanks, kupu! We appreciate the assist on this one.

They totally took care of it. It is now super smooth and convenient.

I am very much on the lookout for small details like this right now; little stuff that won't take a lot of work to fix but will improve the user experience. Getting the UI/UX on point for the Galaxy Update Cycle will help a lot as old players start coming back and new players visit (which is already happening; one afternoon midweek this week I saw 4 live streams going at once and about 50 players playing in the pub servers. That is getting back to traffic levels near what they were before the core systems reboot. And people are starting to seriously build again. Very exciting.).

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Anchor CTRL-Z to Undo, CTRL-C Copy, CTRL-V Paste

Should we have standard editor keyboards for advanced build mode?

No, mouse-only control is fine.

Yes, please!

It would not be worth adjusting current Starmade Advanced Build Mode keyboard anchors.

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