Key short-cut changes

[Charles Moir]

As we move to making Mac and Linux versions of Xara Xtreme it looks as if we're going to have to change some basic key short-cuts. We're also getting increased requests to provide more industry compatible key short-cuts. So we looking at changing some of the basic key short cuts.

1) The Mac uses the center mouse button (scroll wheel) as a short cut to their dashboard and so this, our push tool short-cut, probably has to change. Secondly it's one of the most common requests that we change the push tool to use the space bar instead (as does Photoshop and many other apps). And that means changing the short-cut to the Selector tool (currently space bar)

2) On Linux the 'select under' key short cut (Alt-click) can't be used as the OS uses it as a short cut for moving windows, and so it looks as if we should change this as well. Difficult to know what to replace this with.

It has to be said that both operating systems can be configured not to use these short cuts, but I do not believe it's acceptable to most users that we ask them to re-configure their OS to start making Xara key short-cuts work.

There are probably other key short cuts we should change to make the software more compatible with industry standard.

What do people think? (I'm sort of assuming most existing Xara users would prefer we not change things, but as we move into a wider world and try to gain acceptance in the wider graphics world it's probably more important that we provide a product that needs least re-learning and is most comfortable for new users).

[The Alien]

I thought programs that come on different platforms use different shortcuts all the time, like some combinations of CTRL + another key in MS Word are different on the Mac. So why can't there be different shortcuts for Mac and Linux where it's needed?

I'm not fond of the idea, especially for changing the select under shortcut. It may still be acceptable in the end though.

For the push tool, would it be possible to use tapping the space bar for the selector tool and holding the space bar and dragging with the mouse for the push tool? I don't know if this is possible, cause the space bar isn't like the CTRL or Shift key :\

[Christine Farrelly]

Can they not be made customisable - this is the route Adobe have gone.

Christine

[Kman]

I agree with Christine. If it is possible, allow the user to re-assign
certain key combinations to specific actions.

Perhaps in a format like the one shown in the graphic, where the
user could check off those key combinations wanted for a set
action, such as CTRL+ALT+F12, or SHIFT+ALT+Q.

And, these "action lists" be grouped by function categories, such as
Tools, Gallery, Zooming, etc.

Ken

[PhilM]

I think we should retain our current key shortcut configuration as an option for long-term users but supply the app with a default configuration that suits the new audience.

Phil

[tonylondon]

Using industry standard short-cuts would obviously make it easier for new users.
I can't see an obvious alternative to Alt-click for select under...
Tony

[Jon G]

Please note that the current shortcuts are not usable on a laptop keyboard = without a numpad.

I honestly think that the shortcuts need to be configurable.

Many programs have a default setting, which is used in manuals, tutorials etc, but the programs also allow the user to edit the configuration.

[jclements]

The only shortcut key I really care about is the one associated with the Spacebar which, in my opionion, should be configured for the most used tool along with toggleing back to the previous tool and back again.

That said, I think the key mapping should be CUSTOMIZABLE. If this is possible I would like to recommend that the use of a SINGLE ALPHA character be allowed. Those keys, of course, would not work if the Text Tool were active. These keys would be used for the really important functions; I would assign single keys which are closest to my left hand so my right-hand can remain on the mouse or hold a pen, for example: H for the HandTool, D for the pen (freeHand Draw tool); L for Layer Gallery, E for export, and so forth.

[PhilM]

Charles,

Neither of my Macs use the middle mouse button to open Dashboard... I haven't fiddled with any settings in this area so this is the default state as far as I know.

In fact, I've been using a program where dragging with the middle button pushes the graphic around in the view without giving it a second thought - it's so natural for me now.

Phil

[Ronny Axelsson]

I must agree to what jclements says, that the shortcuts should be customizable, including the use of single character shortcuts, like in CorelDraw.
IMO, every modern software should adapt to the user, not the other way around.

/Ronny