Experiment: Multi Object Properties Editing
Needs RevisionPublic
Actions

Authored by Harley Acheson (harley) on Aug 13 2021, 3:38 AM.

Details

Reviewers

Summary

This simple patch just makes multi-object editing default behavior. So if you have multiple objects selected it will (probably) edit for all objects by default, or you can hold down ALT to affect only the active object. Basically the opposite of how it is now.

There has been much debate about this with the central concern of how to properly inform users of which properties do work with all objects and which can only work with active. This was last left with the idea that we needed a proper plan and design. But I don't think anyone has worked on one, nor are they likely to at the moment with "headless" UI Module.

My thought with this is that we could play with it and see what kind of problems are found in practice, how annoying it is, think about different ways to solve them. Personally I don't find much annoyance at all. The act of selecting multiple objects is very deliberate and so I am not surprised when changing "Rotation" changes that for all. Nor is it that devastating when changing "Dimensions" does not.

So more of a plaything and playground than an actual patch and feature.

Diff Detail

Repository: rB Blender

Event Timeline

Harley Acheson (harley) requested review of this revision.Aug 13 2021, 3:38 AM

Harley Acheson (harley) created this revision.

Manuel Grad (manitwo) awarded a token.Aug 13 2021, 7:11 AM

Pratik Borhade (PratikPB2123) awarded a token.Aug 13 2021, 7:16 AM

RedMser (RedMser) added a subscriber: RedMser (RedMser).Aug 13 2021, 11:43 AM

Aaron Carlisle (Blendify) added a subscriber: Aaron Carlisle (Blendify).Aug 13 2021, 1:21 PM

Iyad Ahmed (iyadahmed2001) awarded a token.Aug 13 2021, 6:02 PM

I like this behavior, it's more much more intuitive. Although it would be nice for example, pressing Alt would flash the active object similar to the transfer mode operator.

Although the object is outlined in a different color, having the flashing animation helps a bit in crowded scenes.

Fran Marz (franMarz) awarded a token.Aug 14 2021, 5:32 PM

Benjamin Sauder (kioku) awarded a token.Aug 14 2021, 7:47 PM

Wow, the code looks like a small change. Does this apply throughout the entire UI?

@Andres Stephens (Draise) - Wow, the code looks like a small change.

That's because it doesn't do much because multi-object is already is place, but you must press ALT to enable it. This just swaps the behavior so that default is like pressing Alt now, while pressing Alt works only on Active.

Does this apply throughout the entire UI?

Yes, in that it works everywhere that multi-object editing works already now. It you can edit multiple objects now when you press Alt you can do so with this patch without.

The central problem isn't turning this behavior on, but (as stated in the original comment) about communicating to the user what is possible and what will change and what cannot.

Peter Fog (tintwotin) awarded a token.Aug 22 2021, 10:09 PM

Lloyd (digim0nk) awarded a token.Aug 23 2021, 2:18 AM

This was already made default and tested early in in 2.8x alpha and ended up causing problems in the node editor: T53950.

Proper support for vector buttons should be supported before enabling this by default, currently if you change the color this won't be applied to other object (noted in the code as a TODO).

Marking as requesting changes since these issues should be addressed first.

This revision now requires changes to proceed.Aug 23 2021, 6:47 AM

Wilsimar (wilBr) awarded a token.Jan 6 2022, 3:59 AM

slwk1d (Slowwkidd) added a subscriber: slwk1d (Slowwkidd).Mon, Feb 6, 2:08 PM