why the triangle tool is weird

[kbaqel]

Is there a way I can make a triangle that is upside down without having to flip it? While I enjoy using affinity photo, I'm having a hard time getting used to designer. Its features are just weird and I find it unintuitive.

[NotMyFault]

The vector shapes keep their “upside” orientation when added initially, no matter if you move the mouse above or below initial node position. But you can use the ctrl-modifier key to rotate the shape. Combined with shift modifier, you get angles restricted to certain steps.

Using modifier keys is essential to get the full UI potential utilized.

https://affinity.help/designer2/en-US.lproj/pages/Tools/tools_trapezoid.html
 

Modifier keys

As you create shapes, the following modifier keys can be used while the shape is being drawn:

• The   constrains shape's proportions at the time of creation.
• The   draws or resizes from center (can be combined with the  ).
• Where appropriate, on many shapes, the   moves the red handles in pairs.
• The   lets you rotate a shape about its opposite handle.
• The  lets you reposition a shape at the time of creation.
• You can pick up color as you design by using the -key and dragging.

 

[carl123]

You need to use the right mouse button, which is a bit awkward as the right-click menu keeps popping up and getting in the way

So...

Hover over canvas
Hold right mouse button down and keep it down
Ignore right-click menu popup
Make sure cursor is over the canvas (not on the right-click menu popup)
Now press left mouse button also and drag down
Release both buttons when done

Needs a bit of practice but doable

[kbaqel]

1 hour ago, carl123 said:

You need to use the right mouse button, which is a bit awkward as the right-click menu keeps popping up and getting in the way

So...

Hover over canvas
Hold right mouse button down and keep it down
Ignore right-click menu popup
Make sure cursor is over the canvas (not on the right-click menu popup)
Now press left mouse button also and drag down
Release both buttons when done

Needs a bit of practice but doable

Thank you. 🙂 From what I see it makes the cursor holding on the the apex and its always the same triangle with fixed angles and I don't see any of the standard modyfing keys can do anything. Also is there a way I could drag from any other vertex? Sorry if my english isn;t clear

[R C-R]

6 hours ago, carl123 said:

You need to use the right mouse button, which is a bit awkward as the right-click menu keeps popping up and getting in the way

FWIW, on Macs, because the CTRL key is the equivalent of the awkward click right-then-left button Windows sequence,  if you start drawing the triangle normally with the left button down & then hold down CTRL to draw it from the top apex, & use the SHIFT key to confine it 45° increments.

I assume that won't work on Windows.

Anyway, I would never have discovered this hidden feature if I had not tested it after reading this topic, so thanks for that.

[Jim_A]

Select the triangle then Layer > Convert to Curves (from the menu bar at the top) might do what you want.

Experiment with the Move Tool and the Node Tool to manipulate the whole shape or individual nodes.

Shift-drag will constrain. Also there are options in View > Snapping which might help.