Create Fully-Featured Dockable/Floating Alignment Panel

[bbrother]

Description:

I would like to propose the creation of a fully-featured alignment panel in Affinity Designer and other Affinity apps. Currently, alignment options are available only through a dropdown panel when clicking the alignment button on the toolbar. This panel is not dockable or floatable, which limits its usability and efficiency.

Issue:

1. Limited Accessibility: The current alignment options are only accessible through a dropdown panel that opens when the alignment button on the toolbar is clicked. This setup requires multiple clicks and mouse movements, which disrupts the workflow, especially during complex design tasks.

2. Lack of Docking/Floating Options: There is no option to dock or float the alignment panel on the canvas. A dockable/floating panel would allow users to minimize mouse movements and access alignment options more efficiently.

3. Missing Distribution Options: The dropdown panel lacks essential distribution options for horizontal and vertical distributions (e.g., distribute left edges, center points, right edges, top edges, midpoints, bottom edges). These options are available only in the customize toolbar dialog, making them less accessible during regular use.

Suggestion:

To enhance user experience, I propose creating a fully-featured alignment panel that can be docked or floated on the canvas. This panel should include all alignment and distribution options, ensuring comprehensive functionality. The benefits of this change would include:

• Increased Efficiency: A dockable/floating panel reduces the need for excessive mouse movements and clicks, streamlining the workflow.

• Enhanced Usability: Users can position the panel according to their preferences, improving accessibility and convenience.

• Comprehensive Functionality: Including all alignment and distribution options in the panel ensures that users have all necessary tools at their fingertips.

• Customized Workspaces: A dockable panel can be integrated into customized workspaces, allowing users to tailor their workspace to better suit their individual needs and preferences.

Implementing this change would significantly improve the efficiency and satisfaction of using the alignment tool in Affinity Designer and other Affinity apps.