Distribution using Alignment Handles

[fde101]

It would be nice if the alignment handles could be used to distribute objects, possibly by clicking on one of them using a modifier key - for example, command-click the left alignment handle to distribute left edges, the horizontal center alignment handle to distribute horizontal centers, etc.

[Old Bruce]

4 hours ago, fde101 said:

It would be nice if the alignment handles could be used to distribute objects, possibly by clicking on one of them using a modifier key - for example, command-click the left alignment handle to distribute left edges, the horizontal center alignment handle to distribute horizontal centers, etc.

Would that not mean I could have the left  alignment or the centre alignment if I were to click on the left middle handle?

[fde101]

7 minutes ago, Old Bruce said:

the left middle handle?

Not that one - this one - and you can do that now, I'm talking about spacing them by the left edge (distribution not alignment):

[Old Bruce]

6 minutes ago, fde101 said:

Not that one - this one - and you can do that now, I'm talking about spacing them by the left edge (distribution not alignment):

Ah, now I see.

They are called Alignment handles for the reason they are used for alignment. So perhaps a second Context toolbar item for distribution. Of course whichever method is chosen, your suggestion of a modifier key or mine of a separate button, we would still need to have some way of determining the space between the objects.

I do have to admit that I very rarely use that Context toolbar item.

[fde101]

15 hours ago, Old Bruce said:

perhaps a second Context toolbar item for distribution

There are already a lot of handles in place with the current one added, distribution is related to alignment, and there are modifiers available, so not sure that I see the value in splitting these up like that?

 

15 hours ago, Old Bruce said:

we would still need to have some way of determining the space between the objects

There are already "Distribute Left Edges", "Distribute Horizontal Centers", etc. buttons that can be added to the toolbar, and I guess I am seeing this as adding shortcuts to those features and behaving as the buttons do without requiring the buttons to be added.  In practice, however, there is opportunity to leverage the fact that these are handles to make the spacing more explicit: you could drag the handle instead, and the indicated edge could be spread evenly over the area between where the drag started and where it ended.  A simple click with the modifier could still mimic the behavior of the buttons.