selecting 2 nodes/anchor points from different shapes

[prisca]

Hi,

not sure if I'm missing something - but I'd like to select 2 nodes from 2 different shapes to move them together.

How can I do this?

I've got the layer selected - using the node tool, I tried to shift-select, or marquee… nothing… I only ever manage to select the single node…

[MEB]

Select both shapes with the selection or node tool (press SHIFT to pick the other shape if you're using the node tool to select), change to node tool and select the nodes you want from whatever shape you wish by dragging a selection over them or picking one by one pressing the SHIFT key.

[rui_mac]

Are you using the node tool? It is working fine here.

[rui_mac]

I also did that, Miguel. And also found out that you can even directly select the shapes with the Node tool.

[prisca]

Thank you both ;)

well, selecting first via the move tool, then switching to the node tool does work… hadn't even thought of that.
Thanks, solved it.

but I have to say - this is really going to slow me down… why can't I just select any number of nodes with the node tool itself?
seems counterintuitive and the long way around…?
This will take twice as long … :(

 

ah, just tried that - selecting both with node tool seems ok… :)
though still finding it odd I can't just go for the nodes alone…

[MEB]

You can. Just make sure both shapes are selected, then you can drag a selection over them with the node tool or pick one by one pressing the SHIFT key.

 

Note that you can also select shapes with the node tool - press the SHIFT key to quickly select any shape while in the node tool.

 

It makes sense to select the shapes first, otherwise every node in every shape in the document would be selected and this would certainly lead to accidental moves/editing.

[prisca]

Thanks, Meb :)

well, I like the fact that in Illustrator I don't need to select any shape - but can easily select individual nodes. I don't need to worry about how the shape is constructed, or in how many shapes my nodes are - I like being able to select any node, then move those together.

To give you an example:
Doing a muffin illustration at the moment for a recipe - playing with the zigzag line which forms at the top and bottom of the paperwrap… so I'd like to just select some nodes - and move them together to play with how steep my line should be. As I'm doing a stripey pattern, I'm using different shapes.
Having to select them first -  just slows me down.

but will have to get used to it if this is how it'll work in AD :)

[rui_mac]

Actually, I hate the way Illustrator deals with the way selections are done. All of that highlighting while hoovering is very, very confusing. But, coming from a FreeHand environment, were everything was so easy and with only one tool, it is easy to understand that Illustrator feels frustration.

However, I'm getting used to use the V and A keys to switch tools in Affinity Designer and let me tell you that is becoming quite natural.

And, since you can select different shapes with the Node tool, there isn't much switching. Just an extra click.

[prisca]

I know what you mean - Illustrator is by no means ideal - but I do like that function… just a matter of familiar workflow, I'm sure :)
 

[MEB]

Thanks, Meb :)

 

well, I like the fact that in Illustrator I don't need to select any shape - but can easily select individual nodes. I don't need to worry about how the shape is constructed, or in how many shapes my nodes are - I like being able to select any node, then move those together.

 

I´m just trying to help replying to your questions regarding Affinity.

Illustrator allows you to do that because it has a smart implementation where it is able to highlight the node you are overing even before you take action. Clicking on it just confirms you are actually wanting to do something with the node and so it automatically selects the shape for you.

Affinity isn't there yet. Actually we aren't even able to snap to nodes on other unselected shapes (which is a similar feature) but i believe all that will be coming as soon as the global snapping system is complete. I wouldn't mind to have Affinity highlighting the nodes when we over them. It doesn't add visual clutter and as you discovered can be very useful.

[rui_mac]

I really hate how Illustrator works with that highlighting and how it tries to choose for you what you want to do.
When I want to create a new node in a curve that happens to cross over another curve, I usually end up selecting the overlapping curve or creating the new node in the wrong curve. One has to lock specific curves and then you have to unlock all because there is no way to unlock just a specific object.

Damn!! It is so frustrating.

[MEB]

You are talking about creating new nodes. The case prisca is talking about refers to selecting/highlighting existing nodes.

[rui_mac]

Yes, but as soon as I hoover over a path to create a new node, the highlighting kicks in and ruins everything.

Also, selecting overlapping objects is a nightmare.

[prisca]

 yeah, I know what you mean - but I do like a certain amount of visual feedback as I work. Showing me more than AD does at the moment is what I'm used to and I like the way I can click or marguee to select nodes independent from which layer or shape they're part of. I work in layers a lot but love vector for not having to use them. So for brain storming or experimenting - I'll just work in the flow - and so extra clicks do slow me down. Something to get used to I'm sure…

and I absolutely hate the smart guides, for example - so there can be too much going on.

In AD at the moment, I switch tools a lot, via mouse/cursor rather than keyboard - in Illustrator I use one key mainly and a bunch of keyboard shortcuts. Locking layers, and aligning points are the 2 aspects which I'm quite slow at right now in AD.

[rui_mac]

I'm getting used to all the keyboard shortcuts in AD. Most of my work is based on switching tools via keyboard. That is why I can work so much faster and without having to make many screen-miles each day :-)

[prisca]

trying to do the same - but some important ones, like the layer locking don't have a shortcut from what I can see…
will get there, I hope :)

[rui_mac]

Well, allowing the user to define their own keyboard shortcuts is one of Serifs objectives.

In the meanwhile, you can add your own keyboard shortcuts through the Keyboard System Preference.
I already added Shift+Command+L to Lock and Shift+Alt+Command+L to Unlock.

[MattP]

I've just made a change so that Lock will now automatically be Cmd+L and Unlock will be Shift+Cmd+L. This means I've removed the shortcut Cmd+L for Levels adjustment - something which I would not use all the time, so having a shortcut did not help me, whereas Locking is far more common... Hope that's okay :)

[prisca]

rui_mac, yes, I know I can do that - but I try to avoid customising my shortcuts, due to teaching.

It throws me off to use my own custom shortcuts, then support students in their work. I'll be lost on their machines - and it'll slow me down.
I prefer to keep defaults in place, highlight custom settings to my students - and do my demos with the apps as they come when first installed. This has served me well over the years and avoids confusion ;)

MattP - that sounds perfect :-)
and I think, you're right - locking will be more used that the levels :)

[rui_mac]

Yes, I understand that prisca. In my laptop (the one I use when teaching), I keep a Cinema 4D app with all the default settings.

After each set of classes, I reset all the defaults back to factory settings because one of the things I teach is how to create custom settings, better shortcuts, optimized layouts and optimized preferences.

[prisca]

well, I don't focus on software much, if I can help it - rather the techniques and methods. Trying to vary the software shown.
So I'll point students to the custom shortcut settings, rather than going into depth here. My courses don't allow the time for it and I put priority on everyone finding their own workflow ;)

[rui_mac]

That is why I tell them to NOT touch the layout/keyboard/settings before getting acquainted with the application and, above all, not before they understand what are their own working methodology.

But it is important for them to know that they can change things. Before explaining that to them, I used to have lots of complains in how things didn't quite work the way they wanted or the workflow seemed slightly hard.

But, lets face it, Cinema 4D is quite complex ;-)

[prisca]

well, yes, Cinema 4D must need some amazing amounts of practise ;-)

[rui_mac]

It is not easy, but it is the easiest to learn, from all the professional 3D applications.

[MEB]

Yeah, that's what i've learnt. I've used 3D Max and Autocad some years ago, but since then some much have changed in 3D software. Still as soon as i get a new Mac i will definitely try it.