# Making Synfig easier to use brainstorming
**URL:** https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206
**Category:** Feature discussions
**Created:** [November 17, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206 "2010-11-17T21:04:25Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@BobSongs](https://forums.synfig.org/u/BobSongs)
#### Post date: [November 27, 2010, 2:57pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/21 "2010-11-27T14:57:58Z")
> [@Genete](#):
>
> > [@BobSongs](#):
> >
> > ```
> > * Zooming in and out using the Ctrl key & mouse wheel.
> > * Shifting left and right in the image by using Shift & mouse wheel.
> > * Moving up and down in the image using simply the mouse wheel.
> >
> > ```
>
> Have you tried those shortcuts in Synfig Studio? They work for me like that! đ
Are you using 0.62.00? Or 0.62.02. I could try compiling the latest version.
My system: Linux, Ubuntu, Maverick Meerkat (10.10).
My Synfig Studio: 0.62.00
All 3 mouse gestures failed. âš
> [@Genete](#):
>
> > [@BobSongs](#):
> >
> > When I first began working with Synfig Studio, my first inclination was to try to pull a guide-line out of the rulers.
>
> That feature is implemented but broken (it doesnât work). We donât have tried to fix it enough. :-/
> -G
Ahh! But it is implemented! Thatâs great to hear. Then I will wait patiently for it be fixed.
But again: these are individual issues. I think it would go a long way to give the much maligned OpenSource software a positive view if we present a united consistency in terms of usage. Iâm not saying Inkscape is âbetterâ. Iâm just saying that Synfig Studio is open to suggestion as far as interface goes. And thatâs always good. My recommendation is to try to move closer to another established vector-editing software.
---
### Author:  [@tushantin](https://forums.synfig.org/u/tushantin)
#### Post date: [November 27, 2010, 2:59pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/22 "2010-11-27T14:59:46Z")
Inkscape like interface? Thatâd be rad with some changes relevant to animation! Similar tools as Inkscape? Hell no; Synfigâs tools are way faster to use compared to Inkscape. Currently what it really needs to focus on is giving the users maximum screen-space as well as faster productivity; think Lotus Symphony compared to MS/Open Office. Synfigâs initially goal was, after all, to enable artists to work easy and fast on tools that do not require a whole studio to deal with, and at the same time having everything animatable.
More suggestions:
1. Turn the âtool boxâ into a âtool stripâ, similar to Photoshop or Inkscape with only ONE bar/panel at the left and top. Easier if the tools are attached to the canvas.
2. [Link](http://www.softpedia.com/screenshots/IBM-Lotus-Symphony_3.png) \<----------- Look closely to the right. How about âbuttonsâ to invoke layers panel and others just like that? Click on them again and the panels are hidden out of sight.
3. CTRL Click using the Bline tool to add points and ALT Click to remove them? This would save time from switching between Normal Tool and Bline over and over again.
4. One-Layer effects: similar to Layer Masking in GIMP and Photoshop, but for effects. Weâll still have the effects layers as we want, but weâd also get an option to apply effects within one layer only and not anything else.
5. Modify encapsulation: Currently weâve got to select everything within the encapsulated layer in order to modify, scale or transform it. Itâd be awesome to have a feature where encapsulated layer, and anything inside, can be worked as a single entity.
6. Chrome-like tabs⌠What? Itâd be awesome! đ
---
### Author:  [@Genete](https://forums.synfig.org/u/Genete)
#### Post date: [November 27, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/23 "2010-11-27T15:51:37Z")
> [@](#):
>
> All 3 mouse gestures failed. âš
Weird. They are enabled since long time ago.
> [@](#):
>
> My system: Linux, Ubuntu, Maverick Meerkat (10.10).
> My Synfig Studio: 0.62.00
I strongly recommend to install the binaries package that we provide for .deb systems from out website:
[synfig.org/en/current-release](http://www.synfig.org/en/current-release)
-G
---
### Author:  [@BobSongs](https://forums.synfig.org/u/BobSongs)
#### Post date: [November 27, 2010, 4:13pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/24 "2010-11-27T16:13:05Z")
> [@tushantin](#):
>
> Inkscape like interface? Thatâd be rad with some changes relevant to animation!
My thoughts exactly. Only copy Inkscapeâs interface in-so-far as it is relevant to Synfig Studio and no further.
> [@tushantin](#):
>
> Similar tools as Inkscape? Hell no; Synfigâs tools are way faster to use compared to Inkscape. Currently what it really needs to focus on is giving the users maximum screen-space as well as faster productivity; think Lotus Symphony compared to MS/Open Office. Synfigâs initially goal was, after all, to enable artists to work easy and fast on tools that do not require a whole studio to deal with, and at the same time having everything animatable.
Iâm not suggesting taking Inkscapeâs tools. But consider: Inkscape has a standard arrow for moving objects, similar to Synfig Studioâs âNormal Toolâ, a name that threw me (Normal? Whereâs the abnormal tool?), a rectangle tool, an ellipse tool and a star tool. These are not entirely identical to those of Synfig Studio, but the icons could be the same. Again: this thread asks for suggestions for interface enhancements. I wouldnât propose core elements be modified to be more closely conformed to Inkscape.
> [@tushantin](#):
>
> 1. Turn the âtool boxâ into a âtool stripâ, similar to Photoshop or Inkscape with only ONE bar/panel at the left and top. Easier if the tools are attached to the canvas.
Precisely what Iâm suggesting. Good art software keeps the tool panels out of the way. Currently I find the toolbox could be a single or double strip to the left.
---
### Author:  [@BobSongs](https://forums.synfig.org/u/BobSongs)
#### Post date: [November 27, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/25 "2010-11-27T16:38:24Z")
@Genete:
Current Synfig Studio details:
Synfig Studio 0.62.02
Development version:
- Revision: 20101113
- Branch: master
- Revision ID: 961d8b
Built on Nov 13 2010
Built with:
ETL 0.04.13
Synfig API (006000)
Synfig library 47
GTK+ 2.8.20
GNU G++ 4.1.2
Using:
Synfig 0.62.02
GTK+ 2.22.0
---
### Author:  [@Genete](https://forums.synfig.org/u/Genete)
#### Post date: [November 27, 2010, 8:51pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/26 "2010-11-27T20:51:26Z")
> [@BobSongs](#):
>
> @Genete:
>
> Current Synfig Studio details:
>
> Synfig Studio 0.62.02
> Development version:
>
> - Revision: 20101113
> - Branch: master
> - Revision ID: 961d8b
>
> Built on Nov 13 2010
>
> Built with:
> ETL 0.04.13
> Synfig API (006000)
> Synfig library 47
> GTK+ 2.8.20
> GNU G++ 4.1.2
>
> Using:
> Synfig 0.62.02
> GTK+ 2.22.0
And still having those mouse gestures problems? đ
I donât have Ubuntu 10.10 installed but I can run it in a virtual machine. I still on 10.04 and those mouse shortcuts works fine here.
Maybe youâre using a tablet? Does the same mouse gestures work with other applications? Very weird indeed.
-G
---
### Author:  [@BobSongs](https://forums.synfig.org/u/BobSongs)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2010, 2:38am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/27 "2010-11-28T02:38:34Z")
> [@Genete](#):
>
> And still having those mouse gestures problems? đ
> I donât have Ubuntu 10.10 installed but I can run it in a virtual machine. I still on 10.04 and those mouse shortcuts works fine here.
> Maybe youâre using a tablet? Does the same mouse gestures work with other applications? Very weird indeed.
> -G
I do have a Wacom tablet attached to the system, but I donât use the mouse or pen with it. Theyâre both gone. Iâll try unhooking the tablet and see if it makes a difference.
---
### Author:  [@tushantin](https://forums.synfig.org/u/tushantin)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2010, 5:47am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/28 "2010-12-04T05:47:10Z")
Ah, another thing Synfig needs!
Camera Layer. Nah, not the Camera template thatâs already here (somehow it never worked for me) but a full functional Camera Layer, complete with parameters. MAN, thatâd make life good! OwO
Oh yeah, also âOrthoâ and âPerspectiveâ views too (in the camera). I reckon someone was already working on that kind here.
---
### Author:  [@tushantin](https://forums.synfig.org/u/tushantin)
#### Post date: [December 5, 2010, 2:40pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/29 "2010-12-05T14:40:17Z")
I think we need to brainstorm on another aspect of Synfig: Speed and Productivity. And no, Iâm not talking about OpenGL.
Granted, Synfigâs much more superior to ToonBoom and has effects and tweening that exceed most tools out there. But the reason people still love to stick with ToonBoom (more than 50% of REALLY good animators in Newgrounds stick with it) is because itâs got a pretty fast and productive environment compared to Flash or Synfig.
Similar story with Sai vs Photoshop: the latter is admittedly really powerful, but some artists love Sai because it only takes 1/10th of time taken in any other software to finish a good piece.
Thatâs our aim: intuitive interface, productive environment AND speedy usage.
So how about we brainstorm focusing on these points? Little things can make an improvement.
---
### Author:  [@gtomorrow](https://forums.synfig.org/u/gtomorrow)
#### Post date: [January 16, 2011, 10:58am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/30 "2011-01-16T10:58:50Z")
> [@tushantin](#):
>
> Similar story with Sai vs Photoshop: the latter is admittedly really powerful, but some artists love Sai because it only takes 1/10th of time taken in any other software to finish a good piece.
Excuse me, but whatâs Sai? Google tells me nothing relevant. Thanks. â GT
---
### Author:  [@tushantin](https://forums.synfig.org/u/tushantin)
#### Post date: [January 16, 2011, 11:47am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/31 "2011-01-16T11:47:46Z")
XD I was referring Paint Tool Sai -
[en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAI\_%28software%29](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAI_%28software%29)
---
### Author:  [@muhkayoh](https://forums.synfig.org/u/muhkayoh)
#### Post date: [January 16, 2011, 1:55pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/32 "2011-01-16T13:55:52Z")
Here it is, gtomorrow:
[sai.detstwo.com/sai/](http://sai.detstwo.com/sai/)
Matt
Edit: Oops, I didnât see tushantinâs reply. Oh well, now you have two. đ
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### Author:  [@milleja46](https://forums.synfig.org/u/milleja46)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 2:26am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/33 "2011-01-17T02:26:57Z")
I know iâm new here but i gotta make a suggestion, the default layout that comes on the software is great it would just be nice if it was all grouped together into one window with a bar at the top like most applications have where it says file, edit and all that. Where it is now to me is very out of the way to get to it, and the one place no one would ever think to look unless you were to get curious. And maybe just have it to where you can move it around, or implement a way to have a layout or skin plugin to change it to what the others mentioned if you so desired to just try them all out. I know i probably didnât make sense but that just seems like a better way to be more âuser-friendlyâ when getting started. What do you think about what i just said?
---
### Author:  [@pixelgeek](https://forums.synfig.org/u/pixelgeek)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 5:21am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/34 "2011-01-17T05:21:32Z")
I think this is the #1 request of Windows users, closely followed by âWhereâs the sound?â đ
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### Author:  [@tushantin](https://forums.synfig.org/u/tushantin)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 10:47am UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/35 "2011-01-17T10:47:00Z")
Yeah! Personally Iâve fallen in love with Blender 2.5âs interface. xDDD I wish Synfig had a similar one (save the left panel being a little thinner).
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### Author:  [@milleja46](https://forums.synfig.org/u/milleja46)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 1:44pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/36 "2011-01-17T13:44:23Z")
Well the interface for synfig is great but to me itâs kind of annoying having several windows for the same program, and plus for some reason the third time i reopened synfig i had to reopen the panels because it for some reason had disabled them from my view, i really love this program it would just be nice if it was a little more simplified like i had mentioned, or oneâs mentioned earlier in this topic. Any of those would simplify it in my pov. Iâd just gotten to thinking about that before i posted orginally in this topic.
---
### Author:  [@Genete](https://forums.synfig.org/u/Genete)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 2:53pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/37 "2011-01-17T14:53:41Z")
> [@](#):
>
> and plus for some reason the third time i reopened synfig i had to reopen the panels because it for some reason had disabled them from my view
There is a âReset Windows to Original Layoutâ menu entry under ToolBox-\>Panels. Maybe it helps.
-G
---
### Author:  [@milleja46](https://forums.synfig.org/u/milleja46)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 3:35pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/38 "2011-01-17T15:35:55Z")
Well i had figured that out myself, but this program really does seem complicated with the multiple windows that just float about when thereâs usually a simplified conjoined window in almost all the programs iâve used besides gimp
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### Author:  [@tushantin](https://forums.synfig.org/u/tushantin)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 7:29pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/39 "2011-01-17T19:29:08Z")
@milleja46: Itâs not that the toolâs âcomplicatedâ, rather just scattered. I find Synfig quite intuitive once I get to know what does what, besides the FBF, but the tween-power makes up for it. The developers are still trying their best to get a one-window, and possibly tabbed (for âExport Canvasâ and such), interface but a good software isnât just built with a couple of coders. If you know any C++ coders whoâd like to contribute and make Synfig better, thatâd be awesome! đ
I may be a jack of all trades, but ironically when it comes to coding Iâm a zero. đ I just wish there was some way I could contribute. I downloaded Dev++ and Glade GTK to try with the Synfig sourcecode but I have no idea where to beginâŚ
---
### Author:  [@milleja46](https://forums.synfig.org/u/milleja46)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2011, 7:42pm UTC](https://forums.synfig.org/t/making-synfig-easier-to-use-brainstorming/1206/40 "2011-01-17T19:42:15Z")
Heh, i would try coding it, if i could but c++ in and of it self to me was a step out of my element, iâm more used to the oop programing with some of the languages iâve used in visual studio which iâve been trying to use for some of the stuff iâve been trying to do because i wanted to make a game. But maybeif i can just find the right guide for learning c++ maybe i could help. Iâd love to improve that scattered structure into a more all in one place structure.
(/me makes a note: find a simple c++ guide that the learning is based mostly on example and doing than being told)hmmm
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