undo: named steps; multiple steps back in one go; per object; timeline

[avxmw]

Currently when I click "undo" I might not know what actual step was last after being distracted/coming back to a project. Other applications give hints by writing "undo some-action-name". I'd like to see that here, maybe if possible with actual values, so instead of "undo fillet" "undo fillet 5mm" or something like that.

Additionally some apps allow to go multiple steps backwards in one go by providing a list of steps, usually in a dropdown menu or on a long-press. That would be helpful, too.

Lastly, not sure if technically possible, but store undo per object/group would be very nice. Might even have some kind of timeline per object bringing it closer to match "real" cad applications.

[henmedia]

@avxmw Thanks, I've built the first part. Pointing at Undo or Redo now names the step in the tooltip, with the value where the step has one - "Undo: Rounded the edges of Box (5 mm)", "Undo: Moved Box (15 mm)", "Undo: Rotated Box (45°)" - and the message after Ctrl+Z or Ctrl+Y says what was undone or redone. It will be in the next release.

Going back several steps at once is already there: the History button next to undo and redo opens a view of your history with a slider, and its arrows name the steps the same way (now with the values too). From an earlier state you can also click single objects and Bring into design: they come back as they were then, while the rest stays as it is now - that covers much of "undo per object". You can also turn that state into a new design or export it.

A real timeline per object, where you change an earlier step and everything after it updates, is a parametric history. layerling doesn't have that; it keeps snapshots of the whole design instead.

[henmedia]

@avxmw the named undo and redo steps, with their values, are out now in layerling 1.122.0.

[avxmw]

Going back several steps at once is already there: the History button next to undo

Old man being blind, sorry :) That said, personally I'd prefer a vertical list as an option.

As for the timeline thing, it's clear it (currently) does not exist, the question from my pov is could it and should it?

At least with my kids thinking ahead multiple steps across likely multiple objects is not possible for them, yet. Neither is managing single parts in different "projects" and keeping track of them for an assembly. And a real parametric cad needs too much understanding of geometry and math in general - at least when I tried onshape with them which I consider an easier one to learn personally.

Imho it should be possible to do, but I admit it's likely some work at this point and also above my personal abilities.

[henmedia]

@avxmw no need to be sorry, the History button is easy to miss.

The vertical list is built now and comes with the next release: the list button in the History view's title bar shows every step by name and measure, the newest at the top, and a click jumps to that state. The current state is marked "now", steps you have undone are grey.

On the timeline: it could be done in theory, but layerling would become a different program. Every tool works directly on the shape, and the history stores pictures of the whole design, not a recipe that can be replayed. A timeline you can change afterwards would mean rebuilding every tool around such a recipe. And what you describe with your kids is exactly why I keep it this way: you push and shape things directly and do not have to plan ahead. So a parametric timeline is not planned. Bring into design from the history view is the closest thing to it.

[henmedia]

@avxmw the list of steps is out now in layerling 1.123.0: the list button in the History view's title bar shows every step by name and measure, the newest at the top, and a click jumps to that state.