https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=173545
Bug ID: 173545
Summary: Writer UX: Persistent shape drawing mode interrupts
text editing flow; propose single-click for one-off
insertion and double-click for sticky mode
Product: LibreOffice
Version: unspecified
Hardware: All
OS: All
Status: UNCONFIRMED
Severity: normal
Priority: medium
Component: Writer
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
Description:
When inserting a graphic shape in LibreOffice Writer, the interface enters a
persistent drawing mode. After placing a single shape on the page, drawing mode
remains active. Clicking elsewhere to resume typing or select objects
unintentionally creates additional unwanted shapes.
While Draw is designed for heavy vector graphic creation, Writer is primarily a
word processor. Inserting a shape in a text document is usually an isolated
action; the vast majority of users expect to return to typing immediately after
inserting a visual element. Prioritizing persistent drawing mode by default
favors a rare use case while introducing friction into the primary
word-processing workflow.
Proposed UX Solution:
To respect both core writing workflows and specialized multi-shape workflows
without forcing compromise, we propose adopting the standard software
interaction convention:
Single-click on a shape icon: Enables single-use mode. Once the shape is drawn
on the page, drawing mode automatically deactivates, returning the cursor to
the standard selection/text cursor.
Double-click on a shape icon: Enables sticky/persistent drawing mode, allowing
users to draw multiple consecutive shapes without re-selecting the tool.
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Open Writer and navigate to the Insert tab.
2. Single-click a shape tool (e.g., Rectangle).
3. Draw the shape on the page and release the primary mouse button.
4. Click another part of the document to place the text cursor and resume
typing.
Actual Results:
Drawing mode remains active. Clicking the document creates a second unwanted
shape instead of moving the text cursor.
Expected Results:
Drawing mode should automatically deactivate after a single shape is drawn
(when selected via a single click), restoring normal selection and text entry
mode.
Reproducible: Always
User Profile Reset: Yes
Additional Info:
Version: 26.2.5.2 (X86_64)
Build ID: 620(Build:2)
CPU threads: 2; OS: Linux 7.0; UI render: default; VCL: gtk3
Locale: ar-DZ (ar_EG.UTF-8); UI: ar-SA
Ubuntu package version: 4:26.2.5.2-0ubuntu0.24.04.1~lo1
Calc: threaded
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