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I'm often frustrated when filling objects with gradients, that the gradient handle is placed in the middle of the object. Of course, most of the time I have to move it anyway, because most of the time, it's not a left to right gradient that I need. But on the few occassions when I do, I still have to move it, if the object is very small, because the handle literally covers up most of the object, and I can't see the color clearly.
I also realize that instead of using the F/S dialog to fill with a gradient, I could use the Gradient tool and drag the handle out where I want it in the first place. But that doesn't seem to fit with my workflow. In attempting to do photorealism, I usually draw many tiny shapes and give them a solid fill. When I finish with a small area, then I fine tune the colors to be as close as possible, and then switch the fill to gradient on whichever shapes need them. If I use the Gradient tool to drag out the handle, it always puts down a black opaque to black transparent gradient, then I have to change the color. And it's hard to get the colors fine tuned, because invariably there will be some transparency, and it becomes confusing. So if I start with the closest color in a solid fill, switching to gradient fill retains the main color.
Does anyone else think it would be worthwhile to ask for the default placement of the gradient handle to be either to the top or bottom edge of the bounding box, or to have an option in Inks Prefs controlling the placement of the gradient handle? Or maybe there's another way to solve part of this problem? Like for example, being able to choose the color first, then drag the gradient handle to have it drawn in anything besides black from the git-go.
I know there are other needed new features, which I myself would choose to put in Inkscape, before this. But if I"m not alone in this, it still may be worth requesting, even if it may be years before it's available. I'm curious if it's just me, or if that default gradient handle placement and/or black color annoys anyone else??
Oh, and I should also say that in the case of a radial gradient, I actually appreciate that it's placed in the middle. It's still in the way, and actually impossible to judge the color in a small object, though. Maybe the solution is a smaller gradient handle?? What would happen if the handle only appears on mouseover of the object?
Wow, for that matter, it might be pretty awesome to have at least an option, for any handles of any element only to appear on mouseover of the object that contains it!! Actually I wouldn't be surprised if that hasn't already been requested. Would that be awesome or what?!! I think the dotted line/bounding box should stay always visible, but the handles, even of the Selection tool could stay hidden unless the mouse is there.
Thanks for any comments
