Feature: Add Flatten Selection To Penpot
Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Objective: The primary objective of introducing a "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot is to simplify complex designs and improve workflow efficiency by merging multiple layers into one. This feature will enable designers to streamline their workflow, enhance productivity, and maintain design flexibility.
Problem Statement: Designers often face challenges when working with complex designs that involve multiple layers. This can lead to difficulties in editing, exporting, and managing assets. The current lack of a flattening feature in Penpot hinders designers from achieving their full potential, resulting in wasted time and decreased productivity.
Describe the solution you'd like.
Proposed Feature: The proposed "Flatten Selection" feature will allow designers to merge selected layers (vector or image) into a single layer. This feature will provide the following benefits:
- Simplified Design Management: By merging multiple layers into one, designers can easily manage complex designs and reduce the risk of errors.
- Improved Workflow Efficiency: The flattening feature will enable designers to work more efficiently, as they will no longer need to navigate through multiple layers to make edits.
- Retain Original Layers: To ensure design flexibility, the feature will provide an option to retain the original layers for future edits.
Implementation Details:
- The feature will be implemented using Penpot's existing architecture, leveraging vector and raster handling capabilities.
- A warning will be displayed to users about the loss of individual editability post-flattening.
- The feature will be accessible through a dedicated menu or button, allowing designers to easily access and utilize the flattening functionality.
Describe alternatives you've considered.
Rasterizing Layers: One alternative to flattening is rasterizing layers. Rasterizing converts vectors to images, simplifying layers but losing scalability. However, unlike flattening, rasterizing is irreversible and limits design flexibility. This alternative is not ideal, as it can lead to design constraints and reduced productivity.
Comparison of Alternatives:
| Feature | Flattening | Rasterizing |
|---|---|---|
| Reversibility | Irreversible | Irreversible |
| Design Flexibility | Maintains flexibility | Limits flexibility |
| Scalability | Maintains scalability | Loses scalability |
| Productivity | Improves productivity | Reduces productivity |
Additional context
Additional Context: The introduction of the "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot is driven by user needs, competitor features, and technical feasibility.
User Needs: Designers often require simplified layers for exporting assets or improving performance in large projects. The flattening feature will cater to these needs, enabling designers to work more efficiently and effectively.
Competitor Features: Tools like Figma and Adobe XD already offer flattening, making it a standard expectation. Penpot's competitors have recognized the importance of this feature, and it is essential for Penpot to keep pace with industry standards.
Technical Feasibility: Implementing flattening is achievable with Penpot's existing architecture, leveraging vector and raster handling capabilities. The technical feasibility of this feature has been assessed, and it is deemed feasible to implement.
User Feedback: Many Penpot users have expressed the need for a flattening feature to streamline their workflows. The introduction of this feature will address user feedback and enhance the overall user experience.
Benefits of the Feature:
- Improved Productivity: The flattening feature will enable designers to work more efficiently, reducing the time spent on managing complex designs.
- Enhanced Design Flexibility: The feature will maintain design flexibility, allowing designers to make edits and adjustments as needed.
- Simplified Design Management: The flattening feature will simplify design management, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall workflow efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot? A: The primary objective of introducing a "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot is to simplify complex designs and improve workflow efficiency by merging multiple layers into one.
Q: How will the "Flatten Selection" feature benefit designers? A: The flattening feature will enable designers to work more efficiently, as they will no longer need to navigate through multiple layers to make edits. It will also simplify design management, reduce the risk of errors, and maintain design flexibility.
Q: What are the key benefits of the "Flatten Selection" feature? A: The key benefits of the "Flatten Selection" feature include:
- Improved Productivity: The flattening feature will enable designers to work more efficiently, reducing the time spent on managing complex designs.
- Enhanced Design Flexibility: The feature will maintain design flexibility, allowing designers to make edits and adjustments as needed.
- Simplified Design Management: The flattening feature will simplify design management, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall workflow efficiency.
Q: How will the "Flatten Selection" feature be implemented? A: The feature will be implemented using Penpot's existing architecture, leveraging vector and raster handling capabilities. A warning will be displayed to users about the loss of individual editability post-flattening.
Q: What are the alternatives to the "Flatten Selection" feature? A: One alternative to flattening is rasterizing layers. Rasterizing converts vectors to images, simplifying layers but losing scalability. However, unlike flattening, rasterizing is irreversible and limits design flexibility.
Q: Why is the "Flatten Selection" feature necessary in Penpot? A: The introduction of the "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot is driven by user needs, competitor features, and technical feasibility. Many Penpot users have expressed the need for a flattening feature to streamline their workflows.
Q: How will the "Flatten Selection" feature impact design flexibility? A: The feature will maintain design flexibility, allowing designers to make edits and adjustments as needed. The original layers will be retained for future edits, ensuring that designers can still access and modify individual layers.
Q: What are the technical requirements for implementing the "Flatten Selection" feature? A: The technical requirements for implementing the "Flatten Selection" feature include:
- Vector and Raster Handling: The feature will leverage Penpot's existing vector and raster handling capabilities.
- Warning System: A warning will be displayed to users about the loss of individual editability post-flattening.
Q: How will the "Flatten Selection" feature be accessed in Penpot? A: The feature will be accessible through a dedicated menu or button, allowing designers to easily access and utilize the flattening functionality.
Q: What are the potential risks or limitations of the "Flatten Selection" feature? A: The potential risks or limitations of the "Flatten Selection" feature include:
- Loss of Individual Editability: The flattening feature will result in the loss of individual editability, which may impact design flexibility.
- Irreversibility: The flattening feature is irreversible, which may limit design flexibility.
Q: How will the "Flatten Selection" feature be tested and validated? A: The feature will be tested and validated through a combination of user testing, internal testing, and quality assurance processes. The feature will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that it meets the required standards and expectations.
Q: What is the expected timeline for implementing the "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot? A: The expected timeline for implementing the "Flatten Selection" feature in Penpot will be determined through a collaborative effort between the development team and stakeholders. The feature will be prioritized and scheduled based on user needs and technical feasibility.