Using SP 2.91 and I have come accross something that I dont believe happened in earlier versions.

If you delete an object the page jumps down in the work window. However, this is a random issue as sometimes it happens with an object that is in the centre of the page. Sometimes when an object if at the top.

Sometimes it doesnt happen at all.....very random?

AP

I can varify that, happens to me too.

I think the page now scrolls to select the next object in the z-order. This means the page might scroll up, down or not at all, depending on where the next object is.

Old versions like SS2.70f leave [no object] selected after a deletion, so there is no need to scroll.

I just did a quick test, and Bruce, as always, you are absolutely correct.

I hadn't noticed before, but as soon as you delete an object, the next object in the z-order is selected.

Unfortunately I find this really annoying .

Does anyone think this is useful this way?

Has this been designed this way for this version?

AP

I was quite happy with the old way, and think the new way would only be useful if you delete a series of objects. Then you can hit Del, Del Del, instead of Del, Scroll, Click to select, Del etc.

Hi Bruceee...long time no type! Im glad you agree

Hey Andy, good to hear from you. It's been a while. I think Capt Stevo was calling out to you a while ago.

There are actually two different features that cause that effect to happen:

1. When an object is deleted, the next object in the list is selected.

2. When an object is selected, it is scrolled into view.

The main reason for this is that it allows you to press the TAB key to move from one object to another and not have to scroll the workspace to see the object (use SHIFT TAB to go backwards). This is also useful for finding lost objects.

A side effect is, as you have seen, that deleting objects causes the next object to be scrolled into view.

If this is causing problems we can certanly look at changing it or making it optional but consider whether there is value in keeping objects on screen and how often you delete objects where the next is off screen.

Hi Harpo.. its been a while... but I am still around and pop in from time to time. Cant believe that it was in 2000 that I first came across Web Dwarf!

Anyway, back to the thread:

If an object is required to be deleted then the chances are that an alternative object may be intended to replace it. If it is set to automatically select the next object in the list.... and that next object is in a completely different place, then it a pain to have to scroll back up to the original place.

With the several sites that I do I am constantly editing and updating to keep the sites fresh, therefore, from my perspective, this new way is very frustrating.

I would much rather have this as an option rather than a default.

Thanks Andy Peters

Capt Stevo had the wrong Andy!

www.streamlinetaxis.org
www.ridingportugal.com
www.royalekitchens.co.uk
www.adele-academy.co.uk

I agree wholeheartedly with Andy’s and Bruce’s posts.

And to you Harpo, eight and a half times out of ten, an object is deleted because you just put it there, and it just doesn’t look right. As Andy said, when you decide to delete that object, you lose all orientation of what you are working on.

Your suggestion of making it a choice, in my mind, is not viable. How would a new (or current) user know that option was available? There are so many options available now in so many areas, that most users can become frustrated.

I would suggest that the feature be completely removed from the “Delete” option, and leave it the same as all other “Windows” applications (dunno about macs).

Also, how the hell do you know where an object is situated in the z-order without tabbing through them?

Maybe a poll from all forum members may be an option.

Grrrrrrrr! I have just had to revamp a whole site and this is driving me bonkers!

Don't worry Andy, it'll be in the next update.

We are planning to have it so deleting an object still selects the next object (instead of selecting no object as it used to do) but does not scroll it into view. That way, people can still delete several objects in series if that want to but the workspace won't be moved around.

Does anyone see any problems with that?

Sounds fine to me, Harpo.

I'm sure Andy will agree.

Mmmmmm ....Ok.... But I am not sure if that is really necessary? I can see accidental deleting happening.

Are you really sure that people will want to delete objects "in series". I have no idea what series my ojbects are in?

I think I prefer that no object was selected to honest and I can choose for myself.

Anyone with any thoughts on this?

If the next object is not going to scroll into view, I'd rather have no object be given focus after a deletion. This would also prevent an accidental deletion if the DEL key is tapped twice by mistake.

If you select an object, then delete it, it makes sense to then have no object selected -- the object that was selected is now gone.

But for the serial deleters among us, how about this as a compromise? :

If the next object is on-screen, then select that one. If the next object is off-screen, then revert to no object.

Having considered Andy’s, Larry’s and Bruce’s replies, I am fully convinced that no object should be selected.

Thinking along the same lines, even Bruce’s compromise could cause problems. Probably more so for the experienced user rather than the novice. With new software, the novice user would normally watch every move to ensure they are doing the right thing. The experienced user, after deletion, may progress to the next step quickly without checking, presuming that no object is selected.

As Larry pointed out, this could lead to unintentional deletion of an object.

Okay then, 'no object selected' it is!

I am a serial deleter too but my work is mostly testing. Bruceee do you use the serial delete? Maybe we can have an option for that is it is used a lot.

Great! Saves me having to book the next flight to canada....anyway.....its too cold over there at the moment...so a relative tell me