Making paths more easily visible in Edit view

[Max_Phillips]

Is there any way to make paths/outlines thicker, darker, or otherwise easier to see in Edit view for your low-vision users? If I’m working over scanned images, I find the paths are almost impossible to see.

Thanks!

[ghost]

+1 yes!

[George_Thomas]

I have the same issue, and what I do as a workaround is:

1. Add a color overlay to the scan (I use green) in Photoshop; use Multiply, Overlay or Soft Light, whichever works for you.
2. Cut the opacity of the scan layer back; I usually use 50%, but remember that Glyphs also cuts it back too.

This is necessary prep work I do on all files which use scans as a template. I have it setup in Photoshop as an Action so it goes quickly.

[Max_Phillips]

Thanks, George.

[ghost]

wait, there’s a plugin… let me find it…

ah, Skedge!

try it, check this:

code for last example:

###################################################################
# green
###################################################################
import traceback

scale = Glyphs.font.currentTab.scale

def badge(x, y, size):
	myPath = NSBezierPath.alloc().init()
	myRect = NSRect( ( x-size/2, y-size/2 ), ( size, size ) )
	thisPath = NSBezierPath.bezierPathWithOvalInRect_( myRect )
	myPath.appendBezierPath_( thisPath )
	NSColor.colorWithCalibratedRed_green_blue_alpha_( 1, 1, 0, 0.5 ).set()
	myPath.fill()

for path in layer.paths:
	NSColor.grayColor().colorWithAlphaComponent_(0.3).set()
	bp = path.bezierPath
	# bp.fill()
	bp.setLineWidth_(10/scale)
	NSColor.greenColor().set()
	bp.stroke()
	for i, node in enumerate(path.nodes):
#		if i % 2:
			badge(node.x, node.y, 40/scale )

[GeorgSeifert]

Or try this in the macro window:

Layer.backgroundImage.setAlpha_(25)

[etunni]

You can use this script from @mekkablue

[Max_Phillips]

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. I already do reduce the contrast of my scans, and it helps, but it’s really no substitute for having an outline that’s easier to see in the first place. I understand if this is not a priority, but it is a need for some of us.

Thanks for the plugin tip, Ghost. I’ve found it and will give it a try.

[GeorgSeifert]

Can you make a Photoshop mockup on how you like it to look?

Making the path pop out more means you see less of the image. We need to find the right balance.

[ghost]

(not Max)

Photoshop has a setting to change selected path’s width and color:

so it looks like:

It’s a solid color.

and Illustrator highlights path on mouse over:

these two updates would help improve usability 100x

Side comment: Does anyone remember that in older Photoshop versions, the Pen Tool applied a contrast against the background? so, a path was clearer over dark backgrounds and darker against light ones. Looks like this was removed.

[GeorgSeifert]

I see if I can improve that.

Did you try to change the stroke color? You can set it in the Preferences.

[Max_Phillips]

The stroke color’s set to black, so I don’t think a different color would help me.

Here’s the sort of difference I’d like to see. Ideally, I’d like to toggle back to the finer rule weight when I was done tracing the image.

[Max_Phillips]

Thanks, Georg!

[GeorgSeifert]

I added a plugin “Thicker Outlines” to the plugin manager. It will draw a bit thicker outline on top of everything. This is not perfect, yet.

[Max_Phillips]

This is not an original observation, but: You’re a saint.

[Max_Phillips]

Works beautifully. Just what I wanted. Thanks!

[etunni]

Work only with closed paths,
Cheers,
Edu

[GeorgSeifert]

Fixed the open paths.

[ghost]

Any tips on how to make component’s lines thicker? i.e. when a component is in a glyph?

[GeorgSeifert]

What do you mean by components lines? Can you post a screenshot?