Basic Move Tools (Select, Move, Zoom, Fit to Screen)

Created by Sunny Hart, Modified on Tue, 3 Mar at 8:41 AM by Sunny Hart

STEK EDGE • Canvas

Select, Move, Zoom, and Fit to Screen: Basic Canvas Navigation

Use Select, Move, Zoom, and Fit to Screen to navigate the canvas efficiently and work with patterns more precisely.

Purpose: Navigate the canvas efficiently using Select, Move, Zoom, and Fit to Screen.

Tool Location: Canvas → Select / Move / Zoom / Fit to Screen

Navigation tools control your view of the canvas. They do not modify the pattern geometry.

Why this matters

Problem: Constantly switching between overview and detail work slows editing if navigation is inefficient.
What EDGE improves: Quick selection, panning, zooming, and automatic focus tools.
Result: Faster editing, better visibility, and fewer precision errors.

What this feature does

Select: Choose one or multiple patterns.
Move (Pan): Move the canvas view without moving patterns.
Zoom: Adjust detail level.
Fit to Screen: Automatically zoom and center selected pattern(s).

Videos

Video

Video — Basic Canvas Navigation (Select / Move / Zoom / Fit to Screen)

Covers: Selecting patterns, panning the canvas, zooming in/out, and focusing on patterns with Fit to Screen.

When to use: Throughout all editing sessions.

Before you start

You need: Patterns loaded in the canvas.
Recommended: Switch quickly between Select and Move for smooth workflow.

How to use it

Workflow

Select patterns

Activate Select tool
Where: Canvas toolbar
Do: Click Select.
Expected result: You can choose patterns.
Click to select
Where: Canvas
Do: Click one or multiple patterns.
Expected result: Patterns are highlighted.

Workflow

Move (Pan) the canvas

Activate Move tool
Where: Toolbar or shortcut
Do: Switch to Move.
Expected result: Cursor becomes a hand icon.
Drag to pan
Where: Canvas
Do: Click and drag.
Expected result: View moves, patterns remain fixed.

Workflow

Zoom in and out

Zoom in
Where: Canvas zoom controls
Do: Zoom closer.
Expected result: More detail visible.
Zoom out
Where: Canvas zoom controls
Do: Zoom out.
Expected result: Wider layout visible.

Workflow

Fit to Screen

Select pattern(s)
Where: Canvas
Do: Select item(s).
Expected result: Selection highlighted.
Click Fit to Screen
Where: Toolbar/menu
Do: Activate Fit to Screen.
Expected result: View zooms and centers automatically on selection.

Tips

Zoom in for detailed edits like node manipulation.
Zoom out before final layout checks.
Use Fit to Screen when working on small or distant patterns.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Thinking Move changes pattern position → Fix: Remember it changes only the view.
Mistake: Editing at low zoom level → Fix: Zoom in for precision.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Cannot select a pattern
Cause: Move tool active
Fix: Switch to Select.

Issue: Canvas appears off-screen
Cause: Excessive zoom/pan
Fix: Use Fit to Screen.

Wrap-up

You used Select, Move, Zoom, and Fit to Screen to navigate efficiently inside the canvas. Mastering these basic tools improves speed and precision throughout your workflow.