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Path controls
J0

jai_09

@jai_09

MediumSaaS

Path controls

Design a vector path editing surface for adjusting an object’s trajectory. The main canvas should show one selected path with its anchors, curve handles, and connecting segments visible at the same time. Make the edit points feel like real controls, not decoration: anchors should read as the primary edit targets, handles should clearly belong to their anchor, and the path itself should update as the user drags.

Include the core editing states a designer would expect: idle, hover, selected, dragging, and disabled. Show how a point is selected, how a handle is pulled, and how the curve responds. If the path supports straight and curved segments, make that difference visible in the control styling and behavior. Use snap lines or alignment cues for precision, but keep them lightweight so the path remains the focus.

Place the controls where users can reach them without hunting: add point, delete point, convert point, and zoom/pan should be available near the canvas. If there is a properties panel, use it for numeric position and handle values, not for the primary interaction. The final screen should feel like a working editor where the user can see, grab, and reshape the path in one place.

What to deliver

  • Design a path editing canvas with a visible selected path and editable control points.
  • Show anchor points, Bézier handles, and segment lines in distinct states.
  • Add hover, selected, and active-drag states for points and handles.
  • Include snap guides or alignment feedback while moving a point.
  • Provide a compact toolbar for add point, delete point, and convert point actions.

Incorporate snapping features or alignment guides to make precise adjustments easier and to add a sense of satisfaction to the user experience.