GNOME Bugzilla – Bug 397237
Drawing Zones
Last modified: 2008-01-15 14:10:30 UTC
The ability to divided the canvas in at least 2 zones of any shape (but no overlap). These zones would be a bit like multiple selections. If you start drawing in one zone, you can't draw over another zone without releasing the mouse-button / lifting the pen (same effect as drawing outside of the current selection). Such a feature would remove the need for using layers and moving between them or constantly changing selections in cases where adjacent areas need sharp edges between them.
Created attachment 80388 [details] Example of a typical case Part of a body partly hidden behind it makes for a good example where drawing-zones would be a blessing. You would use one zone for the arm, another for the body and could draw on both without toggling anything, always maintaining a sharp division (just like with selections, it would be important that zones can be hidden).
Why would you not use layers in this case?
Because in cases like this, both areas need the same treatment regarding colour and are best developed together. With layers, that means frequent switching. A lot of mouse movement (I know what I'm talking about, as I did use layers ;) Another example: wings of a butterfly. All the areas on it would require many layers or you would have to be careful on the edges if only one layer is used. But you could draw without any interruption given multiple zones.
You can also use two views. I am sorry, but I don't think we want to introduce split-view on the canvas. That would be too intrusive for such an obscure feature that is already handled otherwise. I strongly suggest that you suggest new features on the mailing-list and only file bug report after they have been discussed there.