darktable-org / darktable-org/darktable

[Feature] Add Draw Shape tool for precise geometric shapes

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feature: new
Dominant language
C
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Description

Is your feature request related to a problem?

Currently, darktable supports freehand drawing for masks and paths, but lacks tools to draw precise geometric shapes (rectangles, circles, lines, polygons, or dots). This makes it difficult to:

  • Create clean, straight-edged masks
  • Draw perfect circles/ellipses for selections
  • Add straight lines for guides or annotations
  • Place exact points (dots) for marking specific locations
Describe the solution you'd like

Add a "Draw Shape" tool in the darkroom module with options to draw:
Shapes: Rectangle, Circle, Ellipse, Line, Polygon
Points: Single-click dot/point placement (for marking)
Precision: Snap-to-grid, straight lines, perfect curves
Integration: Work with existing masking/retouching workflows

Example:
Like the "Draw → Draw Shape" feature in Photo Editor Pro - Polish (see reference image), but tailored for darktable’s non-destructive editing.

Additional Context
  • Use Cases:

    • Selective editing with geometric masks
    • Annotations for client reviews
    • Guides for composition/alignment
    • Marking focus points or areas of interest
  • Alternatives:
    Users currently rely on freehand drawing (unprofessional/uneven) or external tools (GIMP/Photoshop), which breaks the workflow.

  • Open-Source Precedent:
    GIMP (Tools → Paths → Shape Tools), Krita (Vector Layers), and Inkscape offer similar features.


Note: This is a new UI feature, not a bug or enhancement of existing tools.**

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

No files, tests, or entry points are named. Start by reviewing the darkroom module's existing freehand mask and path tools, then define how geometric shapes integrate with masking and retouching workflows. Done means the Draw Shape tool supports rectangles, circles, ellipses, lines, polygons, and point placement with the requested precision behavior.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Active
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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