Skip to main content

Improve symbol library and auto-assignment algorithm

Feature Request

Visual Distinctiveness of Symbols Currently, symbols seem to be auto-assigned sequentially from an existing list. However, many current symbols are too blocky/angular and tend to blend together when placed next to each other on the grid, making the chart hard to read.


Suggested Fix:
• Update the symbol palette with shapes that are visually distinct in form and contrast (e.g., ⏹︎ ★ ◉ ✦ ▲ ⏺︎ ♥︎ ☽ ▼ ✿ ⮕ ⊠ ◎ ◒ ◆ ✖ ✪).
• Ensure neighboring colors are assigned contrasting symbol shapes to maximize readability.

Also, a quick heads-up on content sensitivity: one of the current symbols is the Balkenkreuz (the German military cross). This could be sensitive or offensive to some users.

Posted by Lilly Bloom ·
Status: Completed3 comments

Log in to comment and vote

Comments3

  • Dmitrii [Stitchmate Author]

    Team•

    Oct 22

    This feature is live, you can find it in the editor’s top menu: Palette → Symbols, or from the editor’s right palette panel → palette tools button → Symbols, there’s also a shortcut to it from the PDF export settings → Chart pages → Symbols.

    Hope you'll like it!

    PS: The existing patterns haven’t changed their appearance. It’s an opt-in feature.

  • Dmitrii [Stitchmate Author]

    Team•

    Oct 21

    Hey Lilly, I’m experimenting with alternative ways to assign symbols and wanted to share a visual comparison: today -vs- the new look. To me it looks like a huge improvement for readability:

  • Dmitrii [Stitchmate Author]

    Team•

    Oct 2

    Hey Lilly,

    Thanks for the suggestion. I went ahead and removed that symbol.

    Regarding the visual distinctiveness, it’s a bigger chunk of work - I added it to my TODO list.
    Currently the algorithm already chooses most distinctive symbols, but it tries to keep the visual weight as similar as possible. I think you’re right that it makes reading harder… Look like doing the opposite - choosing distinct visual weight might help chart readability.

    Also a good idea about making the assignment algorithm aware of the neighboring colors on the chart.

    Added a note to myself.

    Thank you,