item z-index to improve "on top"

[sm_jamieson]

Graphical items currently have an "on top" flag which is a basic way of imposing a stacking order. A standard way of improving on this is the "z-index". Basically items with a higher z-index are "on top" of items with a lower z index, in other words higher z-index items block out lower z-index items.

Could we please have a "z-index" along with the x and y positions for Usine graphical items ?

The "on top" option could be retained and always be higher than items without it. But when "on top" is not set, the z-index would be used.

[x.iso]

+1, actually z-index would still apply on items with 'on-top' flag, just as separate hierarchy. after all, you can have several objects with on-top flag active. Although, I think more useful way to manage z-index would be through buttons 'set on top', 'move forward', 'move back' and 'set on background'. Either way Usine would have to move and resort all objects z-index all the time you try to move something in foreground.

[senso]

Actually there is no way to set the z-order easily.
I'll study the question and see what can I do.

[woodslanding]

I am starting to get situations with 3 layers of gui (only now possible because of transparency.) Haven't needed z-order yet, but I could see it happening.....

+1

[x.iso]

well I did encounter the problem where I needed 3 different layers, one of them was fader. when I decided to change background element, new one would get in front of fader by default, and the top layer matrix is set 'on top' where it needs to be. for now I just make 'on top' flag for fader element and then disable that flag and it ends up as central element again. but occasionally for some reason that fader layer would get behind again.

[23fx23]

One workaround is to sequence the "on top" orders indeed Pers did a small iml script that first set bg on top, then mg then fg. Its rarely more than 2,3 stuff, or can play with bitmap ios. But reckon could be handy

[x.iso]

yeah, I think bitmap i/o chain is a smarter workaround for now.