Summary:
When using Copy or Move operations in Rhino, the selected object follows the mouse pointer but remains fully visible and opaque. This often obstructs the view of the target area, especially in complex scenes or ghosted viewports, making precise placement difficult or frustrating.
Problem Details:
- This behavior has been consistent for 20+ years and affects complex assemblies and workflows involving fine spatial accuracy.
- The copied object snaps to the cursor and overlaps the target area, blocking visibility.
- In ghosted or shaded views, this becomes especially problematic where geometry transparency is essential.
- The screenshot attached demonstrates the red-highlighted group being copied; however, it obscures the geometry underneath, making it nearly impossible to see the target snap point clearly.
Suggested Solution:
Introduce a “Move/Copy Preview Appearance” setting under Display > Advanced Settings or Modeling Aids, with options such as:
- Toggle visibility of the object being moved/copied
- Set opacity or transparency level during preview
- Enable wireframe or bounding box mode while positioning
Why It Matters:
We’ve been dedicated Rhino users for nearly two decades and actively promote it across our network. Despite its strengths, this minor UI friction remains one of the most consistently disruptive elements in high-precision workflows.
Workarounds Tried:
- Custom scripting to alter display mode or temporarily hide geometry – with limited success
- Switching view modes – inefficient and distracting
- No reliable native setting found to control appearance during object movement/copy
Conclusion:
This is not a bug, but a design decision that has a significant usability impact. Allowing some form of customization to the appearance of selected objects during movement or copying would be a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for users working with complex 3D data daily.
Thank you for considering this enhancement.
Would you like help submitting this to Rhino’s developer forum or Discourse board?