diff --git a/ROADMAP.md b/ROADMAP.md
index 55ad86582..f12b856fa 100644
--- a/ROADMAP.md
+++ b/ROADMAP.md
@@ -361,6 +361,7 @@ Ranked; detail and milestones in [`docs/roadmap.md`](docs/roadmap.md).
 
 | Date | Change | Summary |
 |---|---|---|
+| 2026-11-06 | patch | M1, #2028: Edit ▸ Set default properties gives new rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars drawn with the tools (and, set from a text layer, new text) the selected layer's properties; it only copied them for Paste properties. Tests: `default_props_tests` (3). Numbers unchanged |
 | 2026-11-06 | patch | M5, #2027: `proto.settings` refuses an unknown device name with the list of devices (it saved any string, and the presenter showed no device), takes known names in any case, and answers the page's prototype settings, so `proto.settings {}` reads them back over MCP. Test: `proto_present_tests::unknown_devices_are_refused_and_settings_read_back`. Numbers unchanged |
 | 2026-11-06 | patch | M7, #2032: closing a tab whose file has unsaved changes asks Don't Save / Cancel / Save, as closing the window does, instead of a toast that left the tab open; Alt+close still discards at once. Tests: `titlebar_tests::closing_a_tab_with_unsaved_changes_asks`, `titlebar_tests::save_in_the_tab_question_saves_then_closes`. Numbers unchanged |
 | 2026-11-06 | patch | M8, #1906: under Wayland a minimised window answers control-channel and attached-MCP requests from its logic passes once it has drawn nothing for 0.2 s while a request waits (about half a second each; every request timed out after 60 s before). Test: `idle_tests::a_window_that_stopped_drawing_answers_from_its_logic_passes`. Numbers unchanged |
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/manage.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/manage.rs
index 04c718c5d..aa73a2ec5 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/manage.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/manage.rs
@@ -206,7 +206,17 @@ fn send(ws: &mut Ws, msg: &ClientMsg) -> Result<(), String> {
 
 /// The next answer `pick` takes, or why there is none.
 fn reply<T>(ws: &mut Ws, limits: &NetLimits, pick: impl Fn(ServerMsg) -> Option<T>) -> Result<T, String> {
+    // One deadline for the whole answer: pings, pongs and a message trickling in each renew the
+    // read timeout, so without it a server could keep a request (and the refresh permit the
+    // caller holds) waiting for as long as it liked.
+    // The request-reply bound, not the session idle one: a publish uploads a whole file and can
+    // legitimately take minutes to be answered (see `connect`).
+    let until = std::time::Instant::now() + limits.request_reply_timeout;
+    ws.get_mut().read_until(Some(until));
     loop {
+        if std::time::Instant::now() >= until {
+            return Err("no answer from the server (it took too long)".into());
+        }
         return match ws.read() {
             Ok(Message::Binary(b)) => match message::decode::<ServerMsg>(&b, limits.max_server_message) {
                 Ok(ServerMsg::Refused { reason }) => Err(format!("{REFUSED}{reason}")),
@@ -251,6 +261,27 @@ mod tests {
         rx.recv_timeout(Duration::from_secs(3)).is_ok()
     }
 
+    /// A server that keeps pinging and never answers ends the wait at the request-reply bound.
+    #[test]
+    fn reply_gives_up_at_the_request_reply_deadline_against_a_pinging_server() {
+        let listener = std::net::TcpListener::bind("127.0.0.1:0").unwrap();
+        let addr = listener.local_addr().unwrap();
+        std::thread::spawn(move || {
+            let (s, _) = listener.accept().unwrap();
+            if let Ok(mut ws) = tungstenite::accept(s) {
+                while ws.send(Message::Ping(Bytes::new())).is_ok() {
+                    std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(10));
+                }
+            }
+        });
+        let limits = NetLimits { request_reply_timeout: Duration::from_millis(400), ..NetLimits::default() };
+        let server = Endpoint { host: addr.to_string(), path: "/".into(), secure: false };
+        let mut ws = connect(&server, &limits, Duration::from_secs(2)).unwrap();
+        let started = std::time::Instant::now();
+        assert!(reply::<()>(&mut ws, &limits, |_| None).is_err());
+        assert!(started.elapsed() < Duration::from_secs(3), "{:?}", started.elapsed());
+    }
+
     /// A server that keeps pinging and never answers the close must not pin `close` forever.
     #[test]
     fn close_returns_against_a_server_that_keeps_pinging() {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/automation/file_access.rs b/crates/engine/src/automation/file_access.rs
index b40a92f79..26f15700b 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/automation/file_access.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/automation/file_access.rs
@@ -277,6 +277,14 @@ pub fn read_capped(path: impl AsRef<Path>, max: u64) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
         return Err(refuse(format!("is {}, more than the {} allowed here", size(meta.len()), size(max))));
     }
     let f = std::fs::File::open(p).map_err(io(path))?;
+    // What was opened, not what was looked at: the path could have been swapped in between.
+    let meta = f.metadata().map_err(io(path))?;
+    if !meta.is_file() {
+        return Err(refuse("isn't a regular file (a device or a pipe?), so it isn't read".into()));
+    }
+    if meta.len() > max {
+        return Err(refuse(format!("is {}, more than the {} allowed here", size(meta.len()), size(max))));
+    }
     let mut bytes = Vec::with_capacity(usize::try_from(meta.len()).unwrap_or(0));
     f.take(max.saturating_add(1)).read_to_end(&mut bytes).map_err(io(path))?;
     // It grew after it was looked at.
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/board_connected_tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/board_connected_tests.rs
index 2e5f8a344..d23129c19 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/board_connected_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/board_connected_tests.rs
@@ -104,3 +104,31 @@ fn the_next_sticky_shortcut_joins_the_next_shape_and_leaves_stickies_as_they_wer
     assert!(r.get("connector").is_none(), "{r}");
     assert!(matches!(node(&s, id(&r, "id")).board, Some(BoardItem::Sticky { .. })));
 }
+
+/// `at` (#1919; "drag the preview to any location on your board", Build faster with quick create):
+/// the next one is centred on that point, wherever it is, and the connector takes the sides facing
+/// each other; `at` must be two finite numbers.
+#[test]
+fn the_next_one_goes_where_it_is_dropped() {
+    let mut s = board();
+    let a = id(&s.execute("board.shape", &json!({"shape": "diamond", "x": 0, "y": 0, "width": 200, "height": 120})).unwrap(), "id");
+    let r = s.execute("board.addConnected", &json!({"id": a, "side": "below", "at": [700, 60]})).unwrap();
+    let (b, c) = (id(&r, "id"), id(&r, "connector"));
+    assert_eq!(at(&s, b), (600.0, 0.0), "centred on the point");
+    let k = connector(&s, c);
+    assert_eq!(
+        (k.from, k.to),
+        (End::Node { node: a, side: Side::Bottom, at: None }, End::Node { node: b, side: Side::Auto, at: None }),
+        "leaves by the handle's side"
+    );
+    // Inside a frame at (1000, 500): the page point lands in the frame's coordinates.
+    let f = id(&s.execute("frame.create", &json!({"x": 1000, "y": 500, "width": 800, "height": 600})).unwrap(), "id");
+    let inner = id(&s.execute("board.shape", &json!({"shape": "ellipse", "x": 0, "y": 0, "width": 200, "height": 120, "parent": f})).unwrap(), "id");
+    let r = s.execute("board.addConnected", &json!({"id": inner, "at": [1300, 700]})).unwrap();
+    let placed = id(&r, "id");
+    assert_eq!(node(&s, placed).parent, Some(f), "beside it, in the frame");
+    assert_eq!(at(&s, placed), (200.0, 140.0), "centred on the page point, in the frame's coordinates");
+    for wrong in [json!([1]), json!("x"), json!([0, "y"]), json!({"x": 1, "y": 2})] {
+        assert!(s.execute("board.addConnected", &json!({"id": a, "at": wrong})).is_err(), "{wrong}");
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/boards/board.rs b/crates/engine/src/boards/board.rs
index bf7f8ccf1..1f10f5d94 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/boards/board.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/boards/board.rs
@@ -33,6 +33,36 @@ pub use connectors::{END_HANDLE_PX, selected_connector_ends};
 use connectors::{connector_cmd, reattach};
 pub use derived::route;
 pub(crate) use derived::{settle_routes, settle_stamps, settle_text, stamp_target};
+
+/// The topmost sticky or shape at `p` on `page`, other than `except`, sections and frames looked
+/// into: what a "+" handle dragged onto it joins (#1919).
+pub fn sticky_or_shape_at(doc: &Document, page: NodeId, p: Point, except: Option<NodeId>) -> Option<NodeId> {
+    fn find(doc: &Document, id: NodeId, p: Point, except: Option<NodeId>, depth: usize) -> Option<NodeId> {
+        let n = doc.node(id)?;
+        for c in n.children.iter().rev() {
+            let Some(k) = doc.node(*c) else { continue };
+            if !k.visible {
+                continue;
+            }
+            match k.board {
+                Some(BoardItem::Sticky { .. } | BoardItem::Shape { .. }) => {
+                    if Some(*c) != except && doc.world_bounds(*c).is_some_and(|b| b.contains(p)) {
+                        return Some(*c);
+                    }
+                }
+                // Not a board object of its own (a section, a frame): what is inside it may be.
+                None if depth < 32 => {
+                    if let Some(hit) = find(doc, *c, p, except, depth + 1) {
+                        return Some(hit);
+                    }
+                }
+                _ => {}
+            }
+        }
+        None
+    }
+    find(doc, page, p, except, 0)
+}
 pub use edit::label_of;
 pub(crate) use edit::{copied_items, copy_map, rejoin};
 use edit::{label_cmd, set_color, set_style};
@@ -114,7 +144,7 @@ pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
         spec!(
             "board.addConnected",
             "Add connected shape",
-            "{id? (a sticky or shape; default the selected or edited one), side?: right|below|left|above (default right), edit? (start typing in it; default false)} → {id, text, connector}  the next one of the same kind, size and colour on that side, joined by a connector",
+            "{id? (a sticky or shape; default the selected or edited one), side?: right|below|left|above (default right), at? ([x, y] on the page: the next one's centre, anywhere, instead of its place on that side; the connector then leaves by `side` and arrives by the side facing it), edit? (start typing in it; default false)} → {id, text, connector}  the next one of the same kind, size and colour on that side, joined by a connector",
             true,
             add_connected
         ),
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/boards/board/items.rs b/crates/engine/src/boards/board/items.rs
index 44708d944..b409eeb90 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/boards/board/items.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/boards/board/items.rs
@@ -223,6 +223,19 @@ pub(super) fn add_connected(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     let color = color.unwrap_or(s.tool.board.sticky);
     let (to_at, from_side, to_side) = connected_place((at.x, at.y), (n.width, n.height), next, &side)
         .ok_or_else(|| bad(cmd, format!("`side` is right, below, left or above, not `{side}`")))?;
+    // Dropped somewhere by hand ("drag the preview to any location on your board", #1919): the
+    // next one is centred on that point of the page (placed in the parent's coordinates), and the
+    // connector leaves by the handle's side and arrives by the side facing it.
+    let (to_at, from_side, to_side) = match drop_point(cmd, p)? {
+        Some((x, y)) => {
+            let local = doc.world_transform(parent).inverse() * figcraft_geom::Point::new(x, y);
+            if !(local.x.is_finite() && local.y.is_finite()) {
+                return Err(bad(cmd, "`at` can't be placed in that parent"));
+            }
+            ((local.x - next.0 / 2.0, local.y - next.1 / 2.0), from_side, Side::Auto)
+        }
+        None => (to_at, from_side, to_side),
+    };
     let (routing, author, page) = (s.tool.board.routing, author(s), s.page()?);
     if editing.is_some() {
         textedit::end(s)?;
@@ -246,6 +259,16 @@ pub(super) fn add_connected(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     Ok(json!({"id": id, "text": text, "connector": line}))
 }
 
+/// `at?` of `board.addConnected`: a point on the page, `[x, y]`, or none.
+fn drop_point(cmd: &str, p: &Value) -> Result<Option<(f64, f64)>> {
+    let Some(v) = get(p, "at") else { return Ok(None) };
+    let pair = v.as_array().filter(|a| a.len() == 2).and_then(|a| Some((a.first()?.as_f64()?, a.get(1)?.as_f64()?)));
+    match pair {
+        Some((x, y)) if x.is_finite() && y.is_finite() => Ok(Some((x, y))),
+        _ => Err(bad(cmd, "`at` is [x, y] on the page, two finite numbers")),
+    }
+}
+
 /// A shape with text's layers: the frame, its outline and its text.
 fn make_shape(
     doc: &mut Document,
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/click.rs b/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/click.rs
index a48b215bc..35a97a77a 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/click.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/click.rs
@@ -193,6 +193,7 @@ impl Session {
         }
         // New text at the click (Figma puts the baseline-ish top-left there).
         let parent = frame_at(&doc, page, ev.p(), &[]).unwrap_or(page);
+        let defaults = self.default_props.text.clone();
         let ds = self.ds_mut()?;
         let d = ds.doc_mut();
         let id = d.alloc_id();
@@ -204,12 +205,18 @@ impl Session {
         if let Some(fills) = readable_text_fills(d, parent) {
             n.fills = fills;
         }
-        if let Some((w, h)) = figcraft_text::auto_size(&n) {
-            n.width = w.max(1.0);
-            n.height = h;
-        }
-        let line = n.height;
         d.insert(n, parent, None)?;
+        // Edit ▸ Set default properties from a text layer: its fills and font (best effort).
+        if let Some(defaults) = &defaults {
+            let _ = crate::cmd::edit::apply_copied_props("edit.setDefaultProperties", d, id, defaults);
+        }
+        let line = d.node_mut(id).map_or(14.0, |n| {
+            if let Some((w, h)) = figcraft_text::auto_size(n) {
+                n.width = w.max(1.0);
+                n.height = h;
+            }
+            n.height
+        });
         ds.selection = vec![id];
         textedit::begin(self, id, Some(0), true)?;
         self.tool.gesture = Gesture::TextBox { id, start: ev.p(), line };
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/draw.rs b/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/draw.rs
index 83241be3f..e248bac0b 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/draw.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/canvas/tools/draw.rs
@@ -42,6 +42,13 @@ impl Session {
         }
         let mut created = id;
         let page = self.page()?;
+        // Edit ▸ Set default properties: what new shapes take (not frames, sections, slices, lines
+        // or arrows, which keep their own look).
+        let defaults = if matches!(tool, ToolId::Rectangle | ToolId::Ellipse | ToolId::Polygon | ToolId::Star) {
+            self.default_props.shape.clone()
+        } else {
+            None
+        };
         self.preview(|doc, sel| {
             let (mut a, b) = (start, p);
             if pixel {
@@ -92,6 +99,10 @@ impl Session {
                 n.transform = pw.inverse() * Affine::translate((r.x0, r.y0));
             }
             doc.insert(n, parent, None)?;
+            if let Some(d) = &defaults {
+                // Best effort: a default the shape can't take leaves it as drawn.
+                let _ = crate::cmd::edit::apply_copied_props("edit.setDefaultProperties", doc, nid, d);
+            }
             *sel = vec![nid];
             created = Some(nid);
             let _ = page;
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs
index 61d76c284..cf3906eeb 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ mod clipboard;
 mod props;
 mod select;
 
+pub(crate) use clipboard::apply_copied_props;
 pub use clipboard::{CLIP_CLOSE, CLIP_OPEN, copy_to_clipboard, design_clipboard_buffer, paste_into};
 use clipboard::{copy, copy_props, copy_props_of, cut, paste, paste_design_layers, paste_over, paste_props, paste_replace};
 use props::{
@@ -142,12 +143,26 @@ pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
             true,
             find_replace
         ),
-        spec!("edit.setDefaultProperties", "Set default properties", "{id?}", false, |s, p| {
-            let id = targets(s, p).first().copied().ok_or_else(|| bad("edit.setDefaultProperties", "select a layer"))?;
-            let v = copy_props_of(s.doc()?, id);
-            s.clipboard.props = Some(v);
-            ok()
-        }),
+        spec!(
+            "edit.setDefaultProperties",
+            "Set default properties",
+            "{id?}  the layer's fills, strokes, effects, opacity and corners (a text layer's: also its font) become what new rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars (or, from a text layer, new text) drawn with the tools take → {for: shapes|text, properties}",
+            false,
+            |s, p| {
+                let id = targets(s, p).first().copied().ok_or_else(|| bad("edit.setDefaultProperties", "select a layer"))?;
+                let doc = s.doc()?;
+                let text = matches!(doc.get(id)?.kind, NodeKind::Text(_));
+                let v = copy_props_of(doc, id);
+                let kind = if text {
+                    s.default_props.text = Some(v.clone());
+                    "text"
+                } else {
+                    s.default_props.shape = Some(v.clone());
+                    "shapes"
+                };
+                Ok(json!({"for": kind, "properties": v}))
+            }
+        ),
         spec!("select.set", "Select", "{ids: [..]}  (replace the selection)", false, |s, p| {
             let ids = match get(p, "ids") {
                 Some(Value::Array(a)) => a.iter().filter_map(id_of).collect(),
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit/clipboard.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit/clipboard.rs
index 546aa863c..150a3b577 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit/clipboard.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit/clipboard.rs
@@ -357,21 +357,27 @@ pub(super) fn copy_props(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     Ok(v)
 }
 
+/// Give layer `id` the properties [`copy_props_of`] copied (`props`), those it can take: the text
+/// properties only to text, the corners only to a layer with corners.
+pub(crate) fn apply_copied_props(cmd: &str, doc: &mut Document, id: NodeId, props: &Value) -> Result<()> {
+    let mut m = props.as_object().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
+    let is_text = matches!(doc.get(id)?.kind, NodeKind::Text(_));
+    if !is_text {
+        m.retain(|k, _| !k.starts_with("font") && k != "lineHeight" && k != "letterSpacing");
+    }
+    if !doc.get(id)?.kind.has_corner_radius() {
+        m.remove("cornerRadius");
+        m.remove("cornerSmoothing");
+    }
+    crate::cmd::props::apply(cmd, doc, id, &m)
+}
+
 pub(super) fn paste_props(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     let props = s.clipboard.props.clone().ok_or_else(|| EngineError::Disabled("edit.pasteProperties".into(), "no copied properties".into()))?;
     let ids = req_targets("edit.pasteProperties", s, p)?;
     let doc = s.doc_mut()?;
     for i in ids {
-        let mut m = props.as_object().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
-        let is_text = matches!(doc.get(i)?.kind, NodeKind::Text(_));
-        if !is_text {
-            m.retain(|k, _| !k.starts_with("font") && k != "lineHeight" && k != "letterSpacing");
-        }
-        if !doc.get(i)?.kind.has_corner_radius() {
-            m.remove("cornerRadius");
-            m.remove("cornerSmoothing");
-        }
-        crate::cmd::props::apply("edit.pasteProperties", doc, i, &m)?;
+        apply_copied_props("edit.pasteProperties", doc, i, &props)?;
     }
     ok()
 }
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/default_props_tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/default_props_tests.rs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ea5d16293
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/engine/src/default_props_tests.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+//! Edit ▸ Set default properties (#2028): new rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars drawn with
+//! the tools take the properties of the layer it was set from, and new text takes a text layer's;
+//! it no longer only copied them for Paste properties.
+
+use figcraft_color::Color;
+use figcraft_doc::{Node, NodeId, NodeKind};
+use serde_json::{Value, json};
+
+use crate::Session;
+use crate::params::id_of;
+use crate::tools::{PointerEvent, PointerKind, ToolId};
+
+/// Run `cmd`, failing the test on an error.
+fn ex(s: &mut Session, cmd: &str, p: Value) -> Value {
+    s.execute(cmd, &p).unwrap_or_else(|e| panic!("{cmd}: {e}"))
+}
+
+/// The layer `id` as it is now.
+fn node(s: &Session, id: NodeId) -> Node {
+    s.doc().unwrap().node(id).unwrap().clone()
+}
+
+/// Draw with `tool` from `a` to `b` (a click when they're equal); the new layer.
+fn draw(s: &mut Session, tool: ToolId, a: (f64, f64), b: (f64, f64)) -> NodeId {
+    s.set_tool(tool);
+    s.pointer(&PointerEvent::at(PointerKind::Down, a.0, a.1, 1.0)).unwrap();
+    if a != b {
+        s.pointer(&PointerEvent::at(PointerKind::Move, (a.0 + b.0) / 2.0, (a.1 + b.1) / 2.0, 1.0)).unwrap();
+        s.pointer(&PointerEvent::at(PointerKind::Move, b.0, b.1, 1.0)).unwrap();
+    }
+    s.pointer(&PointerEvent::at(PointerKind::Up, b.0, b.1, 1.0)).unwrap();
+    *s.selection().first().unwrap()
+}
+
+/// The first solid fill's colour of layer `n`.
+fn fill(n: &Node) -> Option<Color> {
+    n.fills.first().and_then(|p| p.solid_color())
+}
+
+/// A red, half-transparent rectangle with a 4 pt blue stroke and 12 pt corners.
+fn styled(s: &mut Session) -> NodeId {
+    let id = id_of(&ex(s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 0, "y": 0, "width": 50, "height": 50}))["id"]).unwrap();
+    ex(s, "node.set", json!({"id": id, "props": {"fill": "#FF0000", "stroke": "#0000FF", "strokeWeight": 4, "opacity": 0.5, "cornerRadius": 12}}));
+    id
+}
+
+/// Rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars drawn or clicked with their tools take the shape
+/// defaults (corners only where a shape has them, its own drawn size); frames, lines and layers made
+/// by commands keep their own look; undo takes a drawn shape away whole.
+#[test]
+fn new_shapes_drawn_with_the_tools_take_the_default_properties() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    let source = styled(&mut s);
+    let set = ex(&mut s, "edit.setDefaultProperties", json!({"id": source}));
+    assert_eq!(set["for"], "shapes");
+    let red = Some(Color::from_hex("#FF0000").unwrap());
+    // Dragged and clicked (a click places a 100×100 shape) alike.
+    for (tool, a, b) in
+        [(ToolId::Rectangle, (200.0, 0.0), (300.0, 80.0)), (ToolId::Ellipse, (400.0, 0.0), (400.0, 0.0)), (ToolId::Star, (600.0, 0.0), (660.0, 60.0))]
+    {
+        let id = draw(&mut s, tool, a, b);
+        let n = node(&s, id);
+        assert_eq!(fill(&n), red, "{tool:?}");
+        assert_eq!((n.stroke.weight, n.opacity), (4.0, 0.5), "{tool:?}");
+        assert_eq!(n.strokes.first().and_then(|p| p.solid_color()), Some(Color::from_hex("#0000FF").unwrap()), "{tool:?}");
+    }
+    let rect = draw(&mut s, ToolId::Rectangle, (0.0, 200.0), (80.0, 260.0));
+    assert_eq!(node(&s, rect).corners.radii, [12.0; 4], "corners go to layers with corners");
+    assert_eq!((node(&s, rect).width, node(&s, rect).height), (80.0, 60.0), "the drawn size, not the source's");
+    // Frames and lines keep their own look; a shape made by a command too.
+    let frame = draw(&mut s, ToolId::Frame, (0.0, 400.0), (100.0, 500.0));
+    assert_ne!(fill(&node(&s, frame)), red);
+    let line = draw(&mut s, ToolId::Line, (0.0, 600.0), (100.0, 600.0));
+    assert_ne!(node(&s, line).stroke.weight, 4.0);
+    let made = id_of(&ex(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 0, "y": 700, "width": 10, "height": 10}))["id"]).unwrap();
+    assert_ne!(fill(&node(&s, made)), red);
+    // Undo takes a drawn shape away whole, defaults included.
+    let drawn = draw(&mut s, ToolId::Polygon, (800.0, 0.0), (860.0, 60.0));
+    ex(&mut s, "edit.undo", json!({}));
+    assert!(s.doc().unwrap().node(drawn).is_none());
+}
+
+/// Setting defaults no longer overwrites what Copy properties copied.
+#[test]
+fn setting_defaults_leaves_the_copied_properties_alone() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    let copied = id_of(&ex(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 0, "y": 0, "width": 50, "height": 50}))["id"]).unwrap();
+    ex(&mut s, "node.set", json!({"id": copied, "props": {"fill": "#00FF00"}}));
+    ex(&mut s, "edit.copyProperties", json!({"id": copied}));
+    let source = styled(&mut s);
+    ex(&mut s, "edit.setDefaultProperties", json!({"id": source}));
+    let target = id_of(&ex(&mut s, "shape.ellipse", json!({"x": 0, "y": 100, "width": 50, "height": 50}))["id"]).unwrap();
+    ex(&mut s, "edit.pasteProperties", json!({"ids": [target]}));
+    assert_eq!(fill(&node(&s, target)), Some(Color::from_hex("#00FF00").unwrap()), "Paste properties pastes what was copied");
+}
+
+/// A text layer sets the defaults of new text (its font and fills, laid out at that size), and the
+/// shapes' defaults stay as they were.
+#[test]
+fn new_text_takes_a_text_layers_defaults_and_shapes_keep_theirs() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    let shape = styled(&mut s);
+    ex(&mut s, "edit.setDefaultProperties", json!({"id": shape}));
+    let text = id_of(&ex(&mut s, "text.create", json!({"text": "Title", "x": 0, "y": 200}))["id"]).unwrap();
+    ex(&mut s, "node.set", json!({"id": text, "props": {"fontSize": 32, "fill": "#008000"}}));
+    let set = ex(&mut s, "edit.setDefaultProperties", json!({"id": text}));
+    assert_eq!(set["for"], "text");
+    let id = draw(&mut s, ToolId::Text, (300.0, 300.0), (300.0, 300.0));
+    let n = node(&s, id);
+    let NodeKind::Text(t) = &n.kind else { panic!("a text layer") };
+    assert_eq!(t.style.font_size, 32.0);
+    assert_eq!(fill(&n), Some(Color::from_hex("#008000").unwrap()));
+    assert!(n.height > 30.0, "laid out at the default size: {}", n.height);
+    // The shapes' defaults are still the rectangle's.
+    let rect = draw(&mut s, ToolId::Rectangle, (0.0, 500.0), (80.0, 560.0));
+    assert_eq!(fill(&node(&s, rect)), Some(Color::from_hex("#FF0000").unwrap()));
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/extensions/plugin_directory.rs b/crates/engine/src/extensions/plugin_directory.rs
index 2f721feae..2c7e00e8f 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/extensions/plugin_directory.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/extensions/plugin_directory.rs
@@ -127,6 +127,16 @@ fn install(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     if manifest.id != entry.id || manifest.version != entry.version {
         return Err(fail("its manifest doesn't match the directory's entry"));
     }
+    // What was shown and approved is the entry's access and commands: a bundle whose manifest
+    // asks for more is refused, since the manifest is what the plugin then runs under.
+    if manifest.permissions.access == figcraft_plugin::manifest::Access::Write && !entry.access.trim().eq_ignore_ascii_case("write") {
+        return Err(fail("its manifest asks to write the document, but the directory showed it as read-only"));
+    }
+    if !entry.commands.is_empty()
+        && (manifest.permissions.commands.is_empty() || manifest.permissions.commands.iter().any(|c| !entry.commands.contains(c)))
+    {
+        return Err(fail("its manifest asks for commands the directory didn't show"));
+    }
     let source = address(&server);
     let path = save(s, &mut manifest, &bundle).map_err(|e| fail(&e))?;
     let out = json!({
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/lib.rs b/crates/engine/src/lib.rs
index c0778688d..f26ecd66b 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/lib.rs
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ mod view_state;
 pub use derived::{changed_nodes, normalize};
 pub use doc_state::{DocState, History, HistoryEntry, Interaction, PREVIEW_READ_ONLY, Preedit, TextEdit, VersionPreview};
 pub use error::{EngineError, Result, bad};
-pub use prefs::{Clipboard, MAX_RECENT_ACTIONS, Prefs, UI_SCALE_MAX, UI_SCALE_MIN, UI_SCALE_SIZES, UiRequest, clamp_ui_scale};
+pub use prefs::{Clipboard, DefaultProps, MAX_RECENT_ACTIONS, Prefs, UI_SCALE_MAX, UI_SCALE_MIN, UI_SCALE_SIZES, UiRequest, clamp_ui_scale};
 pub use session::Forward;
 pub use view_state::ViewState;
 
@@ -119,6 +119,8 @@ pub struct Session {
     pub docs: Vec<DocState>,
     pub active: usize,
     pub clipboard: Clipboard,
+    /// Edit ▸ Set default properties: what new shapes and text drawn with the tools take.
+    pub default_props: DefaultProps,
     pub prefs: Prefs,
     /// A command changed a preference that is kept at once (not only when the app quits): the app
     /// saves the preferences and clears this.
@@ -275,6 +277,8 @@ mod dash_cap_tests;
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod datafill_tests;
 #[cfg(test)]
+mod default_props_tests;
+#[cfg(test)]
 mod design_paste_tests;
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod dev_measurements_tests;
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/plugin_directory_tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/plugin_directory_tests.rs
index fa4d3d4cc..358845933 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/plugin_directory_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/plugin_directory_tests.rs
@@ -252,3 +252,29 @@ fn publishing_sends_a_checked_folder() {
     assert_eq!(r["id"], ID);
     let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&dir);
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn a_bundle_asking_for_more_than_the_directory_showed_is_not_installed() {
+    let (mut s, d) = session();
+    // Shown as read-only with one command; the bundle's manifest asks to write, any command.
+    let text =
+        json!({"id": ID, "name": "Tiny", "version": "1.0.0", "author": "Ada", "main": "tiny.wasm", "permissions": {"access": "write"}}).to_string();
+    let b = Bundle { manifest: text, wasm: wasm(), assets: vec![] }.encode();
+    let mut e = entry(ID, "1.0.0", &b);
+    e.commands = vec!["node.get".into()];
+    d.lock().unwrap().plugins.push((e, b));
+    s.execute("plugin.directory.list", &json!({"server": "ws://127.0.0.1:9/"})).unwrap();
+    let err = s.execute("plugin.directory.install", &json!({"id": ID, "confirm": true})).unwrap_err().to_string();
+    assert!(err.contains("write"), "{err}");
+    assert!(s.prefs.plugins.is_empty(), "nothing was installed");
+    // Read-only as shown, but more commands than shown.
+    let text = json!({"id": ID, "name": "Tiny", "version": "1.0.1", "author": "Ada", "main": "tiny.wasm", "permissions": {"access": "read", "commands": ["node.get", "node.set"]}}).to_string();
+    let b = Bundle { manifest: text, wasm: wasm(), assets: vec![] }.encode();
+    let mut e = entry(ID, "1.0.1", &b);
+    e.commands = vec!["node.get".into()];
+    d.lock().unwrap().plugins.clear();
+    d.lock().unwrap().plugins.push((e, b));
+    s.execute("plugin.directory.list", &json!({"server": "ws://127.0.0.1:9/"})).unwrap();
+    let err = s.execute("plugin.directory.install", &json!({"id": ID, "confirm": true})).unwrap_err().to_string();
+    assert!(err.contains("commands"), "{err}");
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/prefs.rs b/crates/engine/src/prefs.rs
index 5c455aa35..48d68a901 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/prefs.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/prefs.rs
@@ -173,6 +173,18 @@ pub struct UiRequest {
     pub data: Value,
 }
 
+/// What Edit ▸ Set default properties keeps: the properties new layers drawn with the tools take,
+/// as Copy properties copies them (fills, strokes and their settings, effects, opacity, blend,
+/// corners; for text also the font, size, line height and letter spacing). One set for shapes
+/// (rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars), set from any layer but text, and one for text.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Default, PartialEq)]
+pub struct DefaultProps {
+    /// For new rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars.
+    pub shape: Option<Value>,
+    /// For new text.
+    pub text: Option<Value>,
+}
+
 /// Clipboard contents (internal; the UI mirrors to the system clipboard).
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Default)]
 pub struct Clipboard {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/session/new.rs b/crates/engine/src/session/new.rs
index c7eee09f1..f3b75b630 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/session/new.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/session/new.rs
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ impl Session {
             docs: Vec::new(),
             active: 0,
             clipboard: Clipboard::default(),
+            default_props: Default::default(),
             prefs: Prefs::default(),
             prefs_unsaved: false,
             tool: tools::ToolState::default(),
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sharing/background/tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/sharing/background/tests.rs
index fa4d00824..6f98841df 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sharing/background/tests.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sharing/background/tests.rs
@@ -73,8 +73,15 @@ fn bundle() -> Vec<u8> {
 
 fn directory(req: PluginReq) -> PluginReply {
     let bytes = bundle();
-    let entry =
-        PluginEntry { id: ID.into(), name: "Tiny tool".into(), version: "1.0.0".into(), sha256: sha256_hex(&bytes), ..PluginEntry::default() };
+    let entry = PluginEntry {
+        id: ID.into(),
+        name: "Tiny tool".into(),
+        version: "1.0.0".into(),
+        access: "write".into(),
+        commands: vec!["shape.rectangle".into()],
+        sha256: sha256_hex(&bytes),
+        ..PluginEntry::default()
+    };
     match req {
         PluginReq::List { .. } => PluginReply::List(vec![entry]),
         PluginReq::Fetch { .. } => PluginReply::Bundle { entry, bundle: bytes },
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/board_connect_tests.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/board_connect_tests.rs
index 5a4712197..fffa1f61c 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/board_connect_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/board_connect_tests.rs
@@ -34,6 +34,12 @@ fn handle(u: &Ui, side: &str) -> Option<Rect> {
     u.ctx.memory(|m| m.areas().visible_last_frame(&layer)).then(|| u.ctx.memory(|m| m.area_rect(layer.id))).flatten()
 }
 
+/// Where the bar above the selection shows, if it does.
+fn bar(u: &Ui) -> Option<Rect> {
+    let layer = LayerId::new(Order::Middle, Id::unique("board_bar"));
+    u.ctx.memory(|m| m.areas().visible_last_frame(&layer)).then(|| u.ctx.memory(|m| m.area_rect(layer.id))).flatten()
+}
+
 fn click(u: &mut Ui, p: Pos2) {
     for pressed in [true, false] {
         u.frame(vec![Event::PointerMoved(p), Event::PointerButton { pos: p, button: PointerButton::Primary, pressed, modifiers: Modifiers::NONE }]);
@@ -140,3 +146,166 @@ fn the_object_a_stamp_will_stick_to_is_highlighted() {
     u.button(off, false);
     assert_eq!((target(&u), on(&u)), (None, None), "let go off the shape: on nothing, and no outline");
 }
+
+/// Dragging a "+" carries the preview ("Click to select and create the next shape in that
+/// direction, or drag the preview to any location on your board", Build faster with quick create;
+/// #1919): let go on empty board and the next shape is made there, centred on the pointer, joined
+/// by a connector, with typing started; one undo takes both away.
+#[test]
+fn dragging_a_handle_drops_the_next_shape_where_it_is_let_go() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let before = u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count();
+    let from = handle(&u, "below").expect("a handle below").center();
+    let to = from + egui::vec2(260.0, 180.0);
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let doc = u.app.session.doc().unwrap();
+    let next = doc.ids().find(|i| *i != a && matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Shape { .. }))).expect("a new shape");
+    let line = doc.ids().find(|i| matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(_)))).expect("a connector");
+    let centre = screen_box(&u, next).center();
+    assert!((centre - to).length() < 1.0, "centred where it was let go: {centre:?}, not {to:?}");
+    assert!(matches!(&doc.node(line).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(c)) if c.from.node() == Some(a) && c.to.node() == Some(next)));
+    assert!(u.app.session.ds().unwrap().text_edit.is_some(), "typing in the new shape");
+    figcraft_engine::textedit::end(&mut u.app.session).unwrap();
+    u.app.session.execute("edit.undo", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count(), before, "undo takes the shape and its connector away");
+}
+
+/// A "+" dragged onto another sticky or shape joins the two with a connector instead of making a
+/// new shape (#1919).
+#[test]
+fn dropping_a_handle_on_another_shape_joins_them() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    let b = id(&u.app.session.execute("board.shape", &json!({"shape": "ellipse", "x": 400, "y": 300, "width": 160, "height": 100})).unwrap());
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let shapes = |u: &Ui| {
+        let doc = u.app.session.doc().unwrap();
+        doc.ids().filter(|i| matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Shape { .. }))).count()
+    };
+    assert_eq!(shapes(&u), 2);
+    let from = handle(&u, "right").expect("a handle right").center();
+    let to = screen_box(&u, b).center();
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    assert_eq!(shapes(&u), 2, "no new shape");
+    let doc = u.app.session.doc().unwrap();
+    let line = doc.ids().find(|i| matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(_)))).expect("a connector");
+    assert!(matches!(&doc.node(line).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(c)) if c.from.node() == Some(a) && c.to.node() == Some(b)));
+}
+
+/// A sticky or shape inside a section or frame takes the drop too (review): the connector joins it.
+#[test]
+fn dropping_a_handle_on_a_shape_inside_a_frame_joins_it() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    let f = id(&u.app.session.execute("frame.create", &json!({"x": 300, "y": 200, "width": 500, "height": 400})).unwrap());
+    let b = id(&u
+        .app
+        .session
+        .execute("board.shape", &json!({"shape": "ellipse", "x": 100, "y": 100, "width": 160, "height": 100, "parent": f}))
+        .unwrap());
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let from = handle(&u, "right").expect("a handle right").center();
+    let to = screen_box(&u, b).center();
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let doc = u.app.session.doc().unwrap();
+    let line = doc.ids().find(|i| matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(_)))).expect("a connector");
+    assert!(
+        matches!(&doc.node(line).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(c)) if c.from.node() == Some(a) && c.to.node() == Some(b)),
+        "joined to the shape in the frame, not the frame"
+    );
+}
+
+/// A handle let go off the canvas, over a panel, makes nothing (review).
+#[test]
+fn letting_a_handle_go_over_a_panel_makes_nothing() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let before = u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count();
+    let from = handle(&u, "left").expect("a handle left").center();
+    // The left sidebar.
+    let to = Pos2::new(u.app.canvas.rect.min.x - 60.0, from.y);
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    assert_eq!(u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count(), before, "nothing made");
+}
+
+/// A handle let go over the floating toolbar at the bottom of the canvas makes nothing either
+/// (review): the toolbar lies inside the canvas rectangle.
+#[test]
+fn letting_a_handle_go_over_the_toolbar_makes_nothing() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let before = u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count();
+    let from = handle(&u, "below").expect("a handle below").center();
+    let to = crate::toolbar::pill_rect(u.app.canvas.rect, crate::toolbar::bar_width(&u.app)).center();
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    assert_eq!(u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count(), before, "nothing made behind the toolbar");
+}
+
+/// The selection moving to another shape under a drag ends the drag (review): letting go later,
+/// even with the first shape selected again, makes nothing.
+#[test]
+fn a_drag_ends_when_the_selection_moves_to_another_shape() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    let b = id(&u.app.session.execute("board.shape", &json!({"shape": "ellipse", "x": 600, "y": 0, "width": 160, "height": 100})).unwrap());
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let before = u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count();
+    let from = handle(&u, "below").expect("a handle below").center();
+    let to = from + egui::vec2(0.0, 160.0);
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [b]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![Event::PointerMoved(to)]);
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![Event::PointerMoved(to)]);
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    assert_eq!(u.app.session.doc().unwrap().ids().count(), before, "the drag was over");
+}
+
+/// The bar above the selection stays away while a handle is dragged, as for any drag (review):
+/// letting go where it was makes the next one there, not behind it, and the bar is back after.
+#[test]
+fn the_bar_stays_away_while_a_handle_is_dragged() {
+    let (mut u, a) = board_with_shape();
+    u.app.session.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [a]})).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let r = bar(&u).expect("the bar shows");
+    let from = handle(&u, "above").expect("a handle above").center();
+    let to = r.center();
+    u.drag_to(from, to);
+    assert!(bar(&u).is_none(), "no bar while a handle is dragged");
+    u.button(to, false);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    let doc = u.app.session.doc().unwrap();
+    let next = doc.ids().find(|i| *i != a && matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Shape { .. }))).expect("a new shape");
+    let line = doc.ids().find(|i| matches!(doc.node(*i).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(_)))).expect("a connector");
+    let centre = screen_box(&u, next).center();
+    assert!((centre - to).length() < 1.0, "centred where the bar was: {centre:?}, not {to:?}");
+    assert!(matches!(&doc.node(line).unwrap().board, Some(BoardItem::Connector(c)) if c.from.node() == Some(a) && c.to.node() == Some(next)));
+    // Typing in the new one keeps the bar away, as before; done typing, it is back.
+    figcraft_engine::textedit::end(&mut u.app.session).unwrap();
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    assert!(bar(&u).is_some(), "the bar is back for the new selection");
+}
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_bar.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_bar.rs
index f9a43935c..d85f14901 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_bar.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_bar.rs
@@ -191,10 +191,11 @@ pub(crate) fn place(sel: Rect, size: egui::Vec2, canvas: Rect) -> Pos2 {
     pos2(cx - w / 2.0, y)
 }
 
-/// The bar above a board's selection, while nothing is being dragged and the file can be edited.
+/// The bar above a board's selection, while nothing is being dragged (a "+" handle included) and
+/// the file can be edited.
 pub fn show(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
     let editable = app.session.active_read_only().is_none();
-    if app.session.tool.busy() || !editable || !app.session.doc().is_ok_and(figcraft_engine::board::is_board) {
+    if app.session.tool.busy() || !editable || !app.session.doc().is_ok_and(figcraft_engine::board::is_board) || crate::board_connect::dragging(ctx) {
         return;
     }
     let Some(h) = has(app) else { return };
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_connect.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_connect.rs
index 87211055b..ea96e922a 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_connect.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas/board_connect.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,15 @@
 //! Boards: a "+" beside each side of the one selected sticky or shape (#1597). Hovering one shows
 //! where the next one goes; clicking it makes the next of the same kind there, joined by a
-//! connector, and starts typing in it (`board.addConnected`).
+//! connector, and starts typing in it (`board.addConnected`). Dragging one carries the preview
+//! ("drag the preview to any location on your board", #1919): let go on empty board and the next
+//! one is made there, joined by a connector leaving by the handle's side; let go on another sticky
+//! or shape (inside a section too) and a connector joins the two; let go off the canvas or over the
+//! toolbar, nothing. The bar above the selection stays away while a "+" is dragged, as for any drag.
 
-use egui::{Area, Color32, CornerRadius, Id, LayerId, Order, Pos2, Rect, Sense, Shape, Stroke, pos2, vec2};
+use egui::{Area, Color32, CornerRadius, Id, LayerId, Order, Pos2, Rect, Sense, Shape, Stroke, StrokeKind, pos2, vec2};
 use figcraft_doc::{BoardItem, NodeId};
 use figcraft_engine::ToolId;
-use figcraft_engine::board::{STICKY, connected_place};
+use figcraft_engine::board::{STICKY, connected_place, sticky_or_shape_at};
 use serde_json::json;
 
 use crate::FigApp;
@@ -18,6 +22,17 @@ pub(crate) const REACH: f32 = 36.0;
 const RADIUS: f32 = 9.0;
 const SIDES: [&str; 4] = ["above", "right", "below", "left"];
 
+/// A drag from a "+": the object and the side it started from, kept while the button is down.
+#[derive(Clone)]
+struct Drag {
+    from: NodeId,
+    side: &'static str,
+}
+
+fn drag_id() -> Id {
+    Id::unique("board_connect_drag")
+}
+
 /// The sticky or shape the handles are for: its id, its box on the page and the next one's size.
 fn target(app: &FigApp) -> Option<(NodeId, figcraft_geom::Rect, (f64, f64))> {
     let editable = app.session.active_read_only().is_none();
@@ -41,6 +56,12 @@ pub(crate) fn shown(app: &FigApp) -> bool {
     target(app).is_some()
 }
 
+/// A "+" is being dragged: the bar above the selection stays away meanwhile, as for any drag, so
+/// nothing is made behind it.
+pub(crate) fn dragging(ctx: &egui::Context) -> bool {
+    ctx.data(|d| d.get_temp::<Drag>(drag_id())).is_some()
+}
+
 /// The centre of the "+" for `side` of the object's screen box `r`.
 fn handle_at(r: Rect, side: &str) -> Pos2 {
     match side {
@@ -51,8 +72,35 @@ fn handle_at(r: Rect, side: &str) -> Pos2 {
     }
 }
 
+/// The middle of `side` of the object's screen box `r`, where its connector leaves.
+fn side_middle(r: Rect, side: &str) -> Pos2 {
+    match side {
+        "above" => r.center_top(),
+        "right" => r.right_center(),
+        "below" => r.center_bottom(),
+        _ => r.left_center(),
+    }
+}
+
+/// A "+" side as `board.connector` names it.
+fn connector_side(side: &str) -> &'static str {
+    match side {
+        "above" => "top",
+        "below" => "bottom",
+        "left" => "left",
+        _ => "right",
+    }
+}
+
 pub fn show(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
-    let Some((id, b, next)) = target(app) else { return };
+    let drag: Option<Drag> = ctx.data(|d| d.get_temp(drag_id()));
+    let Some((id, b, next)) = target(app) else {
+        // The selection or the tool changed under a drag: it is over.
+        if drag.is_some() {
+            ctx.data_mut(|d| d.remove::<Drag>(drag_id()));
+        }
+        return;
+    };
     let r = Rect::from_two_pos(app.to_screen(b.x0, b.y0), app.to_screen(b.x1, b.y1));
     // Too small on screen to tell the handles from the object.
     if r.width() < 2.0 * RADIUS || r.height() < 2.0 * RADIUS {
@@ -63,16 +111,18 @@ pub fn show(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
     // Not over the toolbar at the bottom of the canvas.
     let toolbar = crate::toolbar::pill_rect(app.canvas.rect, crate::toolbar::bar_width(app)).expand(RADIUS);
     let mut picked = None;
+    let mut started = None;
+    let mut let_go = false;
     for side in SIDES {
         let c = handle_at(r, side);
         if !app.canvas.rect.shrink(RADIUS).contains(c) || toolbar.contains(c) {
             continue;
         }
         let area = Area::new(Id::unique(("board_connect", side))).fixed_pos(c - vec2(RADIUS, RADIUS)).order(Order::Middle);
-        let clicked = area
+        let (clicked, drag_started, drag_stopped) = area
             .show(ctx, |ui| {
-                let (rect, resp) = ui.allocate_exact_size(vec2(2.0 * RADIUS, 2.0 * RADIUS), Sense::click());
-                let hot = resp.hovered();
+                let (rect, resp) = ui.allocate_exact_size(vec2(2.0 * RADIUS, 2.0 * RADIUS), Sense::click_and_drag());
+                let hot = resp.hovered() || resp.dragged();
                 let p = ui.painter();
                 p.circle_filled(rect.center(), RADIUS, if hot { accent } else { t.panel });
                 p.circle_stroke(rect.center(), RADIUS, Stroke::new(1.0, if hot { accent } else { t.border }));
@@ -80,19 +130,72 @@ pub fn show(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
                 let arm = RADIUS * 0.45;
                 p.line_segment([rect.center() - vec2(arm, 0.0), rect.center() + vec2(arm, 0.0)], ink);
                 p.line_segment([rect.center() - vec2(0.0, arm), rect.center() + vec2(0.0, arm)], ink);
-                if hot {
+                // Where a click puts the next one; a drag shows its own preview.
+                if hot && drag.is_none() && !resp.dragged() {
                     preview(app, ctx, b, next, side, accent);
                 }
-                resp.on_hover_text(tr("Add a connected shape")).clicked()
+                let resp = resp.on_hover_text(tr("Add a connected shape"));
+                (resp.clicked(), resp.drag_started(), resp.drag_stopped())
             })
             .inner;
         if clicked {
             picked = Some(side);
         }
+        if drag_started {
+            started = Some(side);
+        }
+        let_go |= drag_stopped;
     }
     if let Some(side) = picked {
         app.run("board.addConnected", json!({"id": id, "side": side, "edit": true}));
     }
+    if let Some(side) = started {
+        ctx.data_mut(|d| d.insert_temp(drag_id(), Drag { from: id, side }));
+    }
+    // A drag carries the preview: the next one centred on the pointer, or the object under it,
+    // which the connector joins instead.
+    let Some(Drag { from, side }) = drag else { return };
+    // The selection moved to another sticky or shape under the drag: it is over too.
+    if from != id {
+        ctx.data_mut(|d| d.remove::<Drag>(drag_id()));
+        return;
+    }
+    let Some(pointer) = ctx.input(|i| i.pointer.latest_pos()) else { return };
+    let over = object_under(app, from, pointer);
+    // Off the canvas (over a panel) or over the floating toolbar there is nothing to show and
+    // nothing to make.
+    let on_canvas = app.canvas.rect.contains(pointer) && !toolbar.contains(pointer);
+    if on_canvas {
+        drag_preview(app, ctx, (b, next, side), pointer, over);
+    }
+    if let_go {
+        ctx.data_mut(|d| d.remove::<Drag>(drag_id()));
+        if !on_canvas {
+            return;
+        }
+        match over {
+            Some(to) => {
+                app.run("board.connector", json!({"from": from, "to": to, "fromSide": connector_side(side)}));
+            }
+            None => {
+                let q = app.to_page(pointer);
+                app.run("board.addConnected", json!({"id": from, "side": side, "at": [q.x, q.y], "edit": true}));
+            }
+        }
+    } else if !ctx.input(|i| i.pointer.any_down()) {
+        // The button came up without the handle hearing of it (the pointer left the window).
+        ctx.data_mut(|d| d.remove::<Drag>(drag_id()));
+    }
+}
+
+/// The sticky or shape under the screen point `p` on the canvas (inside a section or frame too),
+/// other than `except`.
+fn object_under(app: &FigApp, except: NodeId, p: Pos2) -> Option<NodeId> {
+    if !app.canvas.rect.contains(p) {
+        return None;
+    }
+    let ds = app.session.ds().ok()?;
+    sticky_or_shape_at(&ds.doc, ds.page, app.to_page(p), Some(except))
 }
 
 /// Where the next one goes for `side`, faintly: its box and the connector's line to it.
@@ -107,9 +210,46 @@ fn preview(app: &FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context, b: figcraft_geom::Rect, next: (f64
         _ => (from.left_center(), ghost.right_center()),
     };
     let p = ctx.layer_painter(LayerId::new(Order::Middle, Id::unique("board_connect_preview")));
+    let faint = Stroke::new(1.5, accent.gamma_multiply(0.6));
+    ghost_box(&p, ghost, accent);
+    p.line_segment([a, z], faint);
+}
+
+/// The next one's box, faintly: a tint and a dashed outline.
+fn ghost_box(p: &egui::Painter, ghost: Rect, accent: Color32) {
     let faint = Stroke::new(1.5, accent.gamma_multiply(0.6));
     p.rect_filled(ghost, CornerRadius::same(8), accent.gamma_multiply(0.08));
     let corners = [ghost.left_top(), ghost.right_top(), ghost.right_bottom(), ghost.left_bottom(), ghost.left_top()];
     p.extend(Shape::dashed_line(&corners, faint, 6.0, 4.0));
-    p.line_segment([a, z], faint);
+}
+
+/// The dragged preview: the next one centred on `pointer` and the connector's line to it from
+/// `side` of the object's box `b`, or, over another object, that object outlined and the line to
+/// it; the line arrives at the side of the box facing the object.
+fn drag_preview(app: &FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context, (b, next, side): (figcraft_geom::Rect, (f64, f64), &str), pointer: Pos2, over: Option<NodeId>) {
+    let accent = crate::theme::canvas_accent(ctx);
+    let from = Rect::from_two_pos(app.to_screen(b.x0, b.y0), app.to_screen(b.x1, b.y1));
+    let p = ctx.layer_painter(LayerId::new(Order::Middle, Id::unique("board_connect_preview")));
+    let to_box = match over.and_then(|o| app.session.doc().ok()?.world_bounds(o)) {
+        Some(ob) => {
+            let r = Rect::from_two_pos(app.to_screen(ob.x0, ob.y0), app.to_screen(ob.x1, ob.y1));
+            p.rect_stroke(r, CornerRadius::same(4), Stroke::new(1.5, accent), StrokeKind::Outside);
+            r
+        }
+        None => {
+            let size = app.to_screen(next.0, next.1) - app.to_screen(0.0, 0.0);
+            let ghost = Rect::from_center_size(pointer, size);
+            ghost_box(&p, ghost, accent);
+            ghost
+        }
+    };
+    let d = to_box.center() - from.center();
+    let z = if d.x.abs() >= d.y.abs() {
+        if d.x >= 0.0 { to_box.left_center() } else { to_box.right_center() }
+    } else if d.y >= 0.0 {
+        to_box.center_top()
+    } else {
+        to_box.center_bottom()
+    };
+    p.line_segment([side_middle(from, side), z], Stroke::new(1.5, accent.gamma_multiply(0.6)));
 }
diff --git a/docs/boards-parity.md b/docs/boards-parity.md
index b364c759f..dac8c0214 100644
--- a/docs/boards-parity.md
+++ b/docs/boards-parity.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Boards parity
 
-> **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-24 · **Last updated:** 2026-11-04 · **Change:** minor (a connector attached to a side starts 4 pt outside the border, so its stroke never lies on the fill (#1916); a connector end moved with Cmd/Ctrl held goes on any part of an object, and stays there as the object moves or resizes; a connector end dropped along a side of a shape attaches to that side (#1708); a board connector's path can be reshaped by dragging its path handles (#1710); boards have 16 more shapes (arrows, polygons, star, plus and flowchart symbols), in pickers that lay them out in a grid; a board keeps earlier votes' results, listed newest first in Results and deleted one at a time; a connector's bar sets its start and end points, dashes, weight and any colour (#1596); cells copied from a spreadsheet paste onto a board as a table; Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+Enter on a selected board shape adds the next shape already joined to it, and goes on typing (#1597); "+" handles beside a selected sticky or shape make the next one, joined by a connector (#1597); a FigJam `.jam` file opens as a board (#1342); board grid settings: dots, lines, graph paper or none, spacing, size and contrast; the connector tool shows the connector it will make while dragging, ends snapping to attach points (#1387); templates and tables; facilitation: a shared timer and voting sessions; the dot grid, dragging a connector's end to re-attach it, curved connectors, elbows that go around what they join) · **Target:** the incumbent's whiteboard product (behaviour from its public help centre)
+> **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-24 · **Last updated:** 2026-11-04 · **Change:** minor (a "+" handle dragged carries the preview: the next shape is made where it is let go, or a connector joins the object it is let go on (#1919); a connector attached to a side starts 4 pt outside the border, so its stroke never lies on the fill (#1916); a connector end moved with Cmd/Ctrl held goes on any part of an object, and stays there as the object moves or resizes; a connector end dropped along a side of a shape attaches to that side (#1708); a board connector's path can be reshaped by dragging its path handles (#1710); boards have 16 more shapes (arrows, polygons, star, plus and flowchart symbols), in pickers that lay them out in a grid; a board keeps earlier votes' results, listed newest first in Results and deleted one at a time; a connector's bar sets its start and end points, dashes, weight and any colour (#1596); cells copied from a spreadsheet paste onto a board as a table; Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+Enter on a selected board shape adds the next shape already joined to it, and goes on typing (#1597); "+" handles beside a selected sticky or shape make the next one, joined by a connector (#1597); a FigJam `.jam` file opens as a board (#1342); board grid settings: dots, lines, graph paper or none, spacing, size and contrast; the connector tool shows the connector it will make while dragging, ends snapping to attach points (#1387); templates and tables; facilitation: a shared timer and voting sessions; the dot grid, dragging a connector's end to re-attach it, curved connectors, elbows that go around what they join) · **Target:** the incumbent's whiteboard product (behaviour from its public help centre)
 
 **Breadth ~47%, ready ~29% (estimated, erring low).** A board is a FigCraft file of its own kind
 (`file.newBoard`) with a dot grid on the page, sticky notes, shapes with text, connectors that
@@ -37,14 +37,16 @@ all end with the same geometry.
 | Connectors | done | from a layer's side (the facing one, or one named) to another layer or a free point, straight, elbow or curved, arrowheads (the stroke's caps), a label in the middle of the route by length (double-click to add); while one is dragged out it shows as it will be made (route, line and arrowhead), the object under the pointer outlined with its four attach points (side middles), the one the end goes to ringed; an end dropped on the outer half of an object takes the side it is towards (a drop along a whole edge chooses that edge), one in the middle takes the facing side; re-routed when either end moves or resizes; a deleted end stays where it was; an end attached to a side starts 4 pt outside the border (`board_route::END_GAP`), so the stroke never lies on the fill; elbows leaving one side share their first run along its normal and curves leave tangent to it (#1916) |
 | Shapes with text | done | 23 outlines: rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, diamond, triangle up and down, parallelogram right and left, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, star, plus, arrow left and right, chevron, speech bubble, and the flowchart symbols database, document, predefined process, manual input and internal storage; text centred and wrapping inside the outline; shape type and text size from the contextual bar |
 | Shape auto-fit to its text, the advanced shape libraries (engineering and other icon shapes) | missing | |
+| Connectors | done | from a layer's side (the facing one, or one named) to another layer or a free point, straight, elbow or curved, arrowheads (the stroke's caps), a label in the middle of the route by length (double-click to add); while one is dragged out it shows as it will be made (route, line and arrowhead), the object under the pointer outlined with its four attach points (side middles), the one the end goes to ringed, and within 10 px of one the end keeps that side; re-routed when either end moves or resizes; a deleted end stays where it was |
+| Create the next shape already connected | done | a selected sticky or shape shows a "+" beside each side; hovering one shows where the next goes, clicking makes one of the same kind, size and colour there, joined by a connector as the Connector tool makes one, and starts typing in it; one undo step (`board.addConnected {id?, side?, edit?}`, #1597). Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+Enter on a selected (or edited) shape adds the next shape on its right, joined the same way, and goes on typing; on a sticky it adds a sticky beside it without a connector, as before. Dragging a "+" carries the preview ("drag the preview to any location on your board"): let go on empty board and the next one is made there, centred on the pointer, joined by a connector leaving by the handle's side (`at: [x, y]`, a point of the page); let go on another sticky or shape, inside a section too, and a connector joins the two instead, the object outlined while over it; let go off the canvas or over the toolbar, nothing, and the bar above the selection stays away meanwhile (`board_connect_tests`, #1919) |
 | Connectors | done | from a layer's side (the facing one, or one named) to another layer or a free point, straight, elbow or curved, arrowheads (the stroke's caps), a label in the middle of the route by length (double-click to add); while one is dragged out it shows as it will be made (route, line and arrowhead), the object under the pointer outlined with its four attach points (side middles), the one the end goes to ringed, and within 10 px of one the end keeps that side; re-routed when either end moves or resizes; a deleted end stays where it was; an end attached to a side starts 4 pt outside the border (`board_route::END_GAP`), so the stroke never lies on the fill; elbows leaving one side share their first run along its normal and curves leave tangent to it (#1916) |
 | Create the next shape already connected | done | a selected sticky or shape shows a "+" beside each side; hovering one shows where the next goes, clicking makes one of the same kind, size and colour there, joined by a connector as the Connector tool makes one, and starts typing in it; one undo step (`board.addConnected {id?, side?, edit?}`, #1597). Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+Enter on a selected (or edited) shape adds the next shape on its right, joined the same way, and goes on typing; on a sticky it adds a sticky beside it without a connector, as before |
 | Curved connectors, elbows around objects, dragging an end to re-attach | done | `board.setStyle {style: curved}` (and the contextual bar): one curve leaving and arriving along the sides; an elbow whose short way would cross what it joins goes around their boxes, 24 units clear; a selected connector shows its two ends as handles, and dragging one onto an object attaches it there (the object is outlined while dragging), onto empty canvas leaves it free (`board.reattach {id, end, target, side?}`, one undo step) |
 | A connector end on any part of an object | done | holding Cmd/Ctrl while moving an end places it where the pointer is on the object, as a share of its box, so it follows moves and resizes; the line leaves by the side facing the other end. Without the key an end snaps to a side |
 | Connector paths reshaped by hand | done | a selected elbow or curved connector shows path handles: one on each run long enough to take one, one in the middle of a curve. Dragging a run moves it, and a first or last run gains an extra run to stay on its end; a curve's middle goes where it is dragged (`board.reshape`, one undo step). The shape travels with what the connector joins and is saved with the file; changing the style or moving an end to something else goes back to routing itself. No way back by itself otherwise: the public help describes none |
-| Quick-create handles (drag out a connected copy) | missing | |
+| Quick-create handles (drag out a connected copy) | done | a "+" dragged carries the preview: the next one is made where it is let go, joined; or a connector joins the sticky or shape it is let go on (#1919) |
 | Connector waypoints placed by hand | missing | routes are computed from the ends; no bend points of your own |
-| Quick-create handles | partial | a "+" beside each side of the one selected sticky or shape makes the next one there, joined by a connector (`board.addConnected`, also Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+Enter); no dragging a handle out to place it |
+| Quick-create handles | done | a "+" beside each side of the one selected sticky or shape makes the next one there, joined by a connector (`board.addConnected`, also Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+Enter); dragged, it places the next one where it is let go, or joins the sticky or shape it is let go on (#1919) |
 | Marker and highlighter | done | the Pencil's stroke fitting with board presets: marker opaque, highlighter wide, see-through and multiplying |
 | Eraser | done | drag over marker and highlighter strokes to remove them, one undo step |
 | Pen colours and widths in the toolbar | partial | `tool.marker {color}`, `tool.highlighter {color}`; colour changes on a selected stroke from the contextual bar |
@@ -70,6 +72,7 @@ all end with the same geometry.
 
 | Date | Change | Summary |
 |---|---|---|
+| 2026-11-03 | minor | M12, #1919: as the quick create help says ("Click to select and create the next shape in that direction, or drag the preview to any location on your board"; "A new shape is created with a connector and its text field active"), a "+" beside the selected sticky or shape can be dragged: the preview follows the pointer and, let go on empty board, the next one is made there, centred on the pointer, and joined by a connector leaving by the handle's side and arriving by the side facing it (`board.addConnected` gains `at: [x, y]`, a point of the page placed in the parent's coordinates); let go on another sticky or shape, inside a section or frame too (`board::sticky_or_shape_at`), a connector joins the two instead (`board.connector`), that object outlined while the pointer is over it; let go off the canvas or over the toolbar, nothing, and the bar above the selection stays away meanwhile, as for any drag. The click is as before. A shape picker on drop and choosing the connector type are not done (the help doesn't describe them). Tests: `board_connect_tests` (the drag ones), engine `board_connected_tests::the_next_one_goes_where_it_is_dropped`. Numbers unchanged. |
 | 2026-11-04 | minor | M12, #1916: a connector end attached to a side starts 4 pt outside the border (`board_route::END_GAP`), as FigJam's do (the issue's screenshots: the line starts a few pixels outside, with a round cap), so the stroke never lies on the fill; elbows leaving one side share their first run along its normal, curves leave tangent to it and straight ones fan out from the same point; the `.jam` importer's routes, re-attached ends, path handles and labels follow the route's points; an end placed by hand with Cmd/Ctrl held keeps its exact point. Tests: `board_route_tests` (three). Numbers unchanged. |
 | 2026-10-31 | minor | M12: as the help describes, holding Cmd/Ctrl while moving a connector's end places it on any part of an object instead of snapping to a side. It keeps that spot as a fraction of the object's box, so it follows the object when it moves or resizes, and without the key an end snaps as before. `board.connector {fromAt, toAt}` and `board.reattach {at}` take it; saved only when set. Numbers unchanged |
 | 2026-10-31 | patch | M12, #1708: a connector end dropped on the outer half of a shape takes the side it is towards, instead of only within 10 px of a side's middle, so a drop anywhere along an edge chooses that edge (dragging a selected connector's end and with the connector tool, ring included); a drop in the middle of a shape still takes the facing side. |
diff --git a/docs/ui-parity.md b/docs/ui-parity.md
index 6b04876c7..bbe4155c1 100644
--- a/docs/ui-parity.md
+++ b/docs/ui-parity.md
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ interaction feel not yet compared.
 | Numeric fields: arithmetic, scrubbing by dragging the label (or the field itself with Alt held), mixed values | done | Numeric panels use `widgets::number_field`; Corner smoothing has an original code-drawn icon, a 24 pt drag target and an accessible name, with live changes, fractional values preserved across consecutive drags, Shift/Alt rates, 0–100% clamping and one-step undo/redo (`corner_individual_tests`); Typography line height, letter spacing and paragraph spacing share its leading-icon scrub logic (#373), retaining their existing unit parsing, Auto/Mixed values, variable chips and selected-character targeting (`typography_scrub_tests`). Scrubbing the label: a step a point (1 px; 1% of opacity, 1° of rotation), ten with Shift, a tenth with Alt, each stretch at the rate held while it was dragged, one undo step when let go; past the edge of the screen it goes on where the platform reports the mouse's own motion (desktop), otherwise it stops there. Arrow keys: Up/Down step a pixel field by the small nudge and Shift by the big nudge (the preferences), other fields by their own step and ten of it; they work while typing (from what is typed) and with the keyboard on the field. Typing: `+ - * /`, brackets, units (`px`, `°`, `%`, `x`, `ms`), a decimal comma; `+10`, `*2`, `/4` are relative to the value, and `50%`, `+10%`, `-10%` too in a field that isn't a percentage. Enter, Tab or a click elsewhere commits (Tab and Shift+Tab move to the next and previous control), Escape restores; a field left as it was commits nothing (no undo step, and a rounded display isn't written back). Mixed values show "Mixed": a number sets them all, a relative edit or an arrow key goes to each layer from its own value in one undo step, for X, Y, W, H, rotation, opacity, corner radius and stroke weight (elsewhere `+10` on Mixed sets 10 and `*2` does nothing) (`field_tests`). Left: scrubbing a Mixed field (nothing happens), `x2`-style suffix edits, the pointer isn't wrapped to the other side of the screen; rates not compared with Figma's |
 | Transform box at small sizes | done | a press inside a layer smaller than its handles moves it, the nearest handle wins, handles answer just outside and are hidden under 16 px on screen; cursors follow each handle and the box's rotation |
 | Locked layers | done | selectable from the layers panel; no handles, not dragged with the rest of a selection |
+| Edit ▸ Set default properties: new layers take the selected layer's properties | done | from a shape (any layer but text): new rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars drawn or clicked with their tools take its fills, strokes and their settings, effects, opacity, blend and corners; from a text layer: new text from the Text tool takes its fills and font (#2028). Silent in the help center on frames, lines and arrows: they keep their own look, as do layers made by commands; the defaults last for the session |
 | Smart selection spacing | partial | with layers in a row, a column or an aligned grid selected, the Layout section shows horizontal and vertical spacing ("Mixed" until set; typed, scrubbed, fractional and negative) and pink handles in the gaps on the canvas drag them, one undo step, Escape cancels (`arrange.spacing`; sizes, parents and offsets within each track kept; at most 2,000 layers; flow children, locked layers and layers inside instances left out). A ring at each layer's centre drags it to another place in a regular row, column or complete top-left-aligned grid: the others close up and make room around it with the gaps kept, and with Cmd/Ctrl held the two layers swap places instead, previewed live while dragging (`selection_reorder_tests`; no ring on a layer under 16 px on screen). Not covered: reordering irregular grids, and several marked layers moved together. Checked by its author on macOS and in the app on Windows (#402) |
 | Selection colors | partial | for a mixed selection the Design panel lists their solid and gradient paints (children and text ranges included; hidden paints, masks, images, patterns and boolean operands left out; styles and variables listed apart): editing a colour changes every matching fill and stroke in one undo step, a row selects the layers that use it or applies a color style or color variable of the document, and a row linked to a style or variable detaches it, keeping the color (`selection.colors`, `selection.setPaint`, `selection.applyColorStyle`, `selection.bindColorVariable`, `selection.detachColor`, `selection.selectColor`). No library styles or variables from there, and no new style or variable from a row (#403) |
 | Keyboard box selection | done | Alt+Space on macOS, Ctrl+Space on Windows and Linux, or F8 (`select.area`): a box around the selection or in the middle of the view; arrows move it, Cmd/Ctrl+arrows or Shift+arrows size it (Shift with Cmd/Ctrl: farther), Enter selects like a marquee (Shift+Enter toggles, Cmd/Ctrl+Enter nested), Escape closes |
@@ -181,6 +182,7 @@ in the table. `crates/ui-egui/src/shortcut_keys_tests.rs` drives the keys a look
 | Date | Change | Summary |
 |---|---|---|
 | 2026-11-02 | patch | Fill section: a text whose characters were coloured differently while editing shows mixed content, as a mixed selection does ("Text nodes can have multiple sets of fills if some characters are colored differently than others", the developer documentation's `fills`); characters that all share fills the layer doesn't have (all of them styled while editing) show those instead of the layer's older list; and a layer-level fill edit (a row, its picker, +, reordering, `fill.*`, `node.set`) reaches every character, their own fills going in the same undo step. The section used to show the layer's own fill, a single colour the canvas no longer showed (#1856). Tests: `text_mixed_fill_tests`, engine `text_fill_tests`. Numbers unchanged |
+| 2026-11-06 | patch | M1, #2028: Edit ▸ Set default properties copied the selected layer's properties into the Paste properties clipboard and nothing else, so a new rectangle drawn afterwards was still grey (and what Copy properties had copied was lost). The defaults are now kept apart (`Session::default_props`, one set for shapes and one for text): rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars drawn or clicked with their tools take the shape defaults (`apply_copied_props`, the same rules as Paste properties: corners only where a layer has them), and new text from the Text tool takes a text layer's fills and font and is laid out at that size. Frames, sections, slices, lines, arrows, vectors and layers made by commands keep their own look. `edit.setDefaultProperties` answers `{for: shapes|text, properties}`. Tests: `default_props_tests` (3) |
 | 2026-11-01 | patch | Number fields: dragging the field itself with Alt held scrubs it ("You can also hover the input field itself and hold down the modifier key: Mac: ⌥ Option Windows: Alt", Adjust alignment, rotation, position, and dimensions), with the resize cursor and the label's rates (Alt is the enabler there, so it isn't the fine rate); a click with Alt doesn't open the editor. Found by a documentation audit of the ui-parity rows. Test: `field_tests::alt_held_over_a_field_scrubs_it`. Counts unchanged |
 | 2026-11-02 | minor | M8: layer hierarchy backgrounds compute each visible row's selection root once, plus its immediate offscreen neighbors, rather than walking ancestors three times per row. Selection membership uses a set instead of a linear search. The scrolling regression keeps the internal seams square at viewport boundaries. Numbers unchanged. |
 | 2026-11-02 | minor | M8: selected layer hierarchies have a continuous background across row spacing, with rounded outer corners; nested selections stay in the same block and separate selected trees keep their own corners. Regressions cover continuous fills, the selected-row highlight above them, scrolling and the original palette's dim-text contrast. Numbers unchanged. |