BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH: implement approved usability improvements for isolated Sprite Editor without expanding scope

Author: DavidQ

CODEX_COMMANDS.md

@@ -9,36 +9,31 @@ REASONING: high
 COMMAND:
 Create BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.
 
+Use docs/pr/PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md as the approved plan source of truth.
+
 Goal:
-Implement a small, surgical usability-polish PR for the isolated Sprite Editor now that core features are working.
+Implement the approved usability-polish PR for the isolated Sprite Editor only.
 
 Scope rules:
-1. Do not review, modify, migrate, or delete any pre-existing sprite editor outside tools/Sprite Editor/
-2. Keep scope limited to tools/Sprite Editor/, tools/index.html only if needed, and docs/reports
-3. Do not expand into engine or unrelated tools
-4. Docs-first
-5. One PR per purpose
-6. Preserve required file headers
-7. No destructive changes
+1. Only implement the approved polish items from the plan.
+2. Do not expand scope beyond the approved plan.
+3. Do not review, modify, migrate, or delete any pre-existing sprite editor outside tools/Sprite Editor/
+4. Do not touch engine code or unrelated tools.
+5. Leave unrelated workspace modifications untouched.
+6. Preserve required file headers on all new files.
+7. Follow repo workflow and keep this PR small and surgical.
 
-Polish targets:
+Primary implementation targets:
 - Better tool-state visibility for active tool / active color / active frame
-- Keyboard shortcuts plan (pencil, eraser, fill, grid toggle, onion skin toggle, frame next/prev)
-- Undo/redo implementation
-- Clear resize/new-canvas behavior contract messaging
+- Keyboard shortcuts for approved actions from the plan
+- Undo/redo if approved in the plan
+- Clear resize/new-canvas behavior based on the approved contract
 - Better import/export feedback messaging
 - Improved recent-color swatch behavior
-- Preview panel polish for FPS/play/pause clarity
-- Optional status bar (canvas size, zoom, active frame, cursor pixel position)
-- Mouse drag drawing reliability polish
+- Preview panel polish for FPS / play / pause clarity
+- Optional status bar if approved in the plan
+- Mouse interaction polish for drag drawing reliability
 - Save/load UX cleanup
 
-Required outputs:
-- docs/pr/BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md
-- CODEX_COMMANDS.md
-- docs/dev/reports/change_summary.txt
-- docs/dev/reports/validation_checklist.txt
-- docs/dev/reports/file_tree.txt
-
 Packaging:
 - tmp/BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH_delta.zip

docs/dev/reports/change_summary.txt

@@ -3,30 +3,38 @@ David Quesenberry
 04/03/2026
 change_summary.txt
 
-PLAN_PR target:
-Create a docs-only plan bundle for Sprite Editor usability polish without implementation edits.
+BUILD_PR target:
+Implement approved usability polish for the isolated Sprite Editor using PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH as source of truth.
 
-Planned BUILD scope (next step):
-- tools/Sprite Editor/** usability polish only
-- tools/index.html only if a tiny non-destructive update is strictly needed
-- docs/reports updates required by workflow
+Implemented areas:
+- tools/Sprite Editor/index.html
+  - Added persistent state row for tool/color/frame/toggle/canvas+cursor status visibility
+  - Added Undo/Redo controls
+  - Updated preview controls to Play/Pause/Reset
+  - Added usability hint text for shortcuts and resize/new-canvas behavior
+- tools/Sprite Editor/spriteEditor.css
+  - Added state row and state pill styling
+  - Added hint-text styling
+  - Added touch-action guard on editor canvas for pointer reliability
+- tools/Sprite Editor/modules/constants.js
+  - Added HISTORY_LIMIT for bounded undo/redo behavior
+- tools/Sprite Editor/modules/spriteEditorApp.js
+  - Added keyboard shortcuts (P/E/F/G/O/[ / ] + Ctrl+Z/Ctrl+Y/Ctrl+Shift+Z)
+  - Added bounded undo/redo stacks with UI controls
+  - Added explicit resize/new-canvas behavior messaging
+  - Added richer import/export/save/load feedback messages with file and size/frame context
+  - Added improved recent-color handling/rendering consistency for transparent swatches
+  - Added preview Play/Pause/Reset behavior and FPS status messages
+  - Added status bar updates for canvas/zoom/frame/cursor
+  - Added drag-stroke history-safe handling and pointer lifecycle reliability polish
+- tools/Sprite Editor/README.md
+  - Documented usability behavior contracts and shortcuts
 
-Planned polish focus:
-- state visibility
-- keyboard shortcuts
-- undo/redo
-- resize/new-canvas behavior clarity
-- import/export messaging clarity
-- recent-color polish
-- preview controls clarity
-- optional status bar telemetry
-- drag reliability
-- save/load UX cleanup
+Docs/build artifacts:
+- docs/pr/BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md
+- CODEX_COMMANDS.md
 
-Locked exclusions:
-- no engine changes
-- no unrelated tools
-- no samples/games edits
-- no legacy sprite-editor path modifications
-
-This PLAN bundle is docs-only and contains no implementation code changes.
+Scope guardrails honored:
+- No engine changes
+- No unrelated tool changes
+- No modifications to pre-existing sprite editor implementations outside tools/Sprite Editor/

docs/dev/reports/file_tree.txt

@@ -3,10 +3,16 @@ David Quesenberry
 04/03/2026
 file_tree.txt
 
-PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH docs bundle file tree
+BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH file tree
 
 CODEX_COMMANDS.md
 docs/pr/PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md
+docs/pr/BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md
 docs/dev/reports/change_summary.txt
 docs/dev/reports/validation_checklist.txt
 docs/dev/reports/file_tree.txt
+tools/Sprite Editor/README.md
+tools/Sprite Editor/index.html
+tools/Sprite Editor/spriteEditor.css
+tools/Sprite Editor/modules/constants.js
+tools/Sprite Editor/modules/spriteEditorApp.js

docs/dev/reports/validation_checklist.txt

@@ -3,26 +3,35 @@ David Quesenberry
 04/03/2026
 validation_checklist.txt
 
-PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH checklist
+BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH validation checklist
 
-Docs bundle validation:
-[x] PLAN doc created at docs/pr/PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md
-[x] CODEX_COMMANDS.md updated for BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH
-[x] change_summary.txt updated
-[x] validation_checklist.txt updated
-[x] file_tree.txt updated
-[x] Bundle is docs-only (no implementation code changes)
-[x] Scope boundaries clearly documented
-[x] In-scope / out-of-scope clearly documented
-[x] Exact likely BUILD file list documented
-[x] UX behavior contract documented for each polish item
-[x] Manual validation checklist documented
-[x] BUILD command documented
-[x] Commit comment documented
-[x] Next command documented
+Scope and safety:
+[x] Changes limited to tools/Sprite Editor and docs/reports bundle files
+[x] No engine changes
+[x] No unrelated tool changes
+[x] No pre-existing sprite editor paths outside tools/Sprite Editor modified
 
-Guardrail checks:
-[x] No engine scope introduced
-[x] No unrelated tool scope introduced
-[x] No legacy sprite-editor migration/refactor scope introduced
-[x] No destructive/deletion instructions included
+Usability contracts:
+[x] Active tool/color/frame/toggle visibility row implemented
+[x] Status bar includes canvas size, zoom, frame, and cursor pixel coordinates
+[x] Keyboard shortcuts implemented: P, E, F, G, O, [, ], Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+Y, Ctrl+Shift+Z
+[x] Undo/redo controls and history stack implemented
+[x] New canvas behavior explicitly resets document with status messaging
+[x] Resize behavior explicitly preserves pixels with nearest-neighbor status messaging
+[x] Import/export/save/load feedback messages include file and dimension/frame context
+[x] Recent color swatches remain deduped/newest-first and transparent swatches are visually distinct
+[x] Preview controls clarified to Play/Pause/Reset and FPS messaging is explicit
+[x] Pointer drag reliability improved with stroke-history and pointer lifecycle handling
+
+Syntax checks:
+[x] node --check tools/Sprite Editor/modules/spriteEditorApp.js
+[x] node --check tools/Sprite Editor/modules/constants.js
+[x] node --check tools/Sprite Editor/main.js
+
+Manual browser validation targets (for APPLY/QA pass):
+[ ] Open tools/Sprite Editor/index.html and confirm UI state row updates live
+[ ] Confirm all shortcuts perform expected actions
+[ ] Confirm undo/redo on draw/fill/frame/import/resize/new-canvas
+[ ] Confirm import/export/save/load messages in status panel
+[ ] Confirm preview play/pause/reset behavior and FPS feedback
+[ ] Confirm drag drawing remains reliable across fast pointer movement

docs/pr/BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+Toolbox Aid
+David Quesenberry
+04/03/2026
+BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md
+
+# BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH
+
+## Goal
+Implement approved usability improvements for the isolated Sprite Editor at `tools/Sprite Editor/` without expanding scope.
+
+## Approved source
+- `docs/pr/PLAN_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH.md`
+
+## Implemented polish scope
+- Better persistent tool-state visibility:
+  - active tool
+  - active color
+  - active frame
+  - grid/onion toggle state
+  - canvas/zoom/cursor status bar
+- Keyboard shortcuts:
+  - `P`, `E`, `F`
+  - `G`, `O`
+  - `[` and `]`
+  - `Ctrl+Z`, `Ctrl+Y`, `Ctrl+Shift+Z`
+- Undo/redo support for draw/fill/frame/import/resize/new-canvas actions
+- Clear resize/new-canvas behavior messaging
+- Import/export/save/load status feedback improvements
+- Recent-color swatch polish including transparent swatch styling
+- Preview panel control clarity (Play/Pause/Reset + FPS messaging)
+- Mouse drag reliability polish (history-safe stroke handling, pointer lifecycle handling)
+- Save/load UX clarity messages
+
+## Scope boundaries honored
+In scope:
+- `tools/Sprite Editor/**`
+- docs/reports for this BUILD bundle
+
+Out of scope:
+- engine changes
+- unrelated tools
+- legacy or pre-existing sprite editor implementations outside `tools/Sprite Editor/`
+- sample/game edits
+
+## Validation summary
+- JS syntax checks passed for changed JS files
+- Shortcut bindings implemented per plan
+- Undo/redo stack implemented and wired
+- State row and status bar wired and updated during interaction
+- Preview controls updated to Play/Pause/Reset semantics
+- No engine/unrelated tool modifications in this PR scope
+
+## Packaging
+- `tmp/BUILD_PR_SPRITE_EDITOR_USABILITY_POLISH_delta.zip`
+- ZIP contains only files relevant to this PR

tools/Sprite Editor/README.md

@@ -21,6 +21,16 @@ Standalone browser-based Sprite Editor tool built as an isolated implementation
 - Save/load editor project JSON
 - Transparent background support
 - Animation preview panel with FPS control
+- Persistent state row for active tool/color/frame/toggles + cursor position
+- Keyboard shortcuts: `P`, `E`, `F`, `G`, `O`, `[`, `]`, `Ctrl+Z`, `Ctrl+Y`, `Ctrl+Shift+Z`
+- Undo/redo history for drawing and editing actions
+
+## Usability behavior contract
+- `Create New Canvas` resets content to a fresh single-frame document.
+- Width/height resize preserves existing pixels via nearest-neighbor remap.
+- Import/export/save/load status messages include file and size/frame context when available.
+- Recent color swatches are deduplicated and newest-first.
+- Preview controls use Play/Pause/Reset semantics with visible FPS feedback.
 
 ## Entry point
 - `tools/Sprite Editor/index.html`

tools/Sprite Editor/index.html

@@ -49,6 +49,14 @@ <h1>Sprite Editor</h1>
       </div>
     </section>
 
+    <section class="state-row">
+      <p id="toolStateText" class="state-pill">Tool: Pencil</p>
+      <p id="activeColorText" class="state-pill">Color: #ff5a5aff</p>
+      <p id="frameStateText" class="state-pill">Frame: 1 / 1</p>
+      <p id="toggleStateText" class="state-pill">Grid: On | Onion: Off</p>
+      <p id="statusBarText" class="state-pill">Canvas: 32x32 | Zoom: 18 | Cursor: -, -</p>
+    </section>
+
     <section class="workspace">
       <div class="left-panel">
         <div class="panel-block">
@@ -71,8 +79,11 @@ <h2>Frames</h2>
             <button id="addFrameButton" type="button">Add</button>
             <button id="duplicateFrameButton" type="button">Duplicate</button>
             <button id="deleteFrameButton" type="button">Delete</button>
+            <button id="undoButton" type="button">Undo</button>
+            <button id="redoButton" type="button">Redo</button>
           </div>
           <p id="frameCounter" class="frame-counter">Frame 1 / 1</p>
+          <p class="hint-text">Shortcuts: [ / ] to change frame, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+Y redo.</p>
           <label class="inline-toggle">
             <input id="onionSkinToggle" type="checkbox" />
             Onion skin
@@ -92,6 +103,7 @@ <h2>Project I/O</h2>
             <button id="exportSheetButton" type="button">Export Sprite Sheet</button>
             <input id="importPngInput" type="file" accept="image/png" class="hidden-input" />
           </div>
+          <p class="hint-text">Canvas resize preserves pixels. Create New Canvas resets to a fresh document.</p>
         </div>
       </div>
 
@@ -107,7 +119,8 @@ <h2>Preview</h2>
           <canvas id="previewCanvas" aria-label="Animation preview"></canvas>
           <div class="preview-controls">
             <button id="playPreviewButton" type="button">Play</button>
-            <button id="stopPreviewButton" type="button">Stop</button>
+            <button id="pausePreviewButton" type="button">Pause</button>
+            <button id="resetPreviewButton" type="button">Reset</button>
           </div>
           <label>FPS
             <input id="fpsInput" type="range" min="1" max="24" value="8" />
@@ -118,7 +131,7 @@ <h2>Preview</h2>
         <div class="panel-block">
           <h2>Status</h2>
           <p id="statusText" class="status-text">Ready.</p>
-          <p id="toolStateText" class="status-text">Tool: Pencil</p>
+          <p class="status-text">Shortcuts: P pencil, E eraser, F fill, G grid, O onion, [ ] frames.</p>
         </div>
       </div>
     </section>

tools/Sprite Editor/modules/constants.js

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ export const DEFAULT_WIDTH = 32;
 export const DEFAULT_HEIGHT = 32;
 export const DEFAULT_PIXEL_SIZE = 18;
 export const DEFAULT_FPS = 8;
+export const HISTORY_LIMIT = 50;
 
 export const MAX_RECENT_COLORS = 12;