![[DeskFlow]Improving UX in my Side Project: Adding Multi-select & Group Move to DeskFlow](https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=1200,height=627,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fzjefuwgkzvqsvsj7xcr8.png)
As an indie developer building DeskFlow (a visual desk setup & cable planner), I've been using my own tool to plan my home office upgrade.
But I quickly realized a massive pain point: as my setup grew complex, moving things around became a chore. To move a monitor, a hub, and a laptop, I had to click and drag each item individually. It was tedious and counter-intuitive.
So, I spent my late-night coding session implementing a proper Multi-select and Group Move feature.
What's New?
- Box Selection: Click and drag on an empty canvas to create a selection box (highlighted with an orange dotted border). Any hardware nodes within the box are selected.
-
Modifier Keys: Use
ShiftorCmd/Ctrl+ click to toggle selection on individual nodes. - Synchronized Movement: Once selected, dragging any node moves the entire group. Cables follow the movement in real-time, maintaining the structure.
-
Batch Action: Hit
Deleteto clear out multiple nodes at once.
Why this matters
In any visual tool, the "speed of thought" should not be hindered by the UI. By allowing users to rearrange clusters of devices in a single motion, planning a desk layout becomes much more fluid and playful.
If you're a fellow developer or gear enthusiast looking to map out your cable management or desk peripherals, give it a spin. No installation, no sign-up—just pure planning in your browser.
🔗 Link: https://deskflow-gold.vercel.app/
I'd love to hear your feedback on the UX or any features you'd like to see next!
