As a Roblox developer, it is currently too hard to filter the instances that can be selected in a easy/non-destrutive manner.
If this issue is addressed, it would improve my development experience because I would be able to create plugins that would allow me to efficiently select/move/edit specific features in my game (zones, monster spawners, invisible barriers, etc).
What I want to use this for?
I want to use this for plugins that serve as editors for certain features in my game. For example, a zone editor. I want to easily select the zones in my game to move/rotate/scale them easily.
What works now and why it’s not ideal?
- One way to achieve this behavior is by setting
Locked = false. However, even though you can’t select a part withLocked = false, it will stop you selecting other parts that are blocked by it (except with drag select). It also doesn’t work with instances likeAttachment. - Using collision groups and filtering
game:GetService("Selection"):Get()by manually setting it viagame:GetService("Selection"):Set(). Doing it this way is difficult because there are minor nuances. Here’s an example implementation I made.
Both of these methods are destructive. You need to undo these changes when you are ready to save/publish your place. Otherwise, Locked would be incorrect or you will have incorrect collision groups. (This is a mistake I’ve unforunately made).
Expected Behavior
I should be able to select whitelisted instance through filtered parts. I should be able to select whitelisted instances even if Locked = true. The whitelist should apply to instances selected via the select/move/rotate/scale tools or the explorer.
API Suggestions
My SelectionFilter module whitelists instances based on CollectionService tags but the API could take a list of parts so it covers more use cases.