wayland-shot/docs/architecture.md

Architecture

Runtime Shape

One binary, two entry paths:

• regular launch opens the editor with a placeholder or file-backed image
• capture mode resolves a capture backend, acquires an image, and opens the editor

Modules

capture

• CaptureBackend interface for region and fullscreen
• PlaceholderCaptureBackend exists now for integration and editor work
• planned PortalCaptureBackend
• planned KdeCaptureBackend

model

• Annotation data model
• EditorDocument for base image, annotations, selection, and history

editor

• EditorCanvas widget for drawing and interactions
• simple tool model for select, line, arrow, rectangle, and text

export

• ExportService for clipboard and PNG writes

hotkey

• planned KDE-first launcher integration
• preferred path is a KDE global shortcut that launches wayland-shot capture --region

Quality Priorities

1. Capture and cancel path reliability
2. Hotkey and entrypoint reliability
3. Clipboard and save robustness
4. Editor responsiveness
5. Multi-monitor and HiDPI correctness