Best alternative to on click menus in product design
Current situation I am currently working on a product where the users can modify text, image, logo and shape elements by clicking on them. On click, a small menu opens that allows the user to view property categories, and after clicking on a category, a similar little menu opens with the properties. (see image)
Problem i'm facing Before this, these properties would appear in a sidebar. It was changed by my predecessor because it was quite lengthy and complex to be completely embedded in a sidebar. However, the change was made without any testing, so the actual effect of the redesign is unclear.. Additionally, In many situations this menu is in the way of other elements that can be modified, and as such some clients have complained that the new panel is obstructive to the workflow.
What I'm looking for I am looking for best practices/alternatives for modify-able property menu structures outside of my own knowledge, and tools that i know. Because I have trouble finding the name of this UI pattern, I haven't been able to find any research/documentation and could really use outside input.