Pressing TAB when renaming files!

MHoefler · Post by **MHoefler** » 12 Sep 2007 11:17

Hi!

When I'm renaming files and I press TAB, the focus should be moved to the next file (and it should be in rename mode as well) instead of moving the focus to another user interface item.

This is how it's implemented in Vista and it's extremely useful IMHO.

Alternatively (or maybe even better), the cursor up and down keys could be used for moving between the files in rename mode. This way, one could quickly navigate through all files when renaming them.

The same should work for the tree view of folders too, of course!

Thanks,
Martin

Post by **j_c_hallgren** » 12 Sep 2007 16:24

For some history related to this topic, you might want to read these:
http://www.xyplorer.com/xyfc/viewtopic.php?t=1231
http://www.xyplorer.com/xyfc/viewtopic.php?t=1640

It may help explain why up/down arrows work as they do now, and how that's desired behavior by others...so...

Since I've never used Vista, I'm a bit confused as to how you say TAB works there...I'm presuming it moves to next (and does the Enter as well?) while you're still in 'edit' (Rename) mode on a file? As once one has exited edit mode, Tab should move to next panel or whatever..

And if it works that way, I'd have issues with it since I could hit Tab by error and get a file renamed when I didn't want to...having to hit Enter to lock in rename is safer, IMO.

MHoefler · Post by **MHoefler** » 12 Sep 2007 16:39

The up and down arrows don't do anything in rename mode right now, so why not use them for moving the cursor from one item to the next?

Vista uses TAB and Shift-TAB to move the cursor from file to file (staying in rename mode until you press Enter), which is EXTREMELY practical!

If you've never used Vista, I understand why you don't agree here but believe me, once you've used this feature, it's really hard to do without it...

Regards,
Martin

Post by **j_c_hallgren** » 12 Sep 2007 16:49

MHoefler wrote:The up and down arrows don't do anything in rename mode right now, so why not use them for moving the cursor from one item to the next?

As the one who was somewhat responsible for the current up/down key functions in rename mode: (From Wiki)

Unique function in XY on Rename only: Up/Down keys unselect any selection inside the edit box by a single keystroke without moving the caret one position to the left or right. This is useful for example when the selection is set to the base excluding the extension (to do this, check Configuration | Advanced | Exclude extension on rename). Note that using the Up key will move the caret to the left end of the selection; using the Down key will move it to the right end.

And who uses and depends on that functionality daily, I'll have to very politely disagree that they don't do anything now..

Post by **serendipity** » 12 Sep 2007 16:50

I found this quote inside the thread JC provided
http://www.xyplorer.com/xyfc/viewtopic.php?t=1640

admin wrote:Puuuhh, lots of text. Result: I'm not convinced. I'll certainly will not redefine any of the existing navigation/selection keys. Using PageUp/Down... hmm, too counter-intuitive.

What I could offer: 2 "Misc" new functions in CKS: "Rename Next" and "Rename Previous".

Or, what I have on my mind since long: a rename interface that's a multi-line editbox. So you just move the caret around in a list of names as in a normal text editor, and when done you press OK. You could also copy/paste lists of file names and map them onto the selected files...

Seems like that wish sunk in favor of rename interface. But Don mentions 2 new CKS functions. Not bad I would say.

Post by **j_c_hallgren** » 12 Sep 2007 16:56

Those two CKS functions would seem to be solution that would please the greatest nbr of people at same time, as those who use that often could do so, and those who don't could leave those CKS values undefined...