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Skin Icons Discussion
HPBEME:
--- Quote from: markf2748 on September 07, 2022, 12:22:59 pm ---I think both solid color plates and mono have a place in MC, depending on context and importance.
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I don't disagree with that at all… In fact, that was kind of what I was suggesting with my post, just not explicitly. Where I think the monochromatic SVG font icons should be used/added, is next to the top level tree categories, just like it is shown in the screenshots I made from other programs (that shall remain nameless).
MC used to have icons next to each tree item category, but for some reason dropped them many years ago at this point. I personally would really like to see those come back (just as shown in the screenshots). Instead, MC uses icons for the expanded list below the category item, which does not make a whole lot of sense, since the all the items in the expanded list use the identical icon (for a given tree category). Having unique icons for each unique tree category would be much more useful/helpful. IMO, the icons currently shown in the expanded lists could be removed with zero loss of clarity.
I am hoping this would qualify as a "too easy request" - if SVG icon/fonts are usable with MC it should be extremely easy to implement. All you would have to do is type in the Unicode for the appropriate font/icon as a prefix to the tree category text, and you're done. No reason to make/add special dedicated PNG icons, define how their placed, etc.
EnglishTiger:
One of the advantages of having icons at the Sub-Category Level is the simple fact that some of the Sub-Categories, especially Files, appear in more than one Category. When the Tree is scrolled so that the Category heading is not Visible the presence of the Icon at the Sub-category heading gives an indication of which category the user is in, i.e. the user has opted to look at Files from the Video category and not those under Audio.
Implementing the use of SVG icons/fonts may appear to be a reasonably easy but it can/should only be done if they can be used on every platform that a version/variant of MC is available for. In addition, if it was implemented it would have to be optional to allow the user to choose between the 2 variants, as I cannot be the only user who dislikes those Monochromatic Icons the Modern Cards skins use.
HPBEME:
--- Quote from: EnglishTiger on September 10, 2022, 11:42:22 pm ---One of the advantages of having icons at the Sub-Category Level is the simple fact that some of the Sub-Categories, especially Files, appear in more than one Category. When the Tree is scrolled so that the Category heading is not Visible the presence of the Icon at the Sub-category heading gives an indication of which category the user is in, i.e. the user has opted to look at Files from the Video category and not those under Audio.
--- End quote ---
That is a good point. I'm not so much against having icons for the lists items, but I would like to see the icons used at the top category level (like MC used to do) as I find those icons useful for my own workflow.
--- Quote from: EnglishTiger on September 10, 2022, 11:42:22 pm ---Implementing the use of SVG icons/fonts may appear to be a reasonably easy but it can/should only be done if they can be used on every platform that a version/variant of MC is available for. In addition, if it was implemented it would have to be optional to allow the user to choose between the 2 variants, as I cannot be the only user who dislikes those Monochromatic Icons the Modern Cards skins use.
--- End quote ---
Well as I said in my post, typically I don't like monochromatic… I am a fan of color and eye candy... but... I think the icons I referenced in my screenshot are really well-designed and look great. I much prefer icons that aren't on top of a "button" because that just forces them to be smaller to fit within the border. And as I also said, if a monochromatic SVG font icon is not workable or desired, then at least make the current icons function like the toolbar. Which is, by default they are transparent and blend with the skin, but then show their full-color on mouse over. There's also an option for the toolbar icons to remain full-color all the time. Just saying that these would be nice options for the tree menu as well.
As for all the modern cards skins and their generic looking icons… I agree… I never use those skins because to me they are just plain boring. That said, apparently a lot of people like them - fortunately there are lots of other colorful skin options.
markf2748:
For consideration, attached are first-cut icon samples displayed at actual size and resolution from a screen shot (Dell 24" monitor U2412 1920x1200, MC View>Size>100%). All created out of Segoe Fluent Icons font in a flat minimalist style. I attempted to maximize readability while using high-contrast solid-color plates at this very small scale. To me they are clearer than the current defaults shown above (Reply #4) from Thunderstorm skin. There may be cross-platform licensing issues to resolve.
After staring for a little while, I can already see small ways to improve some, but they illustrate the general idea.
Also noticed in the Customize Toolbar:
-- Rename Move & Copy Files has same glyph as Tag.
-- The Rip Disc glyph is different in Action Window and Customize Toolbar
--- Quote from: HPBEME on September 11, 2022, 12:29:57 am ---I'm not so much against having icons for the lists items, but I would like to see the icons used at the top category level (like MC used to do) as I find those icons useful for my own workflow.
--- End quote ---
It is a basic design choice. Some feel that a large bold header does not need an icon, that the icon does not really add much and may even be a negative in terms of overall simplicity and clarity. Others may prefer the icon, but then it better be general enough to cover all the bases of the header.
Updated 9/26/2022: Add "proposed 3" screenshot with larger action circles for clarity.
Personal comment on the old "Burn Disc" icon: The nuclear symbol is no longer cute in today's world.
HPBEME:
Nice work… I like those a lot. Give these new tree icons the ability to be transparent by default (or "dimmed" in the vernacular of the toolbar options) and full-color upon mouse over, and we have perfection.
Let's do it!
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