09-23-2011, 12:01 PM | #46 |
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This thread got me thinking about the graphical effects issue and I realize there may be a way to fix it on windows (and maybe even OS X, though I'm less sure about that). It would work by using a custom Qt style, probably a modification of QtCurve. This requires not too much work (basically customizing QtCurve and getting it to compile on windows/os x). After which it is just a drop in replacement for the current Qt style.
The downside is that calibre would no longer have a "native look and feel" (i.e things like progress bars, dialogs, buttons etc. wont look like those from other windows programs). I dont know if that is worth it, opinions? This would also allow for greater customization of the the calibre UI via a CSS like stylesheet, which could of course be "skinned". For an example of the kinds of things would be possible, the current SONY software uses Qt with a custom style+stylesheet. |
09-23-2011, 12:15 PM | #47 |
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I like its current state but it sounds interesting enough that we should give it a try. We'll eventually end up with a repository of themes folks can try.
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09-23-2011, 12:40 PM | #48 | |
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Quote:
Currently calibre doesn't look OS X native but it's much closer than a style for Windows. Once platform specific themes are developed then they can be set as the default for specific platforms when detected. Honestly I'm not convinced "themes" are a worthwhile time investment... |
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09-23-2011, 01:06 PM | #49 |
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Yeah if I do implement this, it will be optional.
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09-23-2011, 01:10 PM | #50 |
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Thanks for the link to that. I guess what I was suggesting was something a bit more comprehensive. (Think WinRAR icon files.) Or, in the case of a full skin, a lot more comprehensive. But I agree, the icons are, minimally, covered.
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09-23-2011, 01:13 PM | #51 |
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09-23-2011, 01:30 PM | #52 |
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This issue flies entirely under my radar. I wouldn't even be aware that there is a "graphical effects issue" on Windows if not for your comments. It's a case of not knowing what I'm missing, so there's no way to judge if the effort to fix it is worthwhile. I do run linux on a machine, but only an older Debian on a server (where it's case of "it ain't broke") so I've never seen Calibre on anything except Windows.
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09-23-2011, 01:49 PM | #53 |
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I'm for the ability to change visuals, just as fluff. But as I said earlier, the availability or lack thereof of such a feature will never effect my use of calibre. Calibre is just too integrated into my reading experience that I can't imagine anything displacing it, ever.
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09-23-2011, 01:50 PM | #54 |
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Yup. Thanks for the reminder. If I'm going to suggest changes, it's time to put my money where my mouth is.
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09-23-2011, 05:40 PM | #55 |
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There is are a host of small functionality fixes/upgrades that I would prefer to see before dithering with the mere aesthetics of the user interface. Frankly, I don't understand the noise: I think it looks great. People losing their minds over the colors of an icon? Really?
The only "aesthetic" complaint that I have is actually not aesthetic so much as it is functional: I wish the dropdown menus on the toolbar icons didn't require me to hover my mouse over such a narrow mini-button. Better yet than making it bigger would be accessing it through mouse gesture of some sort (right-clicking, or holding down the left-button). But, as I said at the outset, even this "fix" is very low priority relative to some more fundamental functionality tweaks that I'd love to see. In conclusion, ladles and jellyspoons, I love this product -- it beats the pants off everything else and it pains me to think that Kovid and his affiliated programmers would waste their precious time debating the appropriate color for the binocular lenses in the search icon. Last edited by ElMiko; 09-23-2011 at 05:44 PM. |
09-23-2011, 06:55 PM | #56 | |
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EDIT: Never mind, changing to click and hold is liable toconfuse people as it means the arrow will no longer be clickable, so I guess I'll just add the right click. Last edited by kovidgoyal; 09-23-2011 at 08:03 PM. |
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09-24-2011, 12:43 AM | #57 | |
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09-24-2011, 02:24 AM | #58 |
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For me Calibre does the job it's intended for. It converts ebook formats.
My concern with all these extras is there a risk it could start to bloat? One visual element I'd like to see is a preview of what effects font sizing etc would have on a document would have. Having played with recipes I understand a little of how calibre does it's job - so my request won't happen. So i'm happy as is. |
09-24-2011, 04:09 AM | #59 |
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I actually LIKE the way Calibre looks - it is functional and easy to use. Please don't do a "Microsoft" and have lots of fancy bits at the expense of functionality. About the only other program that does this is that old totally useful text editor called NoteTab, another of my favorite programs.
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09-24-2011, 06:02 AM | #60 | |
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I guess I should have set the new icon as read-only? |
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calibre, design, interface |
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