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Idea #15344: Nautilus file preview features

bug This idea is a duplicate of Idea #111: Previews different types of files.
Written by lastomega7 the 6 Nov 08 at 22:29. Related project: Nautilus. Status: New
Rationale
We can already preview audio files by single-clicking them. I propose functionality along these lines be added to other files, for example:

Text files: the icon could smoothly enlarge into a very minimal text reader/editor
Image files: along the same lines as text files
Tarballs/Folders: the folder icon unfolds/enlarges into a minimal window displaying its contents

There would be a lot of room for eye-candy, but I think the interfaces for the previewing programs should be very simple, possibly even without a titlebar.

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Solution #1: Dynamic previews
Written by lastomega7 the 6 Nov 08 at 22:29.
We can already preview audio files by single-clicking them. I propose functionality along these lines be added to other files, for example:

Text files: the icon could smoothly enlarge into a very minimal text reader/editor
Image files: along the same lines as text files
Tarballs/Folders: the folder icon unfolds/enlarges into a minimal window displaying its contents

There would be a lot of room for eye-candy, but I think the interfaces for the previewing programs should be very simple, possibly even without a titlebar.

Propose your solution

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Comments
Skalman wrote on the 6 Nov 08 at 23:53
I don't understand this, and AFAIK nothing happens when I single-click audio files (else than the file becoming marked).

I'm not sure I understand how this would work, but if it works conveniently - awesome (I think).

Would this work in every view (icons/list/compact)?

Eldmannen wrote on the 7 Nov 08 at 02:07
There is a software called Gloobus under development.
* http://gloobus.wordpress.com/

It is like QuickLook.

HaydenMicallef wrote on the 7 Nov 08 at 07:45
@Skalman:

If you have "preview sound files" enabled, and you leave your mouse over a sound file, the song will begin to play. I don't know why lastomega7 thinks that you need to click on it once.

@lastomega7:
This idea has the potential to bloat the OS because every file you move over is continually being accessed and timers being set off and running programs as you move your mouse.
This is an idea that should only be an option that you probably should have to download from the repos' and even then, should be used (unless you have an awesome computer) with caution.

I will give a +0 for now... until I change my mind

P.S. The reason I say this is because Windows Vista is (in my opinion) not even equal to it's predecessor: XP. This is because the developers seriously bloated the OS with 1000 features that are unnecessary/no-one knows how to use them. For now I think it's fine for icons to show a little of the content of text files, and thumbnails for pictures.

Lightbreeze wrote on the 7 Nov 08 at 09:55
Bloat needn't happen. I believe this idea could be more than bling and enhance productivity.
As the man says, the gloobus-preview being worked on has potential

.. I guess, as with sound files now, you don't even notice it unless you hover for a while.

young wrote on the 7 Nov 08 at 11:36
imho a decent preview/info pane (like the one in dolphin) is a better solution...

Skalman wrote on the 7 Nov 08 at 15:49
I'm still not sure I like the idea, but the current audio preview is awesome. So probably +1 if it is well done.

sparky11 wrote on the 10 Nov 08 at 22:01
similar to http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/10351/


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