Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 18:53.

there is nothing to explain here, just find what is making Nautilus slow and eliminate it

there is nothing to explain here, just find what is making Nautilus slow and eliminate it

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:02.

this is my version of simplified Nautilus

this is my version of simplified Nautilus <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rl0PV1ZWJqDhEbW0XgOwTQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1Oj--fc3ui0/Sus2DBGNgOI/AAAAAAAAAQk/sHThsCbM7qs/s400/Untitled.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"></td></tr></table>

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:15.

i think libraries exceed the idea that Microsoft done, its more powerful than that, so let me explain uses of library

Case (1): i use Dropbox for file sharing and ubuntuOne and Document are located under ~/Documents so what is the solution to make this? every one will say links links is good but at some point this becomes very bad, if you want to share some docs on UbuntuOne and the other on Dropbox also if you have some documents spread out on other places like external HDD it would be problematic to update links manually.

Case (2): better suited for the cloud, imagine if you could just open your Facebook or Picasa images from nautilus how this would be done, this should work the same way with the availability of the API (and there is a project dedicated for that called "DataPortability Project")

i think libraries exceed the idea that Microsoft done, its more powerful than that, so let me explain uses of library Case (1): i use Dropbox for file sharing and ubuntuOne and Document are located under ~/Documents so what is the solution to make this? every one will say links links is good but at some point this becomes very bad, if you want to share some docs on UbuntuOne and the other on Dropbox also if you have some documents spread out on other places like external HDD it would be problematic to update links manually. Case (2): better suited for the cloud, imagine if you could just open your Facebook or Picasa images from nautilus how this would be done, this should work the same way with the availability of the API (and there is a project dedicated for that called "DataPortability Project") <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_QO-9EBlNb6XD1cUtRA8oA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1Oj--fc3ui0/Sus2QXDUBZI/AAAAAAAAAQo/EnItdyFhlPc/s400/3635245986_f012f98854.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"></td></tr></table>

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:27.

gloobus is a pretty-good project and its progressing very well, so i think its the best candidate available.

gloobus project: https://launchpad.net/gloobus

gloobus is a pretty-good project and its progressing very well, so i think its the best candidate available. gloobus project: https://launchpad.net/gloobus

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:38.

this solution should be available but NOT enable by default, this can make Ubuntu looks very beautiful, by enabling this feature it will see if the folder is named Movies and then its grabs the poster, and if the folder is named Music it will change every folder with the album cover or if its a band it will be the band picture.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FJH0hYZmVtc/SsX9dlPsYiI/AAAAAAAADdg/lH-qnrRNjZU/s1600 /screenshot_030.png

this solution should be available but NOT enable by default, this can make Ubuntu looks very beautiful, by enabling this feature it will see if the folder is named Movies and then its grabs the poster, and if the folder is named Music it will change every folder with the album cover or if its a band it will be the band picture. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FJH0hYZmVtc/SsX9dlPsYiI/AAAAAAAADdg/lH-qnrRNjZU/s1600/screenshot_030.png

Written by azhar the 30 Oct 09 at 22:19.

Truth be told, for the majority of people, Linux distros is equal to CLI.
Now, we all know that's false... But, yet, the majority of people do think so...

You know, in my opinion.... I think when someone has a look at a Linux Distro(in that case Ubuntu), he should feel like he wants to embrace the free community at once. What I mean to say, is, that he should be soooo impressed by the background, the Toolbars' design, and the feel in general, that he wishes to go OpenSource almost instantly, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, this discriminate view against Linux Distros should disappear immediately in his mind.

Now, how do we achieve this??
Its all about the UI.
We should have glassy, and glossy toolbars. And, it should be in very vibrant and lively, and cool colours. It shouldn't be some dull, dark black, or I don't know what colour. It should appeal to the user. It should feel fresh! :)

Moreover, the icons should be stylishly designed. Very beautifully designed. Very trendy, and cool. Again, something that appeals to the user. And not some 2-D clunky and dull-looking icons.

The time has come to show people that the open-communtiy has great resources and talents! Its time to show people that we have taste, not only for stability, or security, even though these are essential components of an OS, but that we also have exquisite taste when it comes to the UI.

Truth be told, for the majority of people, Linux distros is equal to CLI. Now, we all know that's false... But, yet, the majority of people do think so... You know, in my opinion.... I think when someone has a look at a Linux Distro(in that case Ubuntu), he should feel like he wants to embrace the free community at once. What I mean to say, is, that he should be soooo impressed by the background, the Toolbars' design, and the feel in general, that he wishes to go OpenSource almost instantly, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, this discriminate view against Linux Distros should disappear immediately in his mind. Now, how do we achieve this?? Its all about the UI. We should have glassy, and glossy toolbars. And, it should be in very vibrant and lively, and cool colours. It shouldn't be some dull, dark black, or I don't know what colour. It should appeal to the user. It should feel fresh! :) Moreover, the icons should be stylishly designed. Very beautifully designed. Very trendy, and cool. Again, something that appeals to the user. And not some 2-D clunky and dull-looking icons. The time has come to show people that the open-communtiy has great resources and talents! Its time to show people that we have taste, not only for stability, or security, even though these are essential components of an OS, but that we also have exquisite taste when it comes to the UI. From the moment the user log into his account, to the moment he logs out, he should feel he is in the best OS. He should be excited to explain to his other friends how cool and beautifully designed his OS is. Even the logon tone should be classy. In my opinion, of the best tones is the BOREALIS set. Come'on guys! Lets show to teh world that the OpenSource community has some great talents!! And has exquisite taste!

Written by Lachu the 31 Oct 09 at 08:26.

Add search button on top of Nautilus window. It will search in man for commands operates on files. The main problem is that man is not fully readable by computer, but text style in man pages are very semantically.

People needs similar thinks to Ubiquity Mozilla's project on file management. It would be great if I can input backup, select "cp -b " command and check all files in checkbox. In next step I can save some settings of this dialog, set name and put generated button on the panel. When this button is clicked similar dialog will been displayed, but option all files could be checked(if I decided that on dialog creating process).

Second cases: Mathew needs to backup files from current directory onto CD. He only input burn and he got option like brasero or CLI commands to burning files. He only select some cli command and drag files to burn or select all files checkbox.

Add search button on top of Nautilus window. It will search in man for commands operates on files. The main problem is that man is not fully readable by computer, but text style in man pages are very semantically. People needs similar thinks to Ubiquity Mozilla's project on file management. It would be great if I can input backup, select "cp -b " command and check all files in checkbox. In next step I can save some settings of this dialog, set name and put generated button on the panel. When this button is clicked similar dialog will been displayed, but option all files could be checked(if I decided that on dialog creating process). Second cases: Mathew needs to backup files from current directory onto CD. He only input burn and he got option like brasero or CLI commands to burning files. He only select some cli command and drag files to burn or select all files checkbox.

Written by Shady3D the 31 Oct 09 at 12:42.

ease of use include having options available like "open as admin", "set as background", and the most important one "UNDO"

another important feature is Mass Renaming without using extra applications, and one of the ways to do that is by
1. selecting the files/folders
2. right-click to rename the first element
3. rename like you are renaming a regular file BUT include special characters like # for numbering, ex: # >> 0, 1, 2 but ## >> 00, 01, 02
4. click enter and nautilus will rename the other files

extra commands like converting to uppercase just type UPPERCASE and it will automatically convert them without renaming them, lowercase, switch between space to underscore, and all this cane be can be done the same way.

ease of use include having options available like "open as admin", "set as background", and the most important one "UNDO" another important feature is Mass Renaming without using extra applications, and one of the ways to do that is by 1. selecting the files/folders 2. right-click to rename the first element 3. rename like you are renaming a regular file BUT include special characters like # for numbering, ex: # >> 0, 1, 2 but ## >> 00, 01, 02 4. click enter and nautilus will rename the other files extra commands like converting to uppercase just type UPPERCASE and it will automatically convert them without renaming them, lowercase, switch between space to underscore, and all this cane be can be done the same way.

Written by robinparriath the 1 Nov 09 at 14:25.

Uniform icon size would really improve the arrangement of icons on screen.

Say, you have 3 pdfs, 2 movies and 4 folders in a folder. The overall arrangement in Nautilus helps in identifying which is which, but at the cost of neatness.

I propose and upper limit for the icon size, that can be set through the options in shady3d's solution #2

Uniform icon size would really improve the arrangement of icons on screen. Say, you have 3 pdfs, 2 movies and 4 folders in a folder. The overall arrangement in Nautilus helps in identifying which is which, but at the cost of neatness. I propose and upper limit for the icon size, that can be set through the options in shady3d's solution #2

Written by foplat the 4 Nov 09 at 07:01.

I've read the solutions provided above and I also think that Nautilus's UI should be renewed, or creating a new way to browse through files and folders.

My solution includes solutions #1 and #6 but also this: how about also including Gnome Do (http://do.davebsd.com/) program along with the Ubuntu and #1 and #6? It is a powerful tool that provides easy access not only to files and folders but also to search results, microblogging, e-mail etc. It is inspired by Quicksilver from Macs. Here is a presentation video of the Quicksilver, since Gnome Do is very, very similar program. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8493378861634507068#

I've read the solutions provided above and I also think that Nautilus's UI should be renewed, or creating a new way to browse through files and folders. My solution includes solutions #1 and #6 but also this: how about also including Gnome Do (http://do.davebsd.com/) program along with the Ubuntu and #1 and #6? It is a powerful tool that provides easy access not only to files and folders but also to search results, microblogging, e-mail etc. It is inspired by Quicksilver from Macs. Here is a presentation video of the Quicksilver, since Gnome Do is very, very similar program. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8493378861634507068#

Written by Leopard2A5 the 5 Nov 09 at 07:23.

When i have files on the clipboard and i want to paste them into a folder that's too full (so that there's no unused space between the last file and the window border) i have to move one folder upwards and then right-click and click "paste into folder".

It's way more intuitive to just right-click anywhere in the target folder (as long as you don't right-click a contained folder) and hit "paste". (Windows does it that way).

I love linux, but i always thought this is a disadvantage compared to Windows.

When i have files on the clipboard and i want to paste them into a folder that's too full (so that there's no unused space between the last file and the window border) i have to move one folder upwards and then right-click and click "paste into folder". It's way more intuitive to just right-click anywhere in the target folder (as long as you don't right-click a contained folder) and hit "paste". (Windows does it that way). I love linux, but i always thought this is a disadvantage compared to Windows.

Written by Leopard2A5 the 5 Nov 09 at 08:17.

I know, nautilus is not the windows explorer, but even this bit of software has some nice features, i'm referring to the feature in the "path-bar" in which you can change the directory of any element in the path with a drop-down list.

I know, nautilus is not the windows explorer, but even this bit of software has some nice features, i'm referring to the feature in the "path-bar" in which you can change the directory of any element in the path with a drop-down list. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UG2a06217_FtdHH9OCYQWg?feat=embedwebsite"> <img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FHqRKaCTPBI/SvKJ8LqA0nI/AAAAAAAAABc/XwwyI7c5_QI/s144/Bildschirmfoto-jvm%20-%20Datei-Browser.png"/> </a>

Written by ElliottCB the 5 Nov 09 at 11:42.

There is a lot of functionality buried in Windows Explorer, in particular in the area of Shell Extensions. I happen to have done some development in this area and would be interested to know if it could be done (or has been done!) in Ubuntu. I might suggest the following specific features:

1) Allow the customisation of a specific directory and/or its sub-directories by the inclusion of a format file. Explorer does this with an HTM file. We might prefer XML. At any rate, it would be a flexible way to specify a background image, fonts, icons, buttons to start actions and so forth. Just put a file with a specified name (e.g. "customise.xml") in the directory with some tags saying what colours, fonts and so on should be applied.

2) An extension type to modify the context menu on a file or directory on-the-fly. For instance, you could modify the behaviour of text files globally or in a directory by adding an option to the context menu which invokes a library function to XML-transform it then open it in Firefox. Or whatever. "Owner-draw" context menus would enable you to actually put pictures or formatted text in the menu itself.

3) Extensions to modify the pop-up tips on a file type - again, globally or by directory. (Perhaps in "customise.xml"...) A picture file could have a picture pop-up, for instance, or a summary of the EXIF data.

4) A namespace extension to allow one to drill down into files the way one can browse ZIP files in Explorer.

There is a lot of functionality buried in Windows Explorer, in particular in the area of Shell Extensions. I happen to have done some development in this area and would be interested to know if it could be done (or has been done!) in Ubuntu. I might suggest the following specific features: 1) Allow the customisation of a specific directory and/or its sub-directories by the inclusion of a format file. Explorer does this with an HTM file. We might prefer XML. At any rate, it would be a flexible way to specify a background image, fonts, icons, buttons to start actions and so forth. Just put a file with a specified name (e.g. "customise.xml") in the directory with some tags saying what colours, fonts and so on should be applied. 2) An extension type to modify the context menu on a file or directory on-the-fly. For instance, you could modify the behaviour of text files globally or in a directory by adding an option to the context menu which invokes a library function to XML-transform it then open it in Firefox. Or whatever. "Owner-draw" context menus would enable you to actually put pictures or formatted text in the menu itself. 3) Extensions to modify the pop-up tips on a file type - again, globally or by directory. (Perhaps in "customise.xml"...) A picture file could have a picture pop-up, for instance, or a summary of the EXIF data. 4) A namespace extension to allow one to drill down into files the way one can browse ZIP files in Explorer. 5) A namespace extension to allow one to add a panel to the files view in which file content or properties can be shown 6) Drag-Drop handler extensions to allow modification of the way files behave when dropped one on the other. Photoshop "Droplets" might be a good model - you can drop a batch of pictures on a little file and the operations it defines will be applied to the picture. And a non-Explorer suggestion: x) A reg-ex enabled filter to hide/show or select/unselect heterogeneous selections of files. Excuse me if I'm re-inventing an old Ubuntu wheel. These are my first hours here! This is a lot of work, but I think the various elements could be cleanly decoupled. The role of the XML file in applying extensions locally or conditionally might need some thought.

Written by nlao the 5 Nov 09 at 14:10.

Here is my tuppence worth of ideas, but I think fixing missing simple user enhancements and soem bugs would go a long way to making it better.

Here are a couple that really annoy me, I expect there are others.

Adding in features like "view as thumbnails" per folder would go a long way to helping make it better.

Icon placement on Desktop, this really really needs sorting. There is not a structured grid for icons, some end up close to others whilst others are miles away and dragging them around come to nothing they still end up looking like a jumble. Further to this is the placement of removable media icons. These really should not be over other icons on the desktop.

Here is my tuppence worth of ideas, but I think fixing missing simple user enhancements and soem bugs would go a long way to making it better. Here are a couple that really annoy me, I expect there are others. Adding in features like "view as thumbnails" per folder would go a long way to helping make it better. Icon placement on Desktop, this really really needs sorting. There is not a structured grid for icons, some end up close to others whilst others are miles away and dragging them around come to nothing they still end up looking like a jumble. Further to this is the placement of removable media icons. These really should not be over other icons on the desktop.

Written by biffen the 5 Nov 09 at 15:46.

Opening a directory from anywhere outside of nautilus should open it in a new tab in an existing nautilus window (if there is one, otherwise open a new one, of course).

Opening multiple windows should of course still be possible. (Think Firefox.)

This behaviour would of course be optional (but default?) by settings.

How this would work when there is already more than one window open, is an other question.

Opening a directory from anywhere outside of nautilus should open it in a new tab in an existing nautilus window (if there is one, otherwise open a new one, of course). Opening multiple windows should of course still be possible. (Think Firefox.) This behaviour would of course be optional (but default?) by settings. How this would work when there is already more than one window open, is an other question.

Written by young the 6 Nov 09 at 14:03.

The title says it all. Nautilus has no future. It's a mess.

The title says it all. Nautilus has no future. It's a mess.

Written by alkx4444 the 6 Nov 09 at 22:42.

there should be a new tab button ans-well as the right click open in new tab button, the new tab button (if added) should open the home folder as default. or, the home button could open in a new tab as default.

there should be a new tab button ans-well as the right click open in new tab button, the new tab button (if added) should open the home folder as default. or, the home button could open in a new tab as default.

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 11:42.

The address bar has an enormous amount of potential, and while browsers are experimenting with ways to get the most use out of them as possible, file managers are lagging behind.
We could use the address bar for (just brainstorming):
1. Search (like Google Chrome's omnibar)
2. Getting to locations quickly (like in Firefox and Chrome: when you type "X11", for instance, a drop-down would suggest "/usr/bin/X11")
3. Terminal commands
4. Custom commands (for example, "Search web ", "E-mail ", or "New ")

The address bar has an enormous amount of potential, and while browsers are experimenting with ways to get the most use out of them as possible, file managers are lagging behind. We could use the address bar for (just brainstorming): 1. Search (like Google Chrome's omnibar) 2. Getting to locations quickly (like in Firefox and Chrome: when you type "X11", for instance, a drop-down would suggest "/usr/bin/X11") 3. Terminal commands 4. Custom commands (for example, "Search web <search term>", "E-mail <e-mail address>", or "New <filename>")

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 12:12.

In addition to the mass rename in solution 8, there should be:
1. An unintrusive balloon showing the different special characters (# or %n for number, %m for month, 0d for day in two digits, %r(text to replace, text replaced with) for replace, etc.)
2. A more-clearly-explained dialog window (perhaps similar to Total Commander's, which has done a really good job with mass renaming)

In addition to the mass rename in solution 8, there should be: 1. An unintrusive balloon showing the different special characters (# or %n for number, %m for month, 0d for day in two digits, %r(text to replace, text replaced with) for replace, etc.) 2. A more-clearly-explained dialog window (perhaps similar to Total Commander's, which has done a really good job with mass renaming)

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 12:23.

Simply implement a "Columns" view similar to that in KDE's Dolphin and Mac OS Finder.

Simply implement a "Columns" view similar to that in KDE's Dolphin and Mac OS Finder.

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 13:06.

All the files cut or copied from any application would appear in this section. It could hold multiple files, so if I dragged an image in, then a document, then an image, it would hold all of these.
(Paste would apply to only the last one cut/copied.)
Use cases:
1) Instead of cut/move, the user can drag-and-drop a file into the section.
2) Instead of paste, the user can drag-and-drop a file from the section to paste it to a folder.
3) To create a text file: I can copy text from anywhere, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place to create a text file.
4) Instead of save: I can copy an image from Firefox, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place I want to have it.
Kind of a variation on the Clipboard/Shelf, but maybe doesn't have too many advantages to require an implementation. If someone wants to brainstorm more on this, they're welcome.
Perhaps a better thing would be a system-wide revision of the Clipboard.

All the files cut or copied from any application would appear in this section. It could hold multiple files, so if I dragged an image in, then a document, then an image, it would hold all of these. (Paste would apply to only the last one cut/copied.) Use cases: 1) Instead of cut/move, the user can drag-and-drop a file into the section. 2) Instead of paste, the user can drag-and-drop a file from the section to paste it to a folder. 3) To create a text file: I can copy text from anywhere, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place to create a text file. 4) Instead of save: I can copy an image from Firefox, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place I want to have it. Kind of a variation on the Clipboard/Shelf, but maybe doesn't have too many advantages to require an implementation. If someone wants to brainstorm more on this, they're welcome. Perhaps a better thing would be a system-wide revision of the Clipboard.

Written by Lachu the 8 Nov 09 at 21:56.

There should be a standard to describe FS facilities, like additional actions to perform.

It could been described in .desktop file generated by VFS application. Nautilus and other file managers should read this information.

There should be a standard to describe FS facilities, like additional actions to perform. It could been described in .desktop file generated by VFS application. Nautilus and other file managers should read this information.

Written by paulinakrinke the 9 Nov 09 at 10:14.

Would like to have an possibility to navigate through nautilus, like gestikk http://gestikk.reichbier.de/downloads/
or the firegstures add on in firefox.

Would like to have an possibility to navigate through nautilus, like gestikk http://gestikk.reichbier.de/downloads/ or the firegstures add on in firefox.

Written by Gusiluz the 9 Nov 09 at 12:15.

Middle click opens tab, middle click closes tab. Option not to show close button.

Middle click opens tab, middle click closes tab. Option not to show close button.

Written by FiP the 9 Nov 09 at 15:05.

Find a way to make the switch from one file browser to another as simple as possible.

Casual users will be happy with Nautilus, advanced user will be able to use thunar/xfe/etc, and never see Nautilus again.

Find a way to make the switch from one file browser to another as simple as possible. Casual users will be happy with Nautilus, advanced user will be able to use thunar/xfe/etc, and never see Nautilus again.

Written by sirish.gauni the 10 Nov 09 at 08:00.

When the user tries to open a directory which is already open, mautilus opens a new separate window for that directory. This causes too many windows being open and causes confusion to the user. Instead when the user tries to open a directory which is already open, Nautilus should highlight the already existing window of that directory instead of opening a new window. Add an option to nautilus so that the user can open multiple windows of the same directory if he/she wants to.

When the user tries to open a directory which is already open, mautilus opens a new separate window for that directory. This causes too many windows being open and causes confusion to the user. Instead when the user tries to open a directory which is already open, Nautilus should highlight the already existing window of that directory instead of opening a new window. Add an option to nautilus so that the user can open multiple windows of the same directory if he/she wants to.

Written by Leopard2A5 the 11 Nov 09 at 13:19.

It'd be cool if you could have not only let's say "places" in your sidebar, but also let's say the "tree" view. The user should be able to put any combination of modules into his sidebar. Here's a mockup of how i think this could look:

It'd be cool if you could have not only let's say "places" in your sidebar, but also let's say the "tree" view. The user should be able to put any combination of modules into his sidebar. Here's a mockup of how i think this could look: <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CCkGuSW1qJeqj1_pV0j_ug?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FHqRKaCTPBI/Svq5A03jYTI/AAAAAAAAACA/PqcY44MsxQc/s144/Bildschirmfoto.png" /></a>

Written by Softwayer the 11 Nov 09 at 17:41.

There are a lot of good file managers. And it's good to add some features from them. For example: built-in FTP client with support of Active and Passive modes both; file info on hover (like in Win#ow$ Explorer); editable toolbars; two panels feature (feature of making a tab a panel); image previews on sidebar.

There are a lot of good file managers. And it's good to add some features from them. For example: built-in FTP client with support of Active and Passive modes both; file info on hover (like in Win#ow$ Explorer); editable toolbars; two panels feature (feature of making a tab a panel); image previews on sidebar.

Written by Lachu the 13 Nov 09 at 07:56.

I wish be able open new virtual desktop from file manager. After that, Nautilus window would been see on Nautilus desktop and just created virtual desktop. It was connected to my work - i organize my documents into directories contains specify project files. Opening new desktop from file manager could be a great feature!

I wish be able open new virtual desktop from file manager. After that, Nautilus window would been see on Nautilus desktop and just created virtual desktop. It was connected to my work - i organize my documents into directories contains specify project files. Opening new desktop from file manager could be a great feature!

Written by r0g the 13 Nov 09 at 12:50.

Nautilus is not object oriented, neither is GTK really and it shows.

The same objects are represented multiple times in the UI but their context menus are inconsistent e.g. your drives are represented in the left pane AND on the desktop (which nautilus maintains) but only one of the has "properties" on its context menu. The default policy seems to be properties must be deliberately made available by developers rather than everything is available by default and developers can make exclusions.

Sadly this problem extends to the rest of GTK. Which columns of metadata are displayed in open/save dialog boxes is down to the developer not the user. What options are available when you right click an item in an open/save dialog are decided by hundreds of app developers, who more often than not just go with the GTK defaults. This just bakes in inflexibility and prevents useful options trickling down like they do in Windows... I know this might sound a little obscure so here's an example...

Say I wanted to save a file "bananas.jpg" but I had already created a file called "bananas.jpg" earlier and rather than overwrite it I wanted to rename it "bananas.old" before saving the new copy as "bananas.jpg"...

In Windows I can rename the file there and then in the save box. In Gnome I'd have to fire up a copy of Nautilus, navigate to the exact same location, Rename the file and then close Nautilus.

Nautilus is not object oriented, neither is GTK really and it shows. The same objects are represented multiple times in the UI but their context menus are inconsistent e.g. your drives are represented in the left pane AND on the desktop (which nautilus maintains) but only one of the has "properties" on its context menu. The default policy seems to be properties must be deliberately made available by developers rather than everything is available by default and developers can make exclusions. Sadly this problem extends to the rest of GTK. Which columns of metadata are displayed in open/save dialog boxes is down to the developer not the user. What options are available when you right click an item in an open/save dialog are decided by hundreds of app developers, who more often than not just go with the GTK defaults. This just bakes in inflexibility and prevents useful options trickling down like they do in Windows... I know this might sound a little obscure so here's an example... Say I wanted to save a file "bananas.jpg" but I had already created a file called "bananas.jpg" earlier and rather than overwrite it I wanted to rename it "bananas.old" before saving the new copy as "bananas.jpg"... In Windows I can rename the file there and then in the save box. In Gnome I'd have to fire up a copy of Nautilus, navigate to the exact same location, Rename the file and then close Nautilus. [...] This is VERY frustrating and I can think of many MANY similar cases. At the end of the day GTK should have far better default open/save dialogs which offer the same functionality as Nautilus, this leads naturally to the idea that GTK should make the standard open/save dialogs plugins so Nautilus or Thunar or whatever can take responsibility for them. Nautilus should also be made more consistent. If you see an icon representing a disk you should, by default, have access to all it's properties. It ought to remain possible to exclude context items appearing but this should be the exception rather than the rule, the user is best placed to decide which properties are important. As to the issue of UI clutter, that cannot justify such restrictions. If clutter is liable to become an issue (and I do see it on peoples Windows Explorer context menus) then developers should find a better solution to that... how about you can right click on any context leaf and set it to: a) Never display ever again b) Never display for this object c) Never display for this object in this location Surely that would be better than preventing people from displaying the "size" column in an open box should they want it.

Written by nillbug the 16 Nov 09 at 01:46.

So far, 30 solutions for Nautilus... and counting. What for? To clutter it of no sense? My Nautilus is not slow. In fact it's instantaneous.
Leave it as it is. Don't spoil the good work done so far.

So far, 30 solutions for Nautilus... and counting. What for? To clutter it of no sense? My Nautilus is not slow. In fact it's instantaneous. Leave it as it is. Don't spoil the good work done so far.

Written by sirish.gauni the 17 Nov 09 at 15:44.

By allowing the icons to turn translucent when the file is cut will help the user to differentiate between copying and cutting the file/folder.

By allowing the icons to turn translucent when the file is cut will help the user to differentiate between copying and cutting the file/folder.

Written by tenchi39 the 17 Nov 09 at 17:34.

Tabs are great, they made nautilus usable, but total commander and dolphin are still way better because of only one thing: 2 panels

It should be default in my opinion, but I don't care about that as long as it is avaliable...

Tabs are great, they made nautilus usable, but total commander and dolphin are still way better because of only one thing: 2 panels It should be default in my opinion, but I don't care about that as long as it is avaliable...

Written by luislobo the 18 Nov 09 at 12:14.

I like to scroll windows this way:
- Click middle button
- while clicked, scroll bars follow my mouse movement
- It respects the length moved: if just moved a little, scrolls a little, if moved longer, it scrolls longer.

I hope to be clear enough (not a native english talker

I like to scroll windows this way: - Click middle button - while clicked, scroll bars follow my mouse movement - It respects the length moved: if just moved a little, scrolls a little, if moved longer, it scrolls longer. I hope to be clear enough (not a native english talker

Written by owenduffy the 19 Nov 09 at 19:46.

A small thing, but why not have the file name highlighted for editing when its icon is single clicked, like Mac OS?

A small thing, but why not have the file name highlighted for editing when its icon is single clicked, like Mac OS?

Written by mahdif62 the 22 Nov 09 at 10:37.

The extension nautilus-open-terminal should be enabled by default and a n F4 keyboard shortcut should open a terminal in current directory (like KDE).
There should also be an option to attach the terminal to the window.
And also enable dual-pane nautilus. http://berndth.blogspot.com/2009/06/nautilus-split-view-update.html

The extension nautilus-open-terminal should be enabled by default and a n F4 keyboard shortcut should open a terminal in current directory (like KDE). There should also be an option to attach the terminal to the window. And also enable dual-pane nautilus. http://berndth.blogspot.com/2009/06/nautilus-split-view-update.html

Written by alexsun the 23 Nov 09 at 22:24.

open (pass) the folder when you hover on it with an element or group of elements during drug & drop

on release mouse1 ask user, what to do: copy\move\ln

open (pass) the folder when you hover on it with an element or group of elements during drug & drop on release mouse1 ask user, what to do: copy\move\ln

Written by alexsun the 23 Nov 09 at 22:51.

I do not know how to anyone but for me some time will be convenient to compare the date \ size and copy \ move files via split view (horizontal \ vertical). think second @Locatio view nice in use not just for file manipulation.
user can drag tab to some place to activate split view or drag @Location back to "classical" tabs view ...

I do not know how to anyone but for me some time will be convenient to compare the date \ size and copy \ move files via split view (horizontal \ vertical). think second @Locatio view nice in use not just for file manipulation. user can drag tab to some place to activate split view or drag @Location back to "classical" tabs view ...

Written by obi22 the 24 Nov 09 at 08:41.

Nautilus for ages can't handle managing of file permissions on remote file systems, even like standard ftp. It's a shame that so network-oriented system's default file manager cannot change chmod rights. Solution is bring permissions management for files on remote file systems.

Nautilus for ages can't handle managing of file permissions on remote file systems, even like standard ftp. It's a shame that so network-oriented system's default file manager cannot change chmod rights. Solution is bring permissions management for files on remote file systems.

Written by heru.htl the 24 Nov 09 at 10:04.

Nautilus should be able to find any word or something inside the file contents, but, such feature do not seem added yet!

The ability to find something inside a file is one of most of the administrator system needs. But it is not present yet with Nautilus (but it just present with Konqueror's and Dolphin's - Kfind, the question is "should someone install both GNOME with KDE just for it?" where he/she uses GNOME by default, perhaps this idea can make a simple choice -> just install GNOME (with of course Nautilus as the only file manager) and we have all we needs!).

Nautilus should be able to find any word or something inside the file contents, but, such feature do not seem added yet! The ability to find something inside a file is one of most of the administrator system needs. But it is not present yet with Nautilus (but it just present with Konqueror's and Dolphin's - Kfind, the question is "should someone install both GNOME with KDE just for it?" where he/she uses GNOME by default, perhaps this idea can make a simple choice -> just install GNOME (with of course Nautilus as the only file manager) and we have all we needs!).

Written by v1nce the 24 Nov 09 at 18:32.

If I create a new directory called "foo/fee/faa/fuu" then Nautilus should ask if I want to create a tree of dir.

If the name contains "\" then it should ask if I really want the \ char (does someone really use the \ in a file name ?) or if I want a tree

Plus it could ask to replace character the file system can't handle with their utf-8 equivalent

If I create a new directory called "foo/fee/faa/fuu" then Nautilus should ask if I want to create a tree of dir. If the name contains "\" then it should ask if I really want the \ char (does someone really use the \ in a file name ?) or if I want a tree Plus it could ask to replace character the file system can't handle with their utf-8 equivalent

Written by antaveiv the 24 Nov 09 at 20:36.

The "Open With" context menu offers a list of known applications to open the selected file. However, it does not give options to save the selection for later default use. The program-filetype association could be saved and applied later.

The "Open With" context menu offers a list of known applications to open the selected file. However, it does not give options to save the selection for later default use. The program-filetype association could be saved and applied later.

Written by nickpick the 26 Nov 09 at 12:41.

When copying two or more sets of files through Nautilus, there is no way to prioritise which group you want to have copied first. Currently Nautilus allows only for simultaneous transfers. It would be great to have an ability to speed up one operation by pausing another or setting it further back in the queue (thus letting it copy the files once the first operation is complete).

Currently the only workaround seems to be to first let Nautilus copy the first batch, then manually initiate the second operation and, once that is finished, the third.

This also applies for deletion and, when preformed on separate physical media, move operations.

When copying two or more sets of files through Nautilus, there is no way to prioritise which group you want to have copied first. Currently Nautilus allows only for simultaneous transfers. It would be great to have an ability to speed up one operation by pausing another or setting it further back in the queue (thus letting it copy the files once the first operation is complete). Currently the only workaround seems to be to first let Nautilus copy the first batch, then manually initiate the second operation and, once that is finished, the third. This also applies for deletion and, when preformed on separate physical media, move operations.

Written by Bilbo Beutlin the 26 Nov 09 at 15:56.

Adding a button /menu item to simply change to the terminal and open the folder opened in the nautilus there (like in the nautilus of Ubuntu 9.0) would increase the user-friendliness. Why is these button /menu item gone at all?

EDIT: In "Ubuntu Tweak", there's already an option to reactivate this Button. But make it standard!

Adding a button /menu item to simply change to the terminal and open the folder opened in the nautilus there (like in the nautilus of Ubuntu 9.0) would increase the user-friendliness. Why is these button /menu item gone at all? EDIT: In "Ubuntu Tweak", there's already an option to reactivate this Button. But make it standard!

Written by fix98-win the 29 Nov 09 at 10:00.

Path Finder is a very useful and full-featured replacement for "finder" in MacOS.

Here is a link: http://cocoatech.com/

Path Finder is a very useful and full-featured replacement for "finder" in MacOS. Here is a link: http://cocoatech.com/

Written by flipefr the 29 Nov 09 at 22:20.

I like the q-dir system in windows, is a very simple program to open 4 directories in a only window allowing you to move, copy, create directories and etc. maybe a button for activate this type of view and a combo to select the number of splits in a unique window: 2,4,6,8 a number higher could be crazy.

Here is an example of what i am saying

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XSYU7zUh2NfN0x4M2IPPCQ?feat=directlink

http://www.online-tech-tips.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/q-dir-interface-scre enshot.jpg

I like the q-dir system in windows, is a very simple program to open 4 directories in a only window allowing you to move, copy, create directories and etc. maybe a button for activate this type of view and a combo to select the number of splits in a unique window: 2,4,6,8 a number higher could be crazy. Here is an example of what i am saying http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XSYU7zUh2NfN0x4M2IPPCQ?feat=directlink http://www.online-tech-tips.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/q-dir-interface-screenshot.jpg

Written by futurenow123 the 5 Dec 09 at 12:57.

The simplified nautilus has been achieved by a guy called Marcus Carlson . Here are a Few Links !!:

http://www.webupd8.org/2009/07/install-simplified-nautilus-for-ubuntu.html

http://davidsiegel.org/nautilus-simplified/

just Adopt it into the next Nautilus update . No major release needed!!! Job Done !





AND ALSO FINALLY

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/01/nautilus-simple-install-ppa-streamlined.html

The simplified nautilus has been achieved by a guy called Marcus Carlson . Here are a Few Links !!: http://www.webupd8.org/2009/07/install-simplified-nautilus-for-ubuntu.html http://davidsiegel.org/nautilus-simplified/ just Adopt it into the next Nautilus update . No major release needed!!! Job Done ! <img src="http://davidsiegel.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Screenshot.png"/> <img src="http://launchpadlibrarian.net/27797625/simple_nautilus.png"/> AND ALSO FINALLY http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/01/nautilus-simple-install-ppa-streamlined.html <img src="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/015/4/2/My_Desktop_by_DanRabbit.png"/>

Written by antaveiv the 14 Dec 09 at 11:15.

One may expect to be able to rename (F2), delete (Del, Shift+Del), copy/paste etc folders in the tree using keyboard. It works in the file list view on the right side of the window.

One may expect to be able to rename (F2), delete (Del, Shift+Del), copy/paste etc folders in the tree using keyboard. It works in the file list view on the right side of the window.

Written by gcbzzzz the 21 Jan 10 at 14:05.

it's a list of files, with plenty of context menu on the icons.

no need to have a bunch of buttons.

also, back and forward? back is the same as click on the parent folder on the folder hierarchy button row! forward is the same as click the folde again in the file list...

i upvoted #47, this is similar but also removes the useles buttons.

it's a list of files, with plenty of context menu on the icons. no need to have a bunch of buttons. also, back and forward? back is the same as click on the parent folder on the folder hierarchy button row! forward is the same as click the folde again in the file list... i upvoted #47, this is similar but also removes the useles buttons.

Written by Andre-K the 20 Feb 10 at 21:07.

offer to save tabs on exit, and restore on start.

offer to save tabs on exit, and restore on start.

Written by Andre-K the 20 Feb 10 at 21:18.

sometimes I find myself having two nautilus, one with for example 3, and one with 4 tabs
- it would be nice to be able to drag them between the windows.

sometimes I find myself having two nautilus, one with for example 3, and one with 4 tabs - it would be nice to be able to drag them between the windows.

Written by desquiziado the 20 Feb 10 at 23:18.

nautilus idea of a simple, pretty and practical

http://fausto23.posterous.com/nautilus-mockup

http://ux.suse.de/~garrett/public/hackweek/nautilus/nautilus-streamlined.png

nautilus idea of a simple, pretty and practical http://fausto23.posterous.com/nautilus-mockup http://ux.suse.de/~garrett/public/hackweek/nautilus/nautilus-streamlined.png

Written by Mirek2 the 10 Mar 10 at 17:34.

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/02/future-of-nautilus.html

Really cool, streamlined, sexy.
I really hope nautilus ends up like this someday.

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/02/future-of-nautilus.html Really cool, streamlined, sexy. I really hope nautilus ends up like this someday.

Written by TadasN the 13 Mar 10 at 22:31.

There could be something like in this mockup: http://www.design-by-izo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/new-nautilus_mockup.png

The article which describes changes: http://www.design-by-izo.com/2010/02/27/deconstructing-nautilus-and-rebuilding- it-better/

Nautilus is a good application but let's make it better.

There could be something like in this mockup: http://www.design-by-izo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/new-nautilus_mockup.png The article which describes changes: http://www.design-by-izo.com/2010/02/27/deconstructing-nautilus-and-rebuilding-it-better/ Nautilus is a good application but let's make it better.

Written by hali the 26 Mar 10 at 22:43.

Every word between slashes in location bar (address bar) should be a link.

For example:
If you move mouse over "local" word in "/usr/local/bin" path. Word "local" should be underlined and change color to blue. If one click "local" - Nautilus should change path to "/usr/local".

Right click on word should open context menu, same as in button based location bar, with options like: "Open link in new tab".

No need for button based location bar. Back button and links will makes it obsolete.

Every word between slashes in location bar (address bar) should be a link. For example: If you move mouse over "local" word in "/usr/local/bin" path. Word "local" should be underlined and change color to blue. If one click "local" - Nautilus should change path to "/usr/local". Right click on word should open context menu, same as in button based location bar, with options like: "Open link in new tab". No need for button based location bar. Back button and links will makes it obsolete.

Written by la_serpe the 9 Apr 10 at 09:50.

It should be possible to merge two windows into one as well. The original windows would be transferred into tabs in the new window.

It should be possible to merge two windows into one as well. The original windows would be transferred into tabs in the new window.

Written by la_serpe the 9 Apr 10 at 12:16.

Think about it for a moment. How often do you use Help and About menu for instance? What about the Tabs menu? Isnt it easier to use mouse? Bookmarks and Go have basically the same function. Instead of File you can simply right click on the blank surface. This redundancy isn't only annoying, but it's also confusing. It would be better to add proper buttons to main toolbar and abandon the old style.

Think about it for a moment. How often do you use Help and About menu for instance? What about the Tabs menu? Isnt it easier to use mouse? Bookmarks and Go have basically the same function. Instead of File you can simply right click on the blank surface. This redundancy isn't only annoying, but it's also confusing. It would be better to add proper buttons to main toolbar and abandon the old style.

Written by gazilla the 10 Apr 10 at 06:05.

Place a small "pin" icon next to the tab-close icon to allow any Nautilus tab to be pinned. Pinned tabs would stay pinned until they are explicitly unpinned, the tab is closed or Nautilus is closed. The effects would be...

1) The Back, Forward and Up buttons would be greyed while the pinned tab has focus, stopping the user from accidentally navigating away.
2) Nautilus would refuse to change the folder in the pinned tab in the event of the user clicking on any other location in Places or Tree while the pinned tab has focus.
3) Any attempt to do so would create a new tab for the desired folder. If the folder is already opened in another tab then focus is shifted to that tab.
4) If the tab shows a folder on a device that can be unmounted then pinning will cause the mount request to be refused (as if there was an open file).
5) maybe more (I'll keep thinking)

Place a small "pin" icon next to the tab-close icon to allow any Nautilus tab to be pinned. Pinned tabs would stay pinned until they are explicitly unpinned, the tab is closed or Nautilus is closed. The effects would be... 1) The Back, Forward and Up buttons would be greyed while the pinned tab has focus, stopping the user from accidentally navigating away. 2) Nautilus would refuse to change the folder in the pinned tab in the event of the user clicking on any other location in Places or Tree while the pinned tab has focus. 3) Any attempt to do so would create a new tab for the desired folder. If the folder is already opened in another tab then focus is shifted to that tab. 4) If the tab shows a folder on a device that can be unmounted then pinning will cause the mount request to be refused (as if there was an open file). 5) maybe more (I'll keep thinking)

Written by Daniel_le_Rouge the 1 May 10 at 22:44.

There is just too much unnecessary stuff in Nautilus and things are much too complicated. Why to I need to click "Search" before typing my request, when Mac's finder can do without any clicking. In exchange I get reload and abort buttons. It is not a browser!

The designer Izo proposed a reconstruction of Nautilus in his blog. There you will find further arguments against the current design.

A proposal:

There is just too much unnecessary stuff in Nautilus and things are much too complicated. Why to I need to click "Search" before typing my request, when Mac's finder can do without any clicking. In exchange I get reload and abort buttons. It is not a browser! The designer Izo proposed a reconstruction of Nautilus in <a href="http://www.design-by-izo.com/2010/02/27/deconstructing-nautilus-and-rebuilding-it-better/">his blog</a>. There you will find further arguments against the current design. A proposal: <img src="http://www.design-by-izo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/new-nautilus_mockup.png">

Written by Bracket the 27 Aug 10 at 16:58.

When renaming a bunch of files, bulk renaming with wildcards and such can be great, but sometimes it's easier to do it by hand anyway. For example, renaming a bunch of images from a camera "DSC0001" through 0030 with thought out names, or using song titles instead of "Track 01.mp3"

Windows explorer lets you use the tab key to save the name of the file you were renaming, and moves to edit the next file in the list. It also uses shift-tab to move backward in the list.

When renaming a bunch of files, bulk renaming with wildcards and such can be great, but sometimes it's easier to do it by hand anyway. For example, renaming a bunch of images from a camera "DSC0001" through 0030 with thought out names, or using song titles instead of "Track 01.mp3" Windows explorer lets you use the tab key to save the name of the file you were renaming, and moves to edit the next file in the list. It also uses shift-tab to move backward in the list.

Written by Floris Laagwater the 28 Nov 10 at 14:31.

As a normal user I'm only interested in the contents of
my home-directory including personal configuration files
and the contents of removal devices such as usb sticks, memory sticks, external hard drives, cdroms, dvdees and other places, where I do store my personal files.
In nautilus I should see, what kind of files are supported by a certain application. This means something more than textfiles, for example .doc, .docx, .odt, .abw, .rtf, .txt etcetera.

As a normal user I'm only interested in the contents of my home-directory including personal configuration files and the contents of removal devices such as usb sticks, memory sticks, external hard drives, cdroms, dvdees and other places, where I do store my personal files. In nautilus I should see, what kind of files are supported by a certain application. This means something more than textfiles, for example .doc, .docx, .odt, .abw, .rtf, .txt etcetera.

Written by punch the 3 Jan 11 at 18:07.

Add, as an option, places bar in Nautilus (to have tree view and places simultaneously).

Add, as an option, places bar in Nautilus (to have tree view and places simultaneously).

Written by ostralopithicus the 4 Jan 11 at 04:50.

Tags is such an awesomely powerful concept. Having only the single and very limited tag of filetype, totally sucks egg.

I HATE that! I can never choose the single folder that I should save my files to and they always end up on my desktop for sorting . . .later.

What if we could do something like: filename.tag1.tag2.tag2.tag4.etc.filetype

file browser (nautilus fork), could be designed to:
1. hide the tags
2. store all tags in separate DB
3. drop-down autocomplete when entering tags or searching for existing files.
4. if POSIX compliance is a serious issue, the tags entered in can be stripped by filemanager - stored only in new separate DB.
5. filemanager dumps all files into a few categories (say the first listed tag is maybe the category?) so files no longer appear on my desktop!!!

I think OS's are becoming dated compared with internet tech like wordpress that does this sort of tagging already.

Tags is such an awesomely powerful concept. Having only the single and very limited tag of filetype, totally sucks egg. I HATE that! I can never choose the single folder that I should save my files to and they always end up on my desktop for sorting . . .later. What if we could do something like: filename.tag1.tag2.tag2.tag4.etc.filetype file browser (nautilus fork), could be designed to: 1. hide the tags 2. store all tags in separate DB 3. drop-down autocomplete when entering tags or searching for existing files. 4. if POSIX compliance is a serious issue, the tags entered in can be stripped by filemanager - stored only in new separate DB. 5. filemanager dumps all files into a few categories (say the first listed tag is maybe the category?) so files no longer appear on my desktop!!! I think OS's are becoming dated compared with internet tech like wordpress that does this sort of tagging already.