GSoC 2008 Picture Browser

=Rationale= Importing images is one of Scribus's core features and is already well implemented. However, it lacks a proper and easy to use picture browser to make the selection of pictures from large collections easier.

=Motivation= My motivation for this project is that i think this feature will greatly improve image handling in Scribus and I plan to deliver a vital contribution for all Scribus users (including myself). Furthermore, I like playing around with graphics and UI design, so that adding this feature corresponds with my personal interests.

=Overview= The basic goal is to create a picture browser similar to OpenOffice.org's "Gallery" [1] which allows the users to select images from a neatly arranged preview with just a few clicks or drag and drop. Adding eye candy like PictureFlow [2] will enhance the browsers usability. Other features would include the display of metadata, color spaces, resolution and the support of digital cameras.

=Details=

Previous experience
I have no previous experience with PictureFlow, but i think getting familiar won't be a problem.

Implementation
Accessing the picture browser will be possible from the context menu of the desired pictureframe as well as from the regular File/Open dialogue option, which will enable you to create a new pictureframe containing your image. The picture browser will use the exisiting and possibly the new image fileformat plugins to make sure it can display all imagetypes supported by scribus.

Existing work
For the basic structure, i will orientate myself by OpenOffice's gallery as well as other well-established picture browsers. Picture flow capability can be taken from the homonymous program which can be implemented quite easily.

User interface
I think the best solution is to keep this as simple as possible: A separate dockable dialog with a section on the left where you can browse through your folders, and a preview section right next to it showing the images of the selected folder (if desired using PictureFlow).

[1] http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Documentation/OOoAuthors_User_Manual/Getting_Started/Working_with_the_Gallery

[2] http://code.google.com/p/pictureflow/