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 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

Implementation

The picture browser will provide access to large collections of images. It will be possible to drag and drop an image from the browser to a page. Alternatively, an image can be selected/created, and its content can be selected from the browser. It will also to be possible to add new and remove collections of images permanently as in the OpenOffice.org gallery. The picture browser will use the exisiting and possibly the new image file format plugins to make sure it can display all image types supported by scribus. If possible, Scribus will also be enabled to add online collections like Open Clip Art [3].

Existing work

The picture browser will be able to reuse much of Scribus's image-related code, eg. for previews, image data etc. A prototype of a PictureFlow plug-in has been developed by a Scribus contributor who gave permission to extend his code.

User interface

I think the best solution is to keep this as simple as possible, but also to follow proven solutions. The OpenOffice.org Gallery is a well tested feature, which is used by millions of users all over the world, so that the picture browser in Scribus should work similarly. It will, however, need to be extended to meet the requirements of professional users.

Deliverables

• A picture browser for Scribus
• Documentation

Timeline

• April 14: Accepted student proposals announced on the Google Summer of Code home page. Community Bonding Period: Students get to know mentors, read documentation, get up to speed to begin working on their projects.

I start learning the Scribus internals and Qt coding as I am not familiar with the Scribus development process yet. I will also ask layout professionals on #scribus for their requirements.

• May 26: Students begin coding for their GSoC projects;

By then, I should already be familiar with the Scribus development process and probably with PictureFlow.

• July 7: Mentors and students can begin submitting mid-term evaluations.

The basic features like browsing folders and probably even a simple preview should work right now.

• July 20: End of semester

Some exams at university will keep me from finishing my tasks at this time, but I cant specify any dates yet

• August 11: Suggested 'pencils down' date. Take a week to scrub code, write tests, improve documentation, etc.

Now the basic features should be fully working, and I will start implementing PictureFlow.

• August 18: Firm 'pencils down' date. Mentors, students and organization administrators can being submitting final evaluations to Google.

Hopefully, everything is completed to the team's and my satisfaction.

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

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

[3] http://openclipart.org