GSoC 2008 Picture Browser: Difference between revisions

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


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


===User interface===
===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).
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.


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


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

Revision as of 00:02, 31 March 2008

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

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.

[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