Longer Inline File Rename Field

[DaveCmd]

Hi,
Currently when renaming a file in Total Commander, when you hover over (mouseover) a file with a long filename that does not fit into the Tabstop width, you can see the entire name because the 'Tooltip" runs over the entire Total Commander interface. When you twice-click on the file or press Shift + F6 to rename, the inline rename field/box is only the size of the Name-Ext Tabstop.

Editing a very long filename in such a tiny field has always been inconvenient. It is also not optimal to try an widen the "Name" Tabstop to have more visual and editing room.

Consider adding an option that allows a user to use a long popup window, like the tooltip, that spans the entire Total Commander interface, to rename long filenames. This way, the user can see more of the text and it would decrease the disorientating jump-scroll that happens with a small window. Hitting enter or the check box beside the line would exit the rename as usual.

Thank you for considering the suggestion.

BTW, I LOVE Total Commander! I have been using it for over 20 years!

[Hacker]

DaveCmd,
While this won't help when using the mouse, you can always press F6.

HTH
Roman

[Usher]

2Hacker
F6 isn't better (about 96 characters). Just tried it on my own.

[DaveCmd]

Yes, I too was hoping that F6 was the solution, thanks for that suggestion @Roman, but because it is paired with the Move function, much of the valuable field is consumed by the path name, so sometimes it gives more room but not always, and as @Usher points out, it is only 96 characters.

And I must state that I have decent discipline around filenames. I generally can fit my names into the space provided by the Name and Ext tabstops. Unfortunately this issue comes up mostly when renaming other people's files (OPF).

Anyways, hopefully something like a longer inline rename field could be implemented. I am convinced it would increase the whole communities' productivity and make long filename renaming much easier, maybe even a pleasure.

Dave,

[Hacker]

DaveCmd,

because it is paired with the Move function, much of the valuable field is consumed by the path name

Not sure I understand. When renaming, you can simply delete the path part (F6, F6, Shift-Home, Del).
I also do not understand what 96 characters you and Usher are referring to. I can fit 195 "i" or 64 "w" characters into the field, since it's using the standard (or configured) variable width font.
Unfortunately, the dialog isn't resizable, that's true.

Roman

[tuska]

When I want to rename longer file names, I use the following:

em_Width_100Percent (ALT+Y)
em_Width_50Percent  (ALT+X)

wincmd.ini - [Shortcuts]

Code: Select all

A+Y=em_Width_100Percent
A+X=em_Width_50Percent

usercmd.ini

Code: Select all

[em_Width_100Percent]
button=
cmd=cm_Maximize,cm_VerticalPanels,cm_100Percent

[em_Width_50Percent]
button=
cmd=cm_Restore,cm_VerticalPanels,cm_50Percent

In this case, I can see about 220 characters on a monitor 24", Scaling size 125%,
resolution 1920 x 1280 pixel (native screen resolution), Total Commander maximised.

Theoretically, I could see up to about 265 characters if I dragged the column separator line
even further to the right.

[Usher]

When renaming, you can simply delete the path part (F6, F6, Shift-Home, Del).

It's not that simple. There may be also partially visible very long path part.What about typing errors, for example repeating Del twice or three times?

I can fit 195 "i" or 64 "w" characters into the field

1. It's not an exact number, it's "ABOUT 96" - in most cases it's somewhere near to 96th character (maybe 86th, maybe 106th).
2. Use random letters or concatenate some real filenames to get real user experience.

[Hacker]

Usher,

There may be also partially visible very long path part.

Not sure I understand.

What about typing errors

Well, try and avoid them, especially when renaming a file. Also, you can e.g. bind a script to Alt-F6.

Roman

[Usher]

There may be also partially visible very long path part.

Not sure I understand.

Use more than 96 characters in the target path, something like that:

Code: Select all

c:\Users\User name\Documents\SQL Server Management Studio Express\Code Snippets\XML\My Xml Snnnnnnnnn

And here's the source file name:

Code: Select all

nnnnnnnnnnnn_mmmmmmmm_iiiiiiiiii_Server_Management_Studio_Express_Code_Snippets_XML_My_Xml Snippet.xml

Put the target path in the left panel and the source file in the center of the right panel, then start with F6 and watch carefully when pressing all specified keys. Can you see the last backslash or any nnn... string before pressing Del? Are you sure that there is no problem with Del key on your keyboard?

What about typing errors

Well, try and avoid them, especially when renaming a file.

Well, try to KISS, please, especially when dealing with very long names.

For me the only solution is to use multiline edit (with line wrapping) similar to editing very long commands in a console window. Unfortunately, TC uses single line with scrolling also as a command line.

[Hacker]

Usher,

start with F6 and watch carefully when pressing all specified keys. Can you see the last backslash or any nnn... string before pressing Del?

No.

Are you sure that there is no problem with Del key on your keyboard?

Yes, especially, when I map the sequence it to a script.

Well, try to KISS, please

I believe the presented approach is simple(?)

I understand you want a solution for seeing longer file names while renaming. Currently the best we can do is probably what tuska and I showed.

Roman

[Usher]

2Hacker
That's why I suggested multiline edit. Workarounds are complicated and error prone.