Getting rid of the standalone reference window

[Jon]

The standalone reference window is a carryover from the original days of Bookends, and is now proving to be an impediment to future development. As I mentioned after introducing the reference edit pane in the main library window (October 2011, Bookends 11.2), after a transition period the standalone window would be removed. The time has come for that to happen. I know that there is a small subset of users who still use this window to edit references, and I wanted to alert them before the next Bookends update. If you are one and want to comment, please reply in this thread.

Jon
Sonny Software

[AsafKeller]

I find the standalone reference window to be much more efficient for entering and editing references. What I particularly dislike about the reference edit pane is that, in edit mode, you can only see the field you are editing. By contrast, the standalone window shows all fields during the editing process, making it much easier to see related information, copy/cut and paste, etc.

[Jon]

You're not looking at the reference edit pane, you're looking at the Concise View. The ref edit pane in the main window is identical to what you see in the standalone window. Go to Preferences and tell Bookends to edit references in the main window. Now double click on a reference --that's the edit reference pane.

Jon
Sonny Software

P.S. I'll post a screen snap if it's not obvious.

[AsafKeller]

Got it (should've known this.) Thanks for the clarification. I withdraw my request to maintain the standalone window.

[Jon]

Good. We're looking at a possible major makeover of the edit ref pane, too, which would be pretty much impossible if we were to keep the standalone window.

Jon
Sonny Software

[Cassady]

Apologies for wading in late on this - only back from vacation now

Just to be clear - currently, in Preferences, my setting is to open/edit references in the Reference Window.
Double clicking a reference, opens it in a standalone window.

Is that what you will be removing - i.e., no more separate window opening to allow for the editing?

If so – then I would fall into that small set of users...

Why I find it particularly useful, would be the in situations where I'm using multiple screens/spaces.
With an external plugged into my MBP, I can flip the reference window over to the secondary screen, and continue accessing my BE library, or Scrivener/Safari etc. over on my primary screen - I find this rather useful, particularly where autocomplete has left a field or two without information, and I jump into Safari/Devonthink etc. to find what I need. Alternatively, I might have the Reference Window open on the secondary monitor, displaying the Attachment, and working in something else.

I'm sure I would manage to adjust my usage (especially if the change is necessary for improvements) - but figured I'd pop up the above regardless.

[Jon]

Yes, that's the window we're talking about.

I'm not sure I understand why the library window (with or without the reference pane showing on the right) can't go to the second screen? With the standalone window now, if you work in the library window it will change to reflect what reference is found with a search, for example. So it's not static. And you can't have the ref editing pane and the standalone window open at the same time. So I'm not seeing much advantage for the separate window.

Jon
Sonny Software

[Cassady]

Yes, that's the window we're talking about.

I'm not sure I understand why the library window (with or without the reference pane showing on the right) can't go to the second screen? With the standalone window now, if you work in the library window it will change to reflect what reference is found with a search, for example. So it's not static. And you can't have the ref editing pane and the standalone window open at the same time. So I'm not seeing much advantage for the separate window.

Jon
Sonny Software

Thanks Jon.

Point taken. Whatever gets done - pretty sure I'll adjust to any changes. My usage scenario is probably quite unique.

[Jon]

I appreciate the feedback. Why not try working with the integrated editing ref pane now (change your preference settings)? Give it a few days. If you see significant drawbacks, please let me know.

Jon
Sonny Software

[Reiner]

I always use the standalone window. If this window will disappear it would be fine if one could define that the edit pane is on the left side of the screen. I can't tell you why but I find it very hard to have the focus on the right edge of the screen.

[Jon]

Ha. No, you can't switch sides. The left side is where the Groups (and Term List) pane is.

Jon
Sonny Software

[Jon]

I should also mention that the reference edit pane has been redesigned in the next update (which will be a big release). Hopefully you'll find it easier to read and interact with.

Jon
Sonny Software

[Reiner]

Hi Jon,

thanks for your answer. "e will see how it will be in use. Spoken from the actual state I would have a few wishes for the reference pane:
- An option to have the reference pane shown left and the lists right.
- Option to define which fields are shown in the tab "Additional fields" and which are shown in the main tab.
- new order of tabs: 1. Main 2. Additional Fields 3. Notes 4. Attachements
- additional option to display the inspector and the term list als pane at the right side. Escpecially the term list would be very handy to have shown while you are working in the reference pane.

best regards,
Reiner

[Jon]

A few notes:

I don't know why you care what the order of the tabs are, but you can use the keyboard shortcut Command-1 to Command-4 to move between them quickly.

There are two ways to use Term Lists:

1. You can open a Term List window now (Window -> Term List) and position it wherever you want, using it while working on the reference. The Inspector is also a moveable floating palette that you can position.

2. As for "Escpecially the term list would be very handy to have shown while you are working in the reference pane." -- you can do that now with the Term List showing on the left side of the library window (toggling between Groups and Term Lists).

Jon
Sonny Software

[Reiner]

I know Command-1 to Command-4 but anyway I do not get used to the order after years because it’s very un-intuitive from my point of view. That's all. But if the option to define which fields are shown in the main tab and which in the additional fields-tab that point would loose its relevance for me.

Indeed I didn't know the second way to use the term list. That's fine. Thanks.

Best regards
Reiner