Dual Pane View?

[bill]

I'd like to be able to split a window into two panes, and have each pane show a different window. i.e. I'd like to have, say, the top half of the window showing my other mac, and the bottom half showing my PowerBook home folder, so I could drag straight from one to another.

I realize that I can already do this with the drop shelf, but I'd like to be able to skip the "park the file, browse to the target folder & take the file off the drop shelf" part. I can also use the "copy" or "move" commands, but that always seems to take longer than directly dragging from window to window.

At home I avoid this hassle by using two monitors and drag between two windows, but away from home it's not as easy.

If this is implemented (pretty please) it'd be nice, but not necessary to be able to see each pane in a different view if desired, i.e. see the top pane in list mode while the bottom pane is in icon mode.

[neilio]

Steve has mentioned that he plans to incorporate some type of tab or multi-window feature in a future release, which I think will address what you're looking for.

The split-window idea is interesting, but I fear it would make the file browser window very, very cluttered. Keep checking back, though, as Steve is definitely going to do something to address mutiple views in a single window.

[bill]

As I'm picturing it, it wouldn't be all that more cluttered. I don't see having duplicate buttons/paths/etc, just a line across the main window with one window above & one below (or side by side, even).

[Anonymous]

I like this idea as well. It would allow easy comparison, frequent file movements, and sets of folders used in projects spread out across filesystems and networks to appear side by side or one above the other.

[Bruce]

I agree that having split windows would be useful.

I do not think that tabs would help, because the whole point of two directory viewing is so that you can see the file list simultaneously, side by side. (Plus the tabs might be confused with the Path Navigator directory display.)

Of course, you can do this manually now in PF, by opening a new browser window (File/New/New Browser Window). But then you have to drag and resize and set it up manually, and when you quit or close, then need it later, have to go through the manual process again.

And I frequently have done this manally in Finder (both OS 9 and now X), opening up two folders into list view and placing them side by side.

I have used some good dual directory display window pane browser programs in Windows. They display one directory in the left side window pane, and a different (or even same) directory (or volume) in the right pane. And then the program automatically balances columns and window space, for whatever size you pick for the overall window display. The column width within the half screen window pane is still user selectable.

This kind of two folder directories viewed left and right arrangement (two window panes side by side) is very useful in organizing files. It is especially useful when you are trying to compare two folder directories that have a bunch of similar or duplicate files. Using this browser arrangement makes it very easy to get the files right where you want them, and able to delete the older versions at the same time.

I definitely support having an option for a dual browser window-pane view. I would vote for the arrangement of one folder directory on the left, and the second displayed on the right side of it. Thx.

[RobertB]

I also would like the dual pane feature.

Use dual pane on Windows all the time, and it definitily increased my work speed.
Remote server folder (VPN or FTP) in my left pane, and my local files in my right pane.
Only need a single tollbar, as there is a slight visual difference to identify which pane is the current active one, so file related toolbar items would apply to the active pane only.

Hope this is going to be implenented.

Cheers,
RobertB

[mrhatken]

Howdy All,

I agree with the need for Split Window panes in Path Finder!

This is more needed than tabs etc.

Please.

As more and more features are added to Path Finder (which is great, because it *is* the Finder Pro) the interface becomes quite a bit busier. Of course, having two Path Finder windows then doubles the detail on the screen. With split window you keep the single set of controls and draws but with two locations.

Also this would help those who want to move towards more of a single-window interface for the Finder (like other applications are moving to single window). NB: here I mean single-window is optional, not required or even necessary. I just mean working with a Path Finder window open to the maximum size.

Personally, one of the most common operations I do in the Finder is rearranging files from one location to another (hey, that's what the Finder is for). I'm always frustrated by the fact that I have to manually open two windows and lay them out (non-overlapping) and open wide enough to do what I need.

Don't get me started on the lack of "Arrange Windows ..." in MacOSX!

I'll buy Path Finder when it has Split Windows and support for MacOSX 10.4 Panther (or at least a free upgrade to that version).

A great tool.

Thanks,
Ashley.

[RobertB]

For all those who really miss the dual pane layout as much as me, you can get hold of a very nice app called "Disk Order 1.1".
It will not replace the Finder or PathFinder, but it is extremely useful to compare folders/files.

It also shows how it would look inside PF, if they implemented this feature....nudge, nudge, hint, hint.... :D

http://www.likemac.ru

cheers,
RobertB

[DougRay]

I'm finding a reference to a dual-pane view from back in November, but it doesn't seem to have made the 4.0 release, so I'll mention it again. Dual-pane (a la, Midnight Commander) would be a great feature to include. (I switched from Windows over 5 years ago, and it's a feature I still miss.)

Doug

[neilio]

The dual pane is in there, but right now it's being used for a preview / extended info pane. That said, these aren't permanently there forever... (hint hint).

[russurquhart1]

Hi,

Let me also add a vote for dual pane support ala Norton & Midnight commander. There are only a couple of products that are trying to offer this option for the Mac. One is so-so, there other is really buggy.

I would definitely buy your product in a heart beat if this were implemented!!!

I hope that you guys consider this!

Thanks

Russ

[sanook]

I guess I will need to add in my ++ to each thread that brings up this topic. Split pane/dual pane whatever...please just add it in. I am just about convinced to buy, if that is in there, you've got another sale :wink:

[Sydde]

Coises, there is no suitable symbol for two big yawns.

With all the other nav features available in PF 4, this becomes merely a way to pander to the folks who are accustomed to, ahem, other OS designs (call it MC if you like, we know you mean WE). Fine, put the tree pane function in (add it as a flex-pane feature, meaning it can exist in any of the window or drawer panes or in a floating palette), just do it in a way that those who choose not to are not forced to use it and are not compromised (i.e., app speed) by its presence.

[russurquhart1]

Sydde,

i think you are right in that a dual pane function shouldn't compromise other users.

I'll go so far as to say that having a MC/NC type of interface probably shouldn't be placed on the shoulders of the PF 4 developers. They HAVE, as far as i can tell, done a great job of providing an alternative access to what heretofor only Finder has provided and that, in and of itself, should be enough.
However, let me first correct you, in that the MC/NC interface precedes WE (Windows Explorer, right?) by many years, (NC was an MS-DOS program about 1990 was when i first saw it. But not when i first used it.)
MC/NC, if implemented as MC or Total Commander, is a powerful paradigm, IMO, regardless of the OS. This, coupled with the ability to have a command be applied to selected files within one of the panes (ala MC, I don't know if NC had this) is extremely powerful, and isn't this what PF 4 is about?

Thanks

Russ

[Sydde]

Now that you mention it, perhaps there is a particularly unique way that the MC/NC panes scheme could be improved upon: first, we can only see a single folder's contents in a given frame, unless we are using standard list view, why not offer a means to select multiple folders (on the left) to provide a combined, consolidated view (on the right - cf. Mail.app)? Or possibly a filters pane that allows for refining what is visible in the main view (including subfolders' content) based on what filters are activated (with string fields that can be modified on the fly and stacked).

SOP may work well, but if we fail to experiment with new methods, what is the point of rewriting Finder?

(And I mentioned WE simply because it is so common, not to suggest that it was ground-breaking.)

[russurquhart1]

Hi Sydde,

To me, the two frame paradigm represents a kind of TO: FROM: structure.

This seems kind of simplistic at first, but, for example, if you say, take everything from the TO: column, apply this command (or sequence of commands) and have the output sent to this FROM: column, if you think about it, this can become a very powerful construct. (This is what i really used MC for.)

For me, this is what the MC/NC interface entails.

Russ

[neilio]

I hate to drop a big ol, heaping bag full of downer on this thread, but I have to say (and I've said before) that I really can't stand the Norton Commander split window interface. I understand some windows users like it, but as an experienced Windows user and long-time Mac user I can't stand it.

It's highly ineffective use of screen real estate (you always have one whole half of the window that's not in use), and it makes me feel like I'm running a Windows app and running an FTP session on my mac at the same time. It's about the furthest thing from "mac-like" that I can think of.

I can see the need for a split-view, though, so we're looking into ways of accomplishing this without compromising the "mac-ness" of Path Finder or making the interface less efficient.

Neil

[Sydde]

Really simple: create a tab-splitter that lets the user see two tabs in one window.

[Mocenigo]

I hate to drop a big ol, heaping bag full of downer on this thread, but I have to say (and I've said before) that I really can't stand the Norton Commander split window interface. I understand some windows users like it, but as an experienced Windows user and long-time Mac user I can't stand it.

Well, Neilio, I happen to share your view. The vertical split dual
pane is not the nicest interface. That's why I prefer cyperduck to other ftp/sftp clients that have split vertically interfaces. But, as it happens,
some people switched from other interfaces, and may like it.


I can see the need for a split-view, though, so we're looking into ways of accomplishing this without compromising the "mac-ness" of Path Finder or making the interface less efficient.


In another thread you already mentioned that the preview pane splitter is there for "some other reason" or the like. I am not sure. What one can do it do have another ser of tabs BELOW that, so that one can have a view that it split, but made out of large, vide, panes, stacked one atop ot the other. Thinking about it, a lot of users use TWO wide finder (or path finder) windows, in column view mode, one atop each other. In this way you only need two windows to do almost everything you need to do and it is a very efficient way of managing the file system. If we could have two views atop of each other in the same window, each with its tabs, we would in fact SAVE screen estate: only one Toolbar and only one bookmarks bar, and also only one shelf, which then could be extended further vertically, to reveal more objects. Think about the versatility if combined with the ability of moving tabs around, not only in the same pane, or a la adium/colloquy among different windows, but also the two panes of the same window! We would need also the ability for the window to resize once the second pane is hidden, or else the user would need to resize manually each time.

[russurquhart1]

It's highly ineffective use of screen real estate (you always have one whole half of the window that's not in use), and it makes me feel like I'm running a Windows app and running an FTP session on my mac at the same time. It's about the furthest thing from "mac-like" that I can think of.

I can see the need for a split-view, though, so we're looking into ways of accomplishing this without compromising the "mac-ness" of Path Finder or making the interface less efficient.


HI Neilio,

I can understand that the screen real estate is not the best, but, when i DO use MC, the other window DOES contain a directory that IS of use.

For me, like i said in an earlier post, the dual window provides a To<->From sort of structure. This along with the ability to execute commands, scripts, etc on one window and have the output sent to the other window. THIS is really what I am looking for. Is there a way to do this easily in PF4?

I used to use, (I actually still have it and use it on my MS-DOS partition under Virtual PC) a program called pfm. It got around the dual window real estate problem by having only one window viewable, but you could automatically switch to another window. Knowing that you had another window that you could switch to, you were then able to execute your command in the current window, and after the operation is over, switch and see the final result in the other window.

Thanks

Russ

[Sydde]

For another reason entirely, I just looked at this "xFolders" thing, which I think is the view option I think is being referred to here. Not much to reccommend it, really, in my view - given that there can be almost no wasted space in a PF 4 window, I find it hard to see why the same thing could not be easily achieved with 2 windows side-by-side. Simply implementing a constrain feature ("fit contents in window"), or a simple sort-by-modified would give the target (output) view a hands-off usefulness. If you have room for two panes, you have room for two windows.

[DougRay]

... I find it hard to see why the same thing could not be easily achieved with 2 windows side-by-side....

That's brings up something I've always wondered about, being a "switcher" (albeit, 5 years ago), why doesn't OSX have Tile Windows as a standard feature? Windows make suck for many things, but tile (and cascade) were very useful features.

[Sydde]

Even in Windows itself I believe Tile is app-specific. Some Mac apps do offer tile, though for most of them it would be of minimal use. If I am very much mistaken, Tile, in Windows is largely confined to that IMAO very icky MDI thing, since other windows are their own independent task instances.

[DougRay]

Although it does seem that, in this case, having a tile open windows command, would solve the side-by-side view thing without having to change the layout of the Path Finder window or force Neilio to experience the NC/MC interface :) (Of course, everyone loves Transmit, which basically does the same thing. Go figure.)

[neilio]

(Of course, everyone loves Transmit, which basically does the same thing. Go figure.)Ah, but Transmit is an FTP client. Huge difference in basic functionality and purpose.

[DougRay]

I don't know. File management is file management. (Hasn't the network become the computer, and vice-versa?) There are still instances where I want to see two directories, and manually move some items from one to the other, or manually compare one directory to the other.

But, in the end, I'll admit it, I love my mac, but I still miss some things from Windows and DOS (and even from the Win 3.1 days when I used Norton Desktop). And don't worry, it's not a show stopper. I'll be registering Path Finder as soon as I find some more change in my sofa! :)

[russurquhart1]

But, in the end, I'll admit it, I love my mac, but I still miss some things from Windows and DOS (and even from the Win 3.1 days when I used Norton Desktop). And don't worry, it's not a show stopper. I'll be registering Path Finder as soon as I find some more change in my sofa! :)

Let me add, that since I've been trying PF4 I think i have a solution of sorts, if someone could anser some questions for me.

I think using the multiple tabs would work for me if i could copy/move between two tabs. Is this possible? This would give the functionality of MC without the screen real estate issue.

Is there more documentation for PF4?

Thanks

Russ

[bill]

Let me add, that since I've been trying PF4 I think i have a solution of sorts, if someone could anser some questions for me.

I think using the multiple tabs would work for me if i could copy/move between two tabs. Is this possible? This would give the functionality of MC without the screen real estate issue.

Is there more documentation for PF4?

Thanks

Russ

A few seconds of experimentation shows that you can indeed copy or move a file from one window to another via drag & drop on tabs. I have not tried it with multiple files, or any folders, but if it works with one file & I'm sure it'll work with multiple files/folders.

[russurquhart1]

[
A few seconds of experimentation shows that you can indeed copy or move a file from one window to another via drag & drop on tabs. I have not tried it with multiple files, or any folders, but if it works with one file & I'm sure it'll work with multiple files/folders.

Thanks for this. But do you know if there is a command/option to copy/move to the next or previous tab.

I've been using PF 4 this afternoon, and I am convinced that if there was a command or an option to the copy and move command to do a copy/move to the "Next Tab" or "Previous Tab" as well as a way to have a command (like a Unix command) be applied to each file in the drop stack and have that output be sent to somewhere else (maybe "Next Tab" or "Previous Tab"), for me, this would easily offer ALL the advantages of NC or MC without the loss in screen real estate.

Thanks

Russ

[Sydde]

Is that what the drop-stack is for?

[russurquhart1]

Is that what the drop-stack is for?

I don't think that copying to a tab was a command that i could do from Drop Stack. Is that right?

Thanks

Russ

[sanook]

(Of course, everyone loves Transmit, which basically does the same thing. Go figure.)Ah, but Transmit is an FTP client. Huge difference in basic functionality and purpose.

FTP or not, Transmit has an excellent interface, and extremely efficient and straightforward for moving and copying files. You can also set it up as a single pane, if that is what you like. Choice is good.

But your comment begs the question, what is the functionality/purpose of the Finder? One of the main things you do is to move and copy files. Two panes side by side is perfect for this (from<--->to). You can see both where the file is coming from, and where it is going to at the same time. As it stands in the Finder and PF, you can't, unless you open another window - which wastes a lot of space (two shelves, two drop stacks, two title bars, etc). The Drop Stack is very good, but it introduces an extra 'stop' to make in moving/copying a file. The way the Preview pane is set up now is redundant - I can have two shelves (one vertical, one horizontal)

[Sydde]

Sorry, I am still totally lost on this. What you are looking for is a button that selects your chosen target (copy selected files to the specified folder, or other action), or perhaps a mode switch that allows you to turn on the action for the files you select as you select them (or double-click or hit enter, depending on how fast you want it to be). For convenience, you want some way to switch to the target view to verify that the action has been completed - a temporary label (e.g., green arial-black underlined names) or temporary selective sorting would help you identify the changes. How having two panes is somehow better is still beyond me (seems to fall into the same realm as that silly full-screen maximise).

[sanook]

It seems simple to have two side by side panes, and drag a file between the two. I don't need a placeholder (like the shelf or stack in PF), and I don't have to copy to a location I can't see (but must navigate to anyway), such as copying to a tab (which is a nice btw). With two panes, I can see the contents of both folders right in front of me, and compare easily (say, see which file is the newer of the two). I don't lose sight of the original folder or the destination, so have a nice visual que.

It seems to me the angst about this is because it originated as a DOS app, so is somehow 'tainted'.

Anyway, it is done already by other apps (Xfolders, Disk Order), so I guess I will just spend my money there. But considering it is about 90% implemented already via the view panel, it would be a simple feature to add at little overhead cost. You may not like it, but the topic comes up all the time, so obviously many of us do like it/want it. Why not implement it as an option - if you don't like it turn it off. Simple.

[russurquhart1]

Sorry, I am still totally lost on this. What you are looking for is a button that selects your chosen target (copy selected files to the specified folder, or other action), or perhaps a mode switch that allows you to turn on the action for the files you select as you select them (or double-click or hit enter, depending on how fast you want it to be). For convenience, you want some way to switch to the target view to verify that the action has been completed - a temporary label (e.g., green arial-black underlined names) or temporary selective sorting would help you identify the changes. How having two panes is somehow better is still beyond me (seems to fall into the same realm as that silly full-screen maximise).

Hi Sydde,

I've been spending a lot of time lately with PF4, trying to better understand how it works on its own, and how I can customize it to do what I like to do.
One thing that I've discovered, and I think you have as well, is that JUST having two displays side-by-side, is NOT the answer. I've noticed that, using PF4, I can configure it to either let me have access to more that two areas (using Tabs) as well as showing two areas (using Shelves i see another folder at the same time, if this is the best use of Shelves, i'm not sure.)
PF4 seems to give me the ability to have ready accessiblity to any number of folders or areas. That's great!
What I am looking for is, to use your words, a faster way to maneuver between all of these areas and perform operations on the files.
The paradigm of NC/MC succeeds, IMO, not because of the dual pane view, but primarily because of the TO<->FROM underlying design.
For any filemanger i think, operations that occur on a file involve: files in one location, the operation to be performed on the file, and a destination (depending on the operation.) The dual pane view allows the user to see & determine both of the TO and FROM parameters at the outset. (That's the critical point, by setting one of the panes to a particualr folder, they become either a TO or a FROM point by definition.)
This, then, makes file operations faster, IMO, because the COPY operation, for example, already knows the files to copy from and to where. This is faster than having to always, or initially, select the destination from a dialog box, and is even faster than dragging and dropping, IMO.
(The fact that one pane will now show the results of the file operation is a good visual cue, but for me, isn't the most important point.)
When you select a file, or group of files, the process of selection makes those files the from location. (Actually, as i think about this, since I could put multiple files from different locations in the Drop Stack, then this makes PF4 more powerful, in this respect, to the NC/MC styled programs.) If there was a way to QUICKLY designate the TO location for the results of the operation, whether it is the Next/Previous Tab, the Drop Stack, A shelf, or even if this destination was implied as is the case for the dual pane file managers, it would speed up operations.
Taking this paradigm a little further, if i could also apply a command or function of my own (I've got an audio converter unix command that i want to run on some selected files and have the output sent to another directory) then the things that i have to do to files becomes easier and faster.
Being able to selct the files using a keystroke (maybe space bar to toggle the selection of a file) with the ability of selecting the destination in a similarly quick manner, coupled with all of the other powerful functions that PF 4 provides, would make it unbeatable.

While certainly some of these notions originated on platforms other than the mac, they are definitely "power tool"-like in nature. PF 4 is a power tool as well, so why wouldn't you want to add more power to it?
Dual panes CAN be limiting (And I can give examples of why, if needed), and PF 4 ought to NOT be re-architected JUST for that.

IF there were an option that, given that when i have two tabs open, copying/moving/etc would go to the other tab, (coupled with a keybord shortcut to toggle selection of a file) This I think would satisfy most of what NC/MC programs provide.

To go further, IF there were a way to easily assign/specify a destination for default use, (like Next Tab or Previous Tab) Then PF 4 surpasses what NC/MC programs do.

If you wanted to have DUal Pane operation, you could do that, but there would be a cost, and issues of screen real estate, etc. Which is a lot, for JUST a dual pane view.

But all this is just my opinion.

Thanks

Russ

[russurquhart1]

Anyway, it is done already by other apps (Xfolders, Disk Order), so I guess I will just spend my money there.

Hi Sanook,

I have Disk Order and have used Xfolders. Beaware the Disk Order has some problems with its file management. (I've been having a problem when i try and move files, the app tends to blow up at that point.) Also Xfolders had some problems as well.

My point is that, while these DO have a dual pane view, that don't seem to have the robust file manager operations that PF 4 does.

fyi,

Russ

[sanook]

Anyway, it is done already by other apps (Xfolders, Disk Order), so I guess I will just spend my money there.

Hi Sanook,

I have Disk Order and have used Xfolders. Beaware the Disk Order has some problems with its file management. (I've been having a problem when i try and move files, the app tends to blow up at that point.) Also Xfolders had some problems as well.

My point is that, while these DO have a dual pane view, that don't seem to have the robust file manager operations that PF 4 does.

fyi,

Russ

Agreed 100%. XFolders is still beta (both in features and stability), and while I haven't had the problems with DO that you have, I really like PF much better. It has 99% of what I want, just the dual pane view. It has that, and I will junk the Finder and everything else.

I find it sort of funny how we all have such opposing...ummm... views of dual pane view (no pun intended). Most of the people I work with really like it, but then again mostly it is used for move/copy from one place to another, and not as an application launcher or even as a 'Finder' replacement, so I am sure that is part of the appeal.

Anyway, interesting discussion.

[carlbutler]

Seems like there are enough people begging for a dual pane solution. How much trouble would it really be? Maybe add it as a layout you could switch to?
I used SID and later DOPUS (Directory Opus) on the Amiga platform and since migrating to the Mac (never owned a PC) I have been searching far and wide for a directory utility that even comes close to those old standbys for the Amiga Computer. File manipulation (copy/Move/stuff/etc) was mas rapido and convenient.. If your'e worried about screen real estate get bigger monitor! :D
I will hold off registering until a useful dual pane function is incorporated into Path Finder..
In the meantime I'll keep watching Disk order and Xfolders.
:roll:

[mrhatken]

Hi Neil (et al.),

I hate to drop a big ol, heaping bag full of downer on this thread, but I have to say (and I've said before) that I really can't stand the Norton Commander split window interface.
..
It's highly ineffective use of screen real estate (you always have one whole half of the window that's not in use),
Neil

I am not sure of your position in Cocoatech (besides siteadmin?) and I haven't used Norton Commander, but I hope your personal views are not determining the order of the to-do list.

I frequently need to have two Finder (or Path Finder) windows open (usually in List view with various folders expanded) so that I can reorganise files and folders from one place to the other.

Having two Window titles, two toolbars, two status bars and having to arrange the two windows (so that there isn't a whole lot of space between them) is the real waste of space and time.

A slide-able split/dual pane view would allow me to do all this more efficiently with better space usage (and less fiddling with windows). It would also make Path Finder more of a "single window" app.

If Path Finder had Split Windows and Undo I would buy it immediately.

Cheers,
Ashley.

[flip]

What I would love is a way to split momentarily a window in two parts, like the preview panel already does. Except that in this case the panel would also show a browser, obviously. And I personally think that it would be handier if the browsers were superposed rather than side by side.

Each browser would have its own path navigator and column headers, and the common controls (sidebar, tabs, view buttons, bookmarks, action menu, etc) would apply to the browser that has the focus.

[Sydde]

The tab-pane-splitter sounds like a good concept, though implementing it is most likely a whole lot more difficult than a few lines of code - just creating a sensible mechanism that preserves a logical layout for the window (so that the user can clearly tell which pane belongs to which tab) is enough of a challenge. I am left with the impression that the split would work best horizontally rather than vertically, so that visual clues for tabs and panes are evident.

Perhaps a much simpler solution would be a little disclosure triangle that appears in the preview flex-pane when a folder is selected, accompanied by a way to temporarily lock the preview pane to the contents of the folder - in other words, make use of what we have.

Either way, it will be a bit of work for Cocoatech.

[og2t]

IF there were an option that, given that when i have two tabs open, copying/moving/etc would go to the other tab, (coupled with a keybord shortcut to toggle selection of a file) This I think would satisfy most of what NC/MC programs provide.

I am another one begging/voting for dual-pane view. I know that's very common for Mac users to hardly use keyboard to navigate/operate but in fact that's 200% faster and more efficient way!

I am using PC at home and Mac at work and my work efficiency drops totally having to drag&drop files constantly just to move them to another location. All that movements you have to do, rather than just select files by keyboard (cursor keys + Shift) and hit F6 to move them. How's that?

What I love in PF is that you can also navigate between folders using cursor keys and Return (not Apple + up) to get into Dir/open file. Combining that with power of function keystrokes... I could only imagine how cool it would be.

[grotsasha]

You can copy files with the same shortcuts you use to copy/paste text. For example with the cursor on the file you hit Cmd-C, and in the target directory (the cursor should be inside the target directory, not on the directory itself) you hit Cmd-V. This procedure allows you only to copy files but not to move them. I don't think that you can move files with shortcuts like that, but maybe someone will correct me.

If you like shortcuts (like quite a bunch of Mac users including myself) , take a look at the Path Finder Key Menu Editor (in Path Finder Menu), you'll find lots of possibilities to define shortcuts yourself.

[tonkaknot]

Just thought I'd drop in one more vote from a person who would buy PF4 the day it supported dual-pane....

Thanks!

[davebarnes]

I use Path Finder every day, many times a day.
I vote for having dual panes. I just looked at Disk Order and really like the dual panes. (I won't buy Disk Order because they don't have a support forum.)

For me, real-estate is not an issue with a 23-inch display and probably a 30-inch one in 2007.

,dave

[flip]

In the meantime, you can try the AppleScript I posted here as a substitute: http://www.cocoatech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6597#6597.

[tvilot]

Really simple: create a tab-splitter that lets the user see two tabs in one window.

That's exactly what I had in mind.

[djc]

OK, new user and impressed so i'm happy to pay my dues for this fine product.

Let me bump this thread and voice my support for a split screen mode. Coming from KDE and Konqueror I find it sorely missed in OSX. It could even be totally discrete, as implemented in TextWrangler, so those who don't like never have to see.

Sounds like there's a lot of demand for such a feature.

[janslu]

I have just purchased a license because Path Finder is the best of the apps I have evaluated so far but two panes for me is a must. I need a way to quickly compare subdirectories visually... Please...

[Auctor]

second that! we NEEED split screen support. ;)

[wegus]

OK, new user and impressed so i'm happy to pay my dues for this fine product.

Let me bump this thread and voice my support for a split screen mode. Coming from KDE and Konqueror I find it sorely missed in OSX. It could even be totally discrete, as implemented in TextWrangler, so those who don't like never have to see.

Sounds like there's a lot of demand for such a feature.


I agree to all of the above! In Mac OS i found the UNIX with a gentle effective GUI i looked for! The Finder was the biggest miss of functionality. Thanks to PathFinder i got it back, so i bought a 2-user License today. Coming from diverse UNIXes and LINUXes i do miss a split pane indeed. Using Shares, NFS-Mounts or FTP Connects this way would be absolut great!

Pathfinder already got that much, finally i got my instant terminal back :) , a split pane would be the cream on top !

So another vote for split panes please !

Greetings from Germany

wegus

[blackjack75]

Now that we have FUSE, we also have a wonderful SFTP Client (through SSHFs plugin), the only thing we still miss the two pane options.

Having two panes and the abilitey to select what they display just clicking on the tabs would be awesome.

I have to say I bought a license as an encouragement, although I see this has been massively requested since 2005 and still not available :-(

[Publi-Script]

I must agrre with most in here 9and seeing the amount of posts on that subject this must be a hot item to add to PF).

The way I would do it is to simply add a small "SplitView" icon to the right of each tab name. by default the "SplitView" icon would be triggered everytime you select a tab BUT if you specifically click on another tab's "SplitView" icon the main view would get split vertically (or horzontally depending on user prefs)

The only trick to implement at coding time is to check the "SplitView" state of any selected tab. If the "SplitView" icon is active, PF does not deactivate the "SplitView" icon on the previously active tab. That way you can navigate to different tabs while keep the split view intact.

Of course, just clciking on an active "SplitView" icon would just remove the targetted tab from the split view but keep the tab open.

Does this make sense?


Michel

[iamdj]

Man:

For all the work you have done on this program I am SOOOOoooo surprised you don't have a split screen view.

This what I was hoping for when I downloaded a trial verison.

In fact, you won't get a dime from me until PF DOES have a split screen or dual-pane view.

This program is so PAINFULLY ALMOST there.

I am one of those who wants to transer files easily between a split screen. This is SUCH a BASIC request...I can't believe it isn't in PF.

Are you LISTENING? HellOOooo? Is this thing on? Do you read the posts?

Sorry, I really am but this is really frustrating. People WANT this feature.

[grotsasha]

We're here, listening. We noticed that this thread is ahem... 6 (!) pages long. The feature is however very (very) far from being basic to implement.

[iamdj]

I'm sorry for the overly critical comment. You do have a nice product. I have found a product called FORKLIFT that does the trick regarding dual-pane navigating.

[rcdanek]

I'm a fan of dual pane and would love to see it. I get around this by setting Path Finder to cover half the screen real estate I need and then cloning. I'm also new to Mac's, so I don't know if what I'm going to suggest is possible (or has even been suggested before - I didn't read all six pages in this thread).

What I'd like to see is the ability to join the two windows to simulate a dual panes in such a way that they are still independent windows, but if you move one, the other moves too. Perhaps, the edges of the windows are glued together. Better yet, perhaps a syncing feature where, if enabled, changing the view mode of one window changes the other. Stuff like that.

Sorry if this sounds dumb. But, as I said, Mac's are new to me - only been using one for a couple months - and I'm still getting used to the differences between it and WIndows XP and some Linux GUI's.

For what its worth, I do have dual pane file managers on the system, like muCommander, but I prefer all the other nifty features Path Finder has, so I'm willing to brute force the dual pane simulation when I need it.

[powertowerpro]

I just have to say that I love pathfinder, and am interested to see what they do in the face of Leopard. That being said I requested the dual pane feature about 2 years ago, and am surprised that it hasn't been implemented, only because cocoatech is so good about adding value to their products quickly. Must really be a pain to develop (can't you just attach two windows??).

[mrhatken]

can't you just attach two windows??

Heck yeah!

What about just attaching two windows either horizontally or vertically and leaving the toolbar / tabs and all other functionality duplicated. I think that duplication could even be a bonus.

For the vertical attachment you could even move the toolbar / tabs for the bottom window to the bottom of the bottom window and display them inverted (ie upside down tabs etc.).

For example:

Window 1 PF Toolbar
Window 1 Contents
Window 2 Contents
Window 2 PF Toolbar

As long as you make this functionality easy enough to access, i.e. not requiring us to explicitly create two windows and them move them to attach them.

It needs to be easy to do, e.g. a duplicate vertically or duplicate horizontally option for a window, and when done the combined windows act as one wrt to minimisation etc.

At least it would be a temporary solution until you solve all the hard problems you seem to be facing implementing a split pane view.

Cheers,
Ashley.

PS I really want to buy Path Finder!

PS Of course, the attached windows would lose one edge and, perhaps, associated functionality (although perhaps they could just layer over the other window when exposed).

[Rebdantien]

I don't know what the status of having two panes is. I see a product called Forklift which offers such functionality. PathFinder seems better to me, but I may switch to the other if only because of the two pane option. Something I too grew used to over in the PC world.

[printmkr]

Just a heads up... ForkLift is 33% off at MacZot today... $19.95 It does not have a lot of the PF bells and whistles, but if you don't use them... and want the double pane...

[Mtasktoo]

I also would like to see a dual pane view.

I used Directory Opus on the Amiga too and still use it on my PeeCee's today (yes still use them, but prefer my iMac). I would love to see some form of dual pane view in Path Finder.

I too have tried a couple other programs for the Mac, but none match the full functionality of Path Finder. I am also a registered user of Path Finder.

For now I am using Forklift when I want dual pane view, and Pathfinder when I do not.

[dstenning]

instead of a dual pane system, a half way house would be a menu+shortcut to

1) open a NEW window if only one is open, otherwise use the last two already opened

2) stack the two windows - one above the other ( or maybe left to right )

also:

3) option to automatically "snap" and "glue" the two windows together so one follows the other if dragged around. ( maybe even mirrors resize actions )

One would be able to close one of the windows if one wishes.

[phigbee]

Please, someone... just make it capable of having 2 panes with FTP capabilities!!! it would sell millions of copies!... you know it would... it is the shortcoming of the graphic interface for all operating systems.

thank you in ADVANCE :),
Peter

[maijs]

instead of a dual pane system, a half way house would be a menu+shortcut to

1) open a NEW window if only one is open, otherwise use the last two already opened

2) stack the two windows - one above the other ( or maybe left to right )

This ia very good concept, my vote goes for this as that's all what we need - two stacked windows to drag files from one to another.

One thing must be very easy to do - switch from one window to another with TAB or other easy to use shortcut.

[haskellf]

I have to admit that the Dual Panel is a must have for PathFinder and pretty much a reason why I'm using Disk Order or Xfolders instead. Even with all the extras that PathFinder provides, I just can't do without dual panel. I use Dual Panel constantly and just hate to have to open two Path finder windows to do my work. Once they do add this important feature, I'm signing up and I bet you many others will also make the move.

[dan_f]

I agree that this is a key feature missing from PathFinder. It is the first feature I looked for in this new release, simply because it has been requested for so long, and would be so useful. Now I am looking at Forklift.

[mrhatken]

Every time a new version of Path Finder is released I come back to the site, money in hand, hoping for dual pane view. If the folk at Cocoatech think its a bad idea and they aren't (at least) trying to implement it I wish they would just say so. At least then it would be clear and I wouldn't need to come back.

Cheers,
Ashley.

[grotsasha]

We're thinking about something original in that direction. We're probably not going to make a "real" dual pane view, but we're brainstorming how to make it possible for those that want one. We're slowly but steadily working through our todo list of most requested features - we implemented quite a bunch of them during this and previous year. Dual Pane is obviously one of the most popular requests, and since we try our best to listen to our users, we do want to come up with a solution for this.

[mrhatken]

Thanks Grotsasha, at least that makes things clear.

Cheerio,
Ashley.

[scottamoulton]

You say that the customers are important and that the most requested thing is duel panes. Well then why oh why have you not listened to your customers SINCE 2003 when the first post and request was made. I have to tell you that it does not look like very good follow through. NOW many many other platforms have products with Duel Panes, like Directory Opus for Windows and it does not add any clutter. If they made a Mac version I would drop PathFinder in a heartbeat. Does that tell you anything??? No matter how good your product is, if there is one thing anyone wants they will move to it without a second thought. All we want is a split in the middle and the bottom look like the top so we can move files.

That is WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT! And not next month, like RIGHT NOW.

So I am willing to put my money where my mouth is, if you can hurry up and release duel panes I would be willing to pay $100 bucks for the feature upgrade you should have already had. I am sure there are many people who would give something to make it happen. How hard can it be?

$100 bucks? Yes or No? Anyone else need it?

Scott Moulton
Forensic Strategy Services, Inc
www.MyHardDriveDied.com

[Marek]

I wholeheartedly agree, when it comes to heavy duty file management Dual Pane seems to be the supreme solution. I noticed it really increases my productivity and I would love to have this option in PF. Stack, Shelf and Move To command, handy as might be at times, cannot substitute for real Dual Pane.

Please try your best to implement this feature, because we really need it :)

[artdog]

Yes me too. I know it is not Mac like but I would find it very useful. Right now I launch Forklift when I need such an interface but I would love to be able to do it inside Pathfinder instead.

[powertowerpro]

I really hope PF5 has dual panes...

[jepalmer]

Please add me to the list of PF users clamoring for a dual pane view.

I use both PowerDesk and Universal Explorer on the Windows side of my life, primarily because (1) windows explorer, uh, sucks and (2) they offer dual panes among many other features.

I bought PF because Finder is the functional (illiterate) equivalent of windows explorer. PF is worth the money, but it would be worth a whole lot more if it had a dual pane view. (My preference is to split the screens horizontally, but I'd be estatic if it were vertical only.)

[macmahatma]

I second this. Dual pane is very useful, dare I say almost essential for file power-management.
Bought Forklift for this just like artdog did but I just hate to use it out of the FTP area.
The free muCommander sports this, but the limited features, abstruse key shortcuts and ugly (though partly customizable) look make it more a "dual-pain" =D
Please.

[CocoaEnri]

Has anyone mentioned muCommander as an example of how to do dual panes? This app also provides access to servers which need to be accessed via SFTP or SSH. This is a must have for me before I will purchase the product. ;)

[chris_crack77]

Yeah, as I can see it's more than a half year since the last answer of the support team.

Are you currently working on the dual pane view? Still brain storming or still too windows like?

Would be nice to get an update. Thanks

cHRIS

[grotsasha]

We're working, right :) Paaatiience, pleeeaaasse :)

[chris_crack77]

Thanks. At least you're really reading the forum ;)

...so we're waiting...

[jollybengali]

...and still waiting. Not sure for how long though.

[jason777]

hi:
i would buy pathfinder inmediatly as many others who are using alternative apps like disk order etc if path finder had an optional dual pane view.

i have seen post in this forum as old as 2005 with people asking for this feature and being promised that it will be available in the new version.

any recent update on this?

thanks

[uniqueuser]

Well, getting a shortcut key for the filter field is requested since 2006.

[jason777]

i see...

any good alternavtives with dual pane windows?
i tried forklift, disk order, mucommander...but they are all inferior to total commander.

pathfinder would be great if it had this simple feauture...or maybe developers dont know how to implement it?

[uniqueuser]

I don't think so.

I haven't looked into the SDK stuff yet but maybe it's possible to add the "filter shortcut" feature via a plug-in.

[jamwerx]

having a split pane was the first thing I checked for in pf.

I have forklift and it has it but no columns view which does me no good.

[mrhatken]

Thanks to Cocoatech, dual pane is here at last.

A surprise release (at least for me) and much to digest.

From a quick look, it looks fantastic, congratulations to all involve!

Cheers,
Ashley.