mxfb-2025 development ideas

[siamhie]

I have a couple of suggestions for program changes.


1. swap file-roller (5,003 k) for xarchiver (1,688 k)
2. swap catfish (1,798 k) for fsearch (1,124 k)


I never really liked the look of file-roller probably because it doesn't have a proper toolbar (Gnome)
and fsearch is so much faster than catfish. When I start typing, it will start displaying results whereas
with catfish you have to press enter after the word has been typed or semi-typed.

[ceeslans]

I have a couple of suggestions for program changes.

1. swap file-roller (5,003 k) for xarchiver (1,688 k)
2. swap catfish (1,798 k) for fsearch (1,124 k)

I never really liked the look of file-roller probably because it doesn't have a proper toolbar (Gnome) and fsearch is so much faster than catfish. When I start typing, it will start displaying results whereas with catfish you have to press enter after the word has been typed or semi-typed.

+1

[Jerry3904]

Suggest we consider that Super key bring up rofi from the bottom instead of the center, using a 2-column format. I have had it set up that way for a long time, using /usr/share/rofi/themes/extra-themes/cappuccin-mocha-mx.rasi, and find it both elegant and efficient. We'd likely want a comfort format.

[Melber]

Not so sure. Super key rofi is already kind of confusing as an app-finder that's not app-finder. Bottom position makes it ever more so.

[ceeslans]

The super key should definitely bring up mxfb-native "appfinder" (configured to appear in the bottom-left corner) - but only when running 'MX-comfort-tint2rc' (or 'tint2rc' panel). It just makes sense, both for positional and appearance reasons.
However, when running other panel positions or layouts, the super key should bring up a more common-styled 'appfinder' in a neutral position; In my view this should definitely be in centered position. You could consider @kobaian's "familiar" rofi theme --> which easily uses most of the "appfinder" configuration, tabs and settings. This theme certainly doesn't look 'off' when displayed at center screen.

I'm convinced that @Melber or other devs are able to create an if-else script, where the super key will either invoke "appfinder" in bottom-left corner -- or a common styled "familiar" in screen-centered position.
Have a look at below scrot. Settings like window width/height, number of columns and selection of tabs etc can easily be edited.

[Jerry3904]

Ok you two, I withdraw my suggestion (still like it myself, though).

[i_ri]

I am with You Jerry3904. system rofi on the menu button and personal rofi on the Super_L. Been doing that since the beginning of rofi use. I have it come central and a theme of my choosing. superb personalization diversity.


Is it possibly reflected in screenshots category, that mx xfce default is so well done that users do not change it. [, because, Compared historically] xfce screenshots has diminished number of entries for mx23. mxfluxbox diversity shows increased posts in screencapture popularity.
Take screenshots.

[Melber]

@Jerry3904 I didn't mean to pooh-pooh the idea completely, just find that the stand-alone rofi with drun as the active tab means it effectively appears as another appfinder already. The bottom position reinforces that impression. Doppelt gemoppelt as the saying goes in German.

Not even sure if anybody even uses the calc or window or workspaces or file browser tabs anyway. My guess would be drun and run are the only two anybody uses regularly.

I could maybe look at adding a toggle to the mxfb-appfinder-settings to allow a choice between "super key opens separate rofi" and "super key opens mxfb-appfinder"?

[Jerry3904]

No problem. I think such a toggle might work, would suggest appfinder be the default.

I'll just keep my preference for the short 2-column bottom to myself...

[mxer]

I'm probably out of order for suggesting this, but I have found the distro to be very 'heavy' - 5+GB then 8.1GB - can this not be reduced without losing much of its present functionality?

I'm used to distros between 3GB & 5GB installed size....