Improving usability of PicturesToExe

[Igor]

I think you've noticed some steps we did in version 7.0 Beta to improve usability of PicturesToExe. This work is not finished yet. I'll add more changes in coming beta releases and in following version 7.5.

What you can suggest me to improve usability in PicturesToExe?

Please take in attention two important points:

- Your suggestions should be regarding existing features/functions/options. No feature requests here, please.

- There is a conflict between simplicity and features. Did we reach as possible more simple implementation for existing features?

[BootZilla]

Igor -

Does "keyframe grouping" in O&A qualify as adding simplicity?

Greg Gordon

[aplman]

What you can suggest me to improve usability in PicturesToExe?

My shows are all travel stories, and I like a little subtle animation (pan and or zoom) on every slide - keeps my viewers interested!

I love the existing animation features. However, it has needed hundreds or thousands of mouse clicks per project. Most of these would be eliminated if there was a way of adding keypoints to the main image of a batch of slides. I would like to be able to choose any or all of SlideBegin, PrevEffectEnd, NextEffectBegin and SlideEnd, and have those keypoints added to the main image of each selected slide. I promise I would use this ability on every slide in all my projects, and every thousand keystrokes or mouse clicks would be reduced to a dozen or so.

[Barry Beckham]

Igor

1. The one thing that I think prevents people using certain software is that software is so packed with options, its the options that create the difficulties. The newer user, cannot see the woods for the trees. For example, try to imagine your looking at PTE for the first time and open up the project options. The newer user can be forgiven for thinking another year of their life is about to slip away as they set about learning some new complicated software. All those tabs, packed with options and most of them we rarely use. How does the newer user know which ones are essential to get a slide show made and which are not. Perhaps there should be a basic project options that is so slimmed down that it only contains essential options for a basic slide show to be made. Make it a simple flow chart style with next buttons for each stage. The remaining options would go in an advanced section.

Here are my views on the Project Options.

The Main Tab - There is nothing on the Main Tab that you need to make a basic show, that can be moved to the advanced section.

The Control Tab – There is nothing we need here either, it can go to the advanced section.

The Music Tab – We need this, but it could be simplified perhaps.

The Screen Tab – All you need here is the virtual size of the slide option, but if PTE set this from the default screen aspect ratio, it wouldn't be needed either.

The Effects Tab – Dare I say you could get rid of that too. Just set a standard fade at 3 seconds.

The Comments Tab – Nothing needed here, so that can go to the advanced options

The More Section – Don't think I have ever used it, so it could go into the advanced section.

Enthusiasts will soon find the options they want, they are not the people who you need to attract.

2. Having copies of the images in one folder is pretty essential to our workflow in PTE. Many people find this a huge hurdle. There is one person in a thread now who did not appreciate that he could not go back and remake an exe file. That is a very common mistake and its where I start with my tutorials. If the newer user gets this part right, many pitfalls are avoided. I recall using Dreamweaver software some time ago and it would pick up that you had selected a picture outside the file group and it would remind you that it would cause problems later. Then it would ask if you wanted it copied into the folder now. It was a huge benefit. Could PTE not do something like that.

3. Converting Music from a domestic CD. Forum members all know how easy this is, but again many people struggle with this. Is it not possible to be able to select a track from a music CD and have PTE ask if we want an Mp3 created and placed in the project folder.

[davegee]

Regarding Barry's suggestion about the SCREEN TAB:

Could it be altered such that it displays SIMPLE and ADVANCED Options?

SIMPLE would read the connected (MAIN) monitor parameters and set the options to suit.

ADVANCED would allow for making a show the Options of which are different to the parameters of the connected monitor.

If the ADVANCED Options did not exist then it would not be possible to (for instance) create a 1920x1080 show with your 1920x1200 monitor connected.

DG

[Picsel]

Hi Igor,

Some suggestions

* Main window / File / Templates

- "Manage Templates" and "create Template from this show" these commands shoud be merged, like it is up today, only "Manage Templates is useful as it enables to browse, choose and name the registration folder.

* Main Window

- avoid saving again after creating an exe or video if the project has not been modified since the last saving.

As it is today if you

1) save your project

2) create an exe

3) close your project

Then Pte requires to save again before closing, that is confusing.

*Main Window

- an hourglass pointer should be nice during "exe" creation or when PTE is occupied with a batch task

*Main Window

- add a button to switch on the slide list (was existing before v7.0), and leave the possibility to use F4 hotkey

*Main Window / Project Options/ Sound tab

- the check box ""Don't interrupt sound comment when next slide appears" should be moved to Main Window / Add Sound/ Audio clip properties

(as it is today, it is very confusing for beginners and there are many mistakes due to that)

*Objects and Animation

- start playing should start from the last blue index position

*Objects and Animation/ Objects/Animation window

- movement settings on "smooth" by default rather than "linear" and all sections "separated" and not "glued"

- should it be possible to also set the speed slope for "opacity".

*Objects and Animation/ Objects/Properties window

- posibility to add an additionnal mask in a mask container by a right click on a mask container object then add a mask rather than to go and open Properties and click on "additional Mask"

*Sound features : (refer to my previous post on this subject)

sound editing with v7.0

There is a lot of possibilities with sound editing for backgrounds music (project options/ music tab) and now the same for comments and sounds slide by slide (Add sound/ Audio clip propeties). Every parameter can be adjusted with accuracy except the envelope / volume modulation. If I am right, the only way I found to set the volume parameter at a keypoint is to use the mouse hand cursor dragging up or down on the dotted line which is not very accurate neither easy to do.

That would be very nice if it was possible to set this parameter by taping the volume required directly in a dialog box?

Best regards

Daniel

[brutus]

Hello Igor.

I think this is essentially a marketing issue. I note for example most of the contributors to the forum are advanced or senior members with specialist knowledge of PTE . I suspect a reduction in any of the programs advanced features would probably be a restriction on their creative and artistic ability.

On the other hand there is always an argument for the simplification of any software; particularly where the learning curve is steep. The risk here is that over simplification can be as bad or even worse than none at all. [raises more questions rather than less].

The program could probably be enhanced by the inclusion of a brief explanation window when the cursor for those functions deemed confusing to the end user are activated – for example; codec, mask, child or object etc.

John.

[Igor]

Thanks for your suggestions! Please give me time to think thoroughly before I reply.

Barry,

This is exactly that what I expected to hear when I have raised this topic. Thanks!

Please look on attached screenshot. Here is an updated Main tab in the Project options window in future Beta 6. It contains aspect ratio because it's a very important parameter.

("Virtual size of a slide" remains on the Screen tab).

Also when you click "New project" in the main menu | File, Beta 6 will ask for project name and aspect ratio.

I've moved two options from the Main tab to More tab.

I'm considering an idea to rework a horizontal tabs in the Project options into a vertial list of tabs on the left side of the Project options window. This allow use tree of settings and put several advanced sub-tabs under parent tab, like on attached screenshot.

P.S. However I have a concern that it's impossible to vastly simplify the user interface of the software product intended for advanced and professional users keeping all its features. A simple example - Apple Final Cut, Apple iLife KeyNone, Adobe Photoshop. These products are not simple for beginners, IMHO. A lot of options, functions.

[nobeefstu]

Igor,

To begin and help users setup for different type slide shows ... I believe there needs to be a type-of-slideshow-build the user easily selects first-off to get started. The Type build selected would then show whats enabled/disabled by program default. There would be different defaults enabled for example using Auto Advance vs a Manual Advance slideshow and possibly some boxes could be disabled or even hidden because they maynot apply to that particular type build.

The Type list selections can always be added to in future versions as you see necessary which take no additonal space because it dropdown. I have attached a example image to show 2 such selections - Auto or Manual. You could add to the list Basic and/or Custom type builds and setting on by default for each later.

Its a possible start ... to quickly and easily get started.

*I noticed your new image attachment above.

[davegee]

Igor,

When starting a new Project would it be possible (desirable) to be able to load a previously saved TEMPLATE so that all parameters in Project Options are already set and do not need any adjustments?

DG

[Lin Evans]

Hi Igor,

The bottom line is that it will be virtually impossible to have a single product (PicturesToExe) which has all the needed features and bells and whistles for the advanced user, yet is "simplified" for the casual user or beginner. To try to greatly "simplify" a complex product will ultimately result in the destruction of the very utility and power which makes PTE the "choice" of the professional AV user.

It seems to me that the solution cries for two products: PicturesToExe Lite and PIcturesToExe Pro. Just like we have Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, Premier Pro and Premier Elements, etc., we need PTE Pro and PTE Elements. One product for the casual user with an upgrade path to the more sophisticated and powerful product which, I believe, should eventually be "linked" to the primary features of PixBuilder in an integrated fashion. Just a thought....

Best regards,

Lin

[fh1805]

Igor,

When starting a new Project would it be possible (desirable) to be able to load a previously saved TEMPLATE so that all parameters in Project Options are already set and do not need any adjustments?

DG

Dave,

This is available already. I've been using a customized template as my default template ever since v4.42. Just open a new project, set your Project Options to your own preferences, create a template from the show then set that as your default for all new projects.

regards,

Peter

[fh1805]

Rather than make some specific suggestions now, I'd like to discuss the topic in a more general manner.

As I see it, there will, essentially, be two possible ways forward for Igor: option 1 - to simply tinker with the existing user interface, moving items from A to B, dropping redundant items, etc; or option 2 - doing a complete re-design and re-write of the user interface.

Before embarking on such a re-work, one question needs to be answered: Who is this improved usability going to be aimed at? Is it aimed at the existing loyal user base or is it aimed at attracting and retaining new users (who may be from a younger age profile than many of us active on this forum)? If the latter, there are some implications for us all.

Those of us who have used the product for any length of time have found a way of using it that suits us. If the product is going to become easier for a new user to learn, it seems to follow that the user interface is going to change - perhaps radically. That might mean it no longer works the way that we are used to. Therefore, if we agree with the need to make it easier for the new user, it follows that we have to be prepared to change our ways of working - and not insist that Igor preserves the old ways alongside the new. I believe we need to give him a free hand - to produce a new user interface that is cleaner, slicker, more up-to-date in appearance; but behind which is all the function and power of the product that we know and love.

I don't know what exactly is behind Igor's creation of this topic but I would suggest to him that the next version of PTE (the one after v7.0) should have only minimal new function added. I believe he and his team should focus all their attention on a complete re-design of the user interface.

regards,

Peter

[davegee]

Hi Peter,

I'm not sure that I should have put this request here, but since you have replied.....

In a discussion with Barry he stated the same thing. But am I correct in that you can only have one default?

What if you wanted to have a choice of templates - 1920x1200; 1920x1080; 1440x1080; 1400x1050;1280x1024; 1024x768 etc - to choose from?

I use a variety of AR's based on 1080 - it would be nice to be able to load the one I want from within "FILE/NEW" without having to bother about Project Options adjustments.

If you think that this is a new feature (as opposed to what Igor started this thread for) please move to a new thread.

DG

[fh1805]

Ok, having stood on my soap-box and got that off my chest, now to some specific suggestions.

1 Bring all of the options (Project Options, View...Advanced Options, View...Timeline Options, etc.) into one place (Igor, I think your idea of a tree structure for the options is a very good one)

2 Ensure that a clear distinction is made between: System Options - those that determine how PTE behaves as piece of software and Project Options - those that determine how the sequence behaves.

3 Ensure that every option, every icon, every command, every button has a "tool-tip" pop-up that appears whenever the mouse hovers over that item

4 Ensure that each tool-tip is a hyperlink to an expanded piece of "context sensitive help"

I accept that this will impose a big workload on the translators. But, I firmly believe that PTE is now so complex that it needs some kind of context-sensitive help. I also believe, perhaps naively and wrongly, that PTE now has all the major function that it will ever have: single images, video clips, audio files, transitions, 2D animation, 3D animation. If I am right, then it should mean that the help will need to be written only once and translated only once (per language, of course!). Thereafter, the maintenance effort on the help files should be relatively low.

I also like nobeefstu's idea. Why not add a "Wizard" to guide a new user through the steps needed to produce a simple sequence:

choose the images (i.e. bring them into the project folder)

choose the video clips (i.e. bring them into the project folder)

choose the sound files (i.e. bring them into the project folder)

order the images and video

add the sounds

adjust the timing

add transitions

add animation (if desired)

preview

refine

publish

save

If I think of other suggestions, I'll add more posts.

regards,

Peter

[JEB]

Hi,

I'm with Peter on this in as much as I agree that we drastically need a new user interface, more than additional features.

If however some UI enhancements can be provided prior to any major re-write that would presumably be useful to Igor as a means of gauging reaction.

I also see merit in the idea of "Lite and Pro" versions if the improvement to the UI can only be achieved in that way.

I have no problem with the idea of potential new ways of "skinning the cat" and suspect that most regular PTE users will welcome the opportunity of continued participation in the development of this fantastic program.

It will come as no surprise to anybody that I hope any improved UI will include the presentation of Audio!

Thanks Igor for your invitation to participate in this topic.

Regards

John

[xahu34]

... It seems to me that the solution cries for two products: PicturesToExe Lite and PIcturesToExe Pro ...

I have some doubts that the maintenance of two program versions would be of favor for WnSoft On the other hand, a revised version of the Project Options would be a good choice. We should keep in mind that the user interface is going to be changed (e.g. an integration of audio tracks into the Main Window has been announced, while I myself hope for the feature to have objects that live across several slides). The revisions of the Project Options and of the Main Window should go hand in hand

Regards,

Xaver

[goddi]

3 Ensure that every option, every icon, every command, every button has a "tool-tip" pop-up that appears whenever the mouse hovers over that item

4 Ensure that each tool-tip is a hyperlink to an expanded piece of "context sensitive help"

Peter

======================

Greetings,

I am what I would call a middle-of-the-road user. I don't do rotating cubes or highly technical things. Not that I don't want to but it is a bit beyond my brain. But what keeps me from trying some of the possibilities is that I don't know WHY I would want to choose a particular menu item or what it is really going to do. Even reading the Guides many times does not help. I agree with Peter that one of the most important improvements is to have mouse-over context pop-ups to tell me WHY I would want to use the menu choice and what it will do for me.

This gets my vote.

Thanks... Gary

[Aginum]

Igor

If you work in dual screen, it should be possible to store the windows position (objects, 3D, sound, etc.) as in Photoshop...

Thanks,

Charlie

[nobeefstu]

DG,

As Peter has mentioned and if I understood you correctly... you can easily do this now with current Templates feature(s).

Hi Peter,

I'm not sure that I should have put this request here, but since you have replied.....

In a discussion with Barry he stated the same thing. But am I correct in that you can only have one default?

What if you wanted to have a choice of templates - 1920x1200; 1920x1080; 1440x1080; 1400x1050;1280x1024; 1024x768 etc - to choose from?

I use a variety of AR's based on 1080 - it would be nice to be able to load the one I want from within "FILE/NEW" without having to bother about Project Options adjustments.

If you think that this is a new feature (as opposed to what Igor started this thread for) please move to a new thread.

DG

1_ What if you wanted to have a choice of templates - 1920x1200; 1920x1080; 1440x1080; 1400x1050;1280x1024; 1024x768 etc - to choose from?

Add a leading numerical value to the saved name so the list sorts to your needs. Select the Template you want build from. (see image Template_1.jpg)

2_ I use a variety of AR's based on 1080 - it would be nice to be able to load the one I want from within "FILE/NEW" without having to bother about Project Options adjustments.

You can only have one of the Template file to be used for creating a New File. Once you make & enable your Default selection ... it will always use this file when creating a New File. (see image Template_2.jpg)

* You can even change the saved Templates folder location to another Drive so as to keep them off the normal C Windows drive. Set the new folder location ... or to return to all program defaults for templates click Set Defaults button in Manage Templates.

[goddi]

Greetings,

I have mentioned this before but it seems to have fallen into a black hole. Let me raise it again because I believe it would improve the usability of PTE:

There is no way to lock in the Customize Lengths of slides, and let the Timeline/Timed Points/Arrange All Points re-adjust all of the slides so that all of the slides are arranged to the length of the music, while keeping the Customized Lengths for those particular slides.

A work-around was suggested which requires one to move the slides in 'Full Screen View of Slide List' but this is not an intuitive choice. It makes sense to be able to keep the Customized Lengths for the slides that have it and use the Arrange All Points to spread them all to the length of the selected music. If this is done in the Timeline, the Customized Lengths are lost.

Thanks... Gary

[BootZilla]

Igor -

For this program "PTE" to grow in popularity, I caution in a complete overhaul of the software. Is it possible to have some new tabs in the "project options" that could cover some of the "pro users" desires rather than a big interface change. The last thing you want to hear is a new user of PTE telling his friends "stay away from that PTE program , it's way too complicated". It's great that we have experienced users who are always trying to push the envelope but I would suggest that most users just want to produce good quality slideshows that can tell a story or can display great images or stir the emotion of the viewer with a sequence of imagery and music without having to worry about a high level of sophistication.

Greg

[Barry Beckham]

Igor

I can appreciate that there are some issues to overcome, but as usual you must pick those you think are worth running with from all the suggestions. Ironically its the consumer that demands the complexity and options in modern software and the same consumer who then has difficulty with all those options.

I wouldn't like to lose any options that are already there, even ones I don't use, but I do know where people get stuck.

I will look forward to beta 6

Good luck with whatever you decide, the older user will have a moan about any change, but we will get over it.

[davegee]

Stu,

D**n!!!

I've been using Templates for years to "archive" shows after completion, but I have never noticed before that they appear as a list in the Templates drop down.

And by sorting as you describe the true Templates can be differentiated from the Archived Show Templates.

Neat.

P.S. Igor has already recognised the importance of AR and decided that in future this should be set when clicking on FILE/ NEW.

My suggestion is that it could also be possible to go further and include "Load a Template" in this action possibly as an alternative to "Set AR".

Loading a Template from the "TEMPLATES" drop down necessitates a seperate renaming procedure wheras by being able to also do it in FILE / NEW the two things (naming and loading the Template) are done in one action.

Increased efficiency?

DG

[Delicate]

Hi,

I would like to have a possibility to select a group of slides on the 'slide timeline', then via 'Customize slide' have a possibility to resize the topmost object of each slide to original size (100%) by just one 'klicking', in spite the topmost object is a frame, a picture, a rectangel etc. (I don't know what would happen if there were several topmost parent objects...?)

What I mainly mean is, that I would like to have a possibility to resize a group of oversize pictures to original size, then do some zooming or repositioning of the pictures.

Like it's now, I have to toggle the 'Objects and Animation' for each slide, and in 'Size/position in pixels of parent' klick 'Size'.

Jan