Bug 503896 - Render dialog: improve output file name input.
Summary: Render dialog: improve output file name input.
Status: RESOLVED WORKSFORME
Alias: None
Product: kdenlive
Classification: Applications
Component: User Interface & Miscellaneous (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: unspecified
Platform: Other Other
: NOR wishlist
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: Jean-Baptiste Mardelle
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2025-05-07 20:17 UTC by Gabriel Gazzán
Modified: 2025-06-09 03:47 UTC (History)
1 user (show)

See Also:
Latest Commit:
Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:


Attachments
Render Dialog output file name proposal (110.51 KB, image/png)
2025-05-07 20:17 UTC, Gabriel Gazzán
Details

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Description Gabriel Gazzán 2025-05-07 20:17:39 UTC
Created attachment 181042 [details]
Render Dialog output file name proposal

I often feel there could be some improvements in the way this information is presented to the user, and in the way of interaction with it.

Currently we have a text field that holds, in a single string, the whole relevant data to determine the output file characteristics, name and path.
Each time I'm faced with having to enter the name for the new file, I realize I have to carefully focus on deleting the text that's between the path and the file extension, so to enter the desired new name.
Moreover, I realize that if, for any reason, the user deletes the whole string and just type a name (i.e. my_video) and proceeds to render the file, the generated file gets saved in the "Kdenlive\bin\" folder, without any file extension. Of course, most probably, nobody wants that...

What I think could be an improvement is having:
- an output path field (with a folder browser button next to it), to select the output folder.
- an output file name field, to enter the name of the file to be generated.
- a file extension info text, next to the output file field (showing which type of file it will be created, based on the selected preset).

Benefits of this new approach:
- less unexpected outcomes (i.e. a file without extension or in an unknown/unexpected folder).
- improved workflow (i.e. less stress, easier name input), just click inside the field, hit Ctrl+A and start typing a new name.

Downside of this new approach:
- two rows needed in the UI to accommodate this new layout.

Of course, perhaps another (better) approach at it is possible and welcome too.
I've attached a mockup of what I imagine it could be...


Thanks for listening!
Comment 1 Jean-Baptiste Mardelle 2025-05-09 08:02:34 UTC
Git commit 82116260aa6b6fd298e56cad5429c498e78b201d by Jean-Baptiste Mardelle.
Committed on 09/05/2025 at 08:02.
Pushed by mardelle into branch 'release/25.04'.

Fix render widget target file can have no extension or incorrect path.

M  +14   -8    src/dialogs/renderwidget.cpp

https://invent.kde.org/multimedia/kdenlive/-/commit/82116260aa6b6fd298e56cad5429c498e78b201d
Comment 2 Jean-Baptiste Mardelle 2025-05-09 08:20:16 UTC
I am not against a change in the way we organise and display the render path. However, the described bugs should now be fixed in my last commit. Now clearing the existing text and just entering "myvideo" will correctly append the extension and use the last used render folder.

Please test and let me know if there is still a problematic behavior.
Comment 3 farid 2025-05-09 12:13:39 UTC
Hey Gabriel, you've made some nice reports and contributions, thanks. If you'd like, join our matrix room: #kdenlive-dev:kde.org

Cheers
Comment 4 Gabriel Gazzán 2025-05-09 16:07:19 UTC
(In reply to Jean-Baptiste Mardelle from comment #2)
> Please test and let me know if there is still a problematic behavior.

Any improvements, especially those that address issues, are to be celebrated.
Thank you!!
I find the way it works now, fits an efficient workflow. (i.e. the user can just delete/select all the string and type the name of the new file, and it just works). 
So, great job! :)

I wonder if hitting Ctrl+Enter (or some other shortcut) from inside the Render Window could start the "Render to file" task?
Comment 5 Gabriel Gazzán 2025-05-09 16:20:33 UTC
(In reply to farid from comment #3)
> Hey Gabriel, you've made some nice reports and contributions, thanks. If
> you'd like, join our matrix room: #kdenlive-dev:kde.org
> 
> Cheers

oh... thanks for the invitation! :)
I'll do, sure. if I find out how. hehe (never used matrix, I'll give it a shot)
Comment 6 Gabriel Gazzán 2025-05-09 17:39:38 UTC
ok, I have this problem:
I'm in this url  -->  https://webchat.kde.org/
but I just can't create a new account or use any of my KDE accounts to login either. 🤷‍♂️

I have accounts for:
- identity.kde.org
- bugs.kde.org
- discuss.kde.org
- store.kde.org

any help is welcome
Comment 7 Gabriel Gazzán 2025-05-10 00:13:01 UTC
ok, it seems I've found the way of logging into Matrix. `:-)
Comment 8 Bug Janitor Service 2025-05-25 03:48:22 UTC
🐛🧹 ⚠️ This bug has been in NEEDSINFO status with no change for at least 15 days. Please provide the requested information, then set the bug status to REPORTED. If there is no change for at least 30 days, it will be automatically closed as RESOLVED WORKSFORME.

For more information about our bug triaging procedures, please read https://community.kde.org/Guidelines_and_HOWTOs/Bug_triaging.

Thank you for helping us make KDE software even better for everyone!
Comment 9 Bug Janitor Service 2025-06-09 03:47:29 UTC
🐛🧹 This bug has been in NEEDSINFO status with no change for at least 30 days. Closing as RESOLVED WORKSFORME.