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microsoft / PowerToys

Windows system utilities to maximize productivity
MIT License
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Desktop Icon "Zones" with headers for organization (aka fences) #1392

Open htcfreek opened 4 years ago

htcfreek commented 4 years ago

Summary of the new feature/enhancement

Some users want ta arange/group there icons on desktop. There are som tools to create group elements on the desktop. Would be nice to have this integrated into PowerToys that the user don't need another application.

Proposed technical implementation details (optional)

The new PowerToy should show rectangles on desktop on which the user can arrange the icons. The position of icon and group elements should be saved over reboots. It would be nice too, if the the rectangles could be named and coloured. (If other poeple have more ideas for this feature please post them.)

A example what I mean is shown in this foto: image (Stardock Fences, https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/)

Ronsss commented 4 years ago

I made a similar suggestion, with similar reference. . The key point I need to emphasize is that Windows needs to be able to remember icon locations!

The problem kicks up particularly when you change display resolution. I have a dual monitor setup where I sometimes have to turn off one monitor. That pushes all icons on to the single remaining monitor. But their locations are all scrambled. And they are not returned to my previously selected locations when I start the second monitor back up. . I used Stardock Fences back when it was in beta. It's great. The concept they use is that the create resizable "fences" or corals or transparent folders that sit on the desktop. Inside those fences, stardock always controls the organization. . I also use a freeware called ICU. In it I manually take a "snapshot" of the desktop. I can select from one of several snapshots to restore icon organization when needed. I can keep separate 1 screen 2 screen snapshots to apply as required. . After using Windows for 30 years, I would think that MS would have gotten the message and built in this feature. They steal lots of other ideas, why not this one?

theBoatman commented 4 years ago

This would be a really great feature. I used Fences for years and this concept makes it so much easier to work with desktop icons. Everything looks nice and tidy, and you can find your icons fast even if you have really many of them. I am sure that if there would be a tool that is as easy to use as Fences from Stardock, a lot of people would love this.

Edit: Just found a project for this -> Tiels It's not ready yet, but on a good way.

technobulb commented 1 year ago

I would love this feature. Better if we can have it more similar to MacOS stacks. It just groups all like files into a stack, and you tap the top file to expand the stack. Has some nifty animations too https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-your-desktop-mh35846/mac

salfedev commented 1 year ago

I would love this feature. Better if we can have it more similar to MacOS stacks. It just groups all like files into a stack, and you tap the top file to expand the stack. Has some nifty animations too https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-your-desktop-mh35846/mac

Would be cool if it's a mix of both

technobulb commented 1 year ago

I would love this feature. Better if we can have it more similar to MacOS stacks. It just groups all like files into a stack, and you tap the top file to expand the stack. Has some nifty animations too https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-your-desktop-mh35846/mac

Would be cool if it's a mix of both

Like how?

technobulb commented 1 year ago

Cam this help? https://github.com/SynneK1337/stacks-for-windows-linux

theBoatman commented 1 year ago

I found another promising project for this functionality: https://github.com/Ross-Patterson/Portals-Desktop-Organization

technobulb commented 1 year ago

I found another promising project for this functionality: https://github.com/Ross-Patterson/Portals-Desktop-Organization

Nice, but I really like Mac stacks as it sorts file types automatically, still shows one icon on the desktop, shows a few underneath, one-click to expand (and stay expanded), and another click to collapse. Simple, Slick. Elegant. No need for a boatload of customization options.

dvlesh commented 1 year ago

Stardock fences similar functionality would be amazing addition, definitely voting for this

ericzhangdl commented 3 months ago

Stardock fences similar functionality would be amazing addition, definitely voting for this