1. Integrating Tabs Into Applications
1.1. Keyboard Shortcuts
- Need for consistent use of keyboard shortcuts across different applications (gnomebug:877764, gnomebug:163494, gnomebug:160747).
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/TabConsistency: there should be a set of global configuration options for tab keyboard shortcuts.
- Actions potentially requiring keyboard shortcuts:
- Open new tab (416110)
Select tab left/right - see http://mail.gnome.org/archives/usability/2006-February/msg00188.html - discussion of possible key combinations.
Select specific tab - see http://mail.gnome.org/archives/usability/2002-April/msg00092.html on mnemonics. These are advised against in the HIG, apparently.
- Move tab left/right
- Close current tab
- Obstacles to consistency:
Potential conflict for switching between tabs that contain GtkTextViews - GtkTextView uses Ctrl+PgUp/PgDn for moving the cursor around (gnomebug:877764).
Special requirements of specific applications. A potential solution - recommend 'Ctrl+PgUp/PgDn, and if Joe Developer feels that an exception to the rule is warranted, at least make Ctrl+Alt+PgUp/PgDn work' (gnomebug:877764).
- Related design issue: does close tab need a different shortcut from the generic 'Close' command (gnomebug:877764) - see Closing Windows and Tabs.
1.2. Closing Windows and Tabs
- Should the close item in the file menu close all tabs, or just the current active tab (gnomebug:72101, gnomebug:877764))?
- Should 'Close all windows' be used, as opposed to 'Quit' (see gnomebug:83560 - much discussion here which needs reviewing).
Useful discussion on different combinations of close options can be found in bug 83560.
1.3. Tabs Menu
- Is one needed (gnomebug:72101)?
- What should it contain?
1.4. Open New Tab by Double Click
- gnomebug:555753 - double clicking empty space in the tab bar should open a new tab.