Integrating Tabs Into Applications

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.

• /ExistingImplementations

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.

• /ExistingImplementations

Tabs Menu

• Is one needed (gnomebug:72101)?
• What should it contain?

• /ExistingImplementations

Open New Tab by Double Click

• gnomebug:555753 - double clicking empty space in the tab bar should open a new tab.