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STILL no auto-resize option for Columns in 10.7.2?

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere, but just wanted to confirm -- before sending yet another Feedback feature request -- that the latest version of Lion STILL has not implemented a global preference option to have columns automatically right-size in every new window. This is a long-requested and achingly obvious option, which has been conspicuous by its absence ever sine "Column View" was first introduced. Is there some technical reason why this would be too hard to implement? It just seems bizarre to have a "manual" auto-resize function for the columns within each new window, yet not have a simple user-selectable preference to make that the default Finder behavior.


So what gives?

Mac Pro, 8-core 2.8GHz; 10 GB; GeForce 8800, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Mac user since 1990 (starting on a sleek SE/30)

Posted on Nov 29, 2011 12:19 PM

Reply
23 replies

Nov 29, 2011 12:32 PM in response to John Bertram

There is one, at least in Lion -


Hold down the Option key while resizing the width of a column.


Three things will happen -


• all columns will be changed to be the same width, whatever you set it to.


• the new width is retained between closings and re-openings of folders.


• the setting is a global for all windows opened in Column view.

Nov 29, 2011 2:09 PM in response to Don Archibald

I think we may be describing two different things here...


If I'm correct, what you're describing appears to create a new, fixed default size for all columns when a window is opened in Column View.


What I and many others are seeking is a global Preference where the user can choose to make the "Right Size All Columns Individually" option the automatic, default behavior whenever a new window is opened.


Hope that clarifies.

Nov 29, 2011 7:25 PM in response to varjak paw

Dave Sawyer wrote:

As you know, that's never been a feature of any version of Mac OS X.

Hence my frustration -- since it's always seemed like such an obvious feature to implement ever since Column View was first introduced -- and I've seen it searched for and asked about many times in many forums ever since.

You can suggest it to Apple via their feedback pages:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

As I mentioned earlier, it's one of the things I've been sending feature-request Feedback on for some time now, and clearly will now be doing again. I just wanted to confirm that the 7.2 update hadn't finally gotten around to including it, and I'd just been looking in the wrong preference panes.

Given how long Mac OS X has been out with this feature not implemented it seems unlikely, but you never know.

Regards.

It took them quite a while just to implement the "Right Size" options which now exist in each individual window -- so hope springs eternal that such an achingly no-brainer feature as this (simply offering an already-existing function as a global preference rather than only a window-by-window option) will finally get checked off their Overdue Do List.

Nov 30, 2011 1:22 AM in response to John Bertram

John:


That column view thing is so horrible that I can't use it because it forces me to click and swipe with the mouse every time I open a Finder window. The only way round it (which I've seen some people using in desperation) is to give all your files names so short that you won't need to alter the width of the Finder window. This leads some people to use codified filenames nobody else can understand, whereas on the other hand people like me tend to name files things like "email sent Weds 17 to Eric".


I get round this with great success by using a small add-on (not a System hack) called "Classic Menu" which brings back the old hierarchical Apple Menu, accessible from the Apple icon in the top left corner of the Menu Bar.


This displays your entire folder and file structure hierarchically, with no limited on the length of filenames.


Instead of clicking and resizing umpteen times just to locate a file I need, I just point my mouse ONCE at the Apple icon and scroll freely up and down, everywhere on my system, until I get to the file or folder I want.


Give it a try. Instead of struggling with that dumb Finder window thing that was introduced with OSX, and not finding a solution, you may have less trouble with Classic Menu.


There are other Mac tweaks that do a similar thing but CM is only one that puts the Apple Menu where it should be (at the left of the Menu Bar, not the right) and offers far more customization options.


I find it works fine in Lion although apparently some have issues with it. GIve it go anyway.


Here's a link to Classic Menu.


BTW I don't work for the Classic Menu people. I just like CM 🙂

Dec 1, 2011 2:35 PM in response to Tom in London

Thanks Tom.


While I still find Column view my preferred choice in many situations, I too miss the Hierarchical menu option from the Classic days, and would love to see that functionality re-introduced to OS X as well.


I had a look at the "Classic Menu" link you provided, and may give it a try -- but was disappointed to see this caveat:


"OS X 10.7 (Lion) issue: Some users are reporting that Classic Menu will not launch on Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion). Unfortunately Classic Menu is no longer being actively developed. As a result, the source code is being made available below."


Since I'm just in the process of switching multiple Macs over to Lion from SL, I'm hesitant to add a use-at-your-own-risk utility with known Lion compatibility issues. Do you happen to know if anyone else is offering hierarchical menu functionality for Lion? (Though I guess a search over at VersionTracker would give that answer.)

Cheers,

jb

Dec 2, 2011 10:03 AM in response to Tom in London

I'll definitely give it a try, and will attempt to report back in this thread on the results.


I agree with the logic and esthetic of a left-to-right orientation. Meantime, I guess I'll combine a Finder Feedback feature request for both a Hierarchical menu option, and a global default preference option for auto-resizing of columns in any new window.


It's all about giving Users the power to choose what works best for them. To me that's the bottom-line for any software -- from the largest OS to the smallest single app. Bury the customizing options behind as many Advanced Tabs and Cautionary Dialogs as you like, but please give us the final say on those kinds of personal, subjective choices.


End of editorial.


Thanks for the replies.


John B.


BTW -- perhaps you can answer a quick question I have re this new format for the whole Discussion Forum (I mean, "Support Communities") area: Is there a way to simply have the spellchecker always On, instead of having to keep re-activating it (and in my case, usually forgetting to do so)?

Jan 2, 2012 7:37 AM in response to John Bertram

I would encourage everybody reading this thread to leave Apple feedback requesting this feature.


I have a 27" iMac with a lot of screen width to display information, and yet I have to manually resize the columns for long file names. To me this is frustrating and so easily remedied that I fail to understand why Apple hasn't responded to the many requests for this feature. It's not rocket science - you'd think even an undergraduate intern would be able to manage it....

User uploaded file

Jan 3, 2012 11:17 AM in response to John Bertram

BTW -- perhaps you can answer a quick question I have re this new format for the whole Discussion Forum (I mean, "Support Communities") area: Is there a way to simply have the spellchecker always On, instead of having to keep re-activating it (and in my case, usually forgetting to do so)?

It's another complaint you need to make.

https://discussions.apple.com/community/using_apple_support_communities?view=dis cussions


You can go to html edit to get spell checking. Some people asserted spell checking worked for them in other browsers. I forget which.


Robert

Jan 4, 2012 11:22 AM in response to DrEB@StAndrews

Are the columns sizes consistant in their different sizes? You may be able to write an applescript to do this.


This isn't a solution for columns, but this apple scripts demonstrates how to work with the finder. I invoke it from a keyboard remaping utility


tell application "Finder"
    open folder "Applications" of startup disk
    select Finder window 1
    set bounds of Finder window 1 to {-3, 44, 691, 545}

    --set position of Finder window 1 to {33, 44}
    set position of Finder window 1 to {60, 45}
    activate
end tell


Here is an applescript that adjusts the open dialog box in MS Word. It will not work on lion. Needs a different drag mouse utility.


I could piddle with this if interested. It would be a winter project. It wouldn't work in lion though. It would need a different drage utility.



(* 


posted to:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=11060273&#11060273

Required:

xcode
  http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10613253#10613253

Macintosh-HD -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal 

Click
  http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2008051406323031

clickdrag 
  http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2008051406323031

Microsoft Word
    2004 for mac
    version 11.6.1

Play Sound
       http://microcosmsoftware.com/playsound

Turn on accessability GUI in system preferences.

Optional:
--------
Full Key Codes
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/21215

findCursorLoc
findCursorLoc, applescript code, is listed below.  Assign this code to a function key. 
move cursor to desired location, press function key:
requires: 
 XTools scripting addition gives AppleScript the ability to move the mouse.     
    http://www.lestang.org/osax/XTool/
    XTool-2.0.dmg.tgz 

  -- begin findCursorLoc --
   do shell script "/usr/sbin/system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep 'Resolution'" -- get info
   tell the result to set {DisplayWidth, DisplayHeight} to {word 2, word 4} -- get resolution

   set {xWidth, yHeight} to position of the mouse
   display dialog "DisplayWidth= " & DisplayWidth & "  DisplayHeight=" & DisplayHeight & return & "  xWidth=" & xWidth & "  yHeight=" & yHeight
  -- end findCursorLoc --

youpi or iKey
   youpi and iKey are keystroke remapping programs.
   youpi, the free version, works fairly well for me in Mac OS 10.4 although not officially supported. 
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/11485&vid=75326
   iKey is the paid version
http://www.scriptsoftware.com/ikey/

*)
-- Script results from blizzard of '10 & no DSL connection. Hence, I've time to program.

on run
    -- Write a message into the event log.
    -- To see, run this applescript in Sript Editor. Click on Event Log tab at bottom of screen.
    -- Click run.
    log "  --- Starting on " & ((current date) as string) & " --- "

    set theApp to "Microsoft Word"

    -- the folder containing click & clickdrag binary
    set theClickLoc to "/Users/mac/clickcode/"

    -- Should not need to be changed.
    set theSoundLoc to ((path to system folder) as string) & "Library:Sounds:"

    --- We have arrived.
    (* 
    Play Sound
       http://microcosmsoftware.com/playsound/
    *)
    tell application "Play Sound"
        play theSoundLoc & "Funk.aiff" repeat 4
    end tell

    -- Get the size of the screen
    do shell script "/usr/sbin/system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep 'Resolution'" -- get info
    tell the result to set {DisplayWidth, DisplayHeight} to {word 2, word 4} -- get resolution
    log "DisplayWidth= " & DisplayWidth & "  DisplayHeight=" & DisplayHeight




    --  For debugging,make sure your application is closed.
    -- Start your application
    tell application theApp
        activate
    end tell

    delay 10

    tell application "System Events"
        tell process theApp

            tell application "Play Sound"
                play theSoundLoc & "Funk.aiff" repeat 2
            end tell

            -- get rid of initial idiot panel
            key code 53 -- escape key
            delay 2

        end tell
    end tell
    --  end For debugging

    -- normal start point.
    tell application "System Events"
        tell process theApp

            tell application "Play Sound"
                play theSoundLoc & "Hero.aiff" repeat 3
            end tell

            --  open file menu
            keystroke "o" using command down

        end tell
    end tell

    say "Display open file panel, soon. if not already."

    -- debug stuff    
    try
        tell application "System Events"
            set processList to get every UI element of process theApp

            log "processList=..."
            log processList

            set processList to get name of every UI element of process theApp

            log "processList=..."
            log processList
            set processList to get position of every UI element of process theApp

            log "processList=..."
            log processList
        end tell
    on error
        log "no " & theApp & " today"
    end try
    -- end debug stuff    

    -- loop error escape value
    set opsCount to 0

    -- Wait until the file open  window appears

    set processList to {} -- repeat until requires processList to be defined.
    (* repeat until may need adjustment *)
    repeat until (processList contains {"Open: " & theApp})

        -- prevent an endless loop
        set opsCount to opsCount + 1
        if opsCount > 120 then
            display dialog "Logic error " & theApp & " never opened a open file window." giving up after 120
            return
        end if

        delay 0.2

        try
            tell application "System Events"
                set processList to get name of every UI element of process theApp
                log "processList=..."
                log processList
            end tell
        on error
            log "no " & theApp & " today"
        end try

    end repeat

    say "We are about to start dragging."

    -- Allow for moving open file panel
    -- Start by getting current position
    try
        tell application "System Events"
            -- alternative, should only be one position: 
            -- set prositionList to get position of every UI element of process theApp whose name starts with "Open:"

            set prositionList to get position of front window of process theApp
            log "prositionList=..."
            log prositionList
        end tell
    on error
        log "no " & theApp & " today, point 3"
        display dialog "Logic error " & theApp & " no position for open file window." giving up after 120
        return
    end try

    -- Make adjustment for moving open file panel
    set prositionX to item 1 of prositionList
    set prositionY to item 2 of prositionList
    log "prositionX= " & prositionX & " prositionY = " & prositionY

    set actualX to prositionX + 154
    set actualY to prositionY + 233

    -- Widen folder & disk list in open panel.
    -- move to start of drag.
    try
        -- for debug drag point is currently  -x 198 -y 288
        set see to theClickLoc & "click -x " & actualX & " -y " & actualY
        log "see= " & see
        set results to do shell script see
    on error theError
        display dialog "click error found. results for " & theError
    end try

    -- Drag
    try
        -- -x 266 -y 288
        -- drag is 68 pixels to the right
        set see to theClickLoc & "clickdrag -x " & actualX + 68 & " -y " & actualY
        log "see= " & see
        set results to do shell script see
    on error theError
        display dialog "clickdrag error results for " & theError
    end try

    say "good news, Drag complete."

end run



Robert

STILL no auto-resize option for Columns in 10.7.2?

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