This is a hot topic with the Gimp developers. Many people see it as a user interface flaw.
In general, with regard to UI design, it has to do with what is called "multiple document interface" , where all the documents (images in this case) appear inside an application window, sometimes as tabs. Gimp is NOT an MDI application: all the documents are in their own window. So there is no "main window" to dock the toolbox to. Much more discussion online if you are interested in GUI design.
If a one window layout is a design flaw, what your using now is a design disaster! I use gimp at work every day and I very frequently have to shift the toolbox as it gets in my way, and if I go fullscreen, I lose it completely! If I could dock it in the same window i'm working in it would make my work much easier!
Then, when a app is fully customizable they start to complain about the default...if you do not like the default, if you don't like how dialogs and windows work just enter in EDIT/preferences to customize to your needs
And if VISTA has bugs that may hide or minimize windows when out of focus.... just google for "DESKPINS"..is just a free virtual pin to stick in place dialog and windows
I would strongly recommend to have a look at the current development branch of GIMP and its single window mode - I'd even regard this as a requirement for participating in this discussion :)
Dock the toolbox to the main window? A: No
No.
This is a hot topic with the Gimp developers. Many people see it as a user interface flaw.
In general, with regard to UI design, it has to do with what is called "multiple document interface" , where all the documents (images in this case) appear inside an application window, sometimes as tabs. Gimp is NOT an MDI application: all the documents are in their own window. So there is no "main window" to dock the toolbox to. Much more discussion online if you are interested in GUI design.
plashless, off banks of noon
Design flaw?
If a one window layout is a design flaw, what your using now is a design disaster! I use gimp at work every day and I very frequently have to shift the toolbox as it gets in my way, and if I go fullscreen, I lose it completely! If I could dock it in the same window i'm working in it would make my work much easier!
So many ask for options to
So many ask for options to customize !
Then, when a app is fully customizable they start to complain about the default...if you do not like the default, if you don't like how dialogs and windows work just enter in EDIT/preferences to customize to your needs
And if VISTA has bugs that may hide or minimize windows when out of focus.... just google for "DESKPINS"..is just a free virtual pin to stick in place dialog and windows
I use deskpins
Works great, too!
Being considered
One of the primary HMI architects for Gimp is looking at it. Here is a blog entry on some thoughts:
http://www.mmiworks.net/eng/publications/2009/09/gimp-single-mode.html
-Rob A>
I would strongly recommend
I would strongly recommend to have a look at the current development branch of GIMP and its single window mode - I'd even regard this as a requirement for participating in this discussion :)