Notes: Let text be wider for bigger screens

[zeroepix]

I'm often getting frustrated when writing notes on my 1920x1080 desktop. I love the app, but the tiny write-space feels like an unnecessary limitation. I know there is fullscreen mode, but I prefer having the note list on the left.

It would be nice to have a clickable option for people who prefer the narrow view, but this is how I've edited my notes.js:

/* center editor on large screens */
@media (min-width: 1200px) {
  .note-editor[data-v-34551322] {
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 75vw;
  }
  .note-container[data-v-34551322]{
    padding-right:0;
  }
}
@media (min-width: 1600px) {
  .note-editor[data-v-34551322] {
    margin: 0 auto;
  }
  .note-container[data-v-34551322] {
    padding-right: 0; 
    transition-duration: var(--animation-quick);
    transition-property: padding-right;
  }
  .sidebar-open .note-container[data-v-34551322] {
    padding-right: 0px;
  }
}

Obviously editing my notes.js file every time there's an update will be painful, so would you consider adding at least an option to enable the above?

[Larsene]

Hi, you can easely change the css style without modifing the notes.js files. Just add the Custom CSS package, then add your CSS in the tools.

With the same tool, you can also change the same limitation for the nextcloud text editor with . .editor__content{}.

I agree, this is so strange on a 3840x2160px if you're using notes as OneNote, but the width limitation appears to be more readable. This is why a Python file is 80 char large, for example.

@stefan-niedermann : why did you thumb-down on this discussion ? Because notes will change for Nextcloud Text tool ? Another reason ?

[stefan-niedermann]

No, no. I just have the opinion, that a wider editable area will distract most users. I know, it looks like wasted space, but long lines are very hard to read because one always have a hughe "eye jump" and one has to really concentrate to find the next line, when they are too long.

I understand the request but i think the majority of the users will not benefit. Also a new option next to full screen has to be maintained, tested and distracts the majority of users.

I think the proposed solution to use the "Custom CSS" app would greatly solve the issue for people who rea) rely on longer lines. Maybe it could even added to the documentation, but only with a hint, that this is not officially supported.

This was by no way meant to be offending :)

@korelstar will have to make the decision, maybe even the @nextcloud/designers @nextcloud/notes will have an opinion whether or not this should be implemented.

[marcoambrosini]

But yeah when thumbing down let's try at least to provide an explanation as it doesn't feel good to be thumbed down without knowing why :)

[korelstar]

I agree with @stefan-niedermann -- if anyone from @nextcloud/designers or @nextcloud/notes has another opinion, please write a comment.

[jancborchardt]

Check the Wikipedia article on line length: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_length#Electronic_text

Research on readability of electronic text gives the limits between 55 characters per line as possible minimum and 100 cpl as possible maximum. This is why we go with something inbetween, which is corroborated by the print text readability studies.

Note that the size of the medium is not really mentioned because screen size is really irrelevant here. It is all about the ergonomics and limits of human perception and cognition. Sure lines _could_ be longer on the screen, but making them longer would make them difficult to read.
Much like text _could_ be lighter colored or smaller or thinner, but that would make it less readable too.

[Larsene]

that's right. This is the reason that others notes tools allows more than one column. Perhaps could Notes support more column, to be able to display more content without scrolling ? (I don't know what wikipedia says about scrolling, but this is so boring needed to scroll).

@stefan-niedermann : thanks for your answer and explanation.

[zeroepix]

@Larsene thanks, I've used your suggestion and just changed the custom-css...works a treat!