Batch convert -- Saving output to a relative folder

[winnylinny]

A tooltip or explanation needs to more clearly offer a hint when selecting an output folder under Batch Convert.

I didn't even know this was possible, until I found out by mistake!

I kept using the "source folder" option, because I did not want to save my converted files to the same folder on my drive every time. Images exist in different albums and folders, so I was hoping there was a way to save the converted files into a relative output folder.

Guess what? It's possible! I just never knew because it was not explained!

This works on Linux, and Windows. New users might not know that XnViewMP's batch convert even supports "relative output folder" since no hints are provided.


- - -

EDIT: Here is what it could look like, based on the conversation between myself, cday, and user0.

Checkbox selected

subfolder-option-selected.png

Checkbox deselected

subfolder-option.png

XnViewMP already supports this, but you have to "trick" the "Folder" selection.

This is a better method, and it is more clear for the user.

[cday]

An interesting discovery, possibly not an intended option...?

Regarding syntax, mightn't a 'slash' be more intuitive, accept either '/' or '\', for example /converted ?

Out of interest, if the named folder does not already exist, is it possibly created automatically when needed?

Regarding documentation, for a developer testing is boring, documentation is even more boring, so volunteers are always welcome...

[winnylinny]

Out of interest, if the named folder does not already exist, is it possibly created automatically when needed?

Yes. If the folder does not exist, it is automatically created.

In fact, you can even specify a further nested relative output folder, such as:

• converted/webp
• converted/jpg
• converted/png

It works as you expect: It will save the newly converted files two folders down relative from the source folder.

This has beautifully improved my workflow. I wish I knew about this feature much earlier!

I believe more users will benefit if they knew about this feature in Batch Convert.

Regarding syntax, mightn't a 'slash' be more intuitive, accept either '/' or '\', for example /converted ?

Leading slashes denote an absolute path. This will attempt to save it to the root of the filesystem. This is why if you use the "browse" button to select the output folder, it will use the complete absolute path, which leads with a slash. (In Windows, this is the equivalent of typing C:\converted )

[cday]

This has beautifully improved my workflow. I wish I knew about this feature much earlier!

Maybe Pierre does too?

Regarding syntax, mightn't a 'slash' be more intuitive, accept either '/' or '\', for example /converted ?

Leading slashes denote an absolute path. This will attempt to save it to the root of the filesystem. This is why if you use the "browse" button to select the output folder, it will use the complete absolute path, which leads with a slash. (In Windows, this is the equivalent of typing C:\converted )

Either slash would be incorrect? A slash is normally used in the path to a subfolder?

[winnylinny]

Maybe Pierre does too?

It's a great feature, and should remain! Accident or not.

Either slash would be incorrect? A slash is normally used in the path to a subfolder?

Any slash put in the beginning of a path is considered "start from the root of the filesystem". Whereas, if you begin with the folder name (without a leading slash), it is interpreted as "start from the current directory".

Any slashes that come later are considered part of the absolute or relative path.



Some examples, if the source folder is /home/cday/Pictures/batch


Typing in /converted will save the converted files into:

• /converted

Typing in converted will save the converted files into:

• /home/cday/Pictures/batch/converted

Typing in /home/cday/Pictures/batch/converted will save the converted files into:

• /home/cday/Pictures/batch/converted

Typing in converted/webp will save the converted files into:

• /home/cday/Pictures/batch/converted/webp

[cday]

Thanks for the paths explanation, I think that my reasoning was that the Source folder part of the path was implied, so that /converted/some_folder with the slash would be logical. Never mind though, you have now documented a previously undocumented feature that might be useful to others.

[winnylinny]

Never mind though, you have now documented a previously undocumented feature that might be useful to others.

That's why I think a clear explanation or tooltip or "hint" should be printed on this page. It can help more people.


(FYI: I made some REALLY BAD TYPOS in my previous post. I've correct them!)

[winnylinny]

I can confirm this works the same in Windows too.

I think this should either be:

(1) communicated more clearly (tooltip and description) as I wrote above in my original post

or

(2) a third option should be added to the "Output folder" settings:

• Source folder
• Subfolder in source location
• Folder

The middle option (my feature request), you would type in the name of this subfolder. Choosing this option will place all the converted files into a subfolder from where the source files exist. (This is the same thing as what is already possible that I explained in my original post.)

So for example, if you select "Subfolder in source location", then type "converted" into the text field, all the converted images will be placed into the source location under a subfolder named "converted".

[cday]

(2) a third option should be added to the "Output folder" settings:

• Source folder
• Subfolder in source location
• Folder

The middle option (my feature request), you would type in the name of this subfolder. Choosing this option will place all the converted files into a subfolder from where the source files exist. (This is the same thing as what is already possible that I explained in my original post.)

So for example, if you select "Subfolder in source location", then type "converted" into the text field, all the converted images will be placed into the source location under a subfolder named "converted".

I would suggest the following detail change:

• Source folder
• Source folder subdirectory (or Source folder - Subdirectory)
• Folder

Otherwise an interesting suggestion that I expect could be easily implemented...

The existing Source folder operation when a subfolder name is entered, discovered by chance, need not be changed.

[winnylinny]

Perhaps something that looks like this?

subfolder-option.png

What do you think, Pierre?

[user0]

I really doubt there shall be more than one field for path

if go 'explicit' way, I think just adding 'Relative path' checkbox would be enough,
but tbh I would not bother and only add on_hover tooltip and describe it in wiki

[chrisncy]

Hello
Je trouve cela très interessant, mais je ne peux pas choisir cette option

dossier_relatif.jpg

Edit par cday:

dossier_relatif_exemple.png

> "Dossier source\Vacances_2022"

[cday]

Hello
Je trouve cela très interessant, mais je ne peux pas choisir cette option

It is only necessary to select the 'Source folder' (radio button) option, and to write the name of the desired source folder sub-folder into the 'Folder' name space: if the sub-folder does not already exist, it will be created automatically when processing starts.

An interesting chance discovery, but the interface does need to be modified slightly so that use is more intuitive.

[winnylinny]

An interesting chance discovery, but the interface does need to be modified slightly so that use is more intuitive.

Exactly! Hence this useful feature request.

Je trouve cela très interessant, mais je ne peux pas choisir cette option

TRANSLATION: J'ai créé la capture d'écran pour montrer comment cette fonctionnalité peut être implémentée. Cela améliorerait XnViewMP d'ajouter cette fonctionnalité.

ORIGINAL: I created the screenshot to demonstrate how this feature can be implemented. It would improve XnViewMP to add this feature.

[cday]

Thank you winnylinny, my details above from memory were not accurate, and that indicates a lack of intuitiveness in the present interface:

Screenshot from 2023-02-09 16-16-23.png

If the output files are to be placed in a subfolder in the source folder, the folder name would definitely be better placed in a new window to the right of the Source folder radio button, wouldn't it?