Manually fix columns width, define columns' width as (non) flexible

[ilippert]

JabRef 5.1--2020-04-23--bbea7df
Linux 5.5.17-200.fc31.x86_64 amd64
Java 14.0.1

I'm always frustrated when I open jabref and the columns have columns widths that I have to fiddle with.

Describe the solution you'd like
I want to have a slightly more (advanced/extended) entry table columns specification in the Preferences. At the moment that preference panel only configures the Name of the column. I want to see three configurable columns

• Name (as is; but see custom entry table columns with multiple fields not organised by order #6263)
• width (in percentage or something like pixels)
• fix width (checkboxes that when activated fix that column absolute or relative width)

The initial values for width should be read from the current state of widths in the entry table.

I believe that this improvement would also reinstate a feature that was enabled in an earlier incarnation of jabref: define default widths for columns and retrieve values from the current layout of the columns.

[ilippert]

This is clearly related to the bugs #6259 and #5872

[ilippert]

This enhancement is also related to #6626 #6818 #6690

[github-actions]

This issue has been inactive for half a year. Since JabRef is constantly evolving this issue may not be relevant any longer and it will be closed in two weeks if no further activity occurs.

As part of an effort to ensure that the JabRef team is focusing on important and valid issues, we would like to ask if you could update the issue if it still persists. This could be in the following form:

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Thank you for your contribution!

[ilippert]

I would still like this feature

[protist]

To add a bit more detail, any manual changes to column widths is not saved between sessions. To replicate:

1. Change column width
2. Save and quit
3. Launch JabRef again

Expected behaviour: columns should have the same width as previously defined.
Observed behaviour: columns reset to the default width.

This is particular annoying for fields such as "Year", which barely require any width, but take space away from more verbose columns like "Title" or "Comment".

[samuelVJrobinson]

I agree with the previous comments. This would be extremely useful to have in future versions of JabRef.

[ilippert]

JabRef 5.4--2021-09-22--e9d845b
Linux 5.13.16-200.fc34.x86_64 amd64
Java 16.0.2
JavaFX 17+18

just to reiterate another part of the problem: when I change the width of the column, JabRef unpredictably shifts other columns' widths.

[Siedlerchr]

Did you disable "Fit columns on screen"?

[ilippert]

Did you disable "Fit columns on screen"?

I have activated "Fit table horizontally on screen"

[ThiloteE]

Yes, disabling that one could help you. I don't use it either. Widths of Columns are saved after closing and opening of JabRef and it doesn't lead to weird problems, when resizing the group column or trying to manually adjust the widths of columns. I was soooo close to posting a video about this, but then i found disabling this option helped me a lot and i was like hmmmm... maybe other people like having it activated xD

Out of curiosity, Are there any statistics how many users of JabRef use or disable this function?

[ilippert]

Thanks for the suggestion. Deactivating the Fit immediately helps.

[protist]

Did you disable "Fit columns on screen"?

Thank @Siedlerchr. I can also confirm that disabling Fit table horizontally on screen results in column widths being saved between sessions.

[shmilee]

"Fit table horizontally on screen" helps.
But the "groups interface" width is still not saved.