Why No Project Replace in Composition

Hi all,

I’ve gotten really used tp working in Composition mode these past few weeks, and I’m perplexed by something: Why is there no Project Replace available there? Is this another limitation brought on by the way Apple does things, or is a bug or a deliberate choice? If it’s the latter, well, I can sort of see the rationale for it — after all, in Comp mode, you’re only focusing on a single document — but nonetheless, it seems a silly limitation, because the rest of the document hierarchy is available right there in the popup. I’d really like to be able to access this feature while working in Comp mode, as I often change the names of people, places, and things in my manuscript based on sudden bursts of inspiration taken from the doc I’m currently working on, and the extra steps of exiting, replacing, then reentering Comp mode seems really clunky and is extremely aggravating. Any solution?

—A.H.

I think part of the problem is that this function requires a pull-down sheet, which doesn’t really mix well. But otherwise many of the disabled functions are design decisions. The idea being that composition mode is intended for focussed writing, not editorial decisions and tasks. Some people prefer that the system restricts their inclination to lose focus.

I hadn’t thought of the problem with it being a pull-down sheet; I always assumed that in Mac-app design terms, the whole screen was the window at that point, so it should still work. Hmm. If that’s the case, then I definitely see why it’s missing. On the other hand, while I respect that for focused writing, some people simply want fewer distractions brought on all the program’s usual by bells and whistles, that logic certainly doesn’t apply to everyone who uses Composition mode. I personally like Composition mode because the rest of the GUI is gone, and I get a nice, aesthetically pleasing interface to my current document, with a nice, non-tiling background image and translucent, textured paper, with a nice, compact bar at the bottom of the screen with some basic options, and LOTS of room to work in without bumping into other the parts of the UI. However, that doesn’t mean I want actual functionality taken away from me in some sort of Faustian bargain. :smiley:

So, what I would propose to Keith (if he’s hovering out there in the aether listening), is simply adding an option to the Composition pane of the Preferences window: “Allow Distraction-Free Writing In Composition Mode,” a checkbox that would do exactly what it says it would; when checked, Scrivener would behave just as it does now in Comp mode; when not checked, the appearance of Composition mode would not change any, but some of its behavior would; i.e., the user’s access to all the program’s (hidden) windows and functions would be restored, so the rest of us — who simply want a clutter free writing experience (and not a less functional one) — would be able to get more done.

As a matter of fact, I think I’ll go post that on the Wish List. :slight_smile:

Yes, that would be the place to hold forth. :slight_smile: