[FEATURE] UI schema management system

[rkirner]

trafficstars

QOwnNotes supports dark mode, which is nice.

However, the switch between normal mode and dark mode is a complicated process, as there are multiple gui settings that relate to dark mode. They all have to be activated on its own (like color of icons, etc).

I would suggest that the switch between normal and dark mode can be done by toggling a single setting: "enable dark mode". All the other settings to customise dark mode should only become active when dark mode is enabled.

I can understand that some users might appreciate the freedom to use some dark-mode related settings even without using dark mode. But this makes the switch between dark mode and normal mode confusing and complicated. It would be nice if switch between dark and normal mode would be a rather simple action, as many users want to use both modes, and just switch quickly depending on the current light conditions.

[pbek]

What you are asking for is a complete UI schema management system to have different sets of settings for QOwnNotes, because there is not just "dark" and "light".

But changing all the settings necessary will still take a restart, so it will not be a smooth experience.

[rkirner]

I didn't mean any massive change in the program, should be a rather minor thing. I was just referring to the logic how other dark-mode settings become active: only when main dark mode is activated.

That users have to restart to go into dark mode is not that much of an issue I think, as QOwnNotes restarts fairly quickly (in contrast to programs like Joplin, for example).

[rkirner]

Regarding dark mode, there is two use cases:

a) some people just prefer a dark style and they use it all the time (for them changing config is not an issue, as they just set it up once).

b) some people just use dark mode as an eye-friendly option when they are in low-light environments. For them, a single switch to toggle between dark and normal mode is very helpful (a restart is less of an issue, as this happens to be quite fast with QOwnNotes).

[pbek]

But those "modes" mean different things for different people, that's why there are many UI settings in QOwnNotes.

[rkirner]

I understand. I am just saying in other apps to toggle between dark and normal mode is as simple as changing one setting (some even follow system setting).

Granted, in some apps this seamless switch is not working well, as the color contrast becomes problematic in dark mode, if not all colors are switched carefully.

I was just referring to programs like Joplin, where the switch between dark and normal mode is rather smooth. But of course, Joplin also does not allow you to easily customise the dark mode experience. If the current behaviour on QOwnNotes is best for most users (who rarely toggle between the two modes), then it is fine as it is for them.