[Feature] active icon in the notification area

[gilbh]

Hi,

I think it would be useful if the user is able to discern the current mode through icon shape change in the notification area. Many similar background apps use this technique, add a short colorful indication to the app icon as indicator of current state (e.g., Dropbox would have a small blue circle indicating active sync at the moment, etc.).

The indication should not be complicated. A basic small visual indication on the app icon "V" (such as a small letter indicating the mode? or a circle? a check mark? exclamation mark?) -- the indication should have a color-scale for which each mode is connected to (as in: blue for EDIT_NORMAL, red for INSERT, and so on -- just a random illustration).

Thanks Gil

[pit-ray]

That's the approach taken by rcmdnk/vim_ahk.

However, as I have stated here, even if implemented, it would be option.

To represent a mode, it must be a distinguishable symbol, but icons are only available in low resolutions such as 32x32. Therefore, I think it will be a messy look that almost hides the logo.

Thanks.

[gilbh]

Thanks.

I totally get it is not in your priority, but I think there would be huge value (at least to some people!). So many applications do this, like Google Drive, DropBox, Skype, Telegram, NordVPN ... it hard to think of an app that doesn't have active icon.

A change of color would be the best/easiest to implement, with six(?) different colors (the default green on Insert?).

While some users hide their icons and do not follow them, others would greatly appreciate the indication of the current mode. It is a huge feature for win-vind because the modality controls what happens with the keyboard at any given time. I am constantly looking in that direction to see what mode I am at.

Best!

[pit-ray]

I totally get it is not in your priority, but I think there would be huge value (at least to some people!).

I see. I will consider the costs and its benefits. However, it will definitely be an option, not the default.

A change of color would be the best/easiest to implement, with six(?) different colors (the default green on Insert?).

I think GUI, Editor, Insert, Resident is enough. What do you think?

Thanks.

[gilbh]

Yes, limiting to four variations (one of which is the default that you already have now) is a great idea.

[edshamis]

Would be nice to have a colored icon to indicate the current mode