Word processor new HTML control proposal

[volkansari]

What problem are you trying to solve?

We are trying to solve the problem of limited accessibility and usability of open formats (such as ODT, ODS, ODP, and ODF) in web environments. Currently, users often need to rely on dedicated software to view and edit these documents, which can hinder their workflow and create unnecessary dependencies. This solution aims to enable users to directly open and interact with these documents in their web browsers, thereby streamlining their work processes. Additionally, by allowing local processing of documents, we can reduce the server load associated with handling multiple users and large files. The integration of electronic signature functionality will also address the increasing need for secure document signing and sharing, ultimately making corporate communication more efficient and secure.

What solutions exist today?

Today, several solutions exist for working with open formats (like ODT, ODS, ODP, and ODF) in web environments, each with its own features and capabilities:

1. Collabora Online: A web-based office suite that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in open formats directly from a web browser. It provides a comprehensive set of features similar to those found in LibreOffice, including real-time collaboration and document sharing.

2. OnlyOffice: Another web-based productivity suite that supports various document formats, including open formats. It offers editing, collaboration, and document management features, allowing users to work on documents online.

3. Etherpad: A real-time collaborative text editor that allows users to create and edit documents collaboratively. While it focuses primarily on plain text and does not support complex formatting, it is useful for basic document collaboration.

4. Google Docs with Conversion: Users can upload ODT files to Google Drive, where they can be converted and edited in Google Docs. However, this approach may result in formatting changes, and it does not fully support all features of the original documents.

5. Zoho Docs: A cloud-based office suite that allows users to work with various document formats, including open formats. It provides editing, collaboration, and document sharing capabilities.

6. LibreOffice Online: An online version of LibreOffice that allows users to access the suite through a web browser. It is not as widely adopted as some other solutions but offers similar functionality to the desktop version.

7. PDF.js: While primarily a library for rendering PDF documents in web browsers, it can also be adapted for viewing ODF files by converting them to PDF first. This approach, however, does not allow for editing.

8. E-signature Solutions: Various e-signature platforms (like DocuSign or HelloSign) provide ways to sign documents electronically. These platforms can integrate with other solutions to facilitate the signing of open format documents, although they may not natively support all open formats.

While these solutions provide various functionalities for working with open formats online, there is still a need for a lightweight and dedicated web-based tool that focuses specifically on open document formats, integrates electronic signatures, and improves overall accessibility and user experience.

How would you solve it?

Proposal for a "Word Editor" That Supports PDF, ODT, and ODS Output, Works with Local Resources, Enforces Formatting Restrictions, and Provides Field Management Options

Introduction

To enhance the user experience in content creation and editing, we propose a "Word Editor" that can output files in PDF, ODT, and ODS formats. This editor will work with local resources, allowing users to create and edit text documents, while enforcing specific formatting restrictions and offering the ability to manage certain fields, including making some fields mandatory or optional and excluding specific fields from the output.

Control Definition

This "Word Editor" is designed as a web-based control to assist users in creating and editing text-based documents. The following features aim to enhance the functionality and user experience of this editor:

Features

1. Local Resource Operation:

The editor allows users to create and edit documents entirely with local resources, eliminating the need for an internet connection.

2. Local Storage Utilization:

Users' documents are securely stored in the browser's local storage, ensuring that files are saved and automatically backed up.

3. Rich Text Formatting:

Users can enrich their text with basic formatting options such as bold, italic, and underline. However, specific restrictions will limit users to only permitted styles, ensuring content consistency.

4. Formatting Restrictions:

Users will be required to format their text according to specific rules, such as limiting certain fonts, sizes, and colors. This guarantees that the content adheres to a predefined visual standard.

5. Field Management:

Users can designate certain fields as either fillable or non-editable. This allows for control over which information can be entered and ensures that only required fields are filled out.

Some fields can be set to be excluded from the final output, ensuring that sensitive or irrelevant information is not included in the exported documents.

6. List and Numbering Options:

Users can create bullet and numbered lists. Formatting restrictions will also apply to how these lists are created and styled.

7. Table Creation and Editing:

Users will have an intuitive interface for adding tables to their content and easily editing existing ones. Specific size and style restrictions will be enforced for table cells.

8. Image Insertion:

Users can add images to text documents. However, restrictions on image sizing and positioning will be implemented to maintain content consistency.

9. Document Export:

Users can export their documents in PDF, ODT, and ODS formats. Hidden fields will be automatically excluded from the exported documents.

10. Electronic Signature Support:

Users can securely sign their documents, and these signatures can be stored along with the documents. The electronic signature feature enhances the legal validity of the documents.

11. Real-Time Collaboration:

Users can collaborate on documents with multiple people simultaneously and view real-time changes. This encourages teamwork and collaboration.

12. Accessibility Standards:

The interface will be designed to comply with accessibility standards, allowing users with disabilities to navigate using keyboard shortcuts and screen readers.

Conclusion

This "Word Editor," which operates with local resources, can output files in PDF, ODT, and ODS formats, enforces formatting restrictions, and provides field management options, will significantly simplify the processes of creating, editing, and sharing text documents. By utilizing local storage to securely save data and offering electronic signature support to enhance the legal validity of documents, this editor will become an indispensable tool for content creators, writers, and web developers. This proposal aims to address the requirements of modern web applications and provide an effective solution tailored to users' needs.

Anything else?

No response