Feature: Option to hide the bottom status bar

[raysin1]

What feature or improvement do you think would benefit Files?

(I wrote this on the discord but thought I'd also put it here:)

The Windows File Explorer lets you hide the bottom status bar that shows amount and size of items selected. It's a minor thing but it helps with window visibility. I was surprised to see you can't do that on Files; I think it would really help with the modern aesthetic that it seems to go for.

Concept:

Keeps the settings button

Moves the setting button to the top toolbar

Requirements

• Add a new toggle on Appearance or Layout settings page named something like "Hide bottom status bar"
• Upon activating it, hide the bottom bar that shows information like amount and total size of items selected, and extend the main view window to occupy the space
• Alternatively, also hide the bottom left "Settings" button, and move it to the top toolbar.

Files Version

3.9.10.0

Windows Version

Windows 11 23H2 OS build 22631.5472

Comments

No response

[yaira2]

I was surprised to see you can't do that on Files; I think it would really help with the modern aesthetic that it seems to go for.

Thank you for your feedback. While this option has been requested a few times over the years, there doesn't appear to be a lot of interest. That said, you can free up additional space by hiding the toolbar.

[xwnb]

I'd like to add this visibility of status bar option, @yaira2 . #17217

[Josh65-2201]

@xwnb You should only work on approved issues Files task board (view)

[yaira2]

I'd like to add this visibility of status bar option, @yaira2 . #17217

@xwnb the implementation in your PR is exactly how this would be done if we decide to move forward with this option. That said, we haven't made a final decision about this feature. We are pretty selective about adding new settings, and would like to see more interest before making a decision 🙂

@raysin1 can you confirm if this is something you are personally looking for, and if it is, does the existing option to hide the toolbar solve your use case? Or is this mainly about adding an option that's available in File Explorer, but not something you're personally looking to use?

[xwnb]

Got. I'll suppress my PR until getting further feedback.

[Lukiluc29]

@yaira2 I think this is a feature that could be really useful, especially for customization purposes, as it would help reduce visual clutter in the Files window, which is a real benefit for users with smaller screens, like those on laptops. There could also be a system where, when this feature is enabled, all folder elements are counted automatically, but when it's disabled, they are not, except in the folder properties, where they're always calculated but only when accessed. This could also improve performance.

[DomiOnline]

I do like this idea, including the design. And what @Lukiluc29 said about not counting folder elements.

[yaira2]

@Lukiluc29 @DomiOnline can you confirm if this is an option you'd personally use?

[DomiOnline]

@Lukiluc29 @DomiOnline can you confirm if this is an option you'd personally use?

Yes, I would. But it's not deal-breaking.

[Josh65-2201]

I wouldn't as the git feature and select items amount aren't shown anywhere else. It's also inconvenient for me that the size information in the properties has to be recalculated when with the calculate folder size option it's already done and shown in the status bar.

[yaira2]

@DomiOnline thanks for the feedback, this is exactly what we're looking for 🙂