The current custom sorting mechanism using .XnViewSort works nicely. I'm developing a web knowledge management system that takes advantage of a similar idea to support customized sorting but with a few differences. I'd like to request some improvements for the sorting mechanism in XnView so that it can integrate with other applications better.
#1. Provide an option to customize sorting file name
The user might want to use a filename other than ".XnViewSort" for sorting, such as ".files", ".sort", ".order" or so.
Additionally, allow the option be empty, which means don't generate a file to remember custom sorting. This would be useful for people that simply do custom sorting temporarily before a batch rename (as many applications provide no mechanism for custom sorting) and doesn't want a file be generated.
Of course we can default it to ".XnViewSort" for better downward compatibility.
#2. Provide an option to redefine the first line of .XnViewSort
Currently .XnViewSort has a "XnView sort" string in the first line. If #1 is implemented, the user probably want to redefine this string or remove it—I am one of people thinking this line useless and redundant.
#3. Support custom sorting and batch rename for folders
Like files, the user might want a custom sorting and batch rename for folders as well. We may add an option to include folders in custom sorting and in the .XnViewSort file.
Ideas to improve custom sorting
Moderators: helmut, XnTriq, xnview