Browser - add Catalog pane

[user0]

XnViewMP 1.5.5 64bit
Windows11 (22H2), display resolution 3840x2160, win scaling 150%

Browser
few issues I find very inconvenient about Catalog in XnViewMP (that is inspired by ACDSee I guess):
- unable to navigate through cataloged folders
- auto-import of visited folders

Suggestion

browser_add_catalog_pane.png

• add Catalog pane
  it will bring Catalog closer to user (like in Lightroom), helps to narrow the work area and manage orphan paths
  • remove Catalog maintenance group from Settings
  • however, not sure about proper location for Base path and Excluded/Included settings

• add Auto/Manual cataloging switch (default - manual)
  Auto cataloging is bad, because:
  1. adding every opened media to the Catalog is NOT required (app is a viewer as well), simple as that.
  2. deceptive simplicity. It's easy to add categories and get orphan path when you move files with external file manager. There are a lot of posts where people "lost their metadata" and have to manually edit paths in db. If you have to add folders manually or enable auto cataloging, this will at least give some idea that file location matters.
  
  • Excluded/Included setting affects only Auto mode

Example

• pane (Lightroom, Capture One)
  library_examples.png

• hidden in settings (ACDSee)
  acdsee_catalog_files.png

Related

• suggestions
  Settings - catalog - add maintenance tab
  Browser - Catalog filter - add dynamic filters
  Browser - Catalog filter - improve filter
  Browser - add Catalog pane (current post)
  Browser - quick filter - change shortcuts

[cicciobello]

I don't think this is a priority.
However, adding a "Catalog" panel seems good to me because you can get a visual idea (folder tree) of the catalog contents.
I remember that it is not mandatory to use this panel, but the idea is interesting.