Improvements for "Auto fit" in Compare function

[KLE-France]

Hi to all,

In the Compare function (Tools > Compare...), there is a checkbox to activate "Auto fit."

When two pictures are being compared, checking Auto fit will size the second image (let's call it the "follower" image) to the first image's ("Reference" image) height or width, according to which of those aspects is encountered first by the follower image. At least I think that's how it works.

That's nice... but that's also all.

If possible, I would suggest the following improvements:

1) Give the user the choice of the reference image.
Currently the first image is always the reference image, and the second is always the "follower" (and see point 3 below).

2) Give the user the choice of harmonizing either the long dimension or the short dimension of the follower image to the long dimension or short dimension of the reference image.
This is different from what is currently done, and the need is best illustrated through an example:
Let's compare one portrait-oriented image (reference) with one landscape-oriented image (follower). In the current function, checking Auto fit will shrink the long dimension of the follower image (its width) down to the short dimension of the reference image (its width). This means that the follower image is now much smaller than the reference one. What I propose is to adapt the size of the follower image's long dimension (its width) to the reference image's long dimension (its height) (or alternatively the follower's short dimension to the reference's short dimension). Assuming a same aspect ratio, this will make both images have the same on-screen size, which is vital when comparing one image to another (neither image has a size advantage). It is important to have the choice of either the long or the short dimension, especially when comparing images with a same orientation, but different aspect ratios.

3) Make the Auto fit function apply to all images being compared.
The Compare function can open a maximum of four images, but Auto fit only applies to the first two, leaving the third and fourth images alone in the dark. This seems like an oversight.

The above does not necessarily need to replace the current function (except for 3)), which can be useful in certain circumstances. One could imagine a drop-down menu next to the Auto fit label:

□ Auto fit [Harmonize...]
     Widths
     Heights
     Long axes
     Short axes

As always, thanks for your consideration, and happy shooting to all.

EDIT: Ah! And, this kind-of, sort-of ties in with this post I made earlier, in that both are on the need to ensure that images can be displayed at the same size in all places where the user can bring together more than one (browser, Compare function, Contact sheet function, etc.).