[Digikam-users] How to perform a simple search?

[Chris G]

On Tue, Jan 06, 2009 at 07:40:43PM +0000, Paul Waldo wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> I want to perform some simple searching activity using Digikam 0.9.4,
> but it seems overly complicated.  I'm probably missing a key point, so
> it's likely my fault :-)
> 
> The first scenario is that I want to search for a keyword.  I open up
> the Search dialog with Tools|Search and then enter my keyword.  I see
> images; great!  Now comes the confusing point; I can't *do* anything
> with the images.  I would think that I would be able to do things like 
> 	* edit the image, 
> 	* view its metadata, or 
> 	* open the album that contains the image.  
> 
> Unfortunately, my only option is to save the search.  Now, this is just
> a one-off search, not something I will be performing over and over, so
> there is no need to save the search for the long-term.  I would assume
> that "Last Search" (or "Junk") could be overwritten, yet I get the "Name
> Exists" dialog that tells me the search name already exists.  Now I'm
> stuck with a Search that needs to be deleted.
> 
I quite agree!  :-)   I find the 'search' in digikam to be a little
quirky to say the least.  If I click on 'Search' I expect the
following sort of sequence:-

    An empty 'what to search for' box appears
    I enter into the box what I want to search for
    I hit return (or click on a button)
    The search is done and I'm presented with the results
    Then, presumably, I can do something with the results and/or maybe
    save the search.

In Digikam though the sequence after I click on 'Search' is:-
    I get a sidebar with previous saved searches in it.
    I'm confused because there's nowhere to enter what I'm searching for.
    I realise that clicking on the sidebar background offers me 'New Search'
    I click on 'New Simple Search'
    I finally get to enter what I'm searching for
    I hit enter
    I get presented with thumbnails of the results in a 'special' window
    I have to enter a new name for the search
    I hit enter again
    I *finally* get to see the results of my search in a 'normal' window

I have to say I rarely use the search facility because it's so long
winded and messy.  The 'Simple Search' needs to be a whole lot simpler.


> The next scenario is showing all the images with a particular Rating.  I
> have created and saved an advanced search called "3 Stars or Better",
> but now I need to create similar searches for 1, 2, 4 and 5 stars.  Talk
> about clutter...  Ugh!
> 
> Hopefully someone has some tips that will make this kind of work a
> little easier.  Any suggestions are appreciated!
> 
> Paul
> 
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-- 
Chris Green