Agreed
Let us at least define our own iconbars outside the ribbon ! Then we can hide it and work with our own (i.e. self defined, not predefined) icons !
Olivier
That is exactly what I would like to see!!! I understand the ribbon will help new users navigate the software better and learn faster, but for us old farts it is a complete waste of time! give us our custom toolbars with the ability to dock them wherever we see fit!
Hello all,
Last friday I was at a training day of PM2018 to see the new features. The ribbon is something they are really proud of and matches the interface of all the Autodesk products, so I guess there is no turning back. I'm not a PM2018 user (yet) but there are 2 ways of making it a bit user friendly.
- You can add buttons on the title bar, next to the save button. These buttons stay visible at all times
- You can make multiple ribbon menu's. Downside is that these are not allways visible.
This is what I got told from our Autodesk supplier so don't shoot me if this is not a solution for you.
I'm planning to test this version out in the near future and I guess we just have to get used to it and try to set up the custom ribbon menu as good as possible. Then it will be only 1 extra click to see your custom menu/toolbar.
I didn't ask about the custom icons though.
Glenn
I guess change doesn't bother me that much because I don't think the ribbon is that bad. I use other software that has ribbon interfaces though so maybe I'm used to it.
There are a lot of bugs in 2018 which is what really needs to be addressed. I hope we get regular updates like we did with Ddelcam.
Google ... Help me.
I am a PowerShape, PowerMill user.
I have been using delcam products since 1992. (DUCT, etc.)
There have been many changes in delcam products. (Menu, icon, etc.)
I have adapted well.
I am a software early adopter.
I like the new version unconditionally.
However, PowerShape2018 can not be used.
I want to use it.
I have a lot to say, I can not speak English.
You have to click the mouse a lot to execute the command.
I want to place the menu where I want it.
See the attached picture.
Agreed....
I am a new user to Powermill. Been using it for about a year and started using it as PM2017. As a new user the menus hidden under other menus and having to click in just the right spot to get the item you are looking for was a nightmare. The new interface I think is good for beginners like others have said. The ribbon I like, what I don't like and can't understand is why it is locked down. Powermill is supposed to be for the advanced programmer yet for whatever reason the ribbon is locked up. However in feature cam you can edit all the menus and bars. Makes no sense. I think most of the old school users would appreciate being able to do what ever they want with the interface. Making it customizable for themselves.
I have to agree with many of the comments in this thread. It would be nice to see some feedback from Autodesk. When the 2018 versions first came out, I started a powershape thread about it, and Jon Hunwick stated that he was passing along our suggestions. It would just be nice to hear from development.
Some end of the year wishes:
Docking / management of toolbars, Style, Dimensioning, Custom...
FULL customization of the ribbon, order of tabs, add commands anywhere we need.
Add view buttons back on the toolbar, or just allow customization of the toolbar. The 2017 view toolbar worked fine.
Get rid of the File/backpage, it's clunky. Just put all those function in a ribbon tab.
I am getting used to the ribbon, it's...OK, but the above changes would be a big improvement.
I appreciate any comments, especially from Autodesk development.
Happy new year.
Steve
I was instantly turned off by the ribbon interface, in fact, went back to the old version for a while. After a few weeks of fumbling around, it started to grow on me. Now I really like it, the only improvement for me would be the ability to make the custom icons in the quick access toolbar bigger, they are comically small. Also able to dock things like people say would help allot. Do that, along with speeding up calculation times, and collision checking times, I will promise not to complain for the entire 2018 new year, maybe.
I think mostly us developers have been scared of being crucified if we jump into these discussions, hence why we seem so quiet, but I'll try being brave.
I'll open a few wishes for more customization of the ribbon (ordering of tabs, sticking commands in arbitrary places etc)
Adding the view buttons back is going to happen, though I can't give an exact date/release (that's a general rule about changes, not me being sneaky).
There's already a request to add the backstage icons to a ribbon tab (or precisely, to allow them to be added to custom tabs), I'll poke the relevant tasks about that.
I'll also open a task about the size of the quick access toolbar, I was about to say that it's the same size as word/other office products, though upon actually looking it appears I was wrong, and now it does feel very small....
Hi @ken.poyner,
Many thanks for your answers ! It's good to know that at least one developer reads our suggestions...
PowerMill used to be a software which was very easy to fully customize. That's the reason why there are so many user complaining about the new interface.
I know that the trend with these ribbons is to go to "MS Office like" UIs for all softwares. It is +/- acceptable for office applications (also frustrating sometimes).
Anyway, I guess that it is evident to most users that a CAM software needs much more flexibility. There are a lot of functions and almost none of us uses all of them, and for sure not in the same way or with the same sequence.
PowerMill's big plus is definetly its flexibility. Don't remove it by not giving all users the opportunity to have all the functions they use grouped on the screen without having to jump between tabs. A customized screen is not just for fun, it is just the best way to be efficient in our day to day business.
Thank you for passing this to your colleagues... you will have many happy customers !
Olivier
"the only improvement for me would be the ability to make the custom icons in the quick access toolbar bigger, they are comically small. Also able to dock things like people say would help allot. Do that, along with speeding up calculation times, and collision checking times,"
I agree about the size and times. Older I get, harder it is to see the small icons, especially with bifocals, having to hold your head way up!