Re: tree view column sizing problem

[Dave Howorth <dhoworth mrc-lmb cam ac uk>]

Allin Cottrell wrote:
> I have a tree view with 3 columns, which sits within a scrolled 
> window.  
> 
> The middle column contains what can be quite a lengthy string. 
> When the user opens the window in question, I'd like her to be 
> visually aware that the third column is there: the problem is that 
> with the columns autosized, the length of the middle string can 
> push the third column out of the visible zone (you have to scroll 
> horizontally to reach it).

I presume you can't just swap the second and third columns?

> The ideal solution, I think, would be (a) set the starting width 
> of the middle column to some reasonable maximum (when the window 
> is first opened), but then (b) allow the user to expand it to read 
> the full string if need be.

If the user can be satisfied with seeing one complete string at a time,
another option is to add a full-width label widget at the bottom of the
window showing the content of the second column of the currently
selected row. That avoids the need for the user to resize anything.

Or add tooltips to the column.

Cheers, Dave