If I: 1. Create a new Writer document 2. Go to Tools | Line Numbering 3. Enable "Show Numbering" 4. Enter a few lines of text then nothing happens! Now, yes, if you start the fifth line of text, you see the "5"; but what if you have less? Users who are just using this feature for the first time may well be confused. I suggest either some kind of pop-up dialog / tooltip / whatever be used to notify the user of what's going on, or alternatively, that the default interval be changed to 1 line - in which case the user will immediately see the numbering; and if they want numbering at intervals, they can just change the settings.
Eyal, I've changed bug summary, because I think that makes your suggestion more clear. Although everybody can see in dialog, that default inerval is five, I have no objections to change it to 1. But I'm also not sure, if this change is necessary or not. cc: Design-Team for decision.
Labeling every single line is likely not a good practice as it clutters the view. Very common is to label only every fifth line therefore. So I wouldn't change the default. Other opinions?
(In reply to Heiko Tietze from comment #2) > Labeling every single line is likely not a good practice as it clutters the > view. Very common is to label only every fifth line therefore. So I wouldn't > change the default. It depends on the type of text. If you have a novelle at school numbering every fifth line is the standard I think. If you have a draft of an important paper you you discuss with several people (for example statues), numbering of every single line is the standard (if you decide to numbering the lines).
(In reply to Dieter from comment #3) > If you have a draft ... numbering of every single line is the standard Never seen this. And I believe the majority of use cases is with 5 lines.
-1 Tools -> Line Numbering is well covered in the help [1][2] and in the Writer Guide [3]. See no reason to adjust current numbering interval default from 5 to 1 other than more "hand-holding" for Benjamin users. While doing so would end up annoying users bcz it is self evident on a document with more than 5 lines. =-ref-= [1]ttps://help.libreoffice.org/7.3/en-US/text/swriter/01/06180000.html [2] https://help.libreoffice.org/7.3/en-US/text/swriter/guide/numbering_lines.html [3] pg.80, Chpt 3. Working with text -- https://documentation.libreoffice.org/assets/Uploads/Documentation/en/WG7.3/WG73-WriterGuide.pdf
(In reply to Heiko Tietze from comment #4) > Never seen this. I almost always see this. Also, in Israeli court proceedings, source code printout, etc. - every line is numbered. It is also the default in MS Word: See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyEfPZ7RJXM > And I believe the majority of use cases is with 5 lines. I've never seen numbering-every-5-lines before. I can see why this would be useful, but it's the less common use-case. About the WONTFIX: For this marking, at the very least the user confusion should be addressed, which it is not.
(In reply to V Stuart Foote from comment #5) > Tools -> Line Numbering is well covered in the help [1][2] That's not a valid argument IMHO. The UI (and UX) should be immediately effable, without the user having to consult the help text. In other words, Help is a "second line of defense" against the user not managing to use the app like they want to. > and in the Writer Guide [3]. That's not even something users can be expected to notice. I mean, it's great if they do, but - how many users do we think have ever opened it? If it's 5% I'd be surprised. > See no reason to adjust current numbering interval default from 5 > to 1 other than more "hand-holding" for Benjamin users. Well, if you think this suggestion is too focused on "Benjamin" users - the interval could be persisted (or be pref-controlled), so once a user becomes non-Benjamin, their preferred interval sticks. Also, again - 1-interval is the common use case and the default elsewhere. Even those who want intervals many not want 5, as opposed to 2 or 10, as the default. > While doing so would end up annoying users bcz it is self evident on a document with more than 5 lines. It's not self-evident even then. Perhaps by 10 lines it is self-evident. And the fact that it's not self-evident by the second paragraph is bad.
Topic was on the agenda of the design meeting but didn't receive further input. Recommend to not change the default but let's keep the ticket open as the comments are a tie.
(In reply to Heiko Tietze from comment #8) > the comments are a tie. Suggested a potential tie-breaker feature in bug 150375.
We discussed this topic in the design meeting together with the potential solution in bug 150375. Starting with a text would show no line number unless line 5. But since the dialog runs manually users should be aware of what they do (line numbering can be set in templates too, however). One use case for line numbers is minutes where seeing all numbers is relevant (so having an info in the status bar is not a sufficient solution). The "faint gray numbers" could be drawn similar to line numbers using the same algorithm. When it comes to print preview and print it would be suppressed. True line numbers could overwrite the grey "virtual line numbers". The function could therefore be implemented as a view option, if the effort is acceptable. It might also be an easy hack. Alternatively we could change the dialogs default to 1.