I would love to be able to minimize or disable the background canvas in avid 2021 - the default layout is extremely sterile, and not to mention I can't keep things open to reference in the BG (Scripts, quicktime files, zoom chats, etc etc) - while I know this is a function of how the bins and things tile/catch between themselves, its a pain to have anything open at the same time.

+1

There's no reason the canvas/host panel should exist when your panels are floating.  A quick look at the Affinity suite as an example of how it should work...

^ in 'Docked mode'

^ in 'Seperated mode'

Wasn't this a Mac PC thing?

PC Avids never showed the desktop. Macs did.

But in the new UI it's the same for both.

Personally I prefer not to see through my app.

It allows me to accidentally click other items and lose Avid focus. But I'm normally on a dual monitor system so can have Avid on one screen and any reference on the other.

But if its technically possible it would be helpful for those that prefer it to have the option as a setting.

Pat Horridge:

Wasn't this a Mac PC thing?

PC Avids never showed the desktop. Macs did.

But in the new UI it's the same for both.

Apps on Windows must use MDI, with child windows inside a parent window.  Apps on macOS have never had this restriction, so both options should be available to us.  I'll pass this along to some design/UI people to see what they say...

 

Pat Horridge:

It allows me to accidentally click other items and lose Avid focus. But I'm normally on a dual monitor system so can have Avid on one screen and any reference on the other.

With all respect, this is a weak argument.  Accidentally clicking on another (Avid) panel will move focus from one to the other.  There is no difference between switching focus between windows/panels of a different app than to a different window/panel of the same app.

mrtymcln:

With all respect, this is a weak argument.  Accidentally clicking on another (Avid) panel will move focus from one to the other.  There is no difference between switching focus between windows/panels of a different app than to a different window/panel of the same app.

Sorry, I will vote with Pat on this.  I think it is a strong argument.  But I like the option for either method.

Jef

jef:

mrtymcln:

With all respect, this is a weak argument.  Accidentally clicking on another (Avid) panel will move focus from one to the other.  There is no difference between switching focus between windows/panels of a different app than to a different window/panel of the same app.

Sorry, I will vote with Pat on this.  I think it is a strong argument.  But I like the option for either method.

Jef

Likewise, I don't see the appeal to see through my Avid windows.

Most professional Avid MC systems have at least two monitors, I have 6, Plus I print scripts and stuff out. 

John Nicholls:

 

the default layout is extremely sterile

It's supposed to be like that so you can focus on your cut. It's not a social media application.

I use iTunes to find and audition the 750Gig of temp music and sound effects, then reveal the file through the UI and drop it into a bin.

I am focussing on the cut.

 

Really, this discussion shows the weakness of the new UI management.

When I work with Premiere on a Mac I have most of my settings made to fully hide the computer desktop workspace.  A couple are made so that I CAN see the desktop.  Very easy to do and to use as an editor.  I give Adobe credit for this.

Jef

mrtymcln:

Apps on Windows must use MDI, with child windows inside a parent window.

That really isn't the case.  Back in the days of Borland development tools they had to develop their own core library because Microsoft didn't want to support third party languages.  They provided easy implementation of floating windows inside apps developed with their Pascal and C++ programs.

To be accredited by Microsoft you probably still have to use their libraries, but there's no must use about it.  In fact, even if you're working on top of MDI I suspect that there are ways to achieve floating Windows without too great a hassle.

Well, I just realized that I can physically move/minimize the BG Canvas exposing the desktop on a single monitor to keep relavent work things open at the same time. It doesnt save this layout so I have to resize it everytime but at least I can utilize desktop items which is helpful.

Who knew this request would be so divisive between users - Avid on Mac never had this canvas-style BG until recently so I'm surprised its such a backlash for it.

Either way, this thread is clearly showing us that we all use the software differently - awesome!