Numeric value for quality slider & allow inputting those values via keyboard

[alexkaessner]

I’m not sure why the quality slider doesn’t show a numeric value. Would be quite nice to see a percentage. Especially when experimenting with different file sizes, I could then remember which quality value I used the last time.

Combined with that it would also be handy to just type in a specific value for the quality or FPS. This way, I don’t have to fiddle around with the slider to get my desired values. GIF Brewery 3 supports that for some sliders and I like that it’s not that prominent with a normal textfield frame:

[sindresorhus]

Thanks for the feedback!

I’m not sure why the quality slider doesn’t show a numeric value.

I just never had a need to see the exact percentage, so I didn't add it initially. And in the 3 years Gifski has existed and with hundreds of reviews and feedback, no one has requested this. So doesn't seem like it's important, but I also don't have any argument for why we shouldn't add it.

@kornelski Any opinions?

Combined with that it would also be handy to just type in a specific value for the quality or FPS

I generally like small conveniences. We have up/down arrow key support for the text fields, for example. But in this case, I don't think it would save a lot of time. Instead of dragging the slider, you would have to double-click a tiny text field and then write the number. I'm pretty neutral about it. Lets see what other people think.

[kornelski]

The quality is an approximation, so I see no point entering exact numbers. People will be upset with me when I tweak the algorithm and change meaning of their favorite number.

If you want to make it easier to select consistent quality, I suggest changing it from a number to low/medium/high/max.

[vadimdemedes]

I just never had a need to see the exact percentage, so I didn't add it initially.

I agree with this. In all my time of using Gifski, I had never even touched the quality slider, to be honest.

As for FPS, sometimes I tweak it and see how it affects the estimated file size. Also, I don't think a text input would be useful for FPS either, because the step in the slider is pretty smooth, so it's easy to drag it to a desired value. If the range of values was in hundreds, for example, then yes, a text input would be more convenient.

If you want to make it easier to select consistent quality, I suggest changing it from a number to low/medium/high/max.

That's a good idea, although I wonder how long until someone suggests "better defaults".

[alexkaessner]

So doesn't seem like it's important, but I also don't have any argument for why we shouldn't add it.

I always find it better to have some reference for a slider. Otherwise, as a user I don’t know in what kind of range I’m moving. What are the lowest and highest values I can get? Is it just a fine detail or does it make actual big differences. Not really easy to grasp.
Though yeah, the quality is admittedly a rather abstract thing anyway. Maybe I’m a bit of a numbers nerd in that regard, that I want to see the exact values.

The consistency topic is also maybe more of an edge case, but on the other hand a numeric number wouldn’t hurt or look too bad anyway. 🤷

I generally like small conveniences. We have up/down arrow key support for the text fields, for example.

Yes, I love this!! 👌 Should be a system-wide standard for numeric input if you ask me.