Suggestions for Improving the Interface Aesthetics:

[Francesco.14]

I absolutely love version 4.X, and the decision to include a dark mode is particularly wise. However, I have a few suggestions that could further enhance the user experience:

1) Dark Mode Adjustments:
Regarding the dark theme specifically, I would suggest slightly lightening the background color. A softer tone would make small on-screen text easier to read, reducing eye strain. Additionally, the contrast with lighter elements is currently too stark, particularly the grid, which feels excessively bright. For comparison, in the light theme, the grid lines are a subtle light gray rather than a bold, deep black.

2) Customizing the Secondary Color:
It might be interesting to allow users to change the "secondary color" in the preferences. I’m referring to the bluish accents found across the interface. Alternatives like a green (matching the arrow in the icon) could help unify the program’s identity. Another option could be a warm amber orange, reminiscent of old CRT monitors, which I believe feels both warmer and more professional than blue.

3) Repositioning the Licensing Notice:
The "Bulk Rename Utility is free for personal, non-commercial…" notice is currently quite prominent, taking up an entire row on the screen, while other elements are struggling for limited vertical space. This could be resolved by reformatting the text into a compact block such as:

Bulk Rename utility is free for personal,
non-commercial, home use.
For use in a commercial environment.
a commercial license is required.
More Info I Home/Academic License

This condensed text could then be placed in the empty space next to the "Rename" button.

4) Dynamic Theme Switching:
While I wouldn’t personally use this feature, many users appreciate an interface that switches between light and dark modes based on the time of day. This could be a worthwhile feature to consider for future updates.

Implementing these changes could not only improve the program's visual appeal but also elevate its usability and professional feel. Small adjustments like these often make a significant difference in creating a more polished and enjoyable user experience.

[Admin]

Thank you for the suggestions! I’ve logged them for future updates.

[pseudoryx]

Another vote of confidence for these suggestions. I do switch my interface daily between dark and light theme and will definitely benefit from BRU having dynamic theme switch.

For improving the Dark Mode. I highly recommend checking Windows' Fluent Design for inspiration for picking out your dark color palette.https://fluent2.microsoft.design/color

[Admin]

I do switch my interface daily between dark and light theme and will definitely benefit from BRU having dynamic theme switch.

Is this Windows switching between light and dark mode based on time of day?

[pseudoryx]

I do switch my interface daily between dark and light theme and will definitely benefit from BRU having dynamic theme switch.

Is this Windows switching between light and dark mode based on time of day?

The automatic switch behaviour is controlled by a third-party program, where I set the switch to follow the daylight cycle of the given geographical coordinates, but I can also override it quickly depending on my use case (e.g., nighttime but in very bright room). If BRU can be coded to read the dark/light state of the system theme (W10/W11) before launching its interface to match accordingly, then whichever method I use to switch my system theme should hopefully be a non-issue.

[Admin]

Hi, in BRU there is a preference to set Dark Mode to "Same as Windows". I believe then when it starts BRU will activate Dark Mode based on the Windows settings. However only at BRU startup -- so if BRU is already running it will not change.

[pseudoryx]

Hi, in BRU there is a preference to set Dark Mode to "Same as Windows". I believe then when it starts BRU will activate Dark Mode based on the Windows settings. However only at BRU startup -- so if BRU is already running it will not change.

I see. It's not as ideal but definitely usable. Thanks!