Upgrade StorageFeature request : Some feature and interface suggestions for the latest Zotero 9
Dear Zotero Developers,
First, the latest Zotero 9 update has added a read-aloud icon, but not all users need this feature. Could you provide an option to enable/disable it in the next version? This way, users who don’t need it can remove the icon for a cleaner interface.
Second, regarding the read-aloud function, would it be possible to support custom interfaces—for example, allowing text-to-speech sources configured via plugins or third-party AI services—rather than only the built-in options available now?
Third, for Zotero’s overall interface, have you considered introducing vertical tabs like those in browsers (similar functionality already exists in some plugins)? This would help save vertical space occupied by non-document UI elements. Additionally, the current horizontal tab bar could still be optimized; for instance, it might be integrated with the top menu bar (File, Edit, View, Tools, etc.), which currently has a lot of empty space on the right side.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u12077575/cf129rppe6yqtf08alj5.png
As shown in the screenshot, the current layout takes up too much screen space.
The first row contains menu items such as File, Edit, View, and Tools;
the second row displays tabs;
and the third row shows document editing toolbar.
This pushes the actual document content lower than necessary.
Optimizing and integrating these UI elements would greatly improve the overall visual experience.
In any case, thank you so much for all your hard work and contributions!
First, the latest Zotero 9 update has added a read-aloud icon, but not all users need this feature. Could you provide an option to enable/disable it in the next version? This way, users who don’t need it can remove the icon for a cleaner interface.
Second, regarding the read-aloud function, would it be possible to support custom interfaces—for example, allowing text-to-speech sources configured via plugins or third-party AI services—rather than only the built-in options available now?
Third, for Zotero’s overall interface, have you considered introducing vertical tabs like those in browsers (similar functionality already exists in some plugins)? This would help save vertical space occupied by non-document UI elements. Additionally, the current horizontal tab bar could still be optimized; for instance, it might be integrated with the top menu bar (File, Edit, View, Tools, etc.), which currently has a lot of empty space on the right side.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u12077575/cf129rppe6yqtf08alj5.png
As shown in the screenshot, the current layout takes up too much screen space.
The first row contains menu items such as File, Edit, View, and Tools;
the second row displays tabs;
and the third row shows document editing toolbar.
This pushes the actual document content lower than necessary.
Optimizing and integrating these UI elements would greatly improve the overall visual experience.
In any case, thank you so much for all your hard work and contributions!
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Kuangyan_zyyActually, I have a suggestion: the buttons like File, Edit, View, Tools, etc., could be integrated into the Z icon in the top-left corner as a secondary menu.