Feature: Resolve confusion in Breadcrumb Bar when breadcrumbs are collapsed

[aaronATousd]

What feature or improvement do you think would benefit Files?

The address bar of the window should contain the file path you are browsing versus the breadcrumbs default. The breadcrumbs should be replaceable permanently.

Use case:
Copying certain files
from (external drive) F:\FFU\FFU-2509.1preview\FFUDevelopment\Apps\Orchestration
to (local) C:\FFU-2509.1preview\FFUDevelopment\Apps\Orchestration

With two windows next to each other, the root isn't visible

Clicking into each box shows the value of displaying the actual path versus the bulky breadcrumbs. That view has empty space that only removes information.

Requirements

Add a global setting that permanently displays the full plain text path of the file/folder in view inside the address bar. Alternatively, ensure the root is always displayed in the breadcrumb bar.

Files Version

4.0.11.0

Windows Version

10.0.26100.6584

Comments

This was the primary motivation that brought me to this app. Modern Windows File Explorer has a setting "Display the full path in the title bar" that almost accomplishes the change. The title bar should be secondary to the address bar. The address bar should contain the address in its most complete/accurate format.

[Josh65-2201]

Thanks for the feedback

[yaira2]

Thank you for your feedback, this is a valid use case, but I think the ideal solution would be to ensure the root is always displayed, and only collapse starting with the second breadcrumb.
Fyi @0x5bfa

[aaronATousd]

The current view is only running out of space because there are multiple spaces before/after each folder name and greater-than character.
I can see the extra padding being a personal preference but it serves no technical/informational value. You only lose information when drive/folder/file names are clipped/truncated because of empty space being inserted. If the path can fit, it should be displayed. If the path cannot fit, I agree, display the root drive/volume...middle truncated to the end

[Josh65-2201]

The padding is there as both the text and arrow are buttons that will navigate throughout the path

[0x5bfa]

I can see the extra padding being a personal preference

It's not a personal preference but an accessibility feature for touchpad.

I think the ideal solution would be to ensure the root is always displayed, and only collapse starting with the second breadcrumb.

Instead of just showing the root, the most ideal solution may be adaptively show and hide breadcrumbs based on the paths shown in the dual pane (in the screenshots, it looks like the issue author doesn't use the dual pane but use multiple windows, though).

Plus, please note that the root may not be just a drive letter like C or D but a long display name like Recycle Bin or longer one; if we don't hide this on smaller window, it will be truncated inappropriately instead of collapsed inside an ellipsis.

[aaronATousd]

Navigation and touchscreen accessibility are use cases I had not considered, fair enough. The up/back arrows, backspace, and the folders themselves are how I navigate.
I wasn't aware dual pane was an option. Replacing the breadcrumb format was my sole motivation when looking for an Explorer replacement. That does sound like a legit improvement though.
Whether dual pane or separate windows, the (most complete) path should be displayed above what it describes.

Isn't the traditional, plain text path the most straight forward way to implement the location being viewed?
If clicking into the bar (or CTRL+L) can generate that format, isn't the logic already in place to make it permanent if the user preferred that?