When using v1.1 neither the F7/F8 keys nor a mouse wheel scroll will trigger a rearrangement of images in the preview pane per the help file's instructions. However, moving the size bar between the Preview and Browser panes will cause the images to rearrange.
I am curious why the Browser pane insists on "bunching up" and overlapping images when there is ample real estate within the pane so as to display them without any overlap. What is the rationale for this rather frustrating behavior?
Thank you for your feedback on AutoCollage v. 1.1
When designing layout of images, we thought of the design choices as structured or random. We though randomly placing the images would make the browsing pane look more interesting than a grid-style layout. A side-effect of this is that, since placement is random, sometimes there are clusters of images. Sometimes even when there's only two images, they can cluster. As you discovered, one work-around to rearrange the images is to resize the image preview window.
Both pure grid and random layout are relatively safe options from an implementation perspective. Shooting for something in between, e.g. 'random layout, but don't overlap images unless there's no more room' sounds easy, but like most simple-sounding solutions, the devil is in the details. Implementing this algorithm would require some additional time to develop, and significantly more time to test.
For version 1.1 we prioritized functional work such as allowing larger collages with more images, custom output sizes, and better Windows Live Photo Gallery integration.
Thank you again for your feedback, we'll make a note of it for any future releases.
Hi. Having just joined, and with latest version 1.1, I would think that the overlapping feature is essential to viewing the ultimate arrangement and completion. I personally use the 8X10 landscape with normally no more than 9 photos for the completed project. Excellent presentations. Where is the help guide/manual associated with this collage program. I can't seem to find specifics for use so going with auto mostly. Thanks!
Hi Cbuck,
There is a help system included in AutoCollage. Simply click on the question mark in the top right corner of the application.
There is an online version of this same help system at http://research.microsoft.com/autocollage/Help.
Regards,Chris.