Enhancement: Customizable Quick Access Menu with Mouse Activation and Extended Functionalities #39725
Description
Description of the new feature / enhancement
Currently, PowerToys offers a Quick Access menu accessible by left-clicking the system tray icon. While functional, this method may not be the most efficient for users who prefer mouse-based interactions.
Scenario when this would be used?
This feature would be beneficial for users who prefer mouse-based interactions over keyboard shortcuts. For instance, a user might be working on a task that requires frequent access to various PowerToys utilities, such as launching applications, running scripts, or performing OCR. Instead of memorizing multiple complex keyboard shortcuts, the user could simply use a mouse action (e.g., a specific click or gesture) to quickly access a customizable menu containing these utilities. This approach streamlines the workflow, reduces cognitive load, and enhances productivity by providing immediate access to essential tools through intuitive mouse interactions.
Supporting information
Proposed Enhancements:
-
Customizable Quick Access Menu:
Allow users to personalize the Quick Access menu by adding or removing utilities, applications, scripts, and other tools.
>Enable reordering of menu items to suit individual workflows.
2.Mouse-Based Activation Options:
>Introduce options to open the Quick Access menu using various mouse actions, such as:
> Long-pressing the middle mouse button.
> Double-clicking a specific mouse button.
> Mouse gestures or other customizable mouse inputs.
> This provides a faster and more intuitive method to access frequently used tools without relying on keyboard shortcuts.
3.Integration of Additional Functionalities:
>Incorporate features such as:
>OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for text extraction.
>QR code scanning capabilities.
>Quick launch options for user-defined applications.
> Execution of custom scripts or commands.
Rationale:
While some functionalities overlap with existing features like PowerToys Run and Command Palette, offering a customizable and easily accessible Quick Access menu empowers users to tailor their experience according to personal preferences. This enhancement aims to reduce the cognitive load of memorizing multiple shortcuts and streamline workflows by providing a centralized hub for essential tools.