QEP 43: Rename Compositions to Print Layouts

[NathanW2]

QGIS Enhancement 43: Rename Compositions to Print Layouts

Date 2014/10/17
Author Nyall Dawson
Contact nyall.dawson@gmail.com
Last Edited 2014/10/16
Status Draft
Version QGIS 3.0

Summary

"Compositions" in QGIS should be renamed to "layouts". This QEP relates
solely to an in-principle user visible rename of print composer, not to
any specific implementation or api changes.

Rationale

This change is being proposed for a number of reasons:

• The term "composition" is an awkward name for this feature and does not
  accurately reflect what this feature does. "Layout" is a much more widely
  used term in desktop publishing and consequently a rename would improve
  UX for new users who are unfamiliar with QGIS terminology. While existing
  QGIS users are familiar with the term and may not see an issue with it,
  new QGIS users often struggle to equate "composer" with creation of a
  printable map page.
• Other desktop GIS software packages (ArcGIS, MapInfo) use the term
  "layout" to refer to print designs. A rename to match this would aid
  the transition from these packages to QGIS for new users.
• The 3.0 release will see a major 'ground-up' rebuild of composer. This
  represents the perfect opportunity to rename composer as the new classes
  can all be named accordingly. A rename will also help users recognise that
  behaviour may differ from the composer in previous releases.
• During the 3.0 cycle work is planned on a reporting framework for QGIS.
  This framework would build off the existing composition features. While
  the term "print composition" works to a degree, the phrase "report
  composition" sounds horrible. "Print layout" and "Report layout" are much
  friendlier sounding names for these features.

Potential issues

• Documentation would need to be updated
• Existing users would need to be made aware of the change in name
• Existing blogs/stack exchange/mailing list answers would be outdated

Implementation Details

• User visible strings will be renamed for QGIS 3.0:
  • "Composition" -> "Print Layout"
  • "Print Composer" -> either "Print Layout" or "Layout Designer", depending
    on the context. Currently "Print Composer" is used inconsistently.
  • "Composer" -> "Layout Designer"
  • "Composer Manager" -> "Layout Manager"

Documentation

Documentation would need to be updated to suit.

Issue Tracking ID(s)

This proposal was originally filed as issue #5042.

Voting History

(required)

[andreasneumann]

Seems like a good timing to implement this renaming during the work for QGIS 3.x

[anitagraser]

Can be marked as implemented ;-)