| SYSTEM INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| RHEL 9.5 | |
| Webmin version 2.202 |
Is there a reason that configuration icons in Webmin and Virtualmin are often very random?
Example Webmin > Webmin Configuration.
Would it be possible to have an option to sort alphabetically? It would make it so much easier for me to find what I am looking for, possibly others too.
The ability to drag and drop the items to sort them as we see fit would be awesome in both webmin and virtualmin.
We currently don’t have that option, and I believe @Jamie designed it intentionally to be in a specific order.
That said, you don’t really need to worry about the order or the icons themselves. Once the “Webmin Configuration” page is opened, simply start typing what you’re looking for, and it will appear in the left-side autocomplete dropdown. No need to do anything else, just start typing…
Well, there is a feature that is not obvious and I probably won’t remember next time I need it. It took me long enough to realize what the filter icon was. I think this could be more consistent.
I don’t think we need to add support for custom sort orders, but I would be open to re-ordering the current icon list so it makes more sense…
Yeah, not everything should be configurable, sometimes things need to be in a predictable position across all installs. Configurability has a UX cost in some cases, in addition to a maintenance cost.
Please don’t change the order. I really like it this way as it supports my way of thinking/working. And if you should do, make it opt-in.
Yeah, UI changes should only happen if we have a very good reason to change it. Otherwise, we’re just playing hide and seek with users, which is a terrible user experience.
Like playing hide and seek with the icons isn’t.
Some places still use Imperial too.
I don’t understand what you mean. The icon order in most places in Webmin hasn’t changed in decades.
Is that a good reason not to make it alphabetical or at least have an option?
You have been using it for decades and know where every icon is on your screen, I have only been using it for a couple of years and have to hunt to find things in the icon mix.
The menu’s are sorted, and you have been moving stuff within the menus to where it makes more sense - even things that might have been in place for years.
I am just suggesting to bring the icon layout up to date. Apart from what might be brain muscle memory, I can’t see a single reason why a jumble is a good idea - especially for newer users - which is a beneficial market for you and us.
Can you unpack this? Why would this be beneficial?
By the way, you can still disable icons on the “Theme Configuration: Table Display” page using the “No icons, just text links” option.
To be clear, adding an option on the same page, like “Theme Configuration: Table Display,” wouldn’t be too difficult to implement across the UI for all pages with icons to be alphabetically sorted. However, we can’t change this as a default for all users, as I’m pretty sure it would create more negative impact than positive.
We often read from people moving or starting with Vmin/Wmin and a common point is ease of use, good layout etc.
If you take a look at the icon layout though fresh eyes, it’s just a jumble with no ryhme or reason. The only reason to keep it a mess is because it has been that way for so long.
The development team occasionally tweaks the menu’s etc, moving things away from where they have been for decades to put them into a more logical order, perhaps it’s time to review the icon layouts.
But, I am very happy to have it optional, that was all I originally asked for. 
As much as I make use of Vmin/Wmin mostly daily, I don’t have to forage the icons often enough to memorise the order, so it’s always frustrating to have to read every one - maybe twice to find what I am looking for.
Can you please explain the benefit of the current layout to you personally apart from “It’s always been this way”?
Apparently, you already “know” what you’re looking for when accessing the appropriate section, so why don’t you make use of the search function? Just open the relevant page and start typing. You don’t even need to put the cursor into the search field.
Already suggested.
To paraphrase, “it doesn’t support my way of thinking/working.”
But I am curious how it works for you so well, is it a memory or habit thing? How can I learn to enjoy it?
Fair enough. So, what’s your experience with it so far? Have you given it a proper go?
I was simply exercising my right to share my perspective. 
A bit of both, I suppose. Having a background in UX design, I’ve encountered countless examples – some truly dreadful – of things going awry when usability wasn’t a priority. It’s given me a particular appreciation for anything that streamlines workflow, even if it’s just a matter of habit or adapting over time.
That said, I do acknowledge the effort the dev team has put into capturing something as complex as server and web management and “translating” it into a user-friendly panel. Balancing advanced functionality with accessibility for everyday users is no small feat. Features like the ability to choose between icons and text or text-only layouts really help with visualisation and memorisation, while the search bar functionality is a great touch – to me, it really is a time-saver.
While I understand and respect your demand, I think the resources would be better spent on under-the-hood optimisation rather than further refinements to UX design. They’ve managed to produce a robust tool that accommodates a wide variety of operating systems. Striking a balance between functionality, compatibility, and user experience in such a scenario is a monumental challenge.
Improvements to usability are always welcome, but given the constraints they’re operating under, I feel their focus is understandably on keeping the core product efficient and reliable.
No problem! This feature has been implemented in the latest experimental build of Webmin. Look for the new option to “Sort table links in alphabetical order” on the “Theme Configuration: Table Display” page.
Can someone please explain to me why, after opening the page, simply typing, using the up and down arrows on the autocomplete suggestion dropdown, and hitting enter isn’t enough? Fast-focusing on the search bar is the same as in all other apps using /.
Why even care about where things are if you know what you’re looking for?
Example:
Though you cite me, I reckon I’m not the one you’re asking, right?
Yeah, right, I’m not! I was just asking everyone around.