[Shotster]

Even after consulting the help, I still don't understand the rationale behind the options for perspective views. I thought the whole point of perspectives was to remember the window exactly as it was set up. What's the point in being able to specify whether the window opens in planning or context mode? If I change the mode, the view is completely altered. I simply can't view the same perspective in either mode. In fact, I thought the mode was part of the definition for a given perspective. I just don't understand the purpose of those options. Perhaps an example would help clarify.

And I still don't understand the "Also restore settings for other mode" setting. The online help did not clarify this for me. I haven't a clue what this does.

-Steve

[Toadling]

Originally Posted by Shotster

I thought the whole point of perspectives was to remember the window exactly as it was set up. What's the point in being able to specify whether the window opens in planning or context mode?

Yes, you are correct: perspectives remember the window exactly as it was set up. The buttons to open in planning or context mode are there to allow an existing perspective to be modified without having to recreate the perspective or take a new snapshot.

If you've created a new perspective by taking a snapshot, then you shouldn't have to fiddle with those buttons (assuming you're happy with the original setting).

Originally Posted by Shotster

If I change the mode, the view is completely altered. I simply can't view the same perspective in either mode. ...

And I still don't understand the "Also restore settings for other mode" setting.

By default, OmniFocus preserves the settings in the current view mode only (planning or contexts). By clicking the "Also restore settings for other mode", OmniFocus will preserve the settings in both modes.

I suspect what's happing in your situation (where switching modes completely alters the perspective) is that you haven't checked the "Also restore settings for other mode". So by switching modes, OmniFocus is displaying whatever settings you had previously, but not the settings you want saved.

For example, I have a perspective that shows me completed actions. Typically, I want to see that in context mode, where all my actions are displayed independently of their enclosing projects. But sometimes I want to switch to planning mode and see completed projects too. So, after setting up both views the way I wanted them and taking a snapshot to create the perspective, I checked the "Also restore settings for other mode". Now, whenever I view that perspective, I can toggle between context and planning mode to see my data presented both ways.

Does that make sense?

-Dennis

[Shotster]

Originally Posted by Toadling

The buttons to open in planning or context mode are there to allow an existing perspective to be modified without having to recreate the perspective or take a new snapshot.

Hmm, updating a perspective is just a single mouse click. Having those options just seems to needlessly complicate the UI.

Originally Posted by Toadling

By default, OmniFocus preserves the settings in the current view mode only (planning or contexts). By clicking the "Also restore settings for other mode", OmniFocus will preserve the settings in both modes.

Ah, I see. So a perspective can be mode-specific, or it can apply to both modes. I think I understand now, but I find the wording a bit confusing. I think the "restore settings" phrase is what confuses me. "Preserve settings" might be a better choice.

-Steve

[MacBerry]

Originally Posted by Shotster

I think I understand now, but I find the wording a bit confusing.

If I'm honest, I think that's true of a lot of OF. The wordings all make sense once you know what they do, but many are confusing if you don't.

"Make available in both modes"?

"Apply settings to both modes"?

"Use perspective in both modes"?