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Improved Performance Mode for Image Grid

šŸ“‹ Summary

Add a faster rendering mode for the LaunchBox image grid that improves scrolling performance in large libraries, even if it uses a simpler and more uniform layout.


ā— Problem

The image grid can become laggy with large libraries, especially during fast scrolling.

A major reason for this is the current layout behavior, where LaunchBox performs heavy per-row calculations to:

  • Find the tallest image in each visible row

  • Resize the row to match that height

  • Align text consistently across the row

This creates a nicer looking layout, but it adds significant overhead while scrolling. The result is that:

  • Scrollbar movement can lag behind user input

  • Fast scrolling feels less responsive

  • Large libraries become noticeably less smooth to browse


šŸ’” Proposal

Introduce an optional performance focused image grid mode that prioritizes responsiveness over perfect visual alignment.

Possible approaches:

  • Use fixed size containers for all grid items

  • Or use a small number of predefined size buckets for different box shapes

  • Reduce or remove per-row height calculations

  • Let text sit directly beneath each image instead of forcing row-wide alignment

This would allow much smoother one-to-one scrollbar movement and faster grid rendering.


šŸ“¦ Benefits

  • Dramatically improves scrolling performance in large libraries

  • Makes the scrollbar feel more responsive and accurate

  • Reduces lag when browsing image heavy platforms

  • Gives users the choice between visual polish and speed


šŸ’” Notes

  • This could be an optional ā€œPerformance Modeā€ rather than replacing the current grid

  • The main tradeoff is less consistent text alignment and potentially more whitespace

  • A simplified but smooth image grid would likely be preferable for many users with very large collections

Status: Completed1 comment

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Comments1

  • AstroBob changed status to Completed
    Team•

    Aug 18

    Pinned

    Hi there,

    With last week’s release of LaunchBox for Windows 14.0, this feature has now been implemented. You can update to the latest version from within the app to receive this.

    Notes on the release can be found below:

    LaunchBox for Windows - 14.0

    We’d love to hear what you think or if there’s anything else you think can be improved. Thanks for bearing with us while we go that implemented