WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Option to choose thumbnail sizes for image objects in relation fields.
This applies to image-type of relations in a canvas (blocks) and inside columns in Grid View. (Set/Collection fields)
HOW COULD IT BE DONE?
For relation blocks inside a canvas, add an Appearance category in settings:
Appearance > Icon > Small/Medium/Large
For images in relation fields in Grid View, add “Icon Size” in Grid settings. (between “Show icon” and “Page limit”)
“Small” would be the tiny default icon that we see now for all objects, while “Medium” and “Large” would be larger thumbnails. I imagine Medium to be about the size of the smallest Gallery View cards, just enough to get a better idea of what’s inside the image. I’ll leave the team to decide on what’s best for Large.
My use cases are for images, but I suppose this feature can be extended to all object types, for people who prefer larger icons. Also to other Views, if the layout will allow. (Calendar obviously non-compatible with this idea)
I’ve thought of suggesting actual dimensions, but different image ratios might not look aesthetic, especially in a Grid full of data. I think a 1:1 square is fine.
REAL WORLD USE CASES
Inside Grid View:
-
When
travel-planning, you can add thumbnails of notable places on your Grid. A larger icon would allow you to better see the image and digest information without having to open the image objects one by one. It’s similar to Airtable’s attachments inside tables. -
Progress charts are not yet supported as of this writing, so people have to come up with workarounds. With this FR, you can upload a progress status with a circular chart/graph design of your choice, and it would be more readable and aesthetic as a bigger image, partly addressing the need for pie charts here. -
For my
personal research database (currently still in Airtable), this would allow me to include images of references, pattern designs, and regional maps as infos that I can absorb in Grid View. Makes it easier to find what you’re looking for, notice any design similarities between entries, and get a better idea of a specific entry’s visual aesthetic. Like a collection of horizontal mood boards, in a way. So much potential to do this with image as objects.
As relation blocks:
-
Mood relations for journaling. The bigger icons/thumbnails would give you more options for uploading custom emojis, icons, and stickers. You can even upload smaller memes like here in the Community. -
For my
art ideas objects, I can create a relation “Inspiration” that would display all the images together inside the canvas. Like for travel-planning and research, I wouldn’t have to click every image to get the general vibe. The Large size would make a good album because the images would be together in one block, unlike if I have to insert and move it around individually. Now, if only there were other layouts… (see additional context!)
POSSIBLE ISSUES
-
A Large size might be too big for Grid View
Suggested Solutions:
- Only offer Small and Medium options for Grid View
- If keeping Large, auto-expand the width of the column so the image is not cut. If user adjusts the column to something narrower, force a downgrade to Medium or Small.
-
Image title doesn’t look aesthetic beside a large thumbnail.
Suggested Solutions:
- Allow us to hide the object’s title.
- Place the title below the image for Medium and Large.
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVES
For journal moods, I use the given emojis. (It does the job, only smaller.)
For art inspiration, image blocks can be inserted and manually resized to look like thumbnails or an inspiration board. Adding an inline Gallery View with cover images is also an option.
For everything else, just double-click to view image. 
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
This FR would go well with my Layout for Relations request and the Icon-only request.
It also has some overlap with Icon display options across the whole program, specifically #4: size of icons. This FR elaborates my ideas for sizes, with focus on image relations.