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Ask HN: Is there a good native format for this? Sorting lists of images and text

2 points by themodelplumber ↗ HN
Hi HN friends,

I work with text files a lot, specifically lists. When updating lists, I like having the ability to quickly shift lines up and down in my editor, using a shortcut key. Alt-PgUp/PgDn for example.

I really like the Markdown format for this, as I can export and interoperate with it pretty well. Using text editor tools with it in general is also really helpful.

However, lately I have some lists that need to be edited & sorted in a native format AND which need to include imagery for context. So I have been wondering what a good native format might be.

PDF, HTML export with/without head sections would be needed.

Example mockup: https://www.friendlyskies.net/images/748.png

Any suggestions? Thanks!

3 comments

[ 1.8 ms ] story [ 14.8 ms ] thread
RetroTechie
Plain HTML?

Compact file format. Contents & image links editable as easy as plain text ('cause it is). Images move on the rendered page as desired, but stay in their place in a filesystem - optionally changed independently from the HTML that references them. If looks matter, go crazy & add some CSS.

Sorting such lists among each other, is a few directory- or file renames away.

Win-win.

themodelplumber
I like HTML & your idea, thanks. I had used HTML lists and tables a bunch in the past, but I'll probably need to take another look at the tooling this time, just to scratch those itches that made it not so nice before.
themodelplumber
Update: I admit I'm starting to wonder if this is a core contemporary computer design theory law: Source formats are textual and do not show imagery.

So, I came across some Markdown editors that almost get me there. But I'll probably end up designing my own workflow for limited HTML authoring.

This makes me wonder what a more image-native computer system could be like, where integration of imagery or even video is less of a third-party tooling question...