Thanks for the response — I appreciate you laying out the design questions. I’ll try to briefly address them based on how file managers like Nemo and Dolphin handle split view, which I think could work for Nautilus too.
In terms of toolbar layout , both Nemo and Dolphin keep a single, shared toolbar. Toggling split view (usually with F3) just divides the file area — everything else stays the same. The transition is instant and smooth, without changing other UI elements.
View focus is typically indicated with a subtle highlight or border around the active pane. Actions like copy/paste or keyboard navigation apply to the focused side, and you can switch focus with Tab or a mouse click — it feels intuitive and doesn’t clutter the interface.
Regarding window size , maybe Nautilus could behave like it already does: when it gets too small, you just can’t resize it further, and the sidebar may hide automatically. That same logic could apply to split view.
As for the sidebar , both Dolphin and Nemo use a single sidebar shared between panes. It updates based on the active pane, which avoids duplication and keeps things simple. I think Nautilus could follow the same model without going against GNOME’s design principles.
I don’t think Nautilus would need to completely reinvent the wheel here — split view is a well-established feature, and while environments like Cinnamon and KDE have different design philosophies, they’ve already addressed many of the practical UI challenges. Even within GNOME’s more minimal and focused approach, I believe it’s possible to adapt what works well elsewhere in a way that aligns with its design goals. There’s definitely design and implementation work to be done, but considering the productivity benefits, it seems like a good improvement that could enhance workflows without compromising the simplicity and clarity of the interface.