What is new in workbench?¶

Workbench is a completely new Application that has been crafted to utilise the Mantid API. Between MantidPlot and Mantid Workbench there are some very noticeable and key differences. These changes will be beneficial to users and make it easier for people to use Mantid applications and understand how these applications work.

New Additions in Workbench:

• The new Plots Toolbox - This new tool allows users to work effectively with lots of plots; manipulating, viewing and more from a dedicated part of Workbench. This alongside all plots being their open separate window on all operating systems, having large numbers of plots has never been easier.
  
• Simplified settings and main window features - The aim was to make it easier for users to start using Mantid by removing excess features from the toolbars and menus.
• No confusion between direct Mantid functionality and QtiPlot functionality - This is due to removing QtiPlot and building a new GUI from the ground up to limit confusion.
• Localised window buttons and options - Options and settings that apply only to certain features are now located within those features:
  • Workbench Script Window - The newly integrated script window comes with an improved UI, allowing easier running, aborting, and access to further options
  • Workbench Plotting via Matplotlib - The new plot window is a self contained, do it all, window. The toolbar contains all controls to customise plots and fit curves.
    

• Much better searching in the Algorithm Toolbox - Previously in MantidPlot you could only search if you knew the beginning of the algorithm name. This has now changed to make it easier to search for algorithms, by allowing users to put in any part of the algorithm name.
• Ability to restore default layout on workbench - Customising your workspace is common among users and developers alike so with that in mind it is now easier to undo any changes and reset it to the default using the “View” menu in the Main window menus, or with the shortcut Shift+F10.
• Moved Workspaces and Algorithms toolbox to left side - In most applications, elements of the GUI similar to the Workspace Toolbox and Algorithm Toolbox are usually on the left-hand side of the window.