I would like to request two enhancements or options in the new KNIME user interface to better align with features from the classic UI:
Tab-Based Navigation:
In the classic interface, opening a component or metanode would create a new tab, allowing easy navigation between the main workflow and subcomponents. This greatly improved usability, especially when comparing different parts of a workflow or switching contexts. I find this feature essential for efficient workflow development, and its absence is currently the main reason I continue using the old UI.
Classic Table View & External Viewer:
I also prefer the old view of data tables, which I found more readable and straightforward. Is it possible to restore this view—perhaps as an optional setting—when using the “Open in New Window” button in the new UI with the classic theme?
While I appreciate many of the new and modern features, these two aspects are critical to my workflow, and having them in the new UI would make transitioning much easier.
Thank you for your continuous work on KNIME and for considering user feedback.
I’m with you on the old table views, @Sajjadmosaheb. Much as I now like some features of the new tables (and they have improved over time), I’m still far more productive for data analysis with the old views.
I find myself dropping “Interactive Table (Legacy)” nodes onto my workflows where I need the classic table output. Not as good as having the old-style by default but at least it makes it workable where it might otherwise be a problem.
Thank you so much, @takbb , for your thoughtful response and for sharing your experience. It’s reassuring to hear that others also value the classic table views for their clarity and efficiency during data analysis. I completely agree that the “Interactive Table (Legacy)” node is a helpful workaround, and I’ve been using it in a similar way when needed.
I also appreciate the link to your earlier post—I’ll definitely read through it to better understand the broader community concerns and ideas around the Modern UI’s table presentation.
I’m hopeful that the KNIME team continues to consider this feedback, especially from long-time users like us who rely on small usability features that significantly impact workflow efficiency.
Thanks again for the support and for helping to keep this discussion constructive!
The new UI has many drawbacks. Lots of wasted space. You get the impression they desgin the new UI thinking everyone has a half dozens columns in their workflows.
Yes, more or less I’m experiencing the same pain points that @takbb mentioned. I’d just like to add a couple of specific issues that are particularly important to my workflow:
Column Reordering:
In the old table views, it was possible to manually reorder columns. This was incredibly useful when comparing columns side by side or improving visibility during analysis. I really miss this flexibility in the new tables.
Column Names & Flow Variables View:
Previously, we could switch between tabs to see the column names and associated flow variables within the same table window. While the new statistics table shows more data overall, I still find the old way quicker and more intuitive for certain tasks.
Also, I’d like to emphasize once again how valuable tab-based navigation for components and metanodes was in the classic UI. Being able to open and switch between multiple workflow parts in tabs was key to managing complex workflows efficiently.