<page xmlns="http://projectmallard.org/1.0/"
      type="topic"
      id="compatibility">

  <info>
    <credit type="author">
      <name>Allan Day</name>
      <email>aday@gnome.org</email>
    </credit>
    <include href="legal.xml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XInclude"/>
    <desc>Using the HIG for cross-platform or GNOME 2 style applications.</desc>   
  </info>

<title>Compatibility</title>

<p>These Human Interface Guidelines are primarily targeted towards new GTK+ and GNOME applications, with an emphasis on GNOME 3 integration. However, they are also intended to be useful to cross-platform applications, as well as older applications, which may have been designed and implemented in accordance with the GNOME 2 HIG.</p>

<section id="cross-platform-compatibility">
<title>Cross-platform compatibility</title>

<p>The HIG provides cross-platform for those design patterns and UI elements that require special treatment in cross-platform cases. Otherwise, all the design patterns provided in these guidelines can be used in a cross-platform manner.</p>

<p>Since some platforms provide system-level integration for <link xref="menu-bars">menu bars</link>, this pattern is of special relevance for cross-platform applications.</p>

</section>

<section id="gnome-2-compatibility">
<title>GNOME 2 compatibility</title>

<p>These Human Interface Guidelines are an evolution of the GNOME 2 HIG, and represent an improvement on the previous version. Applications that follow the new version of the HIG will use space more efficiently, will provide a more focused user experience, and will use modern interpretations of key functionality, such as search, online integration, or notifications.</p>

<p>Following some of the design patterns in these guidelines may imply larger-scale design changes for GNOME 2 style applications, particularly if those applications are complex. In particular, replacing window title bars and <link xref="menu-bars">menu bars</link> with a <link xref="header-bars">header bar</link> could be a big change for your application.</p>

<p>However, much of the advice contained within this HIG can be incorporated into GNOME 2 style applications with minimal disruption, and will lead to an improved experience for users. This includes:</p>

<list>
<item><p>Utilizing new user interface elements, such as popovers.</p></item>
<item><p>Guidance on new GTK+ abilities, like animations.</p></item>
<item><p>Modernized guidance on subjects such as visual layout, typography and icon usage.</p></item>
</list>

<p>Incorporating these elements of the guidelines can enhance your application without requiring a major redesign, and all GTK+ and GNOME applications can benefit from them.</p>

<p>These Human Interface Guidelines have been designed to assist you in determining the best design for your application, rather than proposing a single template to be used in all applications. As such, while they recommend <link xref="header-bars">header bars</link> over <link xref="menu-bars">menu bars</link>, they provide guidance on both approaches.</p>

</section>

</page>
