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| __NOTOC__
| | {{ Moved To Community | KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/Toolbar }} |
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| == Purpose ==
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| A ''tool bar'' is a graphical presentation of commands optimized for fast access. Typically, a toolbar contains buttons that correspond to items in an application's menu, providing direct access to application's most frequently used functions.
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| A good menu bar is a comprehensive catalog of all the available top-level commands, whereas a good tool bar gives quick, convenient access to frequently used commands.
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| == Examples ==
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| == Guidelines ==
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| === Is this the right control ===
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| * For standard applications, apply a tool bar by default.
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| * Provide a tool bar in addition to the menu bar, but do not replace the menu bar.
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| === Behavior ===
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| * A tool bar should contain only a few, frequently used operations. If the number of operations is above 5 they have to be grouped with separators. Not more than 3 of those sections should be implemented.
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| * Do not abuse the tool bar to expose application's features. Only the most frequently functions should be add to the tool bar.
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| * Execute operations immediately; do not require additional input from user.
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| * Do not use [[Projects/Usability/HIG/Buttons|menu buttons]] in tool bars. They do not fit well the concept of fast access.
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| * Try to avoid using [[Projects/Usability/HIG/Buttons|split buttons]] or [[Projects/Usability/HIG/Toggle_Buttons|toggle buttons]] in order to keep the interaction with all buttons in the tool bar consistent.
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| * Do not hide tool bars by default. If configurable, users should easily be able to make the tool bar viewable again.
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| * Disable buttons that do not apply to the current context.
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| * Consider to provide customization for tool bars in respect to position and content.
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| === Appearance ===
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| * Do not change the button style (QToolbar::toolButtonStyle) from the default. The default is currently text beside icons.
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| * Use and design tool bar icons with special care. Users remember location of an object but rely as well on icon properties.
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| * A distinct association between the underlying function and its visual depiction is crucial. Follow the advices for [[Projects/Usability/HIG/IconDesign|icon design]].
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| * Do not simulate Microsoft's ribbon controls. KDE stays plain and simple.
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| == Implementation ==
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| [[Category:Usability]][[Category:Behavior]][[Category:Viewing_and_Navigation]][[Category:Access_functions]]
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