Projects/Usability/HIG/Toolbar

Purpose

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.

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.

Guidelines

Is this the right control

• For standard applications, apply a tool bar by default.
• Provide a tool bar in addition to the menu bar, but do not replace the menu bar.

Behavior

• 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.
• Do not abuse the tool bar to expose application's features. Only the most frequently functions should be add to the tool bar.
• Execute operations immediately; do not require additional input from user.
• Do not use menu buttons in tool bars. They do not fit well the concept of fast access.
• Try to avoid using split or toggle buttons in order to keep the interaction with all buttons in the tool bar consistent.
• Do not hide tool bars by default. If configurable, users should easily be able to make the tool bar viewable again.
• Disable buttons that do not apply to the current context.
• Consider to provide customization for tool bars in respect to position and content.

Appearance

• Do not change the button style (QToolbar::toolButtonStyle) from the default. The default is currently text beside icons.
• Use and design tool bar icons with special care. Users remember location of an object but rely as well on icon properties.
• A distinct association between the underlying function and its visual depiction is crucial. Follow the advices for icon design.
• Do not simulate Microsoft's ribbon controls. KDE stays plain and simple.