Projects/Usability/HIG/Frame
Purpose
A frame (also known as panel) is an unlabeled rectangular control that surrounds a set of related controls.
A frame is a way to show relationships visually; it provides no additional functionality.
Example
Guidelines
Is this the right control
- Use a frame to arrange related controls that cannot be labeled. But always consider to use a labeled group box.
- Do not group single controls.
- Consider to communicate relationship by layout only.
Behavior
- Do not nest grouping elements; use layout to show relationships within a group.
- Do not disable groups. To indicate that a group of controls doesn't currently apply, disable all the controls within the group, but not the group itself.
- Put a splitter between aligned grouping controls.
Appearance
- Use a 'raised' shadow if the frame is used to convey relationship.