<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"><title></title><style type="text/css">.felamimail-body-blockquote {margin: 5px 10px 0 3px;padding-left: 10px;border-left: 2px solid #000088;} </style></head><body>Viewing and Navigation > Access functions<br>* Provide a toolbar for frequently used functions. <br>http://techbase.kde.org/Projects/Usability/HIG/Toolbar<br><br>== Purpose ==<br>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. <br><br>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.<br>== Examples ==<br><br>== Guidelines ==<br>=== Is this the right control ===<br>* For standard applications, apply a tool bar by default.<br>* Provide a tool bar in addition to the menu bar, but do not replace the menu bar.<br>=== Behavior ===<br>* 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.<br>* Do not abuse the tool bar to expose application's features. Only the most frequently functions should be add to the tool bar.<br>* Execute operations immediately; do not require additional input from user.<br>* Avoid using menu-, split-, and toggle [[Projects/Usability/HIG/Buttons|buttons]] in tool bars. They do not fit well the concept of fast access.<br>* Do not hide tool bars by default. If configurable, users should easily be able to make the tool bar viewable again. <br>* Disable buttons that do not apply to the current context.<br>* Consider to provide customization for tool bars in respect to position and content.<br>=== Appearance ===<br>* By default, represent tool bar buttons with icons only: Visual design should stay for itself. But consider to show captions as well in case of unusual functions or if users configure it.<br>* Use and design tool bar icons with special care. Users remember location of an object but rely as well on icon properties.<br>* A distinct association between the underlying function and its visual depiction is crucial. Follow the advices for [[Projects/Usability/HIG/IconDesign|icon design]].<br>* Use small icons in standard applications and larger icons for tool windows.<br>* Do not simulate Microsoft's ribbon controls. KDE stays plain and simple.<br>== Implementation ==<br><br>[[Category:Usability]][[Category:Behavior]][[Category:Viewing_and_Navigation]][[Category:Access_functions]]<br><br></body></html>