Introduction

Anchored windows have basically the same function as standard windows with the difference that they can be anchored in certain positions. Anchored windows can also be freely positioned on the screen (also outside of the application window).

Build

Anchored windows consist of:

  • a title bar to move the window and to change its size

  • a button to prevent anchoring ()

  • a button to close the window ( x )

  • the actual contents of the window

Function

Anchored windows have the following extra functions in comparison to standard windows:

  • They can be anchored to the edge of the application window.

  • They can be positioned outside of the application window.

  • The menu commands in the Window (like e.g. Arrange ) do not affect the anchored window.

Example of use

An example of an anchored window is the project browser:

Anchoring windows

Process the following steps to anchor a window:

Step

Action

1

Click the title bar of the anchored window and keep the mouse button pressed.

2

Drag the window close to an application window edge.

Result: The window frame displays the future position of the window.

3

Release the mouse button.

Result: The window is anchored to the selected edge.

On the new position, the window is

  • anchored

    when the new position of the window is on the border or outside of the application window.

  • not anchored

    when the new position of the window is inside the application window

    or

    when the new position of the window is on the border or outside of the application window, but the Ctrl key was held when releasing the mouse button.