MDI Form with child forms - External form/window to interact with child forms?

[csf]

Hi,

I am creating an application which has an MDI Form containing 2 child forms.

I need to somehow create either a floating toolbar or some sort of external form (ie. not a child form) which is able to interact with the child forms.

Is this possible? If so, any feedback on how to create it would be much appreciated

Thanks,

Chris

[Joacim Andersson]

You simply create the new form and load it like this:

FormName.Show vbModeless, frmMDI

This will keep the form above the MDI form even when it lose focus.
You can then reference the active child form in this manner:

frmMDI.ActiveForm.Caption = "Hello, the caption for this form has just been changed"

Best regards

[kleinma]

or you can add toolbars/coolbars (which are floatable) directly to the MDI form

[csf]

Originally posted by kleinma
or you can add toolbars/coolbars (which are floatable) directly to the MDI form

That sounds perfect! How do I add a floatable toolbar/coolbar?

I have tried adding a toolbar via the Project -> Components route, but it seems I am only able to add one which docks itself to the top of the MDI window.

A Floatable TB would be great

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[kleinma]

the coolbar control is found in components under Microsoft Windows Common Controls-3 6.0 (sp5)

i don't think you have to have sp5 for VB.. but if you don't i would recommend it anyway

coolbars are the new toolbars the MS uses.. like the toolbars that VB uses that you can doc or drag around

[csf]

Found it, thanks

I am having a bit of trouble getting it to float though. It appears I can only add it as a docked toolbar.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[Joacim Andersson]

The Toolbar and the Rebar (Coolbar) controls that comes with VB can't float by default.

[csf]

Originally posted by Joacim Andersson
The Toolbar and the Rebar (Coolbar) controls that comes with VB can't float by default.

I see. Is it possible to get them to float at run-time?

Thanks.

[Joacim Andersson]

No you have to add them to a seperat form and show that form in the way I showed you in my first post.

Best regards

Joacim Andersson