Panel Docking Like in VB

[max_carpenter]

Hello,

Hmm ok starting my next project which I should mainly be able to complete without help but I am stuck on one basic thing:

I want to have panels (or groupboxes) that te User can either dock to certain locations or be able to drag to where they want and what size they want.

This program will have alot of flexability in the way it looks its like an ftp prog but more customized for certain tasks.

I know how to add docking to a button but it don't work quite how I want plus it does not add the feature of user customizing the look.

If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

M.Carpenter

[max_carpenter]

OK I am going to make a sig now I AM USING VB.NET 05

[max_carpenter]

No one able to help me?

I am basicly looking for a window in a window type operation so the user can customize the look and feel of the application.

Like in VB where you can put the Solution Explorer / Properties box etc where ever you want

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Also my new sig have included all the software I have designed and will soon have links to each softwares custom page (just desiging that section of my site now)
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[jmcilhinney]

Those docking panels are not a standard .NET control. They are quite complex and have been created by Microsoft specifically for their own applications. Maybe we'll see them in a future version of the Framework, maybe not. There are various third-party implementations around, both paid-for and free. Someone once posted a link to a free version on this site but I rather foolishly didn't keep a link to it. I'll see if I can track it down and post back.

[max_carpenter]

Thanks, but it must be a feature a few people for the user being able to customize their layout I mean alot of programs do it but well thats the weird world today.

Anyway better go to bed my eyes going blurry been working on my website loads tonite its almost complete :-D

[jmcilhinney]

Yes, a lot of people would like to do this sort of thing. Having said that, it's not really necessary in the vast majority of cases. This is where third-party component developers come in. There are numerous companies that make a very good living providing advanced components to developers. Two of the best known are ComponentOne and Developer Express, both of whom provide an implementation of these docking panels. Microsoft can't provide everything, plus they want to hold some things back to differentiate their own products. Of course, you can build absolutely anything you want if you have the time, patience and know-how.

Guess what. I found the links below by Googling 'docking panels ".net" free'. Oh that Internet.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/dockpanelsuite/
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/P...Interface.html

[max_carpenter]

haha so ok I am crap at using search enginges not everyone can know how to use everything and my biggest ever problem i being able to use a search enging correctly to find things I want, yes I do use them but I can never seem to get anything useful. And my mate (a search enginge king) helped but he didnt find anything.

I have downloaded both of them and will try them soon thank you very much but at the moment just building a new section on my site for my latest project. My new office I am converting a garage loft with no electric, netork, phone lines whole in the wall etc into a new office for my company which will have gb lan phone line, my server etc so will be busy for a while :-p