WPF Navigation Pane (GroupBar) Overview

6 May 20211 minute to read

The GroupBar control implements list-type controls in the UI, similar to the Microsoft Outlook Bar. It has a container to host controls within it. Use it to host a categorized collection of command items and custom controls wired to execute custom commands. It includes several customizable features which can be easily implemented in WPF applications.

Control Structure

wpf group bar control

Features

  • Vertical and Horizontal layouts and orientation of GroupBar items.
  • Alignment and Orientation of GroupView Items.
  • Built-in visual styles - Default, Office 2003, Office 2007 Blue, Office 2007 Silver, Office 2007 Black and Blend are available for the control.
  • It supports expansion of multiple tabs.
  • ToolTip support for GroupView items.
  • Built-In context menu that provides the user access to functionalities to customize the GroupBar items just like in VS 2005 Toolbox context menu.
  • Various types of visual modes such as Multiple Expansion (VS 2005 Toolbox) and Stack Mode.
  • Dynamically sort tabs / items alphabetically in ascending / descending order through context menu or programmatically.
  • Dynamically add new tabs / items through context menu or programmatically.
  • Dynamically alter the tab header text or item header text using context menu or programmatically.
  • Dynamically move a selected tab up / down one step in the GroupBar using context menu.
  • Tabs can toggle between expanded and collapsed state. Can expand multiple tabs at the same time.
  • Dynamically move a selected item up / down one step in the GroupBar using context menu or programmatically.
  • Resize the Pop up.
  • Expand / Collapse the Navigation Pane.
  • Set the height of Tool bar.