tool bar

operating system A common graphical user interface

component, consisting of a permanently visible row of button

icons which, when clicked with the mouse, cause the

program to perform some action such as printing the current

document or changing the mode of operation.

The tool bar buttons often duplicate functions accessible via

menus but are easier to use since they are permanently

visible. A typical use would be in a paint program where

the tool bar allows the users to select one of the various

painting "tools" - brush, pencil, bucket etc.

Some application programs under some operating systems may

allow the user to customise the functions accessible via

toolbars, in others the choice is fixed by the programmer.

(2000-02-09)