Java Swing, 2nd Edition

Toolbars

Toolbars are another approach to providing access to commonly used application features. They are more likely than menus to use graphical representations of commands. Because they remain on-screen at all times (unlike menus, which drop down only when activated) they can provide a useful “dashboard” for indicating the current state of the application. On the other hand, they take up more room than menu bars, so it’s good to let the user decide whether they should be visible at all.

Toolbars have the ability to “tear” themselves from their location within a frame and embed their components in a moveable standalone window. This gives the user the freedom to drag the toolbar anywhere on the screen. In addition, toolbars can “dock” in locations where the layout manager can support them.

The JToolBar Class

Like the menu bar, the JToolBar class is a container for various components. You can add any component to the toolbar, including buttons, combo boxes, and even additional menus. Like menus, the toolbar is easiest to work with when paired with Action objects.

When a component is added to the toolbar, it is assigned an integer index that determines its display order from left to right. While there is no restriction on the type of component that can be added, the toolbar generally looks best if it uses components that are the same vertical height. Note that toolbars have a default border installed by the L&F. If you don’t like the default, you can override the border with one of your ...