Floating (UnDocked)

 

Docking windows have two major modes, Docked and UnDocked.  The UnDocked mode is commonly referred to as Floating.  A Floating window can be positioned anywhere on the screen where it will float above the various user interface elements.

 

 

Docked

 

Another way to position windows is to Dock them to various other user elements.  When docked the window maintains a close relationship with the edges such that space is well managed. 

 

 

Dockable Windows Include:

Help Window

 

 

Docking toolbars also have two visibility modes while Docked.  They are Pinned and Unpinned.

 

 

Pinned Docking Window (Always Show)

 

In the upper right hand corner of a Docking Window is a small Pin Icon.  When a Docking window is docked this icon becomes visible.  When the pin icon looks like this ( ) the Docking Window is in the Pinned mode.  This means that the window will be constantly visible and in the position that is seen. 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpinned Docking Window (Auto Hide)

 

When the Pin icon ( ) is selected the window becomes Unpinned. This Unpinning modifies the behavior of the window.  The Docking window will now act like a drawer.  When not active the window will slide away such that only the title tabs are visible on the screen.  For more advanced users this is an excellent way to maximize the drawing space.  When the window is either hovered over by the mouse or clicked on the window will become active.  When active the drawer will slide out showing the contents of the window.  Note that the Pin icon now is in the Unpinned state ( ).   

 

 

 

The image below is in its Docked Unpinned and Active State.  Note that in its active state it appears very similar to the Pinned state.

 

 

 

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