Window decoration
Encyclopedia
In graphical computing, window decorations are provided by window manager
s to improve the usability of a multi-windowed desktop
. They typically consist of a title bar
along the top of each window and a minimal border around the other three sides, although this can often be varied upon if the user wishes. On Windows this is called "nonclient area".
In the predominant layout for modern window decorations, the top bar contains a title and buttons which perform windowing-related actions such as minimizing, maximizing and closing . The border exists primarily to allow the user to resize the window.
Window decorations are important in developing the look and feel
of a desktop environment
. However, modern systems allow for great customization of the colors, styles and animation effects used. User modifications some times cross between the appearance of different desktop environments.
. Some window managers may also display a border around background windows.
action.
s provide useless borders which are purely for decorative purposes and offer no window motion facility. These window managers do not allow windows to be resized by using a drag
action on the border.
s which appears at the top of each window. The titlebar is typically used to display the name of the application, or the name of the open document, and may provide title bar buttons for minimizing, maximizing, closing or rolling up of application windows.
action.
s provide useless titlebars which are purely for decorative purposes and offer no window motion facility. These window managers do not allow windows to be moved around the screen by using a drag
action on the titlebar.
or close
application windows. Some window managers may display the titlebar buttons in the taskbar
or task panel, rather than in a titlebar.
Window manager
A window manager is system software that controls the placement and appearance of windows within a windowing system in a graphical user interface. Most window managers are designed to help provide a desktop environment...
s to improve the usability of a multi-windowed desktop
Desktop metaphor
The desktop metaphor is an interface metaphor which is a set of unifying concepts used by graphical user interfaces to help users more easily interact with the computer. The desktop metaphor treats the monitor of a computer as if it is the user's desktop, upon which objects such as documents and...
. They typically consist of a title bar
Title bar
In computing, the title bar consists of that part of a window where the title of the window appears. Most graphical operating systems and window managers position the title bar at the top of the application window as a horizontal bar....
along the top of each window and a minimal border around the other three sides, although this can often be varied upon if the user wishes. On Windows this is called "nonclient area".
In the predominant layout for modern window decorations, the top bar contains a title and buttons which perform windowing-related actions such as minimizing, maximizing and closing . The border exists primarily to allow the user to resize the window.
Window decorations are important in developing the look and feel
Look and feel
In software design, look and feel is a term used in respect of a graphical user interface and comprises aspects of its design, including elements such as colors, shapes, layout, and typefaces , as well as the behavior of dynamic elements such as buttons, boxes, and menus...
of a desktop environment
Desktop environment
In graphical computing, a desktop environment commonly refers to a style of graphical user interface derived from the desktop metaphor that is seen on most modern personal computers. These GUIs help the user in easily accessing, configuring, and modifying many important and frequently accessed...
. However, modern systems allow for great customization of the colors, styles and animation effects used. User modifications some times cross between the appearance of different desktop environments.
Borders
A window border is a window decoration component provided by some window managers, that appears around the active windowActive window
An active window is the currently focused window in the current window manager or explorer. Different window managers indicate the currently-active window in different ways and allow the user to switch between windows in different ways. For example, in Microsoft Windows, if both Notepad and...
. Some window managers may also display a border around background windows.
Types of borders
Typically window borders can be used to provide window motion enabling the window to be moved or resized by using a dragDrag
- In science and technology :* Drag , the force which resists motion of an object through a fluid* Drag equation, a mathematical equation used in analyzing the magnitude of drag caused by fluid flow...
action.
Useless Borders
Some window managerWindow manager
A window manager is system software that controls the placement and appearance of windows within a windowing system in a graphical user interface. Most window managers are designed to help provide a desktop environment...
s provide useless borders which are purely for decorative purposes and offer no window motion facility. These window managers do not allow windows to be resized by using a drag
Drag
- In science and technology :* Drag , the force which resists motion of an object through a fluid* Drag equation, a mathematical equation used in analyzing the magnitude of drag caused by fluid flow...
action on the border.
Title Bars
A titlebar is a window decoration component provided by some window managerWindow manager
A window manager is system software that controls the placement and appearance of windows within a windowing system in a graphical user interface. Most window managers are designed to help provide a desktop environment...
s which appears at the top of each window. The titlebar is typically used to display the name of the application, or the name of the open document, and may provide title bar buttons for minimizing, maximizing, closing or rolling up of application windows.
Types of titlebar
Typically titlebars can be used to provide window motion enabling the window to be moved around the screen by using a dragDrag
- In science and technology :* Drag , the force which resists motion of an object through a fluid* Drag equation, a mathematical equation used in analyzing the magnitude of drag caused by fluid flow...
action.
Useless Titlebars
Some window managerWindow manager
A window manager is system software that controls the placement and appearance of windows within a windowing system in a graphical user interface. Most window managers are designed to help provide a desktop environment...
s provide useless titlebars which are purely for decorative purposes and offer no window motion facility. These window managers do not allow windows to be moved around the screen by using a drag
Drag
- In science and technology :* Drag , the force which resists motion of an object through a fluid* Drag equation, a mathematical equation used in analyzing the magnitude of drag caused by fluid flow...
action on the titlebar.
Title Bar Buttons
Title bar buttons are included in the titlebar of some window managers, and provide the facility to minimize, maximize, rollupRollup
A Rollup is a technique used by investors where multiple small companies in the same market are acquired and merged. The principal aim of a rollup is to reduce costs through economies of scale. Rollups also have the effect of increasing the valuation multiples the business can command as it...
or close
Close
Close may refer to:*Close In music:*"Close", a song by Rascal Flatts from Unstoppable*"Close", a song by Soul Asylum from Candy from a Stranger*"Close", a song by Westlife from Coast to Coast...
application windows. Some window managers may display the titlebar buttons in the taskbar
Taskbar
In computing, a taskbar is a bar displayed on a full edge of a GUI desktop that is used to launch and monitor running applications. Microsoft incorporated a taskbar in Windows 95 and it has been a defining aspect of Microsoft Windows's graphical user interface ever since. Some desktop environments,...
or task panel, rather than in a titlebar.