ribbon — `u_pbt_ribbon` #

← Component reference · Guide contents

Office-style ribbon: tabs, groups, twelve types of rich controls, application menu, quick access toolbar, banner-headed contextual tabs and keytips.

▶ See it live — Demo application, Ribbon tile: the preview, the code behind it and this page, side by side.

At a glance #

Userobject	`u_pbt_ribbon`
Item classes	`n_pbt_ribbon_tab` (tab), `n_pbt_ribbon_group` (group), `n_pbt_ribbon_item` (control), `n_pbt_ribbon_menu_item` (menu entry), `n_pbt_ribbon_ctx_group` (contextual tab group)
Used for	Replacing a menu bar and its toolbars with a modern command interface that is readable and clearly structured
Height	Intrinsic: the ribbon always fits itself to its content, nothing to enable — see Automatic height
Demo mode limit	2 tabs maximum — see demo mode

The golden rule: everything goes through the path #

The ribbon is a four-level hierarchy: tab → group → control → menu entry. There are no global identifiers for you to manage: every object is reached through the path that leads to it, and every addition is made on the parent handle.

// Read or drive a control : the full path, always
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/presse_papier/coller").ib_enabled = false

Two practical, comfortable consequences: two different groups can use the same control identifier without clashing, and events hand you the full path — you always know where the click came from.

Quick start #

// open event of the window

uo_ruban.of_add_tab("accueil", "Home")

uo_ruban.of_add_group("accueil/presse_papier", "Clipboard")
uo_ruban.of_add_big_button("accueil/presse_papier/coller", "Paste", "mono:img\paste.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_button("accueil/presse_papier/couper", "Cut", "mono:img\cut.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_button("accueil/presse_papier/copier", "Copy", "mono:img\copy.svg")

uo_ruban.of_select_tab("accueil")

// ue_clicked event of uo_ruban : (string as_keys)
choose case as_key
    case "coller" ; of_coller()
    case "couper" ; of_couper()
    case "copier" ; of_copier()
end choose

Properties #

Property	Type	Default	Purpose
`is_app_button`	string	`""`	Label of the application button, at the top left, which opens the application menu. Empty = the label `File`
`ib_minimized`	boolean	`false`	`true` collapses the ribbon down to its tab headers alone; clicking a tab unfolds it temporarily (raises `ue_minimized`)
`ib_veto_gallery`	boolean	`true`	Ask before a gallery tile is picked (raises `ue_gallery_selection_changing`, which can refuse). On by default: scripting nothing always lets the pick happen. Set it to `false` to drop the round trip to PowerBuilder (~35 ms) where it would show
`is_theme_style`	string	`fluent`	Visual style of the component (`THEME_STYLE_*` constants)
`is_theme_mode`	string	`light`	Light or dark variant (`THEME_MODE_*` constants)
`il_theme_accent`	long	`-1`	Accent color of this component (`-1` = the theme accent)
`is_tooltip`	string	`""`	Simple tooltip shown when hovering the component
`is_super_tooltip_title`	string	`""`	Title of the rich tooltip (takes precedence over `is_tooltip`)
`is_super_tooltip_text`	string	`""`	Text of the rich tooltip (rich markup accepted)
`is_super_tooltip_image`	string	`""`	Image of the rich tooltip

Constant — ACCENT_LIGHT (-1): pass it as the color of a contextual tab or group so that it follows the theme accent, lightened, instead of a fixed color.

Properties of a tab — `n_pbt_ribbon_tab` #

Obtained through of_tab("tab"), they can be changed on the fly.

Property	Type	Default	Purpose
`ib_visible`	boolean	`true`	`false` hides the tab without removing it — the very mechanism behind contextual tabs
`is_title`	string	`""`	Title of the tab. Set by `of_add_tab`; writing here changes it, reading tells what the tab shows
`is_keytip`	string	`""`	Access letter displayed after pressing Alt (`"H"` for Home)

Properties of a group — `n_pbt_ribbon_group` #

Obtained through of_group("tab/group").

Property	Type	Default	Purpose
`ib_visible`	boolean	`true`	`false` hides the group and all its controls
`is_title`	string	`""`	Caption under the group. Set by `of_add_group`; writing here changes it
`ib_launcher`	boolean	`false`	Displays the small arrow at the bottom right of the group — the dialog launcher (raises `ue_launcher`). The arrow lives in the group title bar, and a group the ribbon had to fold for lack of room keeps it in the very same place — it also travels into the panel the folded group opens.

Color picker mode constants: COLORMODE_PALETTE (swatch palette, the default mode) and COLORMODE_OPEN (full palette with confirmation).

Properties of a control — `n_pbt_ribbon_item` #

Obtained through of_item("tab/group/control"). They apply to every type of control; the properties that make no sense for a given type are simply ignored.

Property	Type	Default	Purpose
`is_label`	string	`""`	Label of the control. Accepts rich text markup
`ib_enabled`	boolean	`true`	`false` grays out the control and blocks its activation
`ib_checked`	boolean	`false`	Pressed state of a toggle, or checked state of a check box
`ib_visible`	boolean	`true`	`false` hides the control; its neighbors close the gap
`is_text`	string	`""`	Text typed or selected in a drop-down
`id_value`	double	`0`	Numeric value of a spinner
`il_color`	long	`-1`	Current color of a color picker
`ii_visible_items`	integer	`3`	Gallery only: number of tiles the collapsed strip shows at once. The others stay reachable through the arrows, or in the expanded grid
`is_keytip`	string	`""`	Access letter of the control, displayed after pressing Alt
`is_tooltip`	string	`""`	Simple tooltip shown when hovering the item
`is_super_tooltip_title`	string	`""`	Title of the item rich tooltip (takes precedence over `is_tooltip`)
`is_super_tooltip_text`	string	`""`	Text of the item rich tooltip (rich markup accepted)
`is_super_tooltip_image`	string	`""`	Image of the item rich tooltip

Properties of a menu entry — `n_pbt_ribbon_menu_item` #

Obtained through of_menu_item("tab/group/control/entry").

Property	Type	Default	Purpose
`is_image`	string	`""`	Image of the menu entry. An empty string takes it away
`of_is_separator ( )` → `boolean`	—	—	Is the entry a separator line? Read only: what an entry is was decided when it was added
`of_is_header ( )` → `boolean`	—	—	Is the entry a non-clickable header? Read only, same reason
`of_is_checkable ( )` → `boolean`	—	—	Does the entry carry a check mark? Read only; `ib_checked` says whether it is on
`ib_enabled`	boolean	`true`	`false` grays out the entry
`ib_visible`	boolean	`true`	`false` takes the entry out of the menu at its next opening — cascade included — without removing it
`ib_checked`	boolean	`false`	Check mark of an entry created by `of_add_menu_check`

The twelve types of controls #

They are all added at a group's address — "home/clipboard" — and return 0 (-5 on an invalid argument, -2 when the component is not created); a menu or a list is then filled at the control's address.

Group method	Control obtained	Event
`of_add_big_button (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)` → `long`	Full-height big button, icon above the label. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_clicked`
`of_add_big_split (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)` → `long`	Big split button: the upper part acts, the arrow opens the menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_clicked` · `ue_menu_selected`
`of_add_big_dropdown (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)` → `long`	Big button with a drop-down menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_menu_selected`
`of_add_button (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)` → `long`	Small button (stacked in columns of three). Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_clicked`
`of_add_toggle (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)` → `long`	Small toggle that stays pressed. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_toggled`
`of_add_dropdown (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)` → `long`	Small button with a drop-down menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_menu_selected`
`of_add_checkbox (string as_keys, string as_label)` → `long`	Check box. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_toggled`
`of_add_separator (string as_keys)` → `long`	Vertical separator between two blocks of controls. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	—
`of_add_combo (string as_keys, integer ai_width_px, boolean ab_editable)` → `long`	Drop-down, editable or not. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_combo_changed`
`of_add_spinner (string as_keys, integer ai_width_px, double ad_min, double ad_max, double ad_step, double ad_value)` → `long`	Numeric spinner with arrows. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_value_changed`
`of_add_colorpicker (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image, long al_color)` → `long`	Split color button: clicking reapplies, the arrow opens the swatch palette. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created	`ue_clicked` · `ue_color_changed`
`of_add_gallery (id, width_px, tile_width, tile_height)`	Scrolling strip of illustrated tiles	`ue_gallery_selection_changed`

of_add_colorpicker accepts a fifth argument as_mode: COLORMODE_PALETTE (swatch palette) or COLORMODE_OPEN (full palette with OK and Cancel buttons).

Methods #

Building the ribbon #

Method	Purpose
`of_add_tab (string as_key, string as_title)`	Adds a tab and returns `0` (`-5` on an invalid argument, `-2` when the component is not created): groups are then added at its address
`of_insert_tab (string as_key, string as_title, integer ai_index)`	Adds a tab at the position you choose (`0` = first) instead of at the end, and returns `0` (`-5` on an invalid argument, `-2` when the component is not created) like `of_add_tab`. An id already taken is refused
`of_tab (string as_key)`	Handle of an existing tab (created on first access)
`of_add_group (string as_keys, string as_title)`	Adds a titled group to a tab — `"home/clipboard"` — and returns `0` (`-5` on an invalid argument, `-2` when the component is not created)
`of_group (string as_keys)`	Handle of an existing group, by its address
`of_item (string as_keys)`	Handle of an existing control, by its address — `"home/clipboard/paste"`
`of_select_tab (string as_key)`	Activates a tab — strictly equivalent to a user click (raises `ue_selection_changed`). Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_selected_key ( )`	Identifier of the active tab, `""` if none. Kept up to date by `ue_selection_changed`, so it is right from start-up
`of_remove_group (string as_keys)`	Removes a group and all its controls, by its address. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_remove_item (string as_keys)`	Removes a control, by its address. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_remove_tab (string as_key)`	Removes a tab and all its content. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_clear ( )`	Empties the ribbon completely: tabs, groups, controls, quick access toolbar, application menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created

Filling menus and lists #

All these methods are called on the component, with the address of the control (tab/group/control) — the entry, the choice or the tile as a fourth level.

Method	Purpose
`of_add_menu_item (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)`	Root entry in the menu of a drop-down or split button. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_menu_check (string as_keys, string as_label)` · `(id, label, image)`	Checkable entry: clicking toggles its state and reports it in `ue_menu_selected`. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_menu_header (string as_keys, string as_label)`	Non-clickable title line, to break up a long menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_menu_separator (string as_keys)`	Separator line in the menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_menu_item (string as_keys)`	Handle of a menu entry, to gray it out or check it on the fly
`of_add_combo_item (string as_keys, string as_label)`	Adds a choice to the list of a drop-down. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_gallery_item (string as_keys, string as_image, string as_label)`	Adds a tile to a gallery. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_select_gallery_item (string as_keys)`	Selects a gallery tile programmatically, by its four-level address (without raising an event). Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created
`of_open (string as_keys)`	Programmatically opens the menu, the list or the swatch palette of the control at that address; a Quick Access Toolbar button is addressed by its key alone. Returns `0` once applied, `-5` on an invalid argument (empty key, wrong address), `-2` when the component is not created

Method	Purpose
`of_add_app_menu_item (string as_keys, string as_label, string as_image)`	Root entry of the application menu (the one opened by the `is_app_button` button). Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_app_menu_separator (string as_keys)`	Separator line in the application menu. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_qat (string as_key, string as_image, string as_tooltip)`	Button of the quick access toolbar, above the tabs, and returns `0` (`-5` on an invalid argument, `-2` when the component is not created)
`of_qat_item (string as_key)`	Handle of a quick access button, to gray it out or hide it on the fly

Contextual tabs #

Method	Purpose
`of_add_contextual_tab (string as_key, string as_title, long al_color)`	Standalone contextual tab: created hidden, marked with a colored edge. Pass `ACCENT_LIGHT` to follow the theme accent. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_add_contextual_group (string as_key, string as_title)` · `(id, title, al_color)`	Group of contextual tabs: a colored titled banner sits above its tabs. Returns `0` (`-5` on an invalid argument, `-2` when the component is not created)
`of_ctx_group (string as_key)`	Retrieves the handle of an existing contextual group, by its key — its properties are set on it
`of_add_contextual_tab (string as_key, string as_title, string as_group_key)`	Adds a tab under a contextual group: created hidden, crowned by the group's coloured banner. This is the only way — the group handle no longer adds anything. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`il_color` (property)	On a contextual group handle: recolors the banner on the fly (`ACCENT_LIGHT` to go back to the accent)

Shared #

Method	Purpose
`of_reset ( )`	Empties the ribbon and returns it to its brand-new state, properties included. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_set_redraw (boolean)`	Groups a burst of changes into a single rendering. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_preload_icons (string as_icons[])`	Warms up a batch of icons at startup: a tab opened later displays its own instantly. Returns `0` once applied, `-2` when the component is not created
`of_save_as_png (string)` · `of_save_as_jpg (string)`	Exports the rendering as an image. Returns `0` once the image is written, `-4` when writing fails, `-2` when the component is not created

Events #

Every control event carries the full path: you never need an identifier that is unique across the whole application.

Event	Raised when
`ue_clicked (string as_keys)`	A button, a big button, the main part of a split button or of a color picker is clicked
`ue_toggled (string as_keys, boolean ab_checked)`	A toggle or a check box changes state; `ab_checked` carries the new state
`ue_menu_selected (string as_keys, boolean ab_checked)`	An entry of a drop-down menu is chosen. `as_keys` carries four levels : tab, group, owning control, then the entry chosen, `ab_checked` = the state of a checkable entry
`ue_combo_changed (string as_keys, string as_text)`	A drop-down changes value, either by selection or by typing
`ue_value_changed (string as_keys, double ad_value)`	A numeric spinner changes value
`ue_color_changed (string as_keys, long al_color)`	A color is chosen in a color picker
`ue_gallery_selection_changed (string as_from_keys, string as_keys)`	A gallery tile has been picked. Same arguments as `ue_gallery_selection_changing`: the question and its outcome read the same way, and `as_from_keys` is the tile left
`ue_gallery_selection_changing (string as_from_keys, string as_keys)` → boolean	Cancelable, raised before the tile is picked. Raised by default; `ib_veto_gallery = false` removes it. `as_from_keys` is the current tile. Return `false` to keep it (a style the document cannot take yet)
`ue_launcher (string as_keys)`	The launcher arrow of a group is clicked — open your options window
`ue_selection_changed (string as_keys)`	A tab becomes active, by a click or through `of_select_tab`
`ue_app_button ( )`	The application button is clicked
`ue_app_menu_selected (string as_keys)`	An entry of the application menu is chosen
`ue_minimized (boolean ab_minimized)`	The ribbon is collapsed or expanded by the user
`ue_size_changed (long al_height, boolean ab_minimized)`	The ribbon's height changed on its own: folded, unfolded, a contextual tab shown, a narrower window dropping a row. Unlike `ue_auto_height` — which only speaks when the component sizes itself — this one fires whether auto-height is on or off: it is pure information, for laying out what sits underneath
`ue_keytips (boolean ab_on, integer ai_level)`	The keytips appear (`true`) or disappear (`false`). `ai_level` tells how far the navigation has gone: `1` = the tabs are lettered, `2` = the commands of the current tab are, `0` = no keytip left
`ue_auto_height (long al_height)`	The ribbon reports its ideal height and has just adjusted to it — always active: a ribbon's height is intrinsic
`ue_ready ( )`	The component has finished loading; everything sent beforehand has been replayed
`ue_runtime_missing ( )`	The WebView2 runtime is missing: the component stays empty
`ue_bg_color (long al_color)`	The component has computed its theme background color; the userobject has already adopted it (`backcolor`)

Examples #

// open event : the whole build is grouped into a single rendering

uo_ruban.of_set_redraw(false)
uo_ruban.is_app_button = "File"

// Application menu, with a cascade under "Save as"
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_item(/*key*/ "nouveau", /*label*/ "New", /*image*/ "mono:img\new.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_item("ouvrir", "Open...", "mono:img\open.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_item("enr_sous", "Save as", "mono:img\saveas.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_item(/*parent*/ "enr_sous", /*key*/ "sous_pdf", "PDF document", "")
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_item(/*parent*/ "enr_sous", /*key*/ "sous_csv", "CSV file", "")
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_separator("sep1")
uo_ruban.of_add_app_menu_item("quitter", "Exit", "mono:img\exit.svg")

// Quick access toolbar, above the tabs
uo_ruban.of_add_qat(/*key*/ "qat_enr", /*image*/ "mono:img\save.svg", /*tooltip*/ "Save")
uo_ruban.of_add_qat("qat_annuler", "mono:img\undo.svg", "Undo")

// Home tab
uo_ruban.of_add_tab("accueil", "Home")
uo_ruban.of_tab("accueil").is_keytip = "H"

uo_ruban.of_add_group("accueil/presse_papier", "Clipboard")
uo_ruban.of_add_big_split("accueil/presse_papier/coller", "Paste", "mono:img\paste.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_menu_item("accueil/presse_papier/coller/coller_texte", "Paste without formatting", "")
uo_ruban.of_add_menu_item("accueil/presse_papier/coller/coller_lien", "Paste as link", "")
uo_ruban.of_add_button("accueil/presse_papier/couper", "Cut", "mono:img\cut.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_button("accueil/presse_papier/copier", "Copy", "mono:img\copy.svg")
uo_ruban.of_group("accueil/presse_papier").ib_launcher = true       // options arrow at the bottom right

uo_ruban.of_set_redraw(true)
uo_ruban.of_select_tab("accueil")

A single click router #

// ue_clicked event of uo_ruban : (string as_keys)
// The full path arrives with the event : a single router is enough,
// and two groups can reuse the same identifier without getting in the way.
choose case as_keys
    case "presse_papier/couper" ; of_couper()
    case "presse_papier/copier" ; of_copier()
    case "presse_papier/coller" ; of_coller()
    case "police/gras"          ; of_basculer_gras()
end choose

Driving the state of controls according to permissions #

// Always through the path : tab > group > control
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/presse_papier/coller").ib_enabled = of_presse_papier_non_vide()
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/outils/pinceau").ib_checked = true
uo_ruban.of_tab("admin").ib_visible = gb_administrateur

// Gray out an entry INSIDE a drop-down menu (level 4)
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/presse_papier/coller") &
        .of_menu_item("coller_lien").ib_enabled = false

Banner-headed contextual tabs #

The Office principle: tabs that appear only when the selection warrants them, topped by a colored titled banner.

// open event : we prepare the contextual group, hidden by default

// Without a color, the banner follows the theme accent ; RGB(...) to force it
uo_ruban.of_add_contextual_group(/*key*/ "img", /*title*/ "Picture Tools", &
                                           /*color*/ RGB(224, 32, 96))
uo_ruban.of_add_contextual_tab("format", "Format", "img")
uo_ruban.of_add_group("format/ajuster", "Adjust")
uo_ruban.of_add_big_button("format/ajuster/rogner", "Crop", "mono:img\crop.svg")
uo_ruban.of_add_button("format/ajuster/pivoter", "Rotate", "mono:img\rotate.svg")

// When a picture is selected : we reveal the tab and activate it
uo_ruban.of_tab("format").ib_visible = true
uo_ruban.of_select_tab("format")

// When it is deselected : we hide it, the banner goes away with it
uo_ruban.of_tab("format").ib_visible = false

Drop-down, spinner, color picker and gallery #


uo_ruban.of_add_group("accueil/police", "Font")

// Editable drop-down : we fill it through its handle
uo_ruban.of_add_combo("accueil/police/nom_police", /*width_px*/ 140, /*editable*/ true)
uo_ruban.of_add_combo_item("accueil/police/nom_police", "Segoe UI")
uo_ruban.of_add_combo_item("accueil/police/nom_police", "Arial")
uo_ruban.of_add_combo_item("accueil/police/nom_police", "Calibri")
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/police/nom_police").is_text = "Segoe UI"

// Numeric spinner : min, max, step, initial value
uo_ruban.of_add_spinner("accueil/police/taille", /*width_px*/ 70, /*min*/ 6, /*max*/ 96, &
                          /*step*/ 1, /*value*/ 11)

// Color picker in full palette mode (with OK / Cancel)
uo_ruban.of_add_colorpicker("accueil/police/couleur", /*label*/ "Color", &
                              /*image*/ "mono:img\font-color.svg", &
                              /*color*/ RGB(0, 0, 0), &
                              /*mode*/ u_pbt_ribbon.COLORMODE_OPEN)

// Style gallery : scrolling illustrated tiles
uo_ruban.of_add_gallery("accueil/police/styles", /*width_px*/ 220, &
                                     /*tile_width*/ 64, /*tile_height*/ 48)
uo_ruban.of_add_gallery_item("accueil/police/styles/st_normal", "img\style-normal.png", "Normal")
uo_ruban.of_add_gallery_item("accueil/police/styles/st_titre",  "img\style-titre.png",  "Title")
uo_ruban.of_add_gallery_item("accueil/police/styles/st_note",   "img\style-note.png",   "Note")
uo_ruban.of_add_gallery_item("accueil/police/styles/st_code",   "img\style-code.png",   "Code")

// The collapsed strip shows 4 thumbnails at a time ; the others stay
// reachable through the arrows, or in the expanded grid.
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/police/styles").ii_visible_items = 4

uo_ruban.of_select_gallery_item("accueil/police/styles/st_normal")

// ue_value_changed event of uo_ruban : (string as_keys, double ad_value)
n_pbt_utils lnv_utils   // autoinstantiate : nothing to create, nothing to destroy
if lnv_utils.of_leaf(as_keys) = "taille" then of_appliquer_taille(ad_value)

// ue_color_changed event of uo_ruban : (string as_keys, long al_color)
n_pbt_utils lnv_utils   // autoinstantiate : nothing to create, nothing to destroy
if lnv_utils.of_leaf(as_keys) = "couleur" then of_appliquer_couleur(al_color)

Refusing the choice of a gallery thumbnail #

// The question is asked by DEFAULT: nothing to enable. This line does the
// opposite, removing it where arbitration is useless.
uo_ruban.ib_veto_gallery = false

// ue_gallery_selection_changing event of uo_ruban :
//   (string as_from_keys, string as_keys)
// Returning FALSE keeps the current thumbnail (as_from_keys).
n_pbt_utils lnv_utils   // autoinstantiate : nothing to create, nothing to destroy
if lnv_utils.of_leaf(as_keys) = "st_code" and not of_document_supporte_code() then
    MessageBox("Style", "This document cannot take the Code style.")
    return false
end if
return true

The dialog launcher #

// The small arrow at the bottom right of the group
uo_ruban.of_group("accueil/police").ib_launcher = true

// ue_launcher event of uo_ruban : (string as_keys)
// The path identifies the group : we open the matching options window.
n_pbt_utils lnv_utils   // autoinstantiate : nothing to create, nothing to destroy
choose case lnv_utils.of_leaf(as_keys)
    case "police"        ; open(w_options_police)
    case "presse_papier" ; open(w_options_collage)
end choose

Keytips: driving the ribbon from the keyboard #

// Alt displays the letters ; Alt then H then C triggers "copier"
uo_ruban.of_tab("accueil").is_keytip = "H"
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/presse_papier/copier").is_keytip = "C"
uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/presse_papier/couper").is_keytip = "X"

Pressing Alt wherever the focus sits in the window hands over to the ribbon: it takes the keyboard focus and raises its letters. You have nothing to wire — it is enough that at least one keytip is declared. Escape, a second Alt or picking a command return the focus to the control the user had left.

ue_keytips warns you at every state change, and gives you the current level:

// ue_keytips event of uo_ruban : (boolean ab_on, integer ai_level)
// The keyboard is driving the ribbon: clear the status bar hint, which talks
// about the mouse, and put it back when the letters drop.
if ab_on then
    uo_statut.of_item("main").is_text = "Type a letter (level " + String(ai_level) + ")"
else
    uo_statut.of_item("main").is_text = ""
end if

Rich tooltips on a control #


lnv_item = uo_ruban.of_item("accueil/presse_papier/coller")
lnv_item.is_super_tooltip_title = "Paste (Ctrl+V)"
lnv_item.is_super_tooltip_text  = "Inserts the contents of the clipboard." &
                                + "[br][br][size-=15]Use the arrow to paste without formatting.[/size-=15]"
lnv_item.is_super_tooltip_image = "img\paste.png"

These four properties are exactly the same as on any other item of the library. For a one-line tooltip, is_tooltip alone is enough.

Automatic height #

The ribbon sizes itself: there is nothing to enable. It notifies you on every height change (collapsing, contextual tab, theme change) so that you can reposition whatever sits below.

// ue_auto_height event of uo_ruban : (long al_height)
// The ribbon has already resized itself : we reposition what sits below.
uo_contenu.y      = uo_ruban.y + uo_ruban.height
uo_contenu.height = this.height - uo_contenu.y

Collapsing the ribbon to save space #

uo_ruban.ib_minimized = true

// ue_minimized event of uo_ruban : (boolean ab_minimized)
// We remember the user preference for the next time the window opens.
of_enregistrer_preference("ruban_replie", ab_minimized)

Starting over from an empty ribbon #

// of_reset empties tabs, groups, controls, quick access toolbar and menu
uo_ruban.of_reset()
uo_ruban.of_add_tab("accueil", "Home")

A PowerBuilder application has already described its commands once: in its menu. Labels, shortcuts, images, separators, sub-menus, tooltips — it is all there. n_pbt_menu2ribbon reads that menu back through RTTI and writes the PowerScript that builds the matching ribbon.

// Once, by hand : the generator WRITES code, it does not run in production.
// Paste its result into the open event of your window.
n_pbt_menu2ribbon lnv_gen
string ls_code

lnv_gen = create n_pbt_menu2ribbon
ls_code = lnv_gen.of_generate(/*menu*/ m_principal, /*variable*/ "uo_ruban")
destroy lnv_gen

ClipBoard(ls_code)

The conversion is deterministic: no AI, no network call, nothing that leaves the machine. And the generated identifiers keep the menu path (m_principal.m_fichier.m_ouvrir), so the choose case of your existing actions works as it is from ue_clicked.

The generated code is a starting point to review, not a deliverable: a menu is a list, a ribbon is a layout. Group things, choose your big buttons, drop what does not deserve to be permanently on show. Sample 9 of the ribbon page in the demo application shows a complete result.

Best practices #

Wrap the whole build in of_set_redraw(false) / of_set_redraw(true): a complete ribbon is then drawn in one go, without flickering.
Keep the returned handles (n_pbt_ribbon_tab, n_pbt_ribbon_group, n_pbt_ribbon_item) in local variables for the duration of the build: the code stays short and readable. To drive a control later on, simply go back through the path.
Call of_preload_icons at startup: without it, the first display of a tab that has never been opened shows a brief delay before its icons appear.
An identifier only needs to be unique within its group. Take advantage of that to name your controls simply (copier, coller) rather than with prefixes.
Reserve contextual tabs for commands that make no sense out of context: a grayed-out permanent tab is more restful than a tab that appears and disappears.
The question is asked by default: a ue_gallery_selection_changing left empty always allows the pick, you have nothing to do. Switch it off with ib_veto_gallery = false if arbitration is useless to you, since every question costs a round trip to PowerBuilder.
One dialog launcher per group at most, and only if the group really has advanced options to offer.
To rebuild an entire ribbon, prefer of_clear() (or of_reset()) over a series of of_remove_tab calls: without that, reusing a tab identifier fails.
For a lighter command bar, without tabs or groups, see toolbar; for side navigation, listbar.

Inherited from the common base #

These members exist on every visual component — they are not specific to this one. They are detailed once, in the transverse chapters; this table only says where to read them.

Members	Role	Detailed in
`of_count` · `of_keys_at` · `of_has`	Walk what the component holds	3.2 Items
`of_reset`	Put the component back to zero	3.6 Resetting a component: `of_reset()`
`of_register_shortcut` · `of_clear_shortcuts`	The component's keyboard chords	3.5 Keyboard shortcuts
`of_is_created` · `of_is_ready` · `of_get_last_error`	Whether it was born, whether it is ready, what failed	3.7 Diagnostics
`of_save_as_png` · `of_save_as_jpg`	Export the rendering as an image	3.8 Exporting the rendering as an image
`of_set_redraw`	Group changes into a single repaint	3.10 Best practices
`of_preload_icons`	Icons shown with no delay	Instant display: `of_icon`
`of_set_translation`	Translate one of the component's labels	5.2 Adapting a label: `of_set_translation`
`of_focus_webview`	Give the component the focus	6.4 Keyboard and focus
`of_print` · `of_print_to_pdf`	Print, or write a PDF	6.9 Printing

Two helpers are not inherited: of_icon and of_escape_markup live on n_pbt_utils. Declare one — n_pbt_utils lnv_utils, nothing to create — and call them on it.

← Component reference · Guide contents

ribbon — `u_pbt_ribbon` #

At a glance #

The golden rule: everything goes through the path #

Quick start #

Properties #

Properties of a tab — `n_pbt_ribbon_tab` #

Properties of a group — `n_pbt_ribbon_group` #

Properties of a control — `n_pbt_ribbon_item` #

Properties of a menu entry — `n_pbt_ribbon_menu_item` #

The twelve types of controls #

Methods #

Building the ribbon #

Filling menus and lists #

Contextual tabs #

Shared #

Events #

Examples #

A complete ribbon, from the application menu to the groups #

A single click router #

Driving the state of controls according to permissions #

Banner-headed contextual tabs #

Drop-down, spinner, color picker and gallery #

Refusing the choice of a gallery thumbnail #

The dialog launcher #

Keytips: driving the ribbon from the keyboard #

Rich tooltips on a control #

Automatic height #

Collapsing the ribbon to save space #

Starting over from an empty ribbon #

From an existing PowerBuilder menu #

Best practices #

Inherited from the common base #

ribbon — u_pbt_ribbon #

At a glance #

The golden rule: everything goes through the path #

Quick start #

Properties #

Properties of a tab — n_pbt_ribbon_tab #

Properties of a group — n_pbt_ribbon_group #

Properties of a control — n_pbt_ribbon_item #

Properties of a menu entry — n_pbt_ribbon_menu_item #

The twelve types of controls #

Methods #

Building the ribbon #

Filling menus and lists #

Application menu and quick access toolbar #

Contextual tabs #

Shared #

Events #

Examples #

A complete ribbon, from the application menu to the groups #

A single click router #

Driving the state of controls according to permissions #

Banner-headed contextual tabs #

Drop-down, spinner, color picker and gallery #

Refusing the choice of a gallery thumbnail #

The dialog launcher #

Keytips: driving the ribbon from the keyboard #

Rich tooltips on a control #

Automatic height #

Collapsing the ribbon to save space #

Starting over from an empty ribbon #

From an existing PowerBuilder menu #

Best practices #

Inherited from the common base #

ribbon — `u_pbt_ribbon` #

Properties of a tab — `n_pbt_ribbon_tab` #

Properties of a group — `n_pbt_ribbon_group` #

Properties of a control — `n_pbt_ribbon_item` #

Properties of a menu entry — `n_pbt_ribbon_menu_item` #