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Layout Modes and Density

Ribbon supports multiple layout modes and user interface densities to easily achieve the desired look and feel for your application.

Layout Modes

Ribbon supports two different layout modes: Classic and Simplified. Use the Ribbon.LayoutMode property to set the desired RibbonLayoutMode.

The ribbon can switch between layout modes at run-time without any change in configuration. When allowed, users can use the ribbon options button to change layout modes. Set the Ribbon.CanChangeLayoutMode property to false to prevent the user from changing layout modes.

Classic

Screenshot

Ribbon displayed in classic layout mode

The Classic layout mode, first introduced with Office 2007, uses a taller ribbon with a combination of large buttons and multi-row groups of controls that dynamically adjust to fill as much or as little space as is available.

Simplified

Screenshot

Ribbon displayed in simplified layout mode

The Simplified layout mode is a modern refinement of the ribbon that appears more like a traditional toolbar with a single row of controls but can still dynamically adjust to fill the available space. When necessary, controls that do not have room to appear on the primary ribbon are moved to an overflow menu.

Note

It is recommended that when using the Simplified layout mode, set the Ribbon.UserInterfaceDensity property to Spacious, which is more touch-friendly than the Compact default. The Spacious density will also use medium size images when available in place of small size images.

Tip

See the "Layout Modes" Bars Ribbon QuickStart of the Sample Browser application for a demonstration of layout modes and user options.

User Interface Density

Actipro Ribbon supports multiple levels of density that adjust the padding of user interface elements. Set the Ribbon.UserInterfaceDensity property to one of the following UserInterfaceDensity values.

  • Compact is the default and is best for traditional mouse interactions such as when using RibbonLayoutMode.Classic.
  • Spacious is great for touch interactions and should generally be set for RibbonLayoutMode.Simplified.
  • Normal is a little in-between Compact and Spacious for a more balanced approach.
Tip

See the "User Interface Density" Bars Ribbon QuickStart of the Sample Browser application for a demonstration of different density values applied to classic and simplified ribbons.