Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Docking and undocking tool windows
When you open a tool window, it slides out into the main interface, revealing its
contents. By default, most of the tool windows are docked with the editor, as
shown in figure 2.5. A docked tool window is displayed in an independent frame,
allowing you to access the editor and tool window independently. Figure 2.5
shows an example of an interface with a single, tabbed editor and a docked tool
window. You hold down the left mouse button and drag out the tool window to
adjust its size. You can undock the tool window by clicking its undock window icon
or by disabling the
Window | Docked mode
setting from the main menu. An
undocked window slides over the editor rather than creating its own frame.
Docked windows don't interfere with each other, allowing you to create a multi-
pane interface customized to your liking. The same window shown in figure 2.5
can be seen undocked in figure 2.6.
Floating tool windows
If docking and sliding aren't enough for you, click the
Float
icon or toggle on
Window | Floating Mode
to break the tool window out of the interface com-
pletely. Now the window is independent of the main
IDE
window and can be
Figure 2.5
The Structure window on the left is an example of a docked, pinned tool window.
