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Motif and CDE 2.1 Style Guide Reference
Command Area (Area)
Reference
Description
A command area is an area in a window that provides a place for users to
enter commands. Figure 7 illustrates a command area.
Figure 7. Command Area.
When to Use
RecommendedProvide a command area for entering commands if a task analysis of the
user's tasks shows that the user will need to enter commands.
RecommendedUse a command area with a text-entry field if commands are simple textual
strings or are unique and not usually repeated.
RecommendedUse a command area with a command box if the user could use a history list
of past commands for repetition or for composing a new command.
RecommendedUse a command area consisting of push buttons if the user will issue
commands from only a small set (from two to ten) of fixed commands.
RecommendedDo not use a command area consisting of push buttons if the user will
issue commands from a medium-sized set (from ten to twenty) of commands.
Instead, place a critical subset in the command area as push buttons and place
the rest in a palette area or in menus.
Guidelines
RequiredIf you include a command area, provide a text-entry field or a command box
or a group of push buttons or both for common actions.
RequiredDo not scroll the command area when the viewing areas of the window are
scrolled.
RecommendedIf you include a command area, design it to run from border to border
across the width of the window.
RecommendedIf you include a command area in a window that has an information area,
place the command area just above the information area. Otherwise, place the
command area at the bottom of the window.
Essential Related Topics
For more information, see the Command Box (Control) and Push Button
(Control) reference pages.
Supplemental Related Topics
For more information, see the Information and Message Areas (Area)
reference page.
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