How Do You Create a Toolbar in MFC?

Toolbars in MFC (Microsoft Foundation Class) are an essential part of the user interface, providing users with quick access to commonly used features. Creating and managing a toolbar can greatly enhance the functionality of an application. In this article, we will explain how to create a toolbar in MFC step by step.

What is a Toolbar in MFC?

A toolbar is a window that contains buttons, icons, or other UI elements. It is usually docked at the top of the main window and provides quick access to commonly used commands.

Steps to Create a Toolbar in MFC

1. Define the Toolbar Resource

First, create a toolbar resource in the resource file (typically .rc file). Define the buttons and images you want to include:
“`cpp
IDR_TOOLBAR1 TOOLBAR 16, 15
BEGIN
BUTTON ID_FILE_NEW
BUTTON ID_FILE_OPEN
BUTTON ID_FILE_SAVE
END
“`

2. Add Toolbar Member to Main Frame

Add a `CToolBar` member to your main frame class:
“`cpp
class CMainFrame : public CFrameWnd
{
CToolBar m_wndToolBar;
};
“`

3. Initialize Toolbar in Main Frame

Initialize the toolbar in the `CMainFrame::OnCreate()` function:
“`cpp
int CMainFrame::OnCreate(LPCREATESTRUCT lpCreateStruct)
{
if (CFrameWnd::OnCreate(lpCreateStruct) == -1)
return -1;

// Create the toolbar
if (!m_wndToolBar.CreateEx(this, TBSTYLE_FLAT, WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | CBRS_TOP | CBRS_GRIPPER | CBRS_TOOLTIPS | CBRS_FLYBY) ||
!m_wndToolBar.LoadToolBar(IDR_TOOLBAR1))
{
return -1; // Fail to create toolbar
}

return 0;
}
“`

Customizing the Toolbar

MFC toolbars can be customized with icons, tooltips, and separators to provide a better user experience. You can also enable or disable buttons based on application state.

Creating a toolbar in MFC provides a user-friendly way for users to interact with the application and access features quickly.