C H A P T E R 7

Controls

Tab Controls

The tab control provides a convenient way to present information in a multipage format. Tabs can display centered horizontally across the top or bottom edge, or centered vertically along the left or right side. Figure 7-22 shows the proper orientation of text on tabs on each of the four sides.

Figure 7-22 Orientation of tab text on each side

The content area below a tab is called a pane. You can use other controls, such as push buttons and text entry fields, in tabbed windows too. The controls can be global—affecting the settings of all panes—or specific to an individual pane; make it clear through labeling and placement (within or outside of a tab pane’s boundary) whether a control affects one pane or all panes.

138Control Behavior and Appearance

Apple Computer, Inc. June 2002

C H A P T E R 7

Controls

Tab Control Specifications

76

Tabs use the system font.

5

Small tabs use the small system font.

■Text: System font (13-point Lucida Grande), centered in tab with 12 pixels on each side. Small tabs: Small system font (11-point Lucida Grande), centered in tab with 10 pixels on each side.

■Tab height: 23 pixels. Small: 20 pixels

■Accent bar height: 6 pixels. Small: 5 pixels.

Apple Computer, Inc. June 2002

C H A P T E R 7

Controls

Tab panes can extend from one edge of a window to the other, or they can be inset within a window. Figure 7-25 shows an example of tab panes that extend from one edge of a window to the other.

Figure 7-25 Tab panes edge to edge

Spaces should be equal.

For inset tab panes, the recommended inset is 20 pixels on each side within a window, although 16 is also allowed. You can define a window so space remains below the tab pane for global controls such as push buttons. Figure 7-26 shows an example of tab panes inset within a window, with buttons below the panes.

140Control Behavior and Appearance

Apple Computer, Inc. June 2002