tool bar
A common {graphical user interface}
component, consisting of a permanently visible row of button
{icons} which, when clicked with the {mouse}, cause the
program to perform some action such as printing the current
document or changing the {mode} of operation.
The tool bar buttons often duplicate functions accessible via
{menus} but are easier to use since they are permanently
visible. A typical use would be in a {paint} program where
the tool bar allows the users to select one of the various
painting "tools" - brush, pencil, bucket etc.
Some {application programs} under some {operating systems} may
allow the user to customise the functions accessible via
toolbars, in others the choice is fixed by the programmer.
(2000-02-09)