Create a fixed pane in a front panel to provide interactive controls for end users of a VI. Add controls to the toolbar to define how users can interact with the VI.

When you separate a front panel by creating a toolbar, you can add objects to the other pane without affecting the toolbar.

This procedure describes adding a toolbar to the top pane of a front panel.

To create a toolbar using a splitter bar, complete the following steps.

  1. Create a new VI or open an existing VI.
  2. Right-click the front panel to open the Controls palette.
  3. Select a design palette and select Layout » Horizontal Splitter Bar.
  4. Add the splitter bar to the front panel near the top of the pane.
    As you drag the splitter bar, a dashed line indicates the position of the splitter bar on the pane. If the dashed line is red, the alignment grid is enabled.
    When you click to place the splitter bar, the splitter bar creates two scrollable panes in the front panel window.
  5. Use the Controls palette to add the controls you want to use in the toolbar to the upper pane.
  6. Right-click the border of the splitter bar and select Splitter Sizing » Splitter Sticks Top.
    LabVIEW repositions the splitter bar based on the location of the top of the front panel window.
  7. Turn off the scrollbars in the upper pane.
    1. Right-click the splitter bar and select Upper Pane » Horizontal Scrollbar » Always Off.
    2. Right-click the splitter bar and select Upper Pane » Vertical Scrollbar » Always Off.
  8. To lock the splitter bar in place, right-click the splitter bar and select Locked.