In GUI-based application software, a ribbon is an interface where a set of toolbars are placed on tabs in a tab bar. Recent releases of some Microsoft applications have embraced this form with an intricate modular ribbon as their main interface.
Ribbons in Microsoft software
Microsoft originally implemented ribbons as part of its "Fluent User Interface" in Office 2007.[1] The ribbon is formed as a panel that houses certain command buttons and icons; it organizes commands as a set of tabs, each grouping relevant commands. Each application has a different set of tabs which house the options for that specific application. Within each tab, various related options may be grouped together. The Ribbon can be minimized by double clicking the active tab.[2] The ribbon consolidates the functionality previously found in menus, toolbars and many task panes into one area.[3].
The ribbon UI has also begun to be implemented in other Microsoft software. Some applications in Windows 7 such as Paint and WordPad now utilize a ribbon-based UI.[4]
See also
References
- ^ Office Fluent User Interface
- ^ "Microsoft: Use the Ribbon". Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ The Microsoft Office Fluent user interface overview. Retrieved 2009-05-24.
- ^ "Ahead of PDC, Microsoft Begins Internal Test of Windows 7". Paul Thurrott. 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2008-09-15.