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SplitContainer Control (Windows Forms)

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The Windows Forms SplitContainer control can be thought of as a composite; it is two panels separated by a movable bar. When the mouse pointer is over the bar, the pointer changes shape to show that the bar is movable.

Note

In the Toolbox, this control replaces the Splitter control that was there in the previous version of Visual Studio. The SplitContainer control is much preferred over the Splitter control. The Splitter class is still included in the .NET Framework for compatibility with existing applications, but we strongly encourage you to use the SplitContainer control for new projects.

The SplitContainer control lets you create complex user interfaces; often, a selection in one panel determines what objects are shown in the other panel. This arrangement is very effective for displaying and browsing information. Having two panels allow you to aggregate information in areas, and the bar, or "splitter," makes it easy for users to resize the panels.

In This Section

SplitContainer Control Overview
Introduces the SplitContainer control and describes the commonly used properties, methods, and events.

How to: Define Resize and Positioning Behavior in a Split Window
Describes how to control the splitter within the SplitContainer control.

How to: Split a Window Horizontally
Describes how to control the orientation of the splitter within the SplitContainer control.

How to: Create a Multipane User Interface with Windows Forms
Creates a multi-pane user interface that is similar to the one used in Microsoft Outlook.

Also see How to: Split a Window Horizontally Using the Designer, How to: Create a Windows Explorer–Style Interface on a Windows Form, How to: Create a Multipane User Interface with Windows Forms Using the Designer.

Reference

SplitContainer class
Describes this class and has links to all its members.

Windows Forms Controls
Provides links to topics about the controls designed specifically to work with Windows Forms.

Controls to Use on Windows Forms
Provides a complete list of Windows Forms controls, with links to information on their use.