Flare's user interface lets you switch between using a ribbon layout, or using a more traditional tool strip layout. The ribbon layout consists of a File drop-down with common tasks such as creating new projects and files, as well as opening and saving documents. This is followed by the Home ribbon, which is the default, and several others related to various features in Flare.
Characteristics
-
Switch Views By default ribbons are used when you install and launch Flare for the first time. However, you can use the Options dialog (File > Options) to switch back to the classic tool strip.
-
Minimize You can minimize the ribbons so that you only see the top portion of the ribbons until you select an option. To do this, right-click anywhere in a ribbon and select Minimize the Ribbon from the context menu.
- Hidden Ribbons Some ribbons are not always shown. For example, the Source Control ribbon is displayed only if your project is bound to version control.
- Icons/Text Ribbons consist of icons and text, which let you perform various tasks. Larger icons are shown for the most common tasks.
-
Sections Ribbons are split into sections to make it easier to locate the options on them. For example, the Review ribbon contains the following sections: Packages, Changes, Annotations, Locks, and Options.
-
Reducing Application Window Size When you reduce the size of the entire application window, the ribbons are also reduced in a way that lets you continue to access hidden options by clicking on the section name.
Example You have the application window maximized, and this is what you see when opening the Project ribbon:
If you reduce the size of the application window, the ribbon shrinks along with it. You can still access all of the options. Some icons are simply smaller, and others are accessible from section drop-downs.
