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Controls to Use on Windows Forms

The following is an alphabetic list of controls and components that can be used on Windows Forms. In addition to the Windows Forms controls covered in this section, you can add ActiveX and custom controls to Windows Forms. If you do not find the control you need listed here, you can also create your own. For details, see Developing Windows Forms Controls at Design Time. For more information about choosing the control you need, see Windows Forms Controls by Function.

NoteNote

Visual Basic controls are based on classes provided by the .NET Framework.

In This Section

  • ContextMenu Component (Windows Forms)
    Provides users with an easily accessible menu of frequently used commands that are associated with the selected object. Although ContextMenuStrip replaces and adds functionality to the ContextMenu control of previous versions, ContextMenu is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if so desired.
  • ContextMenuStrip Control
    Represents a shortcut menu. Although ContextMenuStrip replaces and adds functionality to the ContextMenu control of previous versions, ContextMenu is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if so desired.
  • MenuStrip Control (Windows Forms)
    Provides a menu system for a form. Although MenuStrip replaces and adds functionality to the MainMenu control of previous versions, MainMenu is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if you choose.
  • StatusBar Control (Windows Forms)
    Displays status information related to the control that has focus. Although StatusStrip replaces and extends the StatusBar control of previous versions, StatusBar is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if you choose.
  • StatusStrip Control
    Represents a Windows status bar control. Although StatusStrip replaces and extends the StatusBar control of previous versions, StatusBar is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if you choose.
  • ToolBar Control (Windows Forms)
    Displays menus and bitmapped buttons that activate commands. You can extend the functionality of the control and modify its appearance and behavior. Although ToolStrip replaces and adds functionality to the ToolBar control of previous versions, ToolBar is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if you choose.
  • ToolStrip Control (Windows Forms)
    Creates custom toolbars and menus in your Windows Forms applications. Although ToolStrip replaces and adds functionality to the ToolBar control of previous versions, ToolBar is retained for both backward compatibility and future use if you choose.
  • Windows Forms Controls
    Explains the use of Windows Forms controls, and describes important concepts for working with them.