Creating AppBars in MS Access Applications using some APIs (3 Viewers)

[xavier.batlle]

This example shows how to turns a popup Microsoft Access form into a special always-visible sidebar or top/bottom bar on your screen — similar to the Windows taskbar, but completely customizable and made for your database application.

Main things it can do:

• Sticks to one edge of the screenYou can choose to dock them to the:
  • • left side (like a vertical toolbox)
  • • right side
  • • top of the screen
  • • bottom of the screen
• Up to 4 Scrollbars can be used at the same time, one in each edge of the monitor.
• Stays always on top of other windows Your form never gets hidden behind other programs or Access windows — it’s always visible.
• Can be made semi-transparent You can set it to be slightly see-through (like 70–90% opacity) so it doesn’t cover too much of your screen and feels less heavy.
• AppBars are created on the same monitor where MS Access is open.

Typical uses people make with it:

• Permanent navigation menu on the left side of the screen
• Quick-access toolbar always visible at the top
• Small status/info panel docked to the right edge
• Custom mini-launcher or favorites bar inside an Access application

I don't think it's very useful, but it was interesting to play around with this topic.
Example: