Relating to software, Multiple Document Interface (MDI) commonly refers to the graphic interface in which multiple display windows reside under parent windows. Such systems generally allow “child” windows to embed other windows inside them as well, creating a nested hierarchy.
Builder Information System provides two MDI related options: MDI and Tabbed MDI.
To access the MDI options, go to Window, Styles in the Menu, and selected the desired option:
MDI will allow multiple forms to be opened and viewed within the main window:
MDI forms may be docked to the menu or sidebar and/or may be displayed “floating”, Maximum sized, or resized to the forms minimal working size, or minimized all but closing the form. This is accomplished using the buttons in the upper right of each form.
Additionally, MDI and Tabbed MDI may be displayed in Tile Vertical, Title Horizontal, or Cascade formations by selecting the options in Window menu:
Like Tabbed MDI, the MDI setting allows for multiple forms to be displayed in three window configurations: Tile Vertical, Tile Horizontal and Cascade
Tile Vertical
Tile Horizontal
Cascade
Tabbed MDI
Tabbed MDI allows users to have multiple forms displayed in full, each with a tab across the top which allows the user to easily toggle between forms and reports.
Tabbed MDI forms may be set as either Horizontal Tab Group or Vertical Tab Group by right-click a tab and selecting the desired option: It will set the tab and next tab to that option
New Horizontal Tab Group:
Selecting “Next Tab Group” will move the focus to the next group of forms open.
New Vertical Tab Group: (With the first tab group appear horizontal at the bottom of the screen)
All open forms are still accessible and may be toggled to by clicking on their respective tab or by selecting the form from the list in the Window menu.
Whether using MDI or Tabbed MDI, the “Close All” option in the Windows menu will close all open forms at once.
