The Studio Interface
The product centers around a visual design tool that compiles cross-browser compatible DHTML PanelBars as independent JavaScript (.js) source files.
The Studio's interface is designed with the developer in mind. A menu's structure is created and organized in the Objects window. For each object selected in this window, a list of options is presented in the Properties window. Design choices are not buried within a sea of dialog boxes and nested tabs. This provides a consistent and rapid technique for designing a menu.
When you need help on a particular property, just select it in the property list and press F1. The help file launches and automatically presents that property's detailed description.
Compiling the PanelBar is simple and fast. Just set the path information in "Project Settings..." and you'll be ready to compile the menu with the click of the mouse. Compiling only takes a split second.
On-the-fly Preview
While you are designing your PanelBar, you'll see real-time results in PanelBar Studio's Preview window. Since this window uses Microsoft Internet Explorer for rendering, you will be seeing exactly what will be displayed when the menu goes onto your web page.
Built for Performance
Once added to your page, the JavaScript code automatically detects the browser type at run-time and downloads only the necessary browser-based .js file for the best possible bandwidth savings. Once downloaded, this .js file is cached by the browser, minimizing redundant request.
Advanced DHTML for the Browser
At the client, the run-time DHTML has many features and abilities. These are a few:
Expand/Collapse - Different types of Expand/Collapse behaviors are available. You can have a single click expand one group and collapse another (only one group is expanded at a time), or each group can behave independantly (multiple groups expanded).
Sizing Options - Specify fixed dimensions, dynamically resize to fit a framed or non-framed area or let each Group size to it's own content.
Scrollable List - When there is not enough space to display all of the Items in a Group, scroll buttons will appear.
Animation and Float - Sliding animation is available for Group transitions, as well as the ability to move the PanelBar along with the page scroll.
Custom HTML Sections - Within the Group, place your own HTML above or below the Items, or do not display any Items at all.
Highly Customizable Look - Colors, sizes, borders and fonts can all be customized to visually integrate with any project. Also supports custom image replacement throughout.
Client-side Events - In addition to navigating to a URL, you can invoke custom JavaScript functions at the browser when the user clicks on Groups or Items.
Tremendous Value
All this versatility is sold in a developer-based licensing model which includes royalty-free use and distribution of the compiled .js files. Each developer who owns a license of PanelBar Studio can consider it a tool to be used again and again, with out any additional costs.
