How Can I Hide TabControl Buttons While Still Using TabPages for Stacked Panel Controls?

Managing Hidden TabControl Buttons for Stacked Panel Controls

Handling multiple panels with data masks individually can be cumbersome. This article explores alternative solutions to streamline this process, specifically focusing on hiding TabControl buttons.

Problem Statement:

The need arises to manage multiple panels with varying data, each represented by a TreeView control. The current manual method of handling panel visibility is inconvenient, especially in the UI designer.

Solution 1: TabControl with Hidden Buttons

One potential solution involves employing a TabControl where each panel resides within a TabPage. However, the requirement to hide the TabControl buttons poses a challenge.

Solution 2: Custom StackPanelControl

An ideal solution would be a "StackPanelControl" that arranges panels in a stack-like manner. Unfortunately, no such control exists natively.

Optimal Solution:

To overcome the limitations of both approaches, we leverage a clever technique using the Win32 API. By intercepting the TCM_ADJUSTRECT message sent by the TabControl, we can suppress the display of tab buttons. This allows us to implement the desired functionality while retaining the ease of working with TreeView controls.

Implementation:

To achieve this, create a new class in your project and implement the code provided below. Compile the class and drag and drop the new control from the toolbox onto your form.

using System;
using System.Windows.Forms;

class StackPanel : TabControl {
  protected override void WndProc(ref Message m) {
    // Hide tabs by trapping the TCM_ADJUSTRECT message
    if (m.Msg == 0x1328 && !DesignMode) m.Result = (IntPtr)1;
    else base.WndProc(ref m);
  }
}

This solution provides the benefits of using a TabControl while maintaining a clean and user-friendly interface. You can easily switch views using the SelectedIndex or SelectedTab properties.

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