Toolbar

The toolbar, also called bar or standard toolbar, is a row of buttons, often near the top of an application window, that controls software functions. The boxes are below the menu bar and often contain images corresponding with the function they control, as demonstrated in the image below.

A toolbar often provides quick access to functions commonly performed in the program. For example, a formatting toolbar in early versions of Microsoft Excel lets you make text bold or change text alignment with other common buttons. In an Internet browser, toolbars add functionality that may not come pre-installed.

What is a standard toolbar?

A standard bar or standard toolbar describes the traditional toolbar in most program windows. These terms are needed because programs like Microsoft Office programs have moved away from the standard toolbar and are using a Ribbon. Other programs have hidden the standard toolbar behind a hamburger menu.

How to find a missing toolbar

Most programs allow toolbars to be arranged and removed from a program. Unfortunately, this can mean that a toolbar may be mistakenly removed or hidden from your view. If a toolbar is missing, or to see if other toolbars are available, look for a "toolbar" option in the file menu. A toolbar option is found in most programs in the menu's View or Window section. As shown in the picture, this program has a checkmark next to the "Toolbar" option, indicating it's enabled. If there was no checkmark, it would be hidden. More advanced programs with more than one toolbar may allow you to turn each toolbar on/off.

Common computer software toolbars and other bars

Below are examples of software bars and toolbars you may encounter and use on a computer.

• App bar - Windows 8 bar.
• Bar chart - A chart consisting of horizontal or vertical bars.
• Barcode - A series of lines identifying an address, product, or other information.
• Browser toolbar - Any toolbar in an Internet browser.
• Bookmarks bar - Bar showing frequently visited bookmarks.
• Command bar - A bar that shows available commands in a program.
• Dock - A bar found at the bottom of macOS that gives quick access to programs.
• Favorites bar - Bar showing frequently visited favorites.
• Formatting toolbar - Toolbar that shows text formatting options.
• Formula bar - Bar in a spreadsheet program that lets you edit a formula.
• Loading bar - An indicator that shows how long it takes until something is completed.
• Menu bar - A bar at the top of the screen that gives access to all menus.
• Navigation bar - Gives access to all navigation features in a browser.
• Places bar - A pane that shows common places to access files.
• Progress bar - An indicator that shows how long it takes until something is completed.
• Scroll bar - A bar on the bottom or side of the window to scroll through a page.
• Split bar - A bar that divides the window into multiple sections.
• Status bar - One of the few bars at the bottom of the window that shows the status.
• Taskbar - The bar found at the bottom of the Microsoft Windows operating system since Windows 95.
• Title bar - A bar at the top of a window that describes the program or window.

Computer hardware bars

Below are the two hardware bars you may encounter and use on or with a computer.

• Port bar - A device that allows your laptop to connect to other devices.
• Spacebar - A key on a keyboard that creates a space.

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