Introduction to Dashboards
A dashboard is an embedded "dialog box" at the top of the Creo Parametric graphics window. A dashboard typically appears when you create or modify a feature in Creo Parametric. It offers the necessary controls, inputs, status and guidance for creating or editing of features.
Figure 7. Dashboard components
1. Tool Icon
2. Dialog Bar
3. Slide-down Panels
4. Standard Buttons
A dashboard consists of the following components:
• A main dialog bar, which show the commonly used commands and entry fields. You perform most of your modeling tasks in the graphics window and the dialog bar. When you activate a tool, the dialog bar displays commonly used options and collectors.
• Standard buttons for controlling the tool.
• Slide-down panels that open to reveal less commonly-used functionality. You can use them to perform advanced modeling actions or retrieve comprehensive feature information.
• A bitmap identifies the tool (typically the same icon used on buttons that invoke the tool).
Creo Parametric uses the dashboard to create features that involve extensive interaction with user interface components and geometry manipulation. You can use dashboards in Creo TOOLKIT applications:
• Where a dialog box is too large in size or is intrusive onto the graphics window. Dashboards enable you to make a smooth-flow tool.
• To present a streamlined "simple-user" activity with more complicated actions available to "expert users".
• Where Creo TOOLKIT dashboards are not only limited to feature creation activities and solid model modes.