# GUI Builder

The GUI Builder is a what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) tool that allows you to create and design graphical user interfaces using the Panel Definition Markup Language (PDML). You can also use the GUI Builder to edit one or more existing PDML files.

The editor consists of these three windows:

GUI Builder

> Use the GUI Builder window to open, save, or close, new and existing PDML files. You can set the path to the Java compiler and which command line arguments to pass to the compiler from the Options dialog. To do this, select View from the GUI Builder main menu and then select Options... The Options dialog also allows you to set the grid and margin preferences for you panels.

File Builder

> The File Builder window allows you to create and manage your PDML source files. Use the File Builder to create new panels, property sheets, wizards, split panes, deck panes, tabbed panes, menus, tool bars, and string tables. You can also, cut, copy and paste any of these elements to a different file. Go to the File Builder online help for more information about what you can do with the File Builder.

Properties

> When you select a component you have added to a panel, the properties for that component appear in the Properties window. Use this window to change the properties of your UI components.

> To open the Properties window, select View from the GUI Builder main menu and then select Properties.

> Select any property in the Properties window and press F1 if you want more information about it.