Ribbon

The ribbon is a palette that displays task-based tools and controls.

The ribbon is divided into tabs, with each tab is supporting a specific activity. Within each tab, tools are grouped together into a task-based series of panels.

To specify which ribbon tabs and panels are displayed, right-click the ribbon and, on the context menu, click or clear the names of tabs or panels.

You can customize the ribbon depending on your needs in the following ways:

You can control the amount of space the ribbon takes in the application window. There are two buttons to the right of the ribbon tabs, that allow you to choose the ribbon toggle and ribbon minimize states.

Contextual Tabs

Some of the tabs are contextual. When you execute some commands, a special contextual ribbon tab is displayed instead of a toolbar or dialog box. For example, as soon as you start selecting items in the Scene View, the previously hidden Item Tools tab appears. When nothing is selected, it becomes hidden again.

Slideout Panels

A down arrow to the right of a panel title indicates that you can slide out the panel to display additional tools and controls. By default, an expanded panel closes automatically when you click another panel. To keep a panel expanded, click the push pin icon in the bottom-left corner of the slideout panel.

Floating Panels

If you pull a panel off of a ribbon tab and into a different area in the application window or the desktop, that panel floats where you placed it. The floating panel remains open until you return it to the ribbon, even if you switch ribbon tabs.

Tool Launcher

Some ribbon panels display a dialog box or a dockable window related to that panel. A tool launcher arrow in the lower-right corner of the panel indicates that you can display a related tool. Click the icon to display the associated dialog box or dockable window.

Check Boxes

Check boxes allow you to toggle an option on or off.

Sliders

When an option can be executed with varying intensity, the slider allows you to control the setting from lower to higher, or reverse.