How can I: Copy a generic form and then make changes.

Question

Hello:

I have a generic form that has most of the standard changes that I need in it. I would like ot copy it into my project and then change a few things in it.

What would be the best and simplest way? I tried that 'Inherited Form' thing, but it locks all the objcets on the form. Am I doing something wrong or should I not use that?

((Hope I explained it correctly... Also I am a super newbie to this stuuf, so dont assume I some stuff.))

Sam Hobbs · Answer

Why not just try it? In the amount of time it took you to provide additional information you could have tried it. I appreciate the clarification. I also realize taht if you have not done a UserControl it takes a little time to learn how to do it. It actually is very easy to do; you go to Project | Add UserControl. Then add controls to the UserControl the same as a form. You might have to build the project but then you can add the UserControl to a form by dragging and dropping the UserControl to the form. Attached is a simple project I put together quickly. It is a proof-of-concept showing it is possible. If there is a reason that a UserControl does not satisfy your requiements then I don't know what that is. I realize that you also might not know what you need that a UserControl does not do so that is why it would help for you to learn about UserControls; it is time worth investing.

kiran kumar · Answer

Hello Giorgioi have an idealet me know if it satisfies your requirements you must have populated your form with usercontrols change the usercontrols modifiers from private to protected (you can see modifiers under usercontrol's properties) it unlocks the controls in the inherited form hope it resolves your problem MARK THE ANSWER IF IT HELPS YOU

Gustavo · Answer

Sam: I need to have a form that has some things pre-set so I dont have to add them every time I want a new form. Some items are listed below: Form size menuStrip toolStrip statusbar tabControl groupBox... ands some labels and textBox. I themwould want the option to change the above items and also add new items on the form. Hope I explained it correctly.

Sam Hobbs · Answer

It depends on what you need to do; what you need to modify and such. Also will the form be used in the one project only? Here is an important question. What does change a few things in it really mean? Will you add controls or do you need to change the way some controls work or do you need to replace some controls? One possibility would be to make the form a UserControl. A UserControl can have multiple controls in it. Then you can add the UserControl to other forms. Depending on your requirements that might be the easiest and most flexible solution.