How to make C# tab switch between form

Question

I want to know if it possible to use tabs (like Google Chrome or many others program) in VS Express 2010 to swap between forms without closing any window.

I know there is the tab control item in the tool box but as far as I know you need to create the tab content in the same form. I'm looking for a way to swap between form like if I put Buttons in the the top of each form (workers, customers, ext) that open the form I clicked and close the one I'm in but not change the main window.

From what I see in this instruction video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBgSuUU5IMM) you can create all tabs in a separate form class, so not all in one form. — Marleen Schilt, Dec 14 '15 at 11:55
Using forms is pretty hokey, you'll have to carefully control location, size and Z-order. UserControls are the must more obvious alternative, simply place each on a tab. If necessary, you can very easily turn a Form into a user control with [this code](http://stackoverflow.com/a/7692113/17034). — Hans Passant, Dec 14 '15 at 12:25

score 0 · Accepted Answer · edited Dec 15 '15 at 05:26

You can use MDI parent method. If I understand rightly, this link will help you.

OR

You want it to be in the same window.

Add this code this.IsMdiContainer = true; to main form.
Create new form for every menu or button click.
```
Form1 frm1;
Form2 frm2;
Form3 frm3;
```

Create this function and call every button click for make to hide all form

private void HideForms()
{
    int frmCount = this.MdiChildren.Count<Form>();
    if (frmCount > 0)
    {
        for (int i = 0; i < frmCount; i++)
        {
             this.MdiChildren[i].Hide();
        }
    }
}

After that button1, button2,... click event

private void button1_clicked(...)
{
    HideForms();
    if ((frm1 == null) || (frm1.IsDisposed))
        frm1 = new Form1();
    frm1.MdiParent = this;
    frm1.Dock = DockStyle.Fill;
    frm1.Show();
    frm1.BringToFront();
}

MDI parent method open the form in a new window i want it to be in the same window — hen shalom, Dec 14 '15 at 13:10
thanks, do you know what do i need to add to this code to change the button color when it clicked until other button clicked — hen shalom, Dec 28 '15 at 08:57

How to make C# tab switch between form

1 Answers1

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