Blitz:GadTools

GadTools is an updated system of gadgets that was introduced in OS 2.0, and is supported in all versions from 2.0 on. It offers some large improvements over the standard Intuition gadgets and is the standard, familiar look from OS 2.0 to 3.1. It is quite low level meaning, and it lacks some more advanced features from the more modern toolkits such as MUI, but has a very low footprint and doesn't need any external toolkits installed to work.

How to Use GadTools

GadTools gadgets are defined using a unique ID to identify each object, and a GTList object number to which the gadgets belong. All gadgets require you to specify the size and position of the gadget. Once the gadgets are defined, the GTList containing them can be attached to a standard Intuition window for use. Only one GTList can be attached to a window at any one time, and a GTList can only be attached to one window at any one time. Once attached, the gadgets will trigger standard IDCMP events when used.

Defining GadTools Objects

GadTools objects are defined using straightforward commands for each gadget type. The specifics of each command vary from gadget to gadget, but many parameters are the same.

Attaching GadTools to Your Window

When you open a standard window, you can attach your gadgets to the window using the AttachGTList command. This command takes the ID of the GTList object and the ID of the window. Once complete, the gadgets will be drawn at their relevant locations and will be ready to use. For example: AttachGTList #maingtlist, #mainwindow