In computer interface design, a
toolbar (previously known as
ribbon) is a
graphical control element on which on-screen buttons, icons, menus, or other input or output elements are placed. Toolbars are seen in many types of software such as
office suites,
graphics editors and
web browsers. Toolbars are usually distinguished from
palettes by their integration into the edges of the screen or larger windows, which results in wasted space if too many underpopulated bars are stacked atop each other (especially horizontal bars on a
landscape oriented display) or interface inefficiency if overloaded bars are placed on small windows.