Ribbon Merging In WPF Using MDI And TDI Modes

This sample demonstrates how to perform Ribbon merging in a WPF application using the Syncfusion Ribbon control when working with MDI (Multiple Document Interface) and TDI (Tabbed Document Interface) document layouts. It shows how child view ribbons can merge with a parent ribbon when documents are activated.

Overview

In complex applications, it is often necessary for child documents to contribute commands to a shared Ribbon interface. This example illustrates how Syncfusion’s Ribbon supports dynamic merging of ribbon tabs and items from child views into a parent ribbon when those views are hosted inside a DocumentContainer.

The sample covers both MDI merging, where documents are displayed as overlapping windows, and TDI merging, where documents are displayed as tabs. The ribbon content changes automatically based on the active document.

What This Sample Demonstrates

• How to merge child view ribbons with a parent ribbon
• How to control ribbon merging behavior using MergeType and MergeOrder
• How to host child views inside a DocumentContainer
• How ribbon merging works in both MDI and TDI document modes
• How to dynamically add or remove ribbon items based on the active document

Key Controls Used

• RibbonWindow: Hosts the main application window with ribbon support
• Ribbon: Displays command tabs and supports dynamic merging
• RibbonTab / RibbonBar / RibbonButton: Define ribbon commands
• DocumentContainer: Hosts child views and manages MDI or TDI layouts
• UserControl: Represents child document views with individual ribbons

How It Works

1. A parent Ribbon is defined in the main RibbonWindow.
2. Child views contain their own Ribbon definitions.
3. Child views are hosted inside a DocumentContainer.
4. The DocumentContainer is configured for either MDI or TDI mode.
5. Ribbon tabs from the active child view are merged into the parent ribbon.
6. Merging behavior is controlled using properties such as MergeType and MergeOrder.

Benefits

• Creates a clean and dynamic ribbon interface for document-based applications
• Eliminates the need for duplicate commands across documents
• Automatically updates ribbon content based on the active view
• Works seamlessly for both MDI and TDI user experiences
• Ideal for editor-style and productivity applications

This approach is useful for WPF applications that require context-specific ribbon commands while working with multiple documents in MDI or TDI layouts.