Outlook Grouping (Without Full Outlook2007 Demo)

[Tod Golding]

I have a simple GGC that support grouping and I just want the grouping style to look like outlook. It's hard to figure out in that huge Outlook 2007 sample how to achieve what I assume is s pretty simple task.

So, can you just show me the properties I need to set on my GGC to get grouping that looks, visually, like the the grouping you have in your outlook demo (I'm hoping I can just apply a visual style and be done).

[Rajagopal]

Hi Tod,

The VisualStyles can be applied to the GridGroupingControl through the GridVisualStyles property. The below code sets the Office2007Blue skin to the grid. You could also do the same in the design time accesing the tag.

this.gridGroupingControl1.TableOptions.GridVisualStyles = Syncfusion.Windows.Forms.GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue;

Thanks for your interest in Syncfusion Products.
Have a nice time.

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

Thanks for the help. That got me closer. However, simply setting the style like you suggest doesn't really give the "outlook" style grouping look like you have in your outlook sample.

I'm after the specific look of the outlook grouping example where the heading for each group is just a title with an underline. Setting the style the way you have it here still leaves me with the same old column headers for each group. If you look at the outlook sample and look at at the heading for each group, you'll see what I'm getting at.

There must be some combination of visual styles and other properties that achieve this specific look. I've looked though the outlook example and I just can't find where that aspect of the GGC gets configured to look that way.

Thanks again.

>Hi Tod,

The VisualStyles can be applied to the GridGroupingControl through the GridVisualStyles property. The below code sets the Office2007Blue skin to the grid. You could also do the same in the design time accesing the tag.

this.gridGroupingControl1.TableOptions.GridVisualStyles = Syncfusion.Windows.Forms.GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue;

Thanks for your interest in Syncfusion Products.
Have a nice time.

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Rajagopal]

Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.

We have added a helper class called ConfigureOutlookStyle in the below sample to achieve this specific outlook style. Please refer to the attached sample.

ConfigureOutlookStyle style = new ConfigureOutlookStyle(this.gridGroupingControl1, GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue);
style.SwitchToVisualStyles(GridVisualStyles.Office2007Silver);

Here is the sample download link
http://websamples.syncfusion.com/samples/Grid.Windows/F62172/main.htm

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

This was a great help. Thanks. There are still two issues with this solution. If you look at your screenshot, you'll notice that the first cell in the top left corner has a problem. When the grid is grouped, the bottom edge of the header cell is partially missing. I ran the sample and noticed the same thing. I'm hoping there's some small change that can be made to the configuration to make this go away.

The other problem is less important to me right now. When you have a multi-level grouping, the gutter on the left edge of the expanded group is painted with the wrong color. You can ses this by adding more than one level of grouping and expanding the nodes.

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.

We have added a helper class called ConfigureOutlookStyle in the below sample to achieve this specific outlook style. Please refer to the attached sample.

ConfigureOutlookStyle style = new ConfigureOutlookStyle(this.gridGroupingControl1, GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue);
style.SwitchToVisualStyles(GridVisualStyles.Office2007Silver);

Here is the sample download link
http://websamples.syncfusion.com/samples/Grid.Windows/F62172/main.htm

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

Has anyone had a chance to look at this?

>This was a great help. Thanks. There are still two issues with this solution. If you look at your screenshot, you'll notice that the first cell in the top left corner has a problem. When the grid is grouped, the bottom edge of the header cell is partially missing. I ran the sample and noticed the same thing. I'm hoping there's some small change that can be made to the configuration to make this go away.

The other problem is less important to me right now. When you have a multi-level grouping, the gutter on the left edge of the expanded group is painted with the wrong color. You can ses this by adding more than one level of grouping and expanding the nodes.

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.

We have added a helper class called ConfigureOutlookStyle in the below sample to achieve this specific outlook style. Please refer to the attached sample.

ConfigureOutlookStyle style = new ConfigureOutlookStyle(this.gridGroupingControl1, GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue);
style.SwitchToVisualStyles(GridVisualStyles.Office2007Silver);

Here is the sample download link
http://websamples.syncfusion.com/samples/Grid.Windows/F62172/main.htm

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

Is this still on anyone's radar? I posted some issues with the provided solution (see my comments in this thread) and there hasn't been any feedback since then.

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.

We have added a helper class called ConfigureOutlookStyle in the below sample to achieve this specific outlook style. Please refer to the attached sample.

ConfigureOutlookStyle style = new ConfigureOutlookStyle(this.gridGroupingControl1, GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue);
style.SwitchToVisualStyles(GridVisualStyles.Office2007Silver);

Here is the sample download link
http://websamples.syncfusion.com/samples/Grid.Windows/F62172/main.htm

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Rajagopal]

Hi Tod,

We regret for the inconvenience caused. We will be updating this thread by tomorrow(June 19).

Thanks,
Rajagopal

[Rajagopal]

Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.

The wrong color that you are seeing in the GroupIndentCell when expanded can be resolved by changing following piece of code in the QueryCellStyleInfo event handler in the helper class(ConfigureOutlookStyle).

void myGrid_QueryCellStyleInfo(object sender, GridTableCellStyleInfoEventArgs e)
{
    if ((e.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.GroupIndentICell) ||
        (e.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.GroupIndentLCell) ||
        (e.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.GroupIndentTCell))
    {
        if (myGrid.TableDescriptor.GroupedColumns.Count > 1)
            e.Style.BackColor = SystemColors.Window;
    }
}

The other problem that you have reported regarding the bottom edge of the header cell, will be updated in a short while.

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

Thanks for the color fix. When you say the problem will be "updated in a short while" what do you mean? Is this a bug that will require a new release or just another fix to your sample code? And, when you say a "short while" are we talking about days, weeks, or months?

Thanks,
Tod

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.

The wrong color that you are seeing in the GroupIndentCell when expanded can be resolved by changing following piece of code in the QueryCellStyleInfo event handler in the helper class(ConfigureOutlookStyle).

void myGrid_QueryCellStyleInfo(object sender, GridTableCellStyleInfoEventArgs e)
{
    if ((e.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.GroupIndentICell) ||
        (e.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.GroupIndentLCell) ||
        (e.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.GroupIndentTCell))
    {
        if (myGrid.TableDescriptor.GroupedColumns.Count > 1)
            e.Style.BackColor = SystemColors.Window;
    }
}

The other problem that you have reported regarding the bottom edge of the header cell, will be updated in a short while.

Regards,
Rajagopal

[Rajagopal]

Hi Tod,

You could resolve this problem of bottom edge of the column header cell missing by handling the TableControlDrawCell event in the helper class. Please add this event handler to the helper class and use the following code.

void myGrid_TableControlDrawCell(object sender, GridTableControlDrawCellEventArgs e)
{
    if (e.TableControl.TableDescriptor.GroupedColumns.Count > 0)
    {
        GridTableCellStyleInfo style = (GridTableCellStyleInfo)e.Inner.Style;
        string firstColname = e.TableControl.TableDescriptor.VisibleColumns[0].Name;
        if (style.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.ColumnHeaderCell
            && style.TableCellIdentity.Column != null && style.TableCellIdentity.Column.Name == firstColname)
        {
            style.Borders.Bottom = new Syncfusion.Windows.Forms.Grid.GridBorder(GridBorderStyle.Solid, groupBorderColor, GridBorderWeight.Thick);
        }
    }
}

Here is the modified sample OutlookGrid1.zip

Let us know if you need any further help.
Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

I'm not sure if you looked at this closely, but the solution you provided still doesn't really workaround what has to be a bug. The bottom of the first header cell is still not fully rendered correctly. It's an improvement, but the drawing is still wrong. You've added a little bit of a line to the bottom edge of the header cell, but the bottom doesn't match at all the bottom edges of the other cell. The portion of the cell that's above the "+" expansion button is also thicker than the rest of the header cell's bottom border. This seems like it's a bug that will require more than border drawing tricks to correct.

-Tod

>Hi Tod,

You could resolve this problem of bottom edge of the column header cell missing by handling the TableControlDrawCell event in the helper class. Please add this event handler to the helper class and use the following code.

void myGrid_TableControlDrawCell(object sender, GridTableControlDrawCellEventArgs e)
{
    if (e.TableControl.TableDescriptor.GroupedColumns.Count > 0)
    {
        GridTableCellStyleInfo style = (GridTableCellStyleInfo)e.Inner.Style;
        string firstColname = e.TableControl.TableDescriptor.VisibleColumns[0].Name;
        if (style.TableCellIdentity.TableCellType == GridTableCellType.ColumnHeaderCell
            && style.TableCellIdentity.Column != null && style.TableCellIdentity.Column.Name == firstColname)
        {
            style.Borders.Bottom = new Syncfusion.Windows.Forms.Grid.GridBorder(GridBorderStyle.Solid, groupBorderColor, GridBorderWeight.Thick);
        }
    }
}

Here is the modified sample OutlookGrid1.zip

Let us know if you need any further help.
Regards,
Rajagopal

[Rajagopal]

Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.
I have modified some code in the TableControlDrawCell event handler to avoid this problem. Please check the below sample for more details.

http://www.syncfusion.com/Support/user/uploads/OutLookStyle1_9027be2e.zip

Let us know if this helps.
Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

This is still broken. There are two problems now.

1) If I click on a row in the grid and I don't move my mouse, the bottom edge of the top left cell still doesn't render correctly. When you move the mouse, it will eventually render, but that's really not adequate.

2) When you group my more than one column, the underlining of the group headers is not rendered correctly ont he left edge (when they are expanded).

I'm getting concerned about my experience with this particular error. I posted my original concern on 6/10 and each time a new solution is posted, the solution doesn't appear to have been tested and so, almost immediately, I find the solution to be invalid. It's as if the examples never get exercised before they are posted. Each time I get the next attempt, I open it and within seconds find problems. Ultimately, ends up wasting your time and mine.

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.
I have modified some code in the TableControlDrawCell event handler to avoid this problem. Please check the below sample for more details.

http://www.syncfusion.com/Support/user/uploads/OutLookStyle1_9027be2e.zip

Let us know if this helps.
Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

Any idea if anyone is looking at this?

>This is still broken. There are two problems now.

1) If I click on a row in the grid and I don't move my mouse, the bottom edge of the top left cell still doesn't render correctly. When you move the mouse, it will eventually render, but that's really not adequate.

2) When you group my more than one column, the underlining of the group headers is not rendered correctly ont he left edge (when they are expanded).

I'm getting concerned about my experience with this particular error. I posted my original concern on 6/10 and each time a new solution is posted, the solution doesn't appear to have been tested and so, almost immediately, I find the solution to be invalid. It's as if the examples never get exercised before they are posted. Each time I get the next attempt, I open it and within seconds find problems. Ultimately, ends up wasting your time and mine.

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.
I have modified some code in the TableControlDrawCell event handler to avoid this problem. Please check the below sample for more details.

http://www.syncfusion.com/Support/user/uploads/OutLookStyle1_9027be2e.zip

Let us know if this helps.
Regards,
Rajagopal

[Tod Golding]

At this point, I'm assuming I'm not going to get an answer on this. I was just looking for some response that indicated that you were looking into the problem, but I haven't been able to get any response.

>Any idea if anyone is looking at this?

>This is still broken. There are two problems now.

1) If I click on a row in the grid and I don't move my mouse, the bottom edge of the top left cell still doesn't render correctly. When you move the mouse, it will eventually render, but that's really not adequate.

2) When you group my more than one column, the underlining of the group headers is not rendered correctly ont he left edge (when they are expanded).

I'm getting concerned about my experience with this particular error. I posted my original concern on 6/10 and each time a new solution is posted, the solution doesn't appear to have been tested and so, almost immediately, I find the solution to be invalid. It's as if the examples never get exercised before they are posted. Each time I get the next attempt, I open it and within seconds find problems. Ultimately, ends up wasting your time and mine.

>Hi Tod,

Thanks for your patience.
I have modified some code in the TableControlDrawCell event handler to avoid this problem. Please check the below sample for more details.

http://www.syncfusion.com/Support/user/uploads/OutLookStyle1_9027be2e.zip

Let us know if this helps.
Regards,
Rajagopal

[Administrator]

Hi Tod,
My apologies for the inconvenience caused. If you need a guaranteed response within a day, please submit a Direct-Trac incident. We guarantee an update within 24 hrs. If you are not satisfied with the replies or not getting them in a timely manner, there is an option to escalate the incident to the support managers.

Regarding this issue, we have identified it as a defect and are working on it. We will get this fixed in our library and will provide you a patch within a week. Please open a Direct-Trac incident for the follow up.

https://www.syncfusion.com/Support/DirectTrac/logon.aspx?URL=/Support/DirectTrac/default.aspx

Thanks,
Jay
Syncfusion, Inc.

[Tod Golding]

OK...so, your last message on 7/1 suggests that you will "get this fixed in our library and will provide you a patch within a week." It's been well over a week and I haven't heard anything about a patch. I'm concerned that this lack of follow-up will be representative of the kind of support I can expect going forward.

>Hi Tod,
My apologies for the inconvenience caused. If you need a guaranteed response within a day, please submit a Direct-Trac incident. We guarantee an update within 24 hrs. If you are not satisfied with the replies or not getting them in a timely manner, there is an option to escalate the incident to the support managers.

Regarding this issue, we have identified it as a defect and are working on it. We will get this fixed in our library and will provide you a patch within a week. Please open a Direct-Trac incident for the follow up.

https://www.syncfusion.com/Support/DirectTrac/logon.aspx?URL=/Support/DirectTrac/default.aspx

Thanks,
Jay
Syncfusion, Inc.

[Madhankumar]

Hi Tod,

Our apologies for the delay. The defect needed a change in the core drawing code and needed an insight from our Grid architect. We need to do some further testing and will provide a patch once it is done (2 or 3 days - mid next week). We have created a DTrac incident (35631) and will update the patch in the incident when it is ready.

Best regards,
Madhan

[Miguel]

Thanks for the help. That got me closer. However, simply setting the style like you suggest doesn't really give the "outlook" style grouping look like you have in your outlook sample.

I'm after the specific look of the outlook grouping example where the heading for each group is just a title with an underline. Setting the style the way you have it here still leaves me with the same old column headers for each group. If you look at the outlook sample and look at at the heading for each group, you'll see what I'm getting at.

There must be some combination of visual styles and other properties that achieve this specific look. I've looked though the outlook example and I just can't find where that aspect of the GGC gets configured to look that way.

Thanks again.

>Hi Tod,

The VisualStyles can be applied to the GridGroupingControl through the GridVisualStyles property. The below code sets the Office2007Blue skin to the grid. You could also do the same in the design time accesing the tag.

this.gridGroupingControl1.TableOptions.GridVisualStyles = Syncfusion.Windows.Forms.GridVisualStyles.Office2007Blue;

Thanks for your interest in Syncfusion Products.
Have a nice time.

Regards,
Rajagopal

62172

[Mohanraj Gunasekaran]

 Hi Miguel, 

 

Thanks for using Syncfusion product. 

 

Now, GridGroupingControl does have the support for Metro theme style. And, also Outlook demo sample has available in Syncfusion Dashboard. Please refer the sample in below location, 

 

Sample location 

<Syncfusion_build_installed_location>\Syncfusion\EssentialStudio\[Build_Version]\Windows\Showcase\Outlook Demo\CS 

 

Screenshot 

 

 

Please refer the below documentation link to know more about the Metro theme style, 

UG link:  https://help.syncfusion.com/windowsforms/gridgrouping/visual-styles  

 

Please let us know if you have any concerns. 

 

Regards, 

Mohanraj G 

 

 

 

[Peter Groft]

Open Outlook. In the View tab at the top of the screen, check the Show as Conversations box. This will group together emails by conversation. You can play around with the Conversation Settings to find what works best for you.

Regards,
Peter