Window Size

[NewToC]

When starting a new .NET application, what is the general method for determining how to size the forms used. Do most developers base this on the user's screen resolution? IS the main form usually full screen? If other sub-forms are smaller, how do you decide how big to make it and all the controls? If you have a full screen form and the buttons are 1/2 inch high, do you try to make all the buttons on smaller forms 1/2 inch high also, or size them "by eye" to look good?

[Co2]

I'll speak for myself. It depends.

 

I tend to create small form when I can so they can be seen on monitor with small resolutions like 640x480 or 800x600. It should not be extremely small just to fit with the text in your buttons or your labels.

 

As for full screen or maximized main form, it depends on the type of program you are making. If it's a big program where the user might stay for long or a mdi form like Photoshop or Visual Studio, I would use a maximized form as the main form. If you are creating a winmine game, you should stick with a normal form.

 

You may also add some sizing options to your program. That's what I've done in my tetris game. Users have 4 size options: 50%, 100%, 150% and 200%. You might try using the Anchor property so that control auto-resize when the user resize the form.

 

Use your instinct. If it looks good for you, it will probably be the same for the user.