MDI side bar issue

[HeavenCore]

Hi, i have an mdi based application which has dozens of forms which can be opened as child forms

however i need a side bar on this mdi form similar to the windows xp one etc, just placing controls directly onto the mdi form does not work as they appear over any child forms, any ideas how i can either make the mdi controls appear behind child forms? or add a dockable side bar? (ie when a child form is maximised it docks to the edge of the side bar?

 

[JohnH]

Place the sidebar (a Panel ?) then add a Splitter control.

 

[HeavenCore]

splitter panel had issues with mdi maximise etc i ended up using a toolbar aligned left which works nicely

 

[JohnH]

Not SplitterPanel control (which has issues as you say), use Splitter control !