TIP 109: New Look for Checkbutton and Radiobutton on Unix

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Bounty program for improvements to Tcl and certain Tcl packages.
State:		Final
Type:		Project
Tcl-Version:	8.5
Vote:		Done
Post-History:	
Author:		Brian Griffin <bgriffin@model.com>
Created:	01-Oct-2002

Abstract

This TIP proposes changing the look of the Tk checkbutton and radiobutton widgets on Unix to more closely match the Windows counterparts.

Rationale

The current visual aspect of the Unix version checkbutton and radiobutton has proved to be confusing to users. The distinction between selected (On) and unselected (Off) states are not visually different enough to clearly identify one from another. Indeed, in the rare case where only one checkbutton is present, one cannot tell for certain if the state is On or Off. With a check or dot mark icon (dependent on the type of widget) displayed in the Windows version, there is no question about the state of the widget.

Proposed Changes

The checkbutton shall (when the indicator is turned on) display an check-mark or other distinguishing icon/symbol that clearly indicates an On state. The Off state will be displayed with an empty box. The state values will not be indicated by changing relief or background color.

The radiobutton shall (when the indicator is turned on) display an dot mark or other distinguishing icon/symbol that clearly indicates a selected or On state. The unselected or Off state shall be displayed with an empty diamond. The state values will not be indicated by changing relief or background color.

Copyright

This document has been placed in the public domain.

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