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How to: Customize Tooltips Using the Default ToolTipController

  • 2 minutes to read

This example demonstrates a way of customizing tooltips by using the Default ToolTipController. This controller’s settings can be accessed via the static ToolTipController.DefaultController property or the DefaultToolTipController component, which can be placed on a form.

In this example a tooltip is set for a standard TextBox control, which will be displayed using the Default ToolTipController. In addition, the controller’s settings are customized, so tooltips will be displayed within rounded light-pink boxes with callout beaks. It is assumed that the TextBox control has already been placed on a form.

In order to set tooltips for standard WinForms controls at design time, place the DefaultToolTipController component onto a form. Select the component in the tray to display its settings in the Properties window. Set the controller’s settings as follows.

  • Appearance.BackColor to AntiqueWhite
  • ShowBeak to true

Ex_DefaultToolTipController_settings_New

To set a tooltip for the TextBox control, display its settings in the Properties window. Set the ‘ToolTip on defaultToolTipController1’ property to some text.

Ex_DefaultToolTipController_TextBox_SetToolTip_New

Now run the application and hover over the TextBox control to activate a tooltip. It will look like the image below.

Ex_DefaultToolTipController_ResultForm_New

The code equivalent for these operations is shown below. Unlike the design-time example, the Default ToolTipController will be customized via the static ToolTipController.DefaultController property rather than via the DefaultToolTipController component.


using DevExpress.Utils;

// Access the Default ToolTipController.
ToolTipController defController = ToolTipController.DefaultController;
// Customize the controller's settings.
defController.Appearance.BackColor = Color.AntiqueWhite;
defController.ShowBeak = true;
// Set a tooltip for the TextBox control.
defController.SetToolTip(textBox1, "A hint for the Standard TextBox");