Configuring LabVIEW Application Window to Always Be on Top

Updated Dec 12, 2023

Environment

Software

  • LabVIEW

Operating System

  • Windows

  • Is there a way to make a LabVIEW Application modal, or floating, within the Windows environment so that it will always be the top-level window, yet I can still work with my other applications?
  • How can I make the front panel modal in relation to Windows?

To ensure the LabVIEW Application Window remains the top-level window while still having the ability to work with other applications, use the VI Server and enable the Front Panel to be the front window. The VI Server can be configured to make the VI's Front Panel the top-level window by:

1. Place a VI Server Reference on the Block Diagram. A VI Server Reference can be found by right-clicking on the Block Diagram and navigating on the Functions Palette to Programming»Application Control»VI Server Reference.

2. Wire the output of the VI Server Reference to a Property Node. Property Nodes can be found in the same location as the VI Server Reference.

3. Ensure properties can be set with the Property Node by right-clicking on the Property Node and selecting Change All to Write.

4. Select Front Panel Window»Is Frontmost and wire a true constant into the FP.IsFrontmost input terminal.

Additional Information

In LabVIEW 8.6.1 and earlier on Windows 32-bit systems, the Windows API Function Utilities for LabVIEW can be used to make a LabVIEW application modal. The link to this API is included in the Related Links.