---
title: Controls
description: Learn how to add and position Windows Form controls. You can also manipulate controls in the designer and write code to add controls dynamically at run time.
ms.date: "03/30/2017"
helpviewer_keywords:
  - "Windows Forms controls"
  - "controls [Windows Forms]"
  - "Windows Forms controls, about Windows Forms controls"
ms.assetid: f050de8f-4ebd-4042-94b8-edf9a1dbd52a
---
# Windows Forms controls

As you design and modify the user interface of your Windows Forms applications, you will need to add, align, and position controls. Controls are objects that are contained within form objects. Each type of control has its own set of properties, methods, and events that make it suitable for a particular purpose. You can manipulate controls in the designer and write code to add controls dynamically at run time.

## In this section

[Putting Controls on Windows Forms](putting-controls-on-windows-forms.md)\
Provides links related to putting controls on forms.

[Arranging Controls on Windows Forms](how-to-align-multiple-controls-on-windows-forms.md)\
Articles related to arranging controls on forms.

[Labeling Individual Windows Forms Controls and Providing Shortcuts to Them](labeling-individual-windows-forms-controls-and-providing-shortcuts-to-them.md)\
Describes the uses of keyboard shortcuts, text labels on controls, and modifier keys.

[Controls to Use on Windows Forms](controls-to-use-on-windows-forms.md)\
Lists the controls that work with Windows Forms, and basic things you can accomplish with each control.

[Developing Custom Windows Forms Controls with the .NET Framework](developing-custom-windows-forms-controls.md)\
Provides background information and samples to help users develop custom Windows Forms controls.

[Developing Windows Forms Controls at Design Time](developing-windows-forms-controls-at-design-time.md)\
Describes techniques for creating custom controls through design and inheritance.

## Related sections

[Client Applications](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/framework/develop-client-apps)\
Provides an overview of developing Windows-based applications.
