Summary

If selecting a tool in GibbsCAM does not display the Tool dialog, the dialog has likely opened off-screen rather than failing to open.

This can happen after changing monitor configurations, switching between single and multiple displays, changing screen resolution, or resizing the GibbsCAM window.


Running the Recovery Tool resets the saved window positions and typically resolves the issue.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cause

In most cases, the Tool dialog is opening outside the visible desktop area.

This can occur when:

  • A second monitor was previously connected.

  • The screen resolution has changed.

  • The GibbsCAM window was resized or moved.

  • Windows display settings have changed.

  • Saved window positions are no longer valid.

The dialog is still open, but it is positioned where it cannot be seen.

Resolution

Option 1 – Windows keyboard shortcuts (Recommended)

Windows keyboard shortcuts (such as Window+ Arrow Keys) to move an off-screen window back onto the desktop.


Option 2 – Run the Recovery Tool (Recommended)

The quickest way to restore the dialog position is to reset the GibbsCAM user interface settings.

  1. Close GibbsCAM.

  2. Open the Windows Start menu.

  3. Search for Recovery Tool.

  4. Launch the Recovery Tool for the same version of GibbsCAM you are using.

  5. Allow the tool to reset your user settings.

  6. Restart GibbsCAM.

The Recovery Tool restores the default window locations, allowing the Tool dialog to appear normally.

Note: The Recovery Tool resets your GibbsCAM user preferences back to their default settings.


Option 3 – Check Your Display Configuration

If you recently changed your monitor setup:

  • Reconnect any secondary monitors that were previously attached.

  • Restore your previous display resolution, if possible.

  • Open the Tool dialog and move it back onto the primary monitor.

  • Save your workspace before disconnecting the monitor again.


Option 4 – Restart GibbsCAM

Occasionally, simply closing and reopening GibbsCAM after reconnecting a monitor or changing display settings may restore the dialog.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The Tool Dialog Still Does Not Appear

Cause

The saved window position may still be outside the visible desktop.

Resolution

Run the Recovery Tool to reset all saved window locations.


Problem: Multiple Dialog Windows Are Missing

Cause

Multiple window positions may have been saved outside the visible desktop.

Resolution

Running the Recovery Tool resets all dialog and window locations back to their defaults.


Problem: This Happens Frequently

Cause

Your monitor configuration may be changing regularly, such as docking and undocking a laptop or switching between office and remote workstations.

Resolution

Before disconnecting displays, return GibbsCAM to a single-monitor configuration whenever possible. This reduces the likelihood of dialog positions being saved off-screen.

Best Practices

  • Close GibbsCAM before changing monitor configurations when practical.

  • Avoid saving workspaces while dialog windows are located on monitors that may not always be connected.

  • Run the Recovery Tool if interface windows become inaccessible.

  • Keep monitor resolutions consistent when possible.

Expected Result

The Tool dialog opens normally and is fully visible on the current display.

Related Articles

Keywords

Tool Dialog, Dialog Missing, Window Off Screen, Off-Screen Window, Tool Editor, Edit Tool, Recovery Tool, Window Position, Display Settings, Multiple Monitors, Dual Monitor, User Interface