System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripContainer is similar to System.Windows.Forms.SplitContainer. It uses four docked side panels (instances of System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanel) and one central panel (an instance of System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripContentPanel) to create a typical arrangement. You cannot remove the side panels, but you can hide them by setting their respective ToolStripContainer.TopToolStripPanelVisible, ToolStripContainer.BottomToolStripPanelVisible, ToolStripContainer.LeftToolStripPanelVisible, and ToolStripContainer.RightToolStripPanelVisible properties to false. By default, each of these properties is true at design time. Also at design time, the System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripContainer appears with its top panel already expanded. You can neither remove nor hide the System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripContentPanel. You can arrange one or more System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip, System.Windows.Forms.MenuStrip, or System.Windows.Forms.StatusStrip controls in the side panels, and you can use the central panel for other controls. The System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripContentPanel also provides a way to get renderer support into the body of your form for a consistent appearance.

System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripContainer does not support Multiple Document Interface (MDI) applications. Use System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripPanel for MDI applications.