Adding a column | CodeGuru

Adding a column

The CListCtrl::InsertColumn() is used to add a column to the list view control. This function can be used even if the control is not in the report mode. When using this function you should remember to specify the nSubItem argument (or the iSubItem field if you are using the LV_COLUMN structure). The nSubItem is usually […]

Written By
CodeGuru Staff
CodeGuru Staff
Aug 6, 1998
1 minute read
CodeGuru content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

The CListCtrl::InsertColumn() is used to add a column to the list view
control. This function can be used even if the control is not in the report
mode. When using this function you should remember to specify the nSubItem
argument (or the iSubItem field if you are using the LV_COLUMN structure).
The nSubItem is usually equal to the column number. Here is a helper function
that makes adding a column easier.

// AddColumn    - adds column after the right most column
// Returns      - the index of the new column if successful or -1 otherwise.
// sColHeading  - the column's heading
// nWidth       - Width of the column, in pixels. If this parameter is -1, 
//                the column width is the same as previous column
// nFormat      - the alignment of the column. Can be LVCFMT_LEFT,
//                LVCFMT_RIGHT, or LVCFMT_CENTER.
int CMyListCtrl::AddColumn(LPCTSTR sColHeading, int nWidth /* = -1*/, int nFormat /* = LVCFMT_LEFT*/)
{
        CHeaderCtrl* pHeader = (CHeaderCtrl*)GetDlgItem(0);
        int nColumnCount = pHeader->GetItemCount();

        if( nWidth == -1 )
        {
                // The line below return zero for ICON views
                //nWidth = GetColumnWidth( nColumnCount - 1 );

                // Get the column width of the previous column from header control
                HD_ITEM hd_item;
                hd_item.mask = HDI_WIDTH;               //indicate that we want the width
                pHeader->GetItem( nColumnCount - 1, &hd_item );
                nWidth = hd_item.cxy;
        }
        return InsertColumn( nColumnCount, sColHeading, nFormat, nWidth, nColumnCount );
}
CodeGuru Logo

CodeGuru covers topics related to Microsoft-related software development, mobile development, database management, and web application programming. In addition to tutorials and how-tos that teach programmers how to code in Microsoft-related languages and frameworks like C# and .Net, we also publish articles on software development tools, the latest in developer news, and advice for project managers. Cloud services such as Microsoft Azure and database options including SQL Server and MSSQL are also frequently covered.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.