3.16. The “Main” Toolbar

The main toolbar provides quick access to frequently used items from the menu. This toolbar cannot be customized by the user, but it can be hidden using the View menu, if the space on the screen is needed to show even more packet data.

As in the menu, only the items useful in the current program state will be available. The others will be greyed out (e.g. you cannot save a capture file if you haven’t loaded one).

Figure 3.14. The “Main” toolbar

ws main toolbar

Table 3.13. Main toolbar items

Toolbar IconToolbar ItemMenu ItemDescription

capture interfaces 24

Interfaces…​

CaptureInterfaces…​

This item brings up the Capture Interfaces List dialog box (discussed further in Section 4.3, “Start Capturing”).

capture options 24

Options…​

CaptureOptions…​

This item brings up the Capture Options dialog box (discussed further in Section 4.3, “Start Capturing”) and allows you to start capturing packets.

capture start 24

Start

CaptureStart

This item starts capturing packets with the options from the last time.

capture stop 24

Stop

CaptureStop

This item stops the currently running live capture process Section 4.3, “Start Capturing”).

capture restart 24

Restart

CaptureRestart

This item stops the currently running live capture process and restarts it again, for convenience.

stock open 24

Open…​

FileOpen…​

This item brings up the file open dialog box that allows you to load a capture file for viewing. It is discussed in more detail in Section 5.2.1, “The “Open Capture File” dialog box”.

stock save as 24

Save As…​

FileSave As…​

This item allows you to save the current capture file to whatever file you would like. It pops up the Save Capture File As dialog box (which is discussed further in Section 5.3.1, “The “Save Capture File As” dialog box”).

If you currently have a temporary capture file, the Save icon will be shown instead.

stock close 24

Close

FileClose

This item closes the current capture. If you have not saved the capture, you will be asked to save it first.

stock refresh 24

Reload

ViewReload

This item allows you to reload the current capture file.

stock print 24

Print…​

FilePrint…​

This item allows you to print all (or some of) the packets in the capture file. It pops up the Wireshark Print dialog box (which is discussed further in Section 5.8, “Printing packets”).

stock search 24

Find Packet…​

EditFind Packet…​

This item brings up a dialog box that allows you to find a packet. There is further information on finding packets in Section 6.8, “Finding packets”.

stock left arrow 24

Go Back

GoGo Back

This item jumps back in the packet history. Hold down the Alt key (Option on macOS) to go back in the selection history.

stock right arrow 24

Go Forward

GoGo Forward

This item jumps forward in the packet history. Hold down the Alt key (Option on macOS) to go forward in the selection history.

stock jump to 24

Go to Packet…​

GoGo to Packet…​

This item brings up a dialog box that allows you to specify a packet number to go to that packet.

stock top 24

Go To First Packet

GoFirst Packet

This item jumps to the first packet of the capture file.

stock bottom 24

Go To Last Packet

GoLast Packet

This item jumps to the last packet of the capture file.

colorize 24

Colorize

ViewColorize

Colorize the packet list (or not).

autoscroll 24

Auto Scroll in Live Capture

ViewAuto Scroll in Live Capture

Auto scroll packet list while doing a live capture (or not).

stock zoom in 24

Zoom In

ViewZoom In

Zoom into the packet data (increase the font size).

stock zoom in 24

Zoom Out

ViewZoom Out

Zoom out of the packet data (decrease the font size).

stock zoom 1 24

Normal Size

ViewNormal Size

Set zoom level back to 100%.

resize columns 24

Resize Columns

ViewResize Columns

Resize columns, so the content fits into them.

capture filter 24

Capture Filters…​

CaptureCapture Filters…​

This item brings up a dialog box that allows you to create and edit capture filters. You can name filters, and you can save them for future use. More detail on this subject is provided in Section 6.6, “Defining and saving filters”.

display filter 24

Display Filters…​

AnalyzeDisplay Filters…​

This item brings up a dialog box that allows you to create and edit display filters. You can name filters, and you can save them for future use. More detail on this subject is provided in Section 6.6, “Defining and saving filters”.

stock colorselector 24

Coloring Rules…​

ViewColoring Rules…​

This item brings up a dialog box that allows you to color packets in the packet list pane according to filter expressions you choose. It can be very useful for spotting certain types of packets. More detail on this subject is provided in Section 10.3, “Packet colorization”.

stock preferences 24

Preferences…​

EditPreferences

This item brings up a dialog box that allows you to set preferences for many parameters that control Wireshark. You can also save your preferences so Wireshark will use them the next time you start it. More detail is provided in Section 10.5, “Preferences”

stock help 24

Help

HelpContents

This item brings up help dialog box.