multidocument

Multidocument is a term used in computing to describe concepts and systems that handle more than one document within a single application context. In user interface design, the multidocument interface (MDI) pattern allows a parent window to contain multiple child documents, each displayed in its own workspace. This is often contrasted with single document interface (SDI) and with tabbed interfaces that present documents as tabs within one window.

Historically, many desktop applications exposed an MDI model, particularly in early Windows environments, enabling users to switch among open documents without leaving the main window. MDIs can introduce complexities in window management and printing, and many modern applications have shifted toward SDI or tabbed designs for improved usability.

In document modeling, multidocument can also refer to a document assembled from multiple subdocuments, such as a master document that links or embeds several chapters. This approach supports modular editing and reuse but adds dependency management considerations.

Typical use cases include integrated development environments that manage several source files in one window, word processors that combine multiple chapters into a single project, and content-management workflows that group related documents under a common project.

See also: Multi-document interface, single document interface, tabbed document interface, master document.