When Vault Standard is opened, you must choose a Vault Standard Server and then a repository within that server to connect to. The Repository Name and the Vault Standard Server Name are then displayed in the title bar.

The Main Window of the Vault Standard is composed of dockable panels which make it easy to add, remove, and rearrange items in the window. The panels are: Repository Explorer, which displays the Folder Tree and File List; Pending Change Set, , Messages, Search, Notifications, and Find in Files. The Window also has a Status Bar at the bottom.

The dockable panels can be rearranged in the Vault Standard client. To move a panel, click on the title bar and move to one of the docking points which appears in the client. To close a panel click the X in the upper right. To reopen a panel, select the panel name in the Vault Standard client under the View menu.

The main window has a menu bar with the following menus: File, Edit, View, Source, Tools and Help.