Skin/Theme Engine...Free?

[NoahPhense]

I love skindeep Or SkinFX. I may order this DLL, and use that tool on the forums to convert it into a lib.. whee. Damn, there's like nothing out there that is a skinner in a LIB format... bleh.

Create one, then make some money..

- np

[tinman]

You can skin an entire applicate with this code:

Code: Select all

LoadLibrary(0,"SkinDeep.dll")
hSkin=CallFunction(0,"LoadSkin","MySkin.skn")
CallFunction(0,"ApplySkin",hWnd,hSkin)

I know it's not ready yet, but could we see a more complete example? How does the skin code fit in with the normal sequence of open window, create gadgets, handle events?

As I say I'm quite interested in seeing this, but can imagine it doesn't fit well with the tonnes of GUI code I already have :)

[PolyVector]

Edited:

@tinman, you'll have to wait for a release... This project is massive considering the free time I have...
I can tell you, however, that the best way to apply a skin at this point is:

• Open a window invisibly
• Add all components
• Skin the window w/ the code I posted
• Show the window....

All child components are automatically found and subclassed....

If any other components are created later on, you can simply type:
CallFunction(0,"ApplySkin",GadgetID(#Number),hSkin)

If for some reason your app has a problem refreshing, which it shouldn't, you could always use the RefreshWindow_() API or InvalidateRect_() to have my engine redraw everything...


Note:
If more people want a lib version, or somebody can make a convincing argument, I'll consider releasing one... Nothing is set in stone at this point, this is still only a work-in-progress...

[tinman]

you'll have to wait for a release... This project is massive considering the free time I have...

No problem, I understand that problem. Just remember to use the announcement forum when it's ready, so I can find out about it :)

Thanks.

[PolyVector]

Guess I edited my post too slow...haha

[Shannara]

If nothing is set in stone, then will this lib work on linux (and maybe the upcoming MacOSX)? Got a price range or a place to test this bugger out?

[PolyVector]

I don't have linux or a mac... But I'm not against it... One version at a time though...

One thing you must understand is 99% of code in an engine like this is platform specific... each 'version' would be an entirely different engine if I were to do that... I can't even imagine how long that would take...

Nobody can test it yet, it's nowhere near ready... please be patient... notice this isn't in the Announcement section...

[Dare2]

This sounds better and better.

If you do go with a LIB, good, but a DLL is fine and enduring and cross language, I suspect. I would use the DLL rather than the LIB.

Success to you, esp as this may improve the success chances for the rest of to us.

[PolyVector]

[PolyVector]

Little progress update if anyone's interested: (I know I am )

• The engine was optimized w/ 100% speed increase
• All flickering on all versions of windows fixed...
• Windows no longer draws the gadgets before my engine... drawing is completly overridden at run-time (in a very interesting way that preserves the gadget's properties).... Basicly, no BS_OWNERDRAW crap here, yet all the efficiency... Let's call this the special sauce
• SkinBuilder is entering the design phase...

Things are lookin' good, if I do say so myself! I can't wait to see projects using it

[blueznl]

still a *bit* *more* to do, dear poly...

<evil grin>

[Num3]

Little progress update if anyone's interested: (I know I am )

The engine was optimized w/ 100% speed increase

Wow 8O

That mean's now it works !!!

[Dare2]

I can't wait to see projects using it

Some projects can't wait to be using it.

[PolyVector]

still a *bit* *more* to do, dear poly...

*I* would know best :roll:

[DominiqueB]

Hello, PolyVector.
I'm using Opera as a browser on the Internet.
I've got problems when going on your site, it loading correctly but some sec after reload, and reload, and reload without ending !

Any body else have this problem ?

Dominique.