badblueboy

Join Date 02/2003

Skinning!

Is there anybody who can tell me how(in simple manner)to change the shape of the top panel of the start menu or even how to change the shape of the bottoms. Which software and how to connect with ?Please do not refer me to skin studio tutorial because this is bare theory!
Or is this kind of secret to keep it for himself only.

Thanks a lot in advance!

badblueboy

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To change the top and bottom bars of the start menu you have to use skinstudio if you are using windowblinds. I will help you if you tell me how you want to change them. I only know how to do this for windowblinds though.

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If you are an Object Desktop subscriber, have you downloaded the user manual that is available on SDC (Stardock Central)? It's available on SDC on the software tab under Documentation. It's an Adobe .pdf file, approximately a 3 MB download, and contains 119 pages of useful information about Object Desktop and its components.

Beginning on page 107 is a section entitled "Skinning The Start Menu."

Shameless Designs says, "Read This Fun Manual!"
[Message Edited]

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And Skin Studio is not just theory. I've used it to create three skins already.

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1845

LiteSTEP users know the correct meaning of 'RTFM'....but you were close...

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I am quite aware of the original meaning, but this is a family site...

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Hey, what happened to my other post?

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You are saying shape... I think he wants to change the SHAPE, not the appearance.
You should use 'magic pink' to make parts invicible. the code for magic pink is #FF00FF

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Shameless Designs!

On SDC the following is to be found under documentation:
WB Documentation
Changing Visual Style
Backgrounds
WB Settings
Performance etc.
No. PDF Docufile is visible. Anyway thanks for your advise. It's easy when you know where to find but if you are looking there is nothing!

badblueboy

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Styl skinner!

What I mean is the performance or shape (visual style) what ever you want. I ment if the top panel of the start menu of XP is a standard appearance I ment to change it from standard square form to any other appearance.
Thanks

badblueboy

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HG_Eliminator

Join Date 07/2002

+354

ahh ok find what the name of the top bar is, then go in to the skins folder (that you are editing) in the wb folder, then open the file in a graphics editor like paint shop pro. edit the image to your likeing then save. pink is the default color for transparency in bmp images,u use it to fill in where the image should be transparent ... the program will read the pink and put transparency there ...

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Travis the Kong!

Since you're the only one who is willing to give me a hand the following is ment:
The standard appearance (shape) of the top panel is some 15 mm wide and some 80 mm long). To change this appearance to different like for expl. top panel of the start menu referenced to skins: M3 BlueGlass (which has some kind of window inside the top panel) or WB Skin "Storm" or WB skin Fireglass.I just want to change the standard XP top panel of the start menu to similar of the skins I mentioned.
For example if I go to Skin Studio and open the standard XP skin intending to change it. I click on the main viewer and then on the XP taskbar> top panel.In the lower section of the top panel appears. On the left side of it there is a section "edit". If I click on edit automaticallly opens the "paint" program.If I want to change the color I erase the original one and insert the color I want(I don't know if this is correct'). I can't override the original color I erase the original first. If I want to change the appearance to the skins I mentioned how to proceed?
Besides if I want to change the scroll bars or buttons to other collors 0r appearance which steps are to be taken?

Thanks a lot for your help in advance!

badblueboy

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What you are wanting to do is actual graphic editting. If your only program to do this is paint I suggest you get a new one. My suggestiong would be to get paint shop pro. its not to difficult to learn, its powerful enough to use for a long time, and its not to expensive.

Once you get a good graphics editor (there are many out there) you need to learn how to use it. Recoloring parts of skins might be an easy way to learn. Once you get the hang of it you can start to do more complex things like make parts of your skins look entirely different. All a skin is is basically graphics and a little bit of code. Since you should be using skinstudio most of the code is provided and the only way to really change a skin is by changing the graphics. of course you can manually change the height and width of some things and the places of others by changing the code through skinstudio. but to do what you are asking you need to learn how to use a graphics editor.

Once you learn how to totally change skins you can start making your own.

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#8 by badblueboy - 2/7/2004 5:28:13 AM Shameless Designs!On SDC the following is to be found under documentation:WB DocumentationChanging Visual StyleBackgroundsWB SettingsPerformance etc.No. PDF Docufile is visible

As I said in my original post, the .pdf file is on the SOFTWARE tab of SDC, the same place you download your software. The item is called Object Desktop Documentation and is the second item on the page, right under Theme Manager and right above Windowblinds4.

Click on my name in this post to see a screenshot if you have any doubts.

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Travis the Kong!

What I have is the Ulead Photoimpact XL.

badblueboy

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