CREATING SKINNABLE PROGRAM

[Eric M]

Yeah im trying to create a program with skinz such as winamp and etc and I looked at the article below and I have tried using bitblt but I was soon to find out that it only works if the picture itself is viewable on the screen.. Are there any other ways to do this? Or am I going in the wrong direction or right direction?

[Cbomb]

I'm totally into the skinning idea but this is all i have foud its an ActiveX control that will do the skinning thing for ya. There is a 30 day demo then it turns it self off. I'm lookin for a free way to do the skins but heres the link if yer' interested:
ActiveSkin (http://www.softshape.com/activeskin/)

Good luck

[DrBrain]

use VB's PaintPicture instead.

[jimmit_t]

The best way to use skins in visual basic is to use the BitBlt API call. Simply create an image and load it in a picture box. Create another picture box on the form and use the BitBlt call to place sections of the first picture box to anywhere you want on another picture box. Make the first picture box invisible and you can place the image bits to any picture. Email me if you would like an example. jimmit_t@yahoo.com

[This message has been edited by jimmit_t (edited 07-14-1999).]

Here's another way at looking at how to do it. This might take more coding depending on what you do. Just place the picture on the form, but don't use any command buttons. Make all labels transparent. Lets say that we have an imaginary command button (in pixels) at a position of (8,8), a width of 64 & a height of 24. You would put this code:

Form_Mousedown(X as integer, Y as integer, Button as integer, Shift as integer)

If Int(X) > 8 and Int(X) <= 72 Then
If Int(Y) > 8 and Int(Y) <= 32 Then
Call ActionProc
End If
End If

End Sub

You just code that as many times as you have to. it might take more work but will work just as smooth. And if you would like to get the look of a command button you could draw lines. :D

[sergio153]

hey people, point to here "http://www.hider.com/dos/files/dos-iface.zip" this example is an EXCELLENT source to interface your app. enjoy.