Visuals

[Dmitri K]

I've created a pretty big project, it has standard windows controls (boring rectangle button, etc.). I want to change that and maybe make all my buttons with different visual style, maybe rounded edges, gradient look, etc. Something that won't look anything like a normal command button. Also make the program skinable, which isn't a problem. So, what's the easiest way for me to change appearance of my project? Do I have to replace all the buttons with imageboxes and load different pictures into those imageboxes (on mouse over, on click, etc.) making them act like command buttons? Creating an OCX and replacing all the buttons with that custom control? Maybe some other way? Thanks

By the way, I still am wondering about my other post and best way to find a solution:
http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...hreadid=210630

[Blinky Bill]

You can replace all your buttons with images and go with that, I have done it before and it isn't really that hard, you just need to put all your pressed and unpressed button images in a resource file. You other option is to find a third party control that offers different button styles. I don't know of any off the top of my head, but a google search should turn some up though.

[Dmitri K]

Exactly, changing visuals isn't hard but it's pain when it comes to modifying the code, so I'm trying to minimize changes in the code.

[Blinky Bill]

So look for third party controls that do what you want.

[Dmitri K]

Found some but most look terrible, so I've decided to write my own. Is GradientFill the fastest API there is to fill picturebox with gradient effect?

[IROY55]

Some time ago I've ActiveSkin.ocx. Here's a link where you can find it:
http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?p=activeskin+ocx