[2005] Creating a Outlook Like User Interface

[brand5880]

Guys,

I am looking to create a user interface that will look and act like the Outlook 2005 interface or more preferably Outlook 2007. I realize there are software packages that you can pay for to get these controls, but is there any chance any one has a sample program where they have done this with out the use of payed for software packages? Or maybe some one can point me in the right direction and I will post the results if i get it to work.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

[jmcilhinney]

Outlook went from 2003 to 2007. There's no 2005 version.

There are third-party controls around that provide the Office 2007-style Ribbon but I'm not sure if there are any free ones. A Google for the appropriate terms should turn up results if there are any. As for Outlok 2003, see the UI section here.

[RobDog888]

To get any decent useable GUI for 2003/2007 you will need to purchase one of the professional components. Sure you may be able to find some code on the internet that mimics it but it really isnt close at all. It just depends on the level of duplication you need.

Basically you get what you pay for. Have a look at the quality you could buy and yes I realize that this is expensive, just making the point

http://www.componentone.com/products...=324&TabID=445

[zuperman]

take a look at Component Factory Toolkit Controls... thy look very nice and are 100% free for commercial applications...
http://www.componentfactory.com/toolkitcontrols.html

Phil already have a ribbon control... that is not free ($99 for a single developer licence, i believe)...

[RobDog888]

No, the Krypton Ribben (Outlook 2007) costs $99 for single license. Navigator and Ribben together saves you $50 as its $149. The free license is only for the user interface controls for forms.

[tylerm]

I'd recommend DevComponent's DotNetBar. Features Ribbon control, Office 2007 style forms, toolbars, buttons, office 2007 textboxes, listview, checkbox, the list is endless. It is a little more expensive compared to other controls, but support is excellent and expect updates and features added every couple of weeks.

Rob is right, any free controls don't look anything like the real deal. Have you seen the Visual Studio 2005 like free controls you can get from CodeProject, mor elike VS 1905 (Joke).

You will so realize that to get exact, you will need to spend money, if you want the right look, but the ability to really customize the design as well as make it work right performance wise.

[zuperman]

you dont have to spend a lot of money to have good looking apps... like i said... there are good free components that makes your work shine...

i dont like to use 3rd party components... i like the clean look of .net 2.0 base controls...

[zuperman]

also, i dont like to mimic other applications...

[Atheist]

I say, beware of 3rd party controls! Beware I say!
Rob knows what im talkin 'bout

[zuperman]

I say, beware of 3rd party controls! Beware I say!
Rob knows what im talkin 'bout

like i said... i dont like to use them...

[tylerm]

you dont have to spend a lot of money to have good looking apps... like i said... there are good free components that makes your work shine...

i dont like to use 3rd party components... i like the clean look of .net 2.0 base controls...

Well, my taste is similar to Microsoft's, mostly their Office 2007 looks great compared to the base items.

I meant you will need to spend alot of money to get controls to make the program look pixel exact to Outlook. You better believe Microsoft spent a fortune designing their controls.