Creating a crack in the Desktop
Cool effects in DesktopX
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
Yesterday I was pointed to a SysMetrix skin that created a cool looking crack in the desktop and was asked if this was possible. Needless to say I said yes and then worked out how to do it.
Anyway, it turned out to be fairly easy using some of the standard effects available in most graphics packages. For the purpose of this I'm using Fireworks.
Here's how to do it.
1) Create a new image with a transparent background and then draw a random shape on it.
2) Clone this object so you have two of them directly over each other. The top object will be the "hole" and one the "space underneath".
3) Select the "hole" and apply an "Inset Emboss". Apply settings to get it to the depth you want and hide the source object.
4) Select the "space" and apply an "Inner Shadow". Apply settings to get it to the depth you want.
5) Export this image as a PNG and place it directly on your desktop you have an instant hole in your wallpaper.
Download the source PNG here: Link
Download the final object here: Link
Of course, you can make the base any color you want. For flexibility you can export the two layers separates and the use DesktopX's colorization options to tint the "underneath" dynamically.
Anyway, it turned out to be fairly easy using some of the standard effects available in most graphics packages. For the purpose of this I'm using Fireworks.
Here's how to do it.
1) Create a new image with a transparent background and then draw a random shape on it.
2) Clone this object so you have two of them directly over each other. The top object will be the "hole" and one the "space underneath".
3) Select the "hole" and apply an "Inset Emboss". Apply settings to get it to the depth you want and hide the source object.
4) Select the "space" and apply an "Inner Shadow". Apply settings to get it to the depth you want.
5) Export this image as a PNG and place it directly on your desktop you have an instant hole in your wallpaper.
Download the source PNG here: Link
Download the final object here: Link
Of course, you can make the base any color you want. For flexibility you can export the two layers separates and the use DesktopX's colorization options to tint the "underneath" dynamically.
