PoSmedley PoSmedley

One Piece At A Time : Windowblind Tutorial Part IV

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One Piece At A Time : Windowblind Tutorial Part IV

Putting It Together : Start Menu

from WinCustomize Forums

 

We're going to take a break from One Piece At A Time : Windowblind Tutorial Part III for just a moment and get into the assembling of the windowblind in SKS. There are a few reasons for this that you may have picked up on if you have been following along.

 

  • We've been making sections of the blind without putting them into SkinStudio as we go along. A majority of skinners will go back and forth between their graphics program (Photoshop, Paint, etc.) and SKS as they go along. That method hasn't worked for me in the past and I wanted to go through the actual design of several areas without the added confusion of SKS.

 

  • There comes a point, once you get past the Start Menu and Window Frames and start getting into the Edit Controls, buttons, etc., that you need to see what they are going to look like and if they will work they way they should. I tried to just keep making the graphics without going into SKS but it's just too much detail and in this particular case, with a lot of the areas we'll be getting into, 'size does matter'.

 

One of the main reasons that I may have not mentioned for doing the Start Menu and Task Bar areas first is also to assist visually in determining how the overall windowblind will look (per Tim's suggestion). This will actually help a great deal when you get into the buttons, header bars, and other details and you're trying to determine the best colors and other design details.

The way in which I am approaching this is something I came up with some help from 2of3(aka Tim). As I said, not all skinners do it this way and the opinions I offer are just that  (my opinions) and by no means written in stone (or sand, Lucite, chalk, crayola, etc.) It if it helps anyone, let me know.

We'll be going back and forth between this thread and Part III. There will also, more than likely, be another thread where we can go over testing the skin and putting on the finishing touches. In this thread we'll be going over the assembling of the Start Menu.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS as to why something is done this way and not that or anything pertaining to the Start Menu ask them here. We will try to explain as we go along and may miss some things that you consider important or problematic.

 

If you're looking for Part I, II, III you can find them here:

One Piece At A Time : Windowblind Tutorial Part I

Design : Start Menu and Taskbar

 

One Piece At A Time : Windowblind Tutorial Part II

Design: Title Bars & Window Frames


 

One Piece At A Time : Windowblind Tutorial Part II

Design: Edit Controls

 

PLEASE :

  • I am open to suggestions but may not use any of them. Please, don't be offended if I don't use yours.
  • Keep the image posting to the skin(s)
  • If you want to make a skin to go with this, PM me for the files. My PSD's tend to be a mess, but I save everything and will be happy to     share. I am uploading the actual files to the Graphics Gallery here on Wincustomize.
  • We'll be skinning for Windows7, maybe Vista. If someone wants to do XP, PM me and I will get you what you need.
  • Any files you request will come as I complete them. I won't be jumping ahead. Please be patient.
  • ;)

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The PSD files for the  previous threads are in the Graphics Gallery.

Roan WB Title Bars and Window Frames  

  Roan WB Taskbar Buttons

ROAN WB Start Panel UPDATED

ROAN WB Start Panel Search Mode

160,008 views 349 replies
Reply #301 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Zubaz, reply 300
Listen to the inner Zubaz.
End of Zubaz's quote

ignore   

Reply #302 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Zubaz, reply 300
If you can't fix this will you finally give up?
End of Zubaz's quote

I have no intention of giving up and there really is no need to. I have to regroup. It may come down to trying what I originally created for the buttons. I'm just not happy about it because I really like this design and am using variations of what neone6 came up with through out the blind.

I think the whole 'icon' thing is throwing it off and ruining what is a good concept/effect. 

I'd like to get some more feedback from others. I may have to send out a few copies of the unfinished WB and let y'all play with it. Maybe you'll be able to judge better then.

One of the problems I have is that the alternatives I have in mind may mean redesigning the taskbar.

This was the original button design:

 

This is a shot of the window frame. I'm thinking as an alternative, to have the buttons be like the 'tab' on the right corner, center, or left corner, but would require a small alteration to the taskbar (I think?) to allow for the part that is 'above' the taskbar top. Then I have to worry about how it will look in a top taskbar and side taskbar.

 

ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #303 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I wouldn't mind looking at what ya got so far... it's so much easier to see what's going on first hand.

 

Reply #304 from WinCustomize Forums Top

 

Quoting Xiandi, reply 303
I wouldn't mind looking at what ya got so far... it's so much easier to see what's going on first hand.
End of Xiandi's quote

It's in the mail.

Reply #305 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Don't give up Po' it is looking great. Take your time. Like many, I'll be here lurking in the bushes waiting to hit that download button when it's ready. :thumbsup:

Reply #306 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I second that. You do great work Po. Being that this is your first go 'round little setbacks are to be expected. Don't let it throw you. Time, patience, Neone6, Kitty, Xiandi and 2of3 are on your side.

Me too albeit lurking around corners. Oh ... and I'll be happy to road test it for you when its ready.

Reply #307 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Just looking at options. I like THIS but it's messing my head up. lol

 Uvah and Wax, thanks. It means a lot.

Reply #308 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Those are very nice. I like the way they contrast with the task bar.

Reply #309 from WinCustomize Forums Top

For that start button issue:

Go to the start button in SKS. Click the extras tab and check the box that says use Vista style positioning. Still looiking at the taskbar buttons....

Reply #310 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Looking at the buttons, I'd say lose the shadow on them (you cant really see it anyway) and decrease the distance you have between them by a couple pixels. What I did was make ita 1px gap on the left and a 2px gap on the right of the button in each frame. That solves the issue of the icon sitting right on the gold bar.

When you put it in, set your painting margins to 10, 6, 14, 14 ... and your text margins to 11, 8, 0, 0. That centers the icons as much as possible.

Your button will be closer together on the taskbar.

Of course, if you decide to change the buttons completely, then never mind all this, lol.

 

Edit: Sigh, I just realized all my settings make the top taskbar look crappy....well, you could always do a substyle for those top taskbar people. :|

 

Reply #311 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 302
I have no intention of giving up and there really is no need to.
End of PoSmedley's quote

Good.  The skin looks great and the time you are putting in to help others is commendable.  You rock.  (But you are still a putz.)

Reply #312 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You the man PoSmedley.  Very Very cool. And with that avatar to me I can hear a southern accent or drawl in your words sometimes. haha   Like Gone With the Wind.   Must say I like it.  |-)

Reply #313 from Stardock Forums Top

I'm sorry guys ... got to go OT for half a minute. I'm comin' to you from Stardock forums because for some reason I can't access it through WC. Always problem loading page. IE did not want to open the page either. Forget about Chrome. Anyone else having a problem?

BTW ... I hit the first WC post that came along.

I now return you to Master Po's Masterpiece.

 

Reply #314 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Keep on truckin', Po'. It's going to look great.

Reply #315 from WinCustomize Forums Top

mmmm, been missing all the action it seems, me and andy have been MIA as we have moved house, got a new painting job, and another billion things.... looks like people are taking care of you okay... so im happy. you can send the blind my way if you want.. you still know my email right?? ^_^

Reply #316 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you are unhappy with the way the texture on the button stretches, you could make them semi trans. Then the buttons would "grab" the texture of the taskbar under.

But the buttons in #307 look cool too 5*

Reply #317 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting IROKONESS, reply 312
I can hear a southern accent or drawl in your words sometimes.
End of IROKONESS's quote

South Philly, maybe.

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 307
Just looking at options. I like THIS but it's messing my head up. lol

Reduced 55%Original 1079 x 209

 Uvah and Wax, thanks. It means a lot.
End of PoSmedley's quote

Agree with 2of3. The second taskbar looks excellent as well. 

Po' - Pay no attention to the Support Nemesis. The skin's going great. It's beautiful. Hoping the pain has been eased some. Rooting for you! 

 

Reply #318 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 317
South Philly, maybe.
End of DrJBHL's quote

You had to pop it, hey doc.    |-)

{I knew.}

Reply #319 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Man ....... I can't wait for this beauty. Already got some good ideas.

And ... what Doc said.

Reply #320 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Xiandi, reply 310
Edit: Sigh, I just realized all my settings make the top taskbar look crappy....well, you could always do a substyle for those top taskbar people.
End of Xiandi's quote

To keep my design I'm thinking this is the option. I'm trying it out now.

Quoting 2of3, reply 316
If you are unhappy with the way the texture on the button stretches,
End of 2of3's quote

It's not that at all. It's my design. It won't allow for universal centering of the icons because I have too much going on at the ends. To have them appear in true size as designed, the icons are then too big (without stretching) and it makes them look bad, if you know what I mean.

Quoting IROKONESS, reply 312
You the man PoSmedley.  Very Very cool. And with that avatar to me I can hear a southern accent or drawl in your words sometimes. haha   Like Gone With the Wind.   Must say I like it. 
End of IROKONESS's quote

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 317
South Philly, maybe.
End of DrJBHL's quote

You have to be able to put on the drawl to get anywhere down here. What's funny is I can do several very well, from 'low country' to Forrest Gump (much to the annoyance of the in-laws). It's amazing how much nicer people are and how much more cooperative they are down here when I throw in a 'y'all'. The other upside is, if I want someone to just shut up and get out of my face, I can go back to my Philly accent.

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 317
Hoping the pain has been eased some. Rooting for you! 
End of DrJBHL's quote

I have some meds now but...

I've tried to catch you on messenger for some free advice. My hands and arms are through the roof. Back and legs..if they get any worse before I have the surgery I'm gonna need help getting dressed. The meds help a lot, but you know I won't take them every four hours. I'm too afraid of getting hooked on the shit. The ball is rolling on everything, but it could be another month or two at most before I get the surgery. I have to go through all the hoops again since the settlement. I'm embarrassed to say, but I move around like I'm seventy something, I'm getting fat, and I'm annoying everyone with my beard and letting my hair get long. sigh. That was my pity party for the next three months. Back to fixing these fucking buttons.

The buttons in #307 - I like them as well. I'm just not sure about the theme I was going for with the buttons that neone6 designed. I'm really stuck on his design.

Quoting Vampothika, reply 315
you still know my email right??
End of Vampothika's quote

Yup. ;)

Reply #321 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 320
The meds help a lot, but you know I won't take them every four hours.
End of PoSmedley's quote

Depends which you're talking about.

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 320
I'm too afraid of getting hooked
End of PoSmedley's quote

You mean addicted: That happens due to psychological, not physical reasons and occurs far faster than habituation. You have physical pain from well documented reasons (insanity and ugliness, not to overlook disgusting cranial adiposity [fat headedness]). Addiction means taking more of the medicine, and more frequently than prescribed. Therefore, do nothing without your Doctor's agreement and knowledge. Adequate, stable doses at fixed intervals is not addiction, Po'. It's called treatment.

What you are thinking of is habituation... getting 'used' to a certain dosage and needing a higher dosage or a change of med. That usually takes months (or more) to happen. Your surgery will almost certainly happen before that phenomenon does. Therefore probably not a worry. Hopefully you will need little or none after recuperating from the surgery.

Remember, Cinderella: No alcohol or Xanax. 

I hope that's clear, f*ckwit.  ;)

I'm on IM now and in irc.

 

Reply #322 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 321
I hope that's clear, f*ckwit
End of DrJBHL's quote

Oh my. Back to skinning my eyes can't take this. Well I mean from a doctor. :rofl:

Yes I'm lurking.

Reply #323 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DaveBax, reply 322
Back to skinning my eyes
End of DaveBax's quote

Don't forget the red sqigglies.

Reply #324 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Take care Po.   And I knew I heard it.   woot!

Reply #325 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I believe I have it fixed. I've spent way too much time on these buttons. I want to move on, fix the issue with half the start button vanishing when I use the small icons and keep going.

 

Quoting Xiandi, reply 310
Looking at the buttons, I'd say lose the shadow on them
End of Xiandi's quote

I took out the shadow and nudged the rings 2px towards the left and right to make room for the icon.