Skinning Classes

How do I learn?

from WinCustomize Forums

I really wish that there were some lessons or instructions on how to make Dreams / Windowblind Skins. I would like to contribute to the site but just have no clue how to even start. I am not computer ignorant but I just have no idea how you guys produce these artistic skins. I would pay for instructions and guidelines if they were available. I have been a lurker on this site for over 10 years . Now that I am retired I think that skin making would be a great hobby.

6,267 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well Larry, a good way to start is checking out this tutorial by Vampothika: https://forums.wincustomize.com/447931/page/1/#3499153

Get the software needed for this and just let go :sun: :

 

-Photoshop or similar

-WindowBlinds

-SkinStudio

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Another thing you can do once WindowBlinds is installed is find one of the skins you like, it will look like an artists palate with a .wba file extension. Right click on the skin and rename it to .zip, they are basically zip files. Extract the file to a folder and you'll have all the images that make up the skin. It will give you an idea as to how the images are made and the various types of images...png...bmp (bitmaps)...and so on. These images can be opened in Photoshop, PaintShop Pro, Paint.Net and Gimp. Good luck and welcome to WC. 

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The above is one way. I believe the better way would be to do this. 

Because looking at all the images will give you the size and type it won't tell you where they go. If you open a WB in SKS you will see the required images and also where they are placed in each section. You can open them right from the Edit button in SKS. 

As Neone6 said look at Kitty's tutorial. It gives you a good starting point to learn some main things. I'm on my way out to play Golf but when I get home I will PM you. Again look through Kitty's tutorial and if you decide you really want to  make your first WB I will be happy to work with you. 

So check your PM later today and we can go from there. Speaking for the members I think they would all be happy to have new skinners here. You have been here since 2002 so time to get your butt in gear.