VisualDesigner for creating other skins

zorro · 04-23-2005, 11:34 AM

Hi folks,

I've added some code to (PhoCo's) VisualDesigner to make it a bit more versatile.

By applying the command line parameter -Other=xxx users are now able to create a new design from scratch by adding controls (Buttons, Panels, Listboxes) and export that new design to any format needed.

The export constsist of two major functions:
1. All elements on the main form will be merged with the background and saved as two bitmaps (Jpeg or Png), one for the normal state and one for the clicked state.

2. A Export-Provider is called (using COM) and all elements contained on the form will be reported to the Export-Provider. The provider is responsible to create a customized INI file that can be used with any other application.

Since the design is not only exported but also saved in a VD format (XML), designers are able to reload the skin and apply changes whenever needed very quickly.

At this stage, there is only one sample Export-Provider which doesn't really do anything but shows how to use it.

Developers who are interessted in making Export-Providers for their apps, please let me know.

Designers can use is to create / edit skins for any app but they have to wait for Export-Providers to become available.

Here's a short instruction what you gotta do to get this VD version:

Download and install the latest version of PhoneControl.NET if you didn't already (VD is a part of it)

0l33l · 04-23-2005, 02:58 PM

Looks awesome! But can we also get a permanent clicked state? So say if we're having relays that are on, you don't want the button to turn to the original state. Then that would require 2 more images

This would be a great way to create "universal" skins

zorro · 04-23-2005, 03:05 PM

What is the difference between a clicked state and a permanent clicked state (seen from the graphics side)?

0l33l · 04-23-2005, 03:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by zorro

What is the difference between a clicked state and a permanent clicked state (seen from the graphics side)?

Well, say that you have an "LED" on one of the buttons to know if a relay is on.

zorro · 04-23-2005, 04:24 PM

Well... think about... I'm sure you'll find the answer.

0l33l · 04-23-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by zorro

Well... think about... I'm sure you'll find the answer.

Hopefully

This project would really help me. My skin designer suxed.

BTW: Exporting to INI won't be required.. right?

zorro · 04-23-2005, 05:33 PM

No, this is just a suggestion. Whatever the Export-Provider does, this is up to you.

0l33l · 04-23-2005, 05:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by zorro

No, this is just a suggestion. Whatever the Export-Provider does, this is up to you.

Great! Can't wait to test it

My email

kiltjim · 04-23-2005, 06:33 PM

Seems pretty cool. So, if I understand correctly, you can use this to export skins to any other program, and then simply use the exported file in another program? I would love to try it out, I've been looking at some way to do this, as opposed to using a skinner made to work with one program, and then going back to edit the whole file to work for mine.

My email.

0l33l · 04-23-2005, 08:01 PM

Some suggestions:
Have create buttons/listboxes/etc on a toolbar.
I didn't really find a setting for a "selected" image. Some designers use just 2 images, and create "hotspots" on the forums. I'm guessing that a panel can act as a hotspot.

The scale mode also doesn't work, just as you said:

Code:

See the end of this message for details on invoking 
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.ArgumentException: Invalid parameter used.
   at System.Drawing.Bitmap..ctor(Int32 width, Int32 height, PixelFormat format)
   at System.Drawing.Bitmap..ctor(Int32 width, Int32 height)
   at System.Drawing.Bitmap..ctor(Image original, Int32 width, Int32 height)
   at System.Drawing.Bitmap..ctor(Image original, Size newSize)
   at PhoneCtlDesigner.frmMain.pnlWindow_Resize(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnResize(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Panel.OnResize(EventArgs eventargs)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnSizeChanged(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.UpdateBounds(Int32 x, Int32 y, Int32 width, Int32 height, Int32 clientWidth, Int32 clientHeight)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.UpdateBounds()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMove(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/microsoft.net/framework/v1.1.4322/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
PhoneCtlDesigner
    Assembly Version: 1.1.1939.40187
    Win32 Version: 1.1.1939.40187
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/PhoneCtlDesigner.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system.windows.forms/1.0.5000.0__b77a5c561934e089/system.windows.forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system/1.0.5000.0__b77a5c561934e089/system.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system.drawing/1.0.5000.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/system.drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Infragistics.Win.UltraWinToolbars.v3.1
    Assembly Version: 3.1.20041.15
    Win32 Version: 3.1.20041.15
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/Infragistics.Win.UltraWinToolbars.v3.1.DLL
----------------------------------------
Infragistics.Shared.v3.1
    Assembly Version: 3.1.20041.15
    Win32 Version: 3.1.20041.15
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/Infragistics.Shared.v3.1.DLL
----------------------------------------
Infragistics.Win.v3.1
    Assembly Version: 3.1.20041.15
    Win32 Version: 3.1.20041.15
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/Infragistics.Win.v3.1.DLL
----------------------------------------
Infragistics.Win.UltraWinDock.v3.1
    Assembly Version: 3.1.20041.15
    Win32 Version: 3.1.20041.15
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/Infragistics.Win.UltraWinDock.v3.1.DLL
----------------------------------------
Accessibility
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.573
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/accessibility/1.0.5000.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/accessibility.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Design
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system.design/1.0.5000.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/system.design.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Runtime.Serialization.Formatters.Soap
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system.runtime.serialization.formatters.soap/1.0.5000.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/system.runtime.serialization.formatters.soap.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system.xml/1.0.5000.0__b77a5c561934e089/system.xml.dll
----------------------------------------
zyg9noqk
    Assembly Version: 0.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.2032
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system/1.0.5000.0__b77a5c561934e089/system.dll
----------------------------------------
zControls
    Assembly Version: 1.0.1939.35709
    Win32 Version: 1.0.1939.35709
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/zControls.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound
    Assembly Version: 1.0.1901.0
    Win32 Version: 5.3.0000001.1126 built by: DIRECTX
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/PhoneControl.NET/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing.Design
    Assembly Version: 1.0.5000.0
    Win32 Version: 1.1.4322.573
    CodeBase: file:///c:/windows/assembly/gac/system.drawing.design/1.0.5000.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/system.drawing.design.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just in time (JIT) debugging, the config file for this
application or machine (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
    <system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the machine
rather than being handled by this dialog.

RoyN · 04-23-2005, 10:26 PM

OK, just confirming, this will let me make the buttons inside the designer? Hmm.. I think you have been reading my other posts!

Guino..... Time to stop coding RR and code a export-provider for making skins for rR....

zorro · 04-24-2005, 01:24 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RoyN

OK, just confirming, this will let me make the buttons inside the designer? Hmm.. I think you have been reading my other posts!

Guino..... Time to stop coding RR and code a export-provider for making skins for rR....

Kind of... you still have to make the graphics by yourself (or get them from elsewhere) because VD is no drawing tool.
But as you know from PhoCo, you can move them, size them, hide/show them apply a caption and other stuff.
With the right Export-Provider, you event don't have to put the coordinates into a .skin / .ini file anymore.

RoyN · 04-24-2005, 01:38 AM

I cant run the editor... always get this error straight after running "Phonectldesigner.exe -Other=test" or even without the -other tag....

already regged the dll...

zorro · 04-24-2005, 01:41 AM

Did you copy it to PhoCo's installation dir?

RoyN · 04-24-2005, 01:47 AM

ops...

now its working! hhehehe

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