Some Tips for Apps' Graphic

[Italy]

Hi,
it seems a stupid question ... yes.. it's a stupid question, but, do you know some good tips/websites, or some good components to make beautiful the app (e.g. graphic effects, etc etc).
My forms are very poor... and I think my costumers don't want to use an app that it's not very beautiful...

It's a stupid question, but .. help me plz ...
THX in advance!

<cr>Italian Delphi Programmer --> From Turin</cr>

[Eddy-B]

hi there Mr. Italian,

First of all: the "beauty" of a program should not be an issue to the user (if this is a program that doesn't really "need" beauty - which excludes games and demo's i guess).

Any program could sell, if it is functional, has little or no bugs, and performs equally (or preferably better) than its competition.


Anyway:
a few sugguestions might be in place here...
<li>some programs using transparent regions to get a better 'look'; others using "themes" (both can be found on this website, freeware and shareware/commercially);
<li>most important: make your forms 'neat' : everything should be exactly measured (all buttons same size) - make all forms have the same basic look;
<li>don't use the standard bitmaps used by the TBitBtn, but use other button components, or simply put your own bitmaps in the TBitBtn's;
<li>create your own MessageBox form, don't use the standard windows one;
<li>add multi-media if at all possible - replace the 'default beep (*)' into a nice custom sound for example;

There are many more (simple) things to upgrade a program without much pain and effort; but i'd really start looking for THEMED panels, buttons and forms.


Good luck !

Eddy-B

Please click <cr>Accept as answer</cr> if this helped</cr>

[tongalite]

Hey take it easy... it's a perfectly good question :)

OK, to pretty up your forms you can use skins, there are lots of components about to let you make forms skinable. Try Torry's and use the keyword SKINS in the search box.
If you are interested in Graphics programming take a look here:
http://kbt.narod.ru/docs/lgfp/ewtoc.html

Good luck
T.

The greatest accomplishments cannot be achieved without
the greatest of struggles!

[Italy]

Well...
I know that an app without bugs it's better than a beautiful app full of bugs.. but.. I think that the app should be a little good looking...
well.. now there is a problem.. You 2 replied to me and i like all 2 answers.. but... i can only accept one...
I think i'll accept eddy reply.. but don't be angry with me tongalite.. sorry...
THX :D

<cr>Italian Delphi Programmer --> From Turin</cr>

[Eddy-B]

no hard feelings, please..

he's right about his sugguestions [ it was in my list also - i called it "themes" ]
One of them even hosts an ad on the top of this page.. (Themed windows... something, whatever .. i don't like to pay for stuff i can make myself u know what i mean.. so i don't pay much attention to all the ads here)

Anyway: good luck.
next time accept tongalite's answer over mine.. hehe

Eddy-B

Please click <cr>Accept as answer</cr> if this helped</cr>