Non rectangular application windows.

[StupendousMan]

I have seen a bunch of new apps with highly customized interfaces. Completely customized app windows, etc. How do they do that? @home has a utility that looks like that and I saw Media player that was outstanding looking. Where do I start?


Stupendous!

see setwindowrgn.

regards,
M

[Andris Spruds]

Hi,
SetWindowRgn
It is very slow or you have to include already made rgn file. Isn't it ?

Andris

[Vali]

You do not have to use predefined rgn files to use SetWindowRgn. SetWindowRgn expects a regios. You can use API's like reateEllipticalRgn, CreatePolygonRgn, CreateRectRgn, and CreateRoundRgn functions to create regions.

In addition, you can use BeginPath(...), EndPath(...), and PathToRegion(...) also. Start with BeginPath(...) for a HDC. use API's that draw on a HDC like LineTo(..) or Ellipse(..., etc. Then use EndPath(...). This will create a path for a DC. Next, convert the PATH to a region by using PathToRegion(...). This will give you a handle to a region. You can then use this in SetWindowRgn.

I have used this very extensivley in my products and it works very well without having to rely on RGN files.

Hope this helps.

Vali

[Andris Spruds]

Yes, but in most cases I don't know the bitmap i'll use. I mean I'll load it dynamicly, like WinAMP skins, only transparent. Is there a fast way to get RGN from bitmap ?
Anyway, thanks.

[Gomez Addams]

This article might help :
http://www.codeguru.com/tools/RGNCreator.shtml

[FredericTachet]

Should take a look at this Web Page :

http://www.aysec.com/

search : AYS-NoBo for PC

Its a complete sample with source code.

Hoping that help

Fred