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Applying Textures to the
Default Apps.
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Applying Textures to the
Default Apps.
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Now that we've got the
basic frame work sorted and we've skinned the main
tile let's start adding some functionality to the theme.
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Each tile will be configured
basically the same way the only bits that should need to be changed will be
the Application Settings (which program
will be opened by the tile)
So I'll describe how to do the Email tile
then it's just case of repeating the steps, but changing bmps/gifs and
possibly
some Application Settings.
Shift+drag the Email tile so it's an area we can work with it (away from all the others. (If the others are attached to it simply right click the email tile and select position, detach)
Just for fun, let's see how
far we can configure this tile using the quick-change method (via the right
click sub menus and windows explorer)
Open windows explorer (use the window keys to open the windows start menu) and browse to your Pixel Perfect theme folder so you can view all the files inside it.
Find the .bmp file called OE.bmp and drag it onto the Email tile.
Next find the .gif file called OEH.gif. Hold down shift and drag it onto the Email tile.
That's the textures applied, now all we have to do it is make it look good. Remember we're going to see how far we can get using the quick change method (via the right click sub menus.
Right click the Email tile, go to quick change then untick border.
Right click the Email tile, go to quick change, label then untick show label.
Right click the Email tile, go to quick change, tile then click clear label.
Right click the Email tile, go to quick change, tile then click adjust to texture size.
How's it looking? You should
have something which looks like this
If not go back to the top and make sure you've not missed a step.
Now all we need to do it is position it.
I designed the tile to look as if it slides out of the right edge of the
screen
when you hover over it, so shift+drag
it to the right edge of your screen.
Make sure you test the tile.
Click it and make sure it opens Outlook Express. If it doesn't you need to
go into the Tile Properties window (by
right clicking and selecting properties)
and configure it to open Outlook Express.
(Forgotten how to apply applications to a tile? Click
here)
Word tile = word.bmp and wordH.gif for hover
MP3 tile = winamp.bmp and winampH.gif for hover
Image tile = psp.bmp and pspH.gif for hover
*note* I deleted my drives and excel tile.
To make the Control Panel tile.
Right click the WinAmp tile and select duplicate tile.
From the Windows Explorer window drag the controlpanel.bmp onto the new winamp tile, then shift+drag the controlpanelH.gif onto the new winamp tile.
Position it using the same method you used for the ones above.
Right click the control panel tile and select properties.
Click Application Settings.
If there's any info in the Program/Folder/Web Link/ Extension path box please delete it.
Now check the Shell/Command radio button. Scroll through the list until you find Control Panel, click it then click OK.
Test the tile. Clicking the Control Panel should open up a sub menu of all the items contained in the Control Panel, rather than actually opening the control panel window.
I've only designed tiles for Outlook Express, MS
Word 2000, WinAmp, Paint Shop Pro and the Control Panel. Remember, my job
here is not to teach you how to make graphic files, but rather how to apply
the graphic tiles to HoverDesk. Feel free to design any other tiles you
want
to open specific programs.
You should have something similar to this running down the right edge of
your
screen.
