Portable Menu Theme Designer - Alpha Preview 4 - For PAM 1.2+

54 posts / 0 new

Last post

October 13, 2007 - 10:36am

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Portable Menu Theme Designer - Alpha Preview 4 - For PAM 1.2+

Looking for suggestions/input. Just remember its an alpha so lets not load the post with obvious things like fields that don't work yet etc.

When the program opens, should it show the preview window? Or wait till Open or New is selected.
When New is selected should the preview window be blank or show a default theme?

Also if any of you graphic designers want to improve on the icon, it would be much appreciated.

PortableMenuThemeDesigner

EDIT: Its about 90% functional at this point.
Most of the buttons are sizable using the shift key as well as being movable.
Still need to tweak the resize code I don't like how it works.
Started the theme.ini save routine, it will save PATheme.ini to..
\Data\Themes\{Name}\PATheme.ini (Hopefully I won't have to change to much once PAM 1.2 is released)
Still looking for feed back/ideas.

October 13, 2007 - 11:39am

LittleUnkn0wn

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 5 days ago

Joined: 2006-11-02 11:09

Very nice

I like it. The interface is simple, and there's not a lot of extra garbage. Is it designed to make themes for just your menu, or will it also work with the official PAM and xrxca's PAM mod R30?

October 13, 2007 - 11:43am

(Reply to #2) #3

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

PAM Only

Actually it will only work with PAM 1.2 and up as the new theme engine won't be compatible with current themes or so I've read in the posts.
Eventually I may update my menu to support the new theme engine as well, but since I've been asked to help with the dev of PAM I don't know when I will have time.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 15, 2007 - 9:22am

(Reply to #3) #4

roamer

Offline

Last seen: 13 years 9 months ago

Joined: 2007-02-21 16:01

Question...

~~Is the new theme engine the same as the theme in the data/themes/default folder?~~
Saw your later post and my question was answered. I misunderstood earlier, but I understand now.

Also, I love the idea of this program, can't wait till it's beta!

OliverK> you don't live on a cow
IRC: It brings out the best in all of us...Especially when tired.

October 13, 2007 - 1:06pm

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

very promising...

with the new theme engine final, it would be very easy to update old themes by Your theme designer and , of course , create new ones.So, please,continue working on it.It´s great

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisici elit, sed eiusmod tempor incidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis .." Friday Next -
"May The Schwartz be with You!" Yogurt the Yoda

October 13, 2007 - 11:28pm

(Reply to #5) #6

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Haven't tried it yet

but if u say u could use it to update old theme's well i am in...it just finish gona try it now keep working on it it's a great idea.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 14, 2007 - 6:15am

PieterK

Offline

Last seen: 13 years 3 months ago

Joined: 2007-07-17 15:07

This looks VERY promising! A brilliant idea! Keep up the good work!

Optimism is a moral duty - Karl R. Popper

October 14, 2007 - 7:31pm

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

Tried out

Your alpha2preview. Great! Hope there´ll be a beta soon..Though I don´t know whether it´s supported in PAM 1.2 : the ability to reduce the number of app sbtn in the display from the given 20 to eg 10 or even 5 would be nice for developping new themes.

October 15, 2007 - 9:16am

(Reply to #8) #9

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

PAM 1.2 features only at this point

If PAM 1.2 supports it, I will add it to the designer.
Since PAM 1.2 themes will not be compatible with the older version or the current MOD's I am not putting features for them in the designer at this point.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 15, 2007 - 8:15pm

#10

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Update Uploaded

See comments above.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 16, 2007 - 4:35am

(Reply to #10) #11

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

Great...

EDIT(Deleted the first request.First test,then post? I´ll do better in the future ;))
Suggestion: for a new theme loading the somehow blank appearance of the default theme in preview 2 looks more neutral and in my opinion better.
Maybe the place for the personal picture could be displayed in the theme, even when it´s not adjustable, merely for testing newly created themes.

Nethertheless: very good app, I´m going test it a bit further later this day.

October 16, 2007 - 8:14am

(Reply to #11) #12

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Basic Theme Text Color

The text color of a basic theme is black, in the 2nd preview it was white on a dark theme.
To keep with what I think John has in mind for the ability to easily make a basic theme, with the option of advanced options, I changed the default background to display the default text colors.
What I will probably do is if you click File/New display a blank gray background which should show both black and white text.
I will add the personal picture to the designer so folks can see where it would sit in the theme.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 16, 2007 - 11:43am

(Reply to #12) #13

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

So..

everything will be fine.Good work!

October 16, 2007 - 7:36pm

(Reply to #13) #14

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Added the personal picture,

Added the personal picture, and clicking File\New clears the background, backgroundtop, and drivespace image.
Before the suggestion is made, the rest of the images are just place holders for now, I will add handling them once the theme engine is released so I know how they are going to be handled.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 17, 2007 - 1:00pm

(Reply to #14) #15

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

I´ll test it

:),thanks for the quick response.

October 15, 2007 - 10:12pm

#16

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Well feed back

looks good works good. one question is the u know any good icon making programs that u will recommend? Amm will the new menu have support for custom buttons i really cant remember but i did read it some where. If so u should have a tab under advance for the option of add other buttons. I mean like under search etc. and in basic the option "Name" if for..... name of the theme? or......

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 15, 2007 - 10:32pm

(Reply to #16) #17

Patrick Patience

Offline

Last seen: 3 years 9 months ago

Joined: 2007-02-20 19:26

If you're no graphic artsit

IcoFX is good. It's still hard to make a decent icon, but it's easier than using another program that you have no experience with.

October 15, 2007 - 11:54pm

(Reply to #17) #18

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Well i use photoshop

so if u consider that ah graphic artist then i am. i will try icoFX see how it is. It cant be as steep as a learning curve as GIMP. if it is i will catch hell.

EDIT:
sweet it has a portable one to going to try it now.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 16, 2007 - 8:21am

(Reply to #18) #19

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Art Icons Pro

I use Art Icons Pro as well as IcoFX.
Art Icons Pro has support for more file formats, while IcoFX seems to be a bit more robust for editing. What I usually end up doing is using Art Icons Pro to import/export file formats and IcoFX for editing.
I am definitely not a graphic designer so all my stuff is basic editing.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 16, 2007 - 8:31am

#20

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Thanks i'm no big graphic designer neither

just do editing. i will see how well i could make some custom theme-icon's I will try both. programs

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 16, 2007 - 8:37am

#21

roamer

Offline

Last seen: 13 years 9 months ago

Joined: 2007-02-21 16:01

It would be nice

if there was an "Export theme to..." function to use to save the theme for PAM Mod...and your menu, of course. Just thought I'd give my idea.

OliverK> you don't live on a cow
IRC: It brings out the best in all of us...Especially when tired.

October 16, 2007 - 8:57am

#22

NeoRame

Offline

Last seen: 2 years 10 months ago

Joined: 2007-05-11 09:12

awesome tool!!

but one question. can you create or change this tool for the r30 mod (i mean support all function, extra buttons...)? This would make my work easier

thanks and greetz
NeoRame

Hell was full, so I came back!!!
Sorry for my lousy English!!!

October 16, 2007 - 9:21am

(Reply to #22) #23

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Maybe in a future release

I want to wait until PAM 1.2 is out and the new theme engine is final.
If people are going to continue to use the r30 MOD after the new PAM is out, I would think it would be updated to be theme compatible with PAM 1.2 with the option of additional functions. Since xrca and myself have been asked to help with the development of PAM 1.2+ I would think that 90% of the functionality in both menu's will eventually make it into PAM 1.2+. So it would be a waste of time and code to add functions now only to have to delete or change them later.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 16, 2007 - 9:29am

(Reply to #23) #24

NeoRame

Offline

Last seen: 2 years 10 months ago

Joined: 2007-05-11 09:12

Ok...

..then i made this what i made every day, waiting of the new PAM release

greetz
NeoRame

Hell was full, so I came back!!!
Sorry for my lousy English!!!

October 17, 2007 - 12:13pm

#25

Bensawsome

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 7 months ago

Joined: 2006-04-22 19:27

I would assume this is

I would assume this is completely portable and does this only support the smithtech menu or also the regular pam?

 iLike Macs, iPwn, However you put it... Apple is better ^_^ 
"Claiming that your operating system is the best in the world because more people use it is like saying McDonalds makes the best food in the world..."

October 17, 2007 - 12:16pm

(Reply to #25) #26

roamer

Offline

Last seen: 13 years 9 months ago

Joined: 2007-02-21 16:01

When it is released

it will be for Portable Apps Platform (new name for portable apps menu).

OliverK> you don't live on a cow
IRC: It brings out the best in all of us...Especially when tired.

October 17, 2007 - 1:23pm

(Reply to #26) #27

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Yes and PAM Only

Yes it is completely portable.
The initial release will actually only be for the new PAM 1.2+ as the new theme engine won't be compatible with the current mod's including mine.
If the existing mod's are updated to support the new theme engine then the designer should work for them as well, aside from any unique features which I may or may not add support for in a future release.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 17, 2007 - 1:27pm

#28

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

When will we beable to import the eject/close buttons

ok well i just made my theme last night for the new menu i think i follow every thing accordingly but i noticed u have transparent icons for backup/explore..etc i though it was not going to have transparencies or is that just for the .PNG files and not including the icons.
well that said in a few hr's could i post a preview of the one i made with your theme maker........if only i could save it. lol i stayed up whole night working on it.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 17, 2007 - 1:50pm

(Reply to #28) #29

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

I can't say what John is

I can't say what John is going to do with the new version, he hasn't told anyone or released any code.
The designer is just a preview of how it will work once its finished, posted for feedback and suggestions.
I can't write the code to save the theme until I know what to name the files

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 17, 2007 - 2:52pm

(Reply to #29) #30

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Ok np

Well thats ok i could wait.
Still working on the custom icons. i am making both transparent and nontransparent.
Taking a while to perfect this.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 18, 2007 - 12:15pm

#31

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

New Update Posted

See comments above.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 18, 2007 - 1:13pm

(Reply to #31) #32

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

After a short glimpse...

Seems to work.Nice!

October 18, 2007 - 1:44pm

#33

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Havent tried it yet

But i think the format for the background supposed to be in .PNG And the import exit buttons still not working.think u already know that.
But good work. i am look forward to the beta.
EDIT: did not realize u put in the potothing at the top.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 18, 2007 - 2:30pm

(Reply to #33) #34

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

No PNG support yet

I haven't added png support yet as I am waiting to see how John implements it to maintain license compatibility.
So for now I am still using the old .jpg/.bmp format.

EDIT: quick update posted, added font color to the folder buttons.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 18, 2007 - 3:56pm

(Reply to #34) #35

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

Works great

Two suggestions : besides loading every single icon for the corresponding button as it is set as default now, there should be a drop down or a search button to set the path to the icon folder named like "load all icons" or "load icon theme" to load the complete icon theme at once.
-Second: PortableApps logo is missing now.For developping new themes it might be easier to switch on and off the original logo with the complete PortableApps.com phrase ,or,
perhaps even better, Your Button with a frame representing the area occupied by the original logo.Same as with the personal picture.

October 18, 2007 - 4:09pm

(Reply to #35) #36

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Future version

The "Load all icons' option I have already considered and have planned for a future release.
As for the top logo's, I took mine out intentionally to eliminate confusion about which menu the designer was for.
I can't just put the PAM logo's in without permission and I am still waiting to hear back from John on other issues. So for now it has to stay blank, but eventually I will put something in there.
Maybe I'll create a "Portable Menu Theme Designer" phrase to fill in there.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 18, 2007 - 4:17pm

(Reply to #36) #37

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

I understand..

..and thanks for the quick response.Keep waiting for at least PAM 1.1ß5 Hope to see Your designer in ß soon

October 18, 2007 - 4:35pm

(Reply to #37) #38

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Hows this

uploaded an update, added a logo banner of sorts.
it ain't pretty, I'm no graphic designer but it should at least give you a visual que as to where the logo banner will sit.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 18, 2007 - 5:17pm

(Reply to #38) #39

Offline

Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2007-09-05 12:31

Almost perfect...

a bit too big and too much to the right corners and not exactly representing the place of the original; but so far so good, because we don´t know how the original will look like in the new version. Good work!

October 18, 2007 - 6:14pm

(Reply to #39) #40

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

another quick update

changed the logo again
tweaked the PATheme.ini save routine a little.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 18, 2007 - 6:34pm

#41

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

YAY

Just finished making my new theme with your help
only one thing needs to change and thats the eject & exit buttons.
This works fin for me.
NB: My custom icons are a little Lame but it my first time making icons.
http://38.114.207.15/6076cc0bd8736ab6a1d7076ace55bacb6g.jpg
Prof ur program works.

EDIT: u update real fast this is the second download for the day But i guess thats good
How u like my theme.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 19, 2007 - 7:46am

(Reply to #41) #42

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

5th Hokagai

Nice, I watch Naruto all the time, but you should do one of the 5th Hokagai

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 19, 2007 - 10:09am

(Reply to #42) #43

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Well i was not sure if ppl here

would be into it Naruto thats why i did not make plenty of it. It was just to test to see what ppl who use PAM are into. So looks like i have a reason to make more. sounds like a request.:) U have a special pic of him or let me chose. I will make one for the old menu and the new.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 19, 2007 - 10:31am

(Reply to #43) #44

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

5th Hokagai is a her

lol, the 5th Hokagai is a her not a him

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 19, 2007 - 10:41am

(Reply to #44) #45

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

yea i know my mistake i was

yea i know my mistake i was thinking of the 3th. I will start on that now. My other computer HD get formated so i need something to take mind of of it.

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 19, 2007 - 12:36pm

(Reply to #45) #46

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Here's one

got me thinking about making one, so here it is.
Preview
Download

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 20, 2007 - 6:33pm

(Reply to #46) #47

jwyanze

Offline

Last seen: 9 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-08-08 00:44

Well i have 2 on the way.

I got held back for a while..my last computer was wiped clean so i had a lot of work to do on it but expect to see 2 maybe by tonight or early morning. u should have made the font of the drive name/letter and space into black would have been easer. I will have to experiment with that. u distributing the .psd file?

Never curse the alligator till you done cross the bridge.

October 20, 2007 - 7:19pm

(Reply to #47) #48

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

I usually try not to include

I usually try not to include the psd only to keep the size of the zip file down, if you want it I can post it for download.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

October 19, 2007 - 2:26am

#49

Lurking_Biohazard

Offline

Last seen: 5 years 3 weeks ago

Joined: 2006-02-18 18:06

Nice Work

This will be a lot easier than some other ways people have done.
http://wiki.hak5.org/wiki/Skinning_the_PortableAppsMenu

~Lurk~

January 2, 2008 - 10:09pm

#50

richo

Offline

Last seen: 1 month 1 week ago

Joined: 2007-01-31 22:03

resizing code...

Have you tried the SizeControl component?

January 3, 2008 - 5:49pm

(Reply to #50) #51

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

No but will look

I haven't tried the SizeControl component.
Developent on this is stalled at this point until PAM 1.2 code is released so I know how to handle the new.png support.
If I remember, I will look at it when I start back up on this once PAM 1.2 is released.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

January 16, 2008 - 10:58pm

(Reply to #51) #52

richo

Offline

Last seen: 1 month 1 week ago

Joined: 2007-01-31 22:03

The link...

Here's the link for it: TSizeCtrl

A slightly updated version: TSizeCtrl

February 2, 2008 - 1:19pm

(Reply to #52) #53

SmithTech

Offline

Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago

Joined: 2006-11-24 18:06

Nice!

Just started working with it, although I think the link to the "slightly update" version is actually older at least based on the file dates.
Anyway, I like it. I will have to rewrite all of the "tracking" code so the main form will still track the changes to the preview form but I think its worth the extra work.

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.'" (A Few Good Men)
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.(Albert Einstein)

January 17, 2008 - 8:16pm

#54

nathanmaxsonadil

Offline

Last seen: 15 years 8 months ago

Joined: 2007-11-08 21:21

"When the program opens,

"When the program opens, should it show the preview window? Or wait till Open or New is selected.
When New is selected should the preview window be blank or show a default theme?"
First Question:It should wait till open or new is selected
Second Qieston: When you say new it should ask you if you want to use a template or create it from scratch

Please Help Support Us

Please consider making a donation so we can keep bringing you great software.

You are here

Portable Menu Theme Designer - Alpha Preview 4 - For PAM 1.2+

Please Help Support Us

Translate Page

Latest Releases & News

Join Our Community

Partner with PortableApps.com

About PortableApps.com

You are here

Portable Menu Theme Designer - Alpha Preview 4 - For PAM 1.2+

Please Help Support Us

Translate Page

User login

Latest Releases & News

Join Our Community

Partner with PortableApps.com

About PortableApps.com