Tech Question
Tuesday, July 20, 2004 by TheOtherGods | Discussion: Skinning
If possible, I could use an in-depth explanation on how do this, so I hope someone can throw some info my way.
If I wan't to alter an existing skin (for my own personal use) by changing certain colors etc., how can I do this without altering the original file?
Should I copy the whole folder to another location (like My Documents) then rename certain files? If so, what files would I need to rename and would I need to rename the code in the main file so it doesn't overwrite the existing original skin?
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated
Thanks much.
If I wan't to alter an existing skin (for my own personal use) by changing certain colors etc., how can I do this without altering the original file?
Should I copy the whole folder to another location (like My Documents) then rename certain files? If so, what files would I need to rename and would I need to rename the code in the main file so it doesn't overwrite the existing original skin?
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated
Thanks much.
SelfExiled
Reply #2 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 2:03 PM
Reply #2 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 2:03 PM
What you could do is create a sub code without modifying the original one. Its pretty simple. Open the skin in SS, click save as, give your subskin a name,and mark the checkbox. Don't put anything in the prefix box. Then, press apply. Now, any color changes you make to your subskin, will not effect the original skin. Unless, of course, you change the images. Then, you will want to save them with a new name and apply them to your subskin.
TheOtherGods
Reply #3 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:12 PM
Reply #3 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:12 PM
Ok, I understand what you're saying, but I'm still having a problem.
When I save the file (made new images with different names) is doesn't save as a WMA file or whatever. It's saving as only a file I can open in SS.
Do I have to do something in SS to make it save as the executable?
I'm stumped, and not all that familiar with doing this... if you could direct me here, I'd appreciate it
Thank & Cheers.
When I save the file (made new images with different names) is doesn't save as a WMA file or whatever. It's saving as only a file I can open in SS.
Do I have to do something in SS to make it save as the executable?
I'm stumped, and not all that familiar with doing this... if you could direct me here, I'd appreciate it
Thank & Cheers.
eieio
Reply #4 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:30 PM
Reply #4 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:30 PM
Just to the right of the Save icon on the Toolbar is a Zip icon. This will save it as a wba file.
Alternately you can press the icon just to the left of the Glasses icon. That will apply the skin if WindowBlinds is running.
Alternately you can press the icon just to the left of the Glasses icon. That will apply the skin if WindowBlinds is running.
TheOtherGods
Reply #5 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:41 PM
Reply #5 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:41 PM
Hmmm... ok.
So which file should I actually be editing in SS? The .wbload file? Or the skin file that has the little paintbrush as part of it's icon?
That's the type of file it keeps saving as, btw.
Thanks again.
So which file should I actually be editing in SS? The .wbload file? Or the skin file that has the little paintbrush as part of it's icon?
That's the type of file it keeps saving as, btw.
Thanks again.
TheOtherGods
Reply #6 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:45 PM
Reply #6 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:45 PM
Oh, forgot to ask... when creating a skin from scratch, what is the best format to save it in? USF? WindowBlinds UIS1?
I'm talking about when making WindowBlinds skins.
Thanks
I'm talking about when making WindowBlinds skins.
Thanks
TheOtherGods
Reply #7 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:48 PM
Reply #7 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:48 PM
Oh, yet another note... (sorry)... the actual Save button next to the Zip button is blanked out. Is that becase (like in my first question) there is something I haven't done?
I can save it through the File menu, but again, is doesn't save as the proper .wba file.
Sorry for all the questions, but I greatly appreciate the help
I can save it through the File menu, but again, is doesn't save as the proper .wba file.
Sorry for all the questions, but I greatly appreciate the help
eieio
Reply #9 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 9:30 PM
Probably the easiest way, at least for me, is to right click the WindowBlinds icon in the system tray and then click on 'Edit Current Skin'.
Make your modifications, save, click the icon next to the glasses to apply it and, if you want a WBA file, click the zip icon.
Be aware that you won't be able to distribute a modified skin without permission so there's not much point in zipping it to a wba file
UIS2, if you want shellstyles
Reply #9 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 9:30 PM
| So which file should I actually be editing in SS? The .wbload file? Or the skin file that has the little paintbrush as part of it's icon? |
Probably the easiest way, at least for me, is to right click the WindowBlinds icon in the system tray and then click on 'Edit Current Skin'.
Make your modifications, save, click the icon next to the glasses to apply it and, if you want a WBA file, click the zip icon.
Be aware that you won't be able to distribute a modified skin without permission so there's not much point in zipping it to a wba file
| Oh, forgot to ask... when creating a skin from scratch, what is the best format to save it in? USF? WindowBlinds UIS1? |
UIS2, if you want shellstyles
Essencay
Reply #10 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 1:32 AM
Hmmm.....I wonder what I was thinking when I asked that
Essencay wonders at what point his brain will engage so that he actually comprehends what he's reading.
Reply #10 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 1:32 AM
| Are we talking about WMA files or WBA files? |
Hmmm.....I wonder what I was thinking when I asked that
Essencay wonders at what point his brain will engage so that he actually comprehends what he's reading.
eieio
Reply #11 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 6:43 AM
Reply #11 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 6:43 AM
eieio wonders if TheOtherGods figured out how to do whatever it is he wanted to do! 
TheOtherGods
Reply #12 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 12:49 PM
Heh, not yet... but I thank you all for the help.
I seem to be having quite a few problems trying to get this program down, and don't know why. Not for a lack of things being relatively easy, it's just saving the files that's becoming an issue.
I've tried the things suggested, and even when saving it as a subskin, it still is overwriting the original, then I have to go back and reinstall it.
I cannot seem to create a .wbload file (that's essentially the program's "executable" for the file, right?) in order to save it if I wanted to distribute a new skin.
Which leads me to... I'm having both of these problems when making a new skin from scratch!
I'm far from a novice with Photoshop or where designing is concerned, but these few things have me totally stumpped, which sucks, because I could get some killer skins out there if I could just figure this out!
I even wen't through a tutorial (which wasn't that in-depth), but it's not saving the files correctly.
What in the world am I doing wrong? The madness! I feel like I'm in a Lovecraft story
Reply #12 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 12:49 PM
| pictoratus wonders if TheOtherGods figured out how to do whatever it is he wanted to do! |
Heh, not yet... but I thank you all for the help.
I seem to be having quite a few problems trying to get this program down, and don't know why. Not for a lack of things being relatively easy, it's just saving the files that's becoming an issue.
I've tried the things suggested, and even when saving it as a subskin, it still is overwriting the original, then I have to go back and reinstall it.
I cannot seem to create a .wbload file (that's essentially the program's "executable" for the file, right?) in order to save it if I wanted to distribute a new skin.
Which leads me to... I'm having both of these problems when making a new skin from scratch!
I'm far from a novice with Photoshop or where designing is concerned, but these few things have me totally stumpped, which sucks, because I could get some killer skins out there if I could just figure this out!
I even wen't through a tutorial (which wasn't that in-depth), but it's not saving the files correctly.
What in the world am I doing wrong? The madness! I feel like I'm in a Lovecraft story
eieio
Reply #13 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 12:59 PM
Reply #13 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 12:59 PM
There are some issues with subskins. I haven't tried it but there is a thread somewhere here where it's lined out pretty well how to do it.
How is it saving the files and what is wrong about them?
I think the file you would want is ultimately a wba file, but as far as being able to use the skin, when you start a new skin it will ask you to give it a name and ask what type. Choose UIS2. Then it will be available in the list of skins in the WB configuration dialog.
| I even wen't through a tutorial (which wasn't that in-depth), but it's not saving the files correctly. |
How is it saving the files and what is wrong about them?
| I cannot seem to create a .wbload file (that's essentially the program's "executable" for the file, right?) in order to save it if I wanted to distribute a new skin. |
I think the file you would want is ultimately a wba file, but as far as being able to use the skin, when you start a new skin it will ask you to give it a name and ask what type. Choose UIS2. Then it will be available in the list of skins in the WB configuration dialog.
Koasati
Reply #14 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 1:26 PM
Reply #14 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 1:26 PM
wbload.exe is the program's executable........ it "loads" the WindowBlinds program. You can't, nor do you really want to save a skin as a wbload file. .WBA is the file extention for skins that you want to distribute. It's nothing but a zip file renamed, so the program knows what it is. SkinStudio will save your graphics, along with UIS, and other files needed to make the skin function, in the skin's folder.
Essencay
Reply #15 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:18 PM
Reply #15 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:18 PM
As far as I know, if you open the original wba you want to alter and then "Save As" under a new name and don't check the "Save as substyle..." it'll create a separate WB that you can edit without affecting the original.
God I hope I get something right here
God I hope I get something right here
TheOtherGods
Reply #16 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:40 PM
Reply #16 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:40 PM
Heh heh.
Well, I tried that and, for some odd reason, it did both... it created a new substyle AND over-wrote the original!
Don't get it.
But I'm still having problems, period. For example, when messing around trying to create a new skin from scratch, I test it... can see it fine is SS... then save it. But, when I go to load it, it loads as the horrifically ugly base WinXP skin you start with. I make sure all images used are in the folder as well, but for some reason, they don't show up at all when the skin is actually applied and loaded.
Anyone know why?
Oh, and I also seem to be getting a constant string of errors that, at times, crash SS. I don't know what the problem is.
I'm about a half-second away from uninstalling it completely and giving up... I've been at this for over a week. There was only once that I got an alteration to a skin to work and save/load properly. Every other time, it doesn't save the images to the skin and/or I get errors up the wazoo.
This program is not that difficlut... what is with this insanity?
Well, I tried that and, for some odd reason, it did both... it created a new substyle AND over-wrote the original!
Don't get it.
But I'm still having problems, period. For example, when messing around trying to create a new skin from scratch, I test it... can see it fine is SS... then save it. But, when I go to load it, it loads as the horrifically ugly base WinXP skin you start with. I make sure all images used are in the folder as well, but for some reason, they don't show up at all when the skin is actually applied and loaded.
Anyone know why?
Oh, and I also seem to be getting a constant string of errors that, at times, crash SS. I don't know what the problem is.
I'm about a half-second away from uninstalling it completely and giving up... I've been at this for over a week. There was only once that I got an alteration to a skin to work and save/load properly. Every other time, it doesn't save the images to the skin and/or I get errors up the wazoo.
This program is not that difficlut... what is with this insanity?
Essencay
Reply #17 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:45 PM
Reply #17 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:45 PM
I think you might be at the point of contacting Stardock Support. I get no errors using SKS and occassionally WB will start wigging out, but it's usually because I've got PSP8 open with about 20+ images, SKS and IE all running and I'm re-applying the skin I'm working on every couple of minutes and have basically spent all my PC's resources.
eieio
Reply #18 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 9:23 PM
Reply #18 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 9:23 PM
I'm not getting those types of problems either. What versions of WB and SkinStudio are you using?
TheOtherGods
Reply #19 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 10:39 PM
Reply #19 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 10:39 PM
I'm using Standard Skin Studio 4.3 (purchased) and WindowBlinds 4.3 (freeware version).
I emailed Stardock about the situation, but they're usually less than helpful.
I'm following everything as suggested, but still getting the same problems.
Here's what I've been doing (repeatedly) to test the problem:
1) open SS, "Create New Visual Style" as UIS2 and name the file
2) make a quick alteration to the XP image template... like maybe just altering one image with my own, like the tabs or border etc.
3) test the file, which a lot of times doesn't even show the images i.e. they are literally invisible... so there's a problem right there but, if the change does show when tested in SS, I move on
4) save the file
As stated, when I go to apply the new skin with even the one slight change, it does not appear. All that loads is the ugly template itself without the image(s) I've changed/added to it.
It doesn't make any sense to me what-so-ever, and I can't find a way to get around it.
Am I explaining my problem clearly? Let me know if there is anything I haven't mentioned.
This is now far beyond the point of frustrating >
Any continued help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks much.
I emailed Stardock about the situation, but they're usually less than helpful.
I'm following everything as suggested, but still getting the same problems.
Here's what I've been doing (repeatedly) to test the problem:
1) open SS, "Create New Visual Style" as UIS2 and name the file
2) make a quick alteration to the XP image template... like maybe just altering one image with my own, like the tabs or border etc.
3) test the file, which a lot of times doesn't even show the images i.e. they are literally invisible... so there's a problem right there but, if the change does show when tested in SS, I move on
4) save the file
As stated, when I go to apply the new skin with even the one slight change, it does not appear. All that loads is the ugly template itself without the image(s) I've changed/added to it.
It doesn't make any sense to me what-so-ever, and I can't find a way to get around it.
Am I explaining my problem clearly? Let me know if there is anything I haven't mentioned.
This is now far beyond the point of frustrating >
Any continued help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks much.
eieio
Reply #20 Thursday, July 22, 2004 6:27 AM
Reply #20 Thursday, July 22, 2004 6:27 AM
Ok, it sounds like there's a problem with the image you make.
Can you give some specific images you've changed? What format you saved in?
Where I'm going here is some past problems I've seen such as using a tga but not checking translucency or using a tga in a place it's not supported or maybe using a bitmap but not checking transparency. Something along that line.
You might also do a sample skin with the problem you've noted and upload it to the Skinartistry Workshop and we could take a look at it. http://skins.skinartistry.com
[Message Edited]
Can you give some specific images you've changed? What format you saved in?
Where I'm going here is some past problems I've seen such as using a tga but not checking translucency or using a tga in a place it's not supported or maybe using a bitmap but not checking transparency. Something along that line.
You might also do a sample skin with the problem you've noted and upload it to the Skinartistry Workshop and we could take a look at it. http://skins.skinartistry.com
[Message Edited]
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Reply #1 Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:45 PM