How do I create custom UIs

Getting Started
1

Some of the ‘apps built with Xojo’ examples on the Xojo home page have really good looking user interfaces that aren’t platform native, for example the ‘Background Eraser’ app and the ‘Shine’ app. How on earth are these created?

I purchased Jeremie Leroy’s Custom UI control but it doesn’t work (and support non existent). I’m keen to apply similar modern flat UIs to simple utility applications but have no idea how they are achieved.

2

by using ones imagination, and leveraging the controls and their attributes appropriately. In many cases some controls are custom developed by the author for that application (the canvas is a great base control to build from).

If you are thinking that these are mostly “drag-n-drop” UI, then I regret to inform you that is not the case. The drag-n-drop is limited to the visual attributes provided by Apple or Microsoft… its up to you to “go beyond”

3

Thanks Dave. I was under no illusion that these where simply ‘drag and drop’ within the Xojo interface but was secretly hoping there was a neat control(s) out there I hadn’t discovered. I’ll have to look into the canvas control more deeply then - before I start researching do you know any good resources I should take a look at with regard to using the canvas control to create UI elements?

4

do you know any good resources I should take a look at with regard to using the canvas control to create UI elements?

Here is a link to a book. I have not personally read it. http://scispec.ca/index.php/books/12-canvas-control-with-xojo-desktop

5

A create resource is this Forum actually… There are many many custom controls and reimaginations of existing controls that various developers here have created. Some are free, some are not… just search for things, or ask about a specific control that might be available.

6

Thanks Brandon - I’ve just bought the book.

Dave - Since your reply I’ve already found a few interesting controls in the forum although quite a few of the download links now lead nowhere (I guess updating them as the IDE changes requires a lot of effort).