Help me improve my skin...

WB release "Golden Hue"

from WinCustomize Forums
Please offer any comments or suggestions...
6,511 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Try to be a little more consistent with lighting source.....having it contradictory means 3D objects do not 'read' correctly.

Windows' traditional light source is from top-left....usually 'best' to stick with that...

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I would personally have trouble with the readability of the fonts used on the title bars and the taskbar buttons.
Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Jafo, the light sources here are situated like this - there are four low power lights at the four corners and a bright light situated at the top. So the overall lighting angle is like 90°
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
MountainDragon, okay I will create a subskin with a simpler font - would Trebchet MS be ok ?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Jafo, the light sources here are situated like this - there are four low power lights at the four corners and a bright light situated at the top. So the overall lighting angle is like 90°

You asked for ways to improve your skin.  Compounded or conflicting light-sources is one apparent 'failing' that merits improvement.

It's not about you explaining how you did it, but about others explaining why it looks 'confused'....

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Can U explain a bit ?


Try to be a little more consistent with lighting source.....having it contradictory means 3D objects do not 'read' correctly.
Windows' traditional light source is from top-left....usually 'best' to stick with that
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think they grayness might be something to take another look at. Where it fades to gray it almost appear to me as the old Win95 appearance is gleaming through. Perhaps try using the same brown base colour, but darken or lighten it.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

In addition to the comments above, I would suggest you learn how to use TGA files for your transparent buttons as opposed to BMPs. That way you won't have to see those jagged edges on all of your button corners.

Also, is it safe to assume you are only using Brewman's toolbar icons temporarily until you make your own?

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks to everyone for bothering to reply


Thomassen, I love that brown to gray gradient. So it will not be changed.

Mike, I did not use png because I thought that those jagged edges would not be easily noticed.
Not that they are noticed thay will be changed.

Also the jaggedness around the corners of the titlebars can not be fixed, or can they?
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I did not use png because I thought that those jagged edges would not be easily noticed.


Everything gets noticed.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Also the jaggedness around the corners of the titlebars can not be fixed, or can they?

No, not by WB. But you could make a WindowFX shadow to go with the skin that would blend the edges of your skin.

Everything gets noticed.

That is true. Every little detail.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Here the jagged edged are gone Any other suggestions ?
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Still the lighting.....note the shadow 'cast' behind objects...such as the Start Menu....to the botton-right...ergo light source is to top-left....however your skin lighting contradicts that, being equally 'bright/hilighted' from both left AND right.

Remember...3D is an illusion, as is trompe loi .... your job is to fool a person's eye, not confuse it....

[Trompe Loi]

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think buttons are OK. The titlebar and the user-pane are the culprits here. Will modify them.