EliteVB - Graphics and Interfaces

EliteVB Article Index (http://www.xtremevbtalk.com/showthread.php?t=228015)

Creating thumbnail images by Garrett Sever
See how to create thumbnail images from larger ones in either BMP format or JPG format (using the Intel JPG library, ijl11.dll)

Custom Regions by Garrett Sever
This article will show you how to make controls and forms non-rectangular. It can be easily applied to splash screens or other uses.

EVBFC Component- FancyCheck by Garrett Sever
A cheap little usercontrol that provides a replacement for the Checkbox. More selectable colors and has the option to use a background image.

EVBFC Component - HoverCommand by Garrett Sever
A simple, easy to use and flexible command button which can change its appearance when the cursor is "hovering" over it. Comes with many styles and color options.

EVBFC Component - HoverCommand - Updated by Garrett Sever
Another member on our EliteVB team, Richard Payne, has decided to release his upgraded version of our HoverCommand control. It sports some new properties and subclassing to capture mouse enter/leave events, which allows tooltips to function! Get the new source code here!

Flat Comboboxes by Garrett Sever
Use subclassing to fix Microsoft's annoying omission of a flat style for your comboboxes. Learn how to use the BeginPaint and EndPaint API functions.

GDI32 Programming Part I: Introduction by Simon Broadhead
Part one in a series of four or five. This article explains how the GDI (Graphics Device Interface) APIs work, and what is involved in using them.

GDI32 Programming Part II: Pens and Brushes by Simon Broadhead
Learn how to create pens and brushes, as well as use them to make simple shapes and lines.

GDI32 Programming Part III: Bit Block Transfer by Simon Broadhead
Learn how to use the BitBlt API to copy pictures from one DC to another, with or without transparency.

Hosting Windows Forms Controls in Internet Explorer by Derek Simon
Learn to host Windows Forms Controls in Internet Explorer. Pass parameters, raise events and explore debugging in a hosted environment.

MDIClient texturization by Garrett Sever
Many people have asked how to place logos or a texture into the client area of an MDI application. We've put together a small example to get you started.

MsgBox and InputBox Modifications by Garrett Sever
This example shows you how to subclass the standard MsgBox and InputBox and change their background and foreground colors, making use of a WH_CALLWNDPROC hook.

Owner-Drawn Menus by Garrett Sever
Have you ever wanted to put bitmaps in your menus like the Microsoft products have? Tired of that cheezy SetMenuItemBitmaps API method? Do you want a texture behind your menu items? This article will show you how to take totally control of your menus, and really customize them how YOU want.

Ownerdrawn ListViews by Garrett Sever
The most versitile VB control becomes even more so! Learn how to take complete control of the listview's "report" appearance and customize it to your desires.

Previewing Files in the Common Dialog by Garrett Sever
Learn how to display a file's contents before it is opened by the user by hooking into the common dialog window's callback feature and adding controls to it.

Putting images in a RichTextBox by Garrett Sever
Dig out that chat app emoticon code and prepare for a major rewrite. We'll show you how to put images in your RichTextBox controls the right way - without any of that Clipboard or OLEObject mumbo-jumbo.

StatusBar Tweaks by Garrett Sever
Learn how to change the background for your status bar and customize it to your own needs with the power of subclassing and ownerdraw methods.

Subclassed Listbox by Garrett Sever
Describes how to subclass a listbox to add a custom background. It also shows how to "disable" the scrolling animation for a specific textbox.

Textbox and RTB Line Numbers by Garrett Sever
Learn how to add a line number tray to the non-client area of RichText and regular edit controls through the power of subclassing and API.

Titlebar Progressbars by Garrett Sever
Free up some application real-estate by placing your progressbar in the titlebar! While not right for everyone, this UserControl may help you simplify your user interface and give it a little something extra.

Transparent Textboxes by Garrett Sever
Discover how to implement a transparency-like effect for your textboxes. This article shows you how to subclass the proper messages and create the brushes necessary for this much-sought effect.

Tweaking the Tabstrip by Garrett Sever
Many people dislike using the tabstrip control because of its lack of options (backcolor, nice tab bitmaps, etc). This article will show you how to spice up tabstrips, change their colors, and make them fit in your UI better!

Tweaking the Tabstrip - Part 2 by Garrett Sever
Learn how to add a thin and flat look to a tabstrip in a button style, including the scrolling control, by overriding WM_PAINT and WM_PRINTCLIENT. A few other tricks as well!

UI Improvements by Garrett Sever
Describes how to quickly and easily add a texture to the background of a form.[/QUOTE]