I have been asked several times recently how to use or modify my DesktopX themes. So I thought I would write a short tutorial of sorts.

---

Obviously, everyone does not have the system setup that I use, but I will explain the best I can. Firstly, I think I will start uploading theme without the shortcuts in the menus which only work on my PC. That way, you don't have to delete them. For the older themes, follow these instructions to remove my icons. Right click them and choose delete. If asked if you want to delete child or related items, choose no. Once you have removed all the icons from the menus, you can open the menus for each category, and drag and drop your own shortcuts into it. Internet, Security, etc.

---

Ususally, at the top of each menu, there is a corresponding shortcut for that folder. ( I create 8 folders on my desktop called Internet, Graphics, etc. to hold my shortcuts. It is just the way I do things.) The folder shortcuts lead to those folders because not all the shortcuts will fit into the menu. I just put the most used ones there.

---

In my latest theme, Noir , I used some messaging. Notice when you mouseover the media player buttons you see the function of said button show up on a bar above the player. This is done with messaging. Let's just use the play button, for example. I create a new object, make it a text object, type the word 'Play' in the mouse away slot.Name it play. Place it on the bar above the player, and make it a child of the bar. Then I right click on the play button, choose properties, then states. Mouse away, click messages, choose add, then Object ID, choose play, choose hide. Then click mouse over, choose messages, choose play, choose show. Now, go to the Play text that you placed on the bar. Right click it, choose properties. Go to the relation tab, and choose visible-no. Now when you mouse over the Play button, you will see the word 'Play' on the bar. Note that all these tweaks must be done in builder mode, which is the only mode I use. I am not sure why the other mode exists...lol.

---

This is my very first tutorial, and I am sure that it could be much clearer. If anyone out there wants to help me with this, feel free to contact me on how to make a better tut. I can be reached at PuterDudeJim@aol.com .

---

Here is an excellent tutorial on resizing a theme by sViz. Using one of mine, of course...lol. WWW Link Link to Noir WWW Link