DesktopX: Builder Mode for Beginners Pt 1
From WinCustomize Wiki
| DesktopX Builder Mode for Beginners (Part 1) | ||||||||||
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This DesktopX Builder Mode tutorial series for beginners will give you a basic feel for working with DesktopX and show you how to create fully functioning objects without having to write a script. Some of the most powerful DesktopX creations require scripts but so much can be done in DesktopX without ever having to write a single line of code. Thanks to various plug-ins and easy to use components of DesktopX you can create objects that do many of your basic tasks. From an email notifier to system meters, they’re all pretty easy to setup. In most cases you need only select the plug-in of choice and apply your own graphics.
In addition, you have the ability to import pre-existing widgets, where all the coding might be done for you, and modify them to fit into your own creations. (Note: If you intend to distribute your work, it is important to ask for permission from, and give credit to the author whose work you are including.)
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[edit] Shortcuts
One of the first things you learn how to make in DesktopX is a shortcut. It’s just about the easiest thing to make and shortcuts need not appear as mundane as they sound. With graphics, animations, and sound it can be quite the eye-catcher. For simplicity’s sake, we won’t go into any visual or sound effects in this tutorial but it will give you a quick and effective introductory to working in the DesktopX Builder environment.
[edit] Step 1 – Create an object
Open DesktopX Builder.exe, found in the “C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\DesktopX” folder. On start up, you’ll be presented with the DesktopX Builder Settings window. From here you can execute most all of the DesktopX commands. Unless you wish to configure any advanced desktop settings, you’ll soon find that it is much more convenient to use the right-click menu from the DesktopX Builder system tray icon.
Close the window and right-click on the DesktopX Builder icon. In the pop-up menu, select ‘new object’. The newly created object and its properties window will appear on your desktop.
In the object properties window, go to the Summary tab. All the basic information about the object, such as height, width, name (object ID), and position are found here. In the space next to ‘object ID’, where it says unassigned, click and type in the name of your shortcut (e.g. “Documents”). It’s usually good practice to name your object first thing.
Hit apply and you’ll notice the Object Properties window is now called Documents – Properties (or whatever you named your object).
[edit] Step 2 – Apply an image
In the object properties window, go to the General tab. Click on the ‘change’ button where it says Default Appearance. A window will pop up where you can browse for whatever image you want to use. Once you’ve found one you like, click on it to open it.
Hit apply, and your image will be applied to the object.
[edit] Step 3 – Make it a shortcut
Now it’s time to make the object do something.
In the object properties window, go to the General tab. Click on the ‘change’ button where it says Object Type. In the Command Type window, select ‘shortcut’ from the drop down menu.
Now you’ll be presented with several options for setting up your shortcut. You can make it a shortcut to a specific file or a shortcut to a folder. You can choose a preset file or folder from their respective drop down menus or you can browse for one not listed.
Select the Folder Shortcut option. In the drop down below that, select My Documents. Click ok to close the command type window, and then click apply on the object properties window. Now click on the object and voila! It opens your documents. You’ve successfully created a complete, working shortcut object.
[edit] Step 4- Finishing touches: cursor & tool tip (optional)
There are few things that might make your work more complete and will help the user better interact with the object. One is to change the cursor type from a regular mouse pointer to the hand cursor. This lets the user know the object is click-able. The second is to add a tool tip. This lets the user know what the object is when hovering their cursor over it.
(If the object properties window is not open, right-click on the object and select Properties.)
To change the cursor type, go to the Relation tab. In the drop down next to Cursor, select ‘hand’.
To add tool tip text, go to the Summary tab. Click on the tool tip field and enter some text (e.g. “My Documents”)
Hit apply or ok and you’re done!
[edit] Tips
- The Open as pop up menu option for folder shortcuts can be particularly useful for folders like favorites. This option can be found by right-clicking on the shortcut and selecting Set Target to open the shortcut settings window.
- Cloning can cut your work time in half if you’re going to create several shortcuts. Simply right-click on the original object, and select Clone Object. Now all you have to do is right click on the new object and select Set Target. You’ll be presented with the shortcut settings window where you can browse for another target location. Make sure to also change the default appearance, the tool tip text, and the object’s name (object ID).
- Grouping several shortcuts together can be beneficial. You can move and control them as one. To group the shortcuts, draw a selection box around all of the objects. With the objects still selected, right-click on one of them and select Group. In the Objects Grouping window, enter the group name (e.g. “shortcuts”). Under the Group Method option, select ‘normal’. Click ok. Now you’re shortcuts move as one. They can just as easily be ungrouped, and if you need to move one at a time hold down CTRL while clicking and dragging the object.
[edit] Further Reading
- DesktopX: Builder Mode for Beginners Pt 2
- DesktopX: Builder Mode for Beginners Pt 3
- DesktopX: Builder Mode for Beginners Pt 4
