DesktopX: Cloning an Object
From WinCustomize Wiki
| Learning DX Step-By-Step - #3: Attack of the Clones | ||||||||
| ||||||||
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Today's Lesson: "Attack of the Clones"
In this lesson we will cover how to create a clone from an object, so we can have multiple items on the screen linked to a Folder, a Program and a web URL.
In order to use this tutorial, you will need to first go thru Tutorial #2 (and save the lightbulb images from there as well).
I will assume you have followed Tutorial #2, and are ready to take your Lightbulb and make a new one that will point to a Program and another to a URL.
For this and all the Step-By-Step DX Tutorials you will need to purchase DesktopX for $14.95 from Stardock.
Lets get started.
[edit] Cloning an Object
[edit] STEP 1 - Cloning the Lightbulb
Again, I know this is redundant but you need to have completed Tutorial #2 before you attempt this one. That said, we will take our lightbulb and make a clone:
- RIGHT CLICK on the light bulb, and you will be presented with a menu of options.
- Select CLONE OBJECT(S)
You should see the following now:
You have just created a CLONE!! *** Repeat this step one more time so that you end up with 3 lightbulbs ***
[edit] STEP 2 - Point your Clone to a Program
- Pick one of the clones and RIGHT-CLICK on it
- Select PROPERTIES
- Follow the steps below to select a program to run:
- Click CHANGE next to the OBJECT TYPE (Shortcut)
- Select the FILE SHORTCUT
- BROWSE for a file to use
- use the dialog box to select whatever file you want to run
- I will let you select the file, its your call.
- Select OK on the Browse Dialog Box
- Select OK on the PROPERTIES Dialog Box
- To test this out, simply click on the Lightbulb and see if it loads your program.
[edit] STEP 3 - Adding a TOOL-TIP to these so you know which one is which
Ok, you have 2 identical (well 3 really) clones on your desktop. So that you can know which one does what, we are going to add a TOOL-TIP (the text that shows up when you mouse over something) to each.
- RIGHT-CLICK on the the FIRST OBJECT (the one that points to the FOLDER) select PROPERTIES
- Click on the SUMMARY Tab
- Click in the area next to TOOLTIP and type in MY DOCUMENTS FOLDER (or whatever folder name you chose to use)
- Click OK
- To test this move your mouse OVER the lightbulb and you should see:
- REPEAT THIS ON THE OTHER 2
- Make one's tooltip - MY PROGRAM NAME (using the name of the program you picked)
- Make the other one's tooltip - WINCUSTOMIZE.com (thats where we are going to point that one)
- This will give you different tooltips on each one now (i hope)
[edit] STEP 4 - Making a URL Linked Object
- RIGHT-CLICK on the 3rd Clone and select PROPERTIES
- Follow the steps below
- CHANGE next to the OBJECT TYPE (Shortcut)
- Pick URL from the dropdown
- Enter HTTP://www.wincustomize.com into the url area
- Select OK
- Select OK
[edit] Conclusion
Ok, That wasn't hard was it? Ok, yeah so now you have these 3 HUGE lightbulbs on your desktop, and they suck, well make your own images, and change them! Changing them is simple, go back to Tutorial #2, look at step #3 and just pick your own images for "mouse over" and "mouse away" states.
You can even download from the WinCustomize MISC Icons library and use them for these states.
Check back as I add new Step-By-Step Tutorials on how to make this a link to a folder, web-site, or just about anything you want!
I hope you have enjoyed this step into DX, and look forward to the next installment..
Enjoy, RomanDA aka David A. Roman
