Anyone want to help a Newbie ?

from WinCustomize Forums
I have been looking at all the wonderful skins people have done and I feel so inspired by them that I want to put my artistic input into the skin community. The problem is that I don't have an idea where to start. I have read the Message Board and have found it confusing (but interesting). I can't seem to find the programs that I need to purchase or download. Are there any sites on development? Can anyone help? Thanks!
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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you have he full Object Desktop suite from Stardock, look for Skin Studio it's a great way to start. Once you get used to how the program works get your hands on Paint Shop Pro and build the bitmaps by hand.

https://www.stardock.com
http://www.jasc.com/
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No, I don't want to help! Argh, it's stronger than me...

It's easy, to use a skin, simply go to the section of the skin you like. You'll see "[name of skin] for [name of application]" on top of each skin listed, right? Click on the [name of application] part and you'll be whizzed off to the program's site where you can download it. So now that you have the program, you can download and use skins for it. Read the programs documentation to find out how (and it really isn't hard, you just have to read).

To make you own skins, you'll need a bitmap editor (MS Paint will do, but you probably want something that can handle more than 16 colours) and a text editor (like Notepad). A skin is usually just a set of bitmaps and a textfile (with a different extension, .ini or so) that tells the program how the skin's built up. Some programs seem to use their own skin filetype, but it's usually just a renamed zipfile. Inside the .zip you'll find the same bitmaps and textfile.

To start skinning, pick an app (not WinAmp) and look at how the skins are made. That's the best way to do it.
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For a first timer, I suggest to start wth the easy stuff. Try your hands on Beatnik (a skinnable clock) then move up to KewlpAd (a skinnable notepad replacement), and then you should be ready to get into harder ones like Windowblinds. Then if you feel like it you can move to Winamp, and ultimately if you're the type of person who likes challenges, I dare you do a skin for WMP7.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As a newbie myself, a good app to startr with is Quick Notes. You can also find a tutorial at www.dangeruss-idustries.com I don't know how to put links up yet.Skinning tuts are very hard to find.