Reply #1 Top
Basically, you tear apart a skin with a compact start menu and see how its done. It's basically in the margins. My Thor skin has a compact start menu and many other skins too. You are welcomed to rip them apart.
Reply #2 Top
Here is a link to a template for a compact start panel. Hope it helps.
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=15&SkinID=33