I'm starting on a winamp 3x skin.
Heres a screenshot.

http://members.theglobe.com/nonsaint/DOBLY/DOBLY.JPG

Heres the deal. So far I have created this player template.
What I would like to do, is get as many people as I can to start skinning this thing as possible and turn this into a learning thread.

http://members.theglobe.com/nonsaint/DOBLY/DOBLY.zip

This is the link to the psd file of the above screenshot.
Anybody that wants to join along with this player may use it. Or if you want to create your own concept piece and learn along fine.

I haven't started chopping this thing up yet. I havn't starting coding anything either. So where to I start now. I have a base piece and need to start putting it together.

I start by creating the default xml file and directing it to the player xml and player elements xml. Is that correct.
Which will be my next step, when I start putting the pieces together.

I figure the more doing this, the more we can learn.

[Edited by pixelpusher on 05-14-2001 at 08:08 PM]

Posting outside of 'home' seems safer at the moment ...
 

You are a good man, pusher. I look forward to the progress and possibly learning a tidbit should anyone jump in with ya. I'm still *frightened stiff* of skinning for WA3 and don't own a copy on the hard drive.

::bookmarking thread hoping someone jumps in ... otherwise I may have to get over my fears:: :eek:

... has the 'skin love' returned yet ???

Yeah, Curious
 

Well, I got my hands on Alpha as well and I have started encoding my own skins.

First of all I have to say MY GOD...
heh

I am currently trying to find a placing for defining size in one of the .xml files. However, I cannot change or get the file to be changed.

Maybe you guys can give me a pointer on what I am looking to change.

The Skin.xnf file is a database file that shows what skin you have used before and it lists the size, but modifying this file is pointless as it gets recreated ea. reload.

Any info?

Jax, don't bother playing with the .xnf files. As you said, they're written on each invocation of WA3 (actually several times each invocation). It's the .xml files you want to fiddle with. Skin.xml which will be in the folder for your skin, is the file that defines which other files are used. Starting with Alpha 6, the xml is split up into myriad chunks to allow easier modification of one thing (say, the EQ) without the chance of damaging other parts (say, the player).

But anyway, I still think that all Learners (and that's all of us at this point) should check out the skins that have already been made and published at Deskmod. Download them, extract them (after renaming to .zip), and dive into the xml, the imagery, and, for the adventurous, the scripts.

Pp, on your skin template, two things. 1) "Dobly", not Dolby? This in homage to Spinal Tap or something? 2) The eject button symbol, if you're using the standard one, has the bar under the triangle, not over it.

This is exactlly the kind of information that I hope this thread continues to produce. Thank you Spoonman.

Skin.xml which will be in the folder for your skin, is the file that defines which other files are used. Starting with Alpha 6, the xml is split up into a myriad of chunks to allow for easier modification of one thing

I have created a Design and concept thread over in the skin love forum for this skin. Here is the sister thread for this skin.

http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=49839

There is an updated screenshot in the above thread.
All comments and question concerning the look of this skin should be posted in the sister thread above. I would like to maintain this thread as a coding only thread. Thank you.

http://members.theglobe.com/nonsaint/NEW/DOLBY.ZIP

Here's a link to the updated psd file for those that want it.



[Edited by pixelpusher on 05-15-2001 at 05:11 PM]

God Bless the Pusher Man!

I'm listening...

Skin.xml
 

Well, heh I had found that file before getting to the thread. Your right it does contain the base information on the skin info. However, My problem even though I have been able to modify and get others skins that seem to work on it, I haven't been able to get my own freeform to work on the skin at all. Now, I do know that the player-placeholder.png file is a base definition graphic for the buttons. The player-background.png is the actual graphic for the background layer.

The question:
If the player-placeholder.png file has an alpha of 1 and the player-background.png has an alpha of 0 and each are set to start at x="0" y="0" then shouldn't the background image be set upon a trasparent placeholder file except where it is not trans???

ByteMe, I will be releasing the last psd file in the next day or so. Then I will start giving more information out about how to get it all together. If anyone is going to join in please let me know as I will be distributing the working player piece as soon as I fix some bugs and create the read-me file.

Alright.

http://members.theglobe.com/nonsaint/NEW/DOLBYV31.JPG
Heres the latest screenshot. A gamma shot to be exact. But I got some bugs. Spoonman, Rhinotrip. I can't get the time font correct. I've have changed the image size and the code size in both the player norm and player ele xml files.
Also, I can't seem to get the alpha transparency for some reason. I think i'm doing it right.

Would one of you guys be willing to take a look at it and see what I got.

Garet, I wouldn't even worry about the placeholder.png The first thing you do when you open the player-normal.xml is remove the second line of code concerning the placeholder.

The pusher..

Argh
 

Well, I got it working and have the screen shot that is somewhat getting there. My issue was concerning the xnf file or whatever. It needs to be deleted ea. time that you change your skin. The Refresh with Alpha 6 isn't working correctly. And I wasn't being careful with the player-normal.xml file. Turns out that pixel defitions outside of the skin range will cause definate issues.

Bah...anyways here is the Shot


http://www15.brinkster.com/garetjax/...background.png

yes, I know that the edges aren't really well defined yet...I am working on that...I'll probably define them using a blur/or cut...Not sure yet. Just getting it together and I will worry about the edges later...heh

BTW: The EQ is pretty smooth as well.

Garet, Is this a working player piece? Or are you getting ready to chop it up for the elements.

Working - Mostly
 

Its mostly working. I have to fix some minor issues with the main..like its edges and such. and repositioning the elements (pixel wise)

Why???

-Jax

No reason.
 

Just wondering where you were in the process. So your having some of the minor bug problems as I am. I can't tell how jagged my edges are yet, because I'm not doing something right with the alpha transparency in the main.png file.

The pusher..

Yeah,
 

I have moved back my Shading of the graphics to get around the issue of dealing with how it doesn't look right.

Right now, I am playing with the Textual Elements and such...

Placement is easier but, exactly the same as in the last version of winamp although the changes to it are much easier considering your working with a flat txt file rather than an actual graphic.

Next will be my eq...(ahhhhh...that is scary thinking how dare I)

Jax
Fatal Forever

Pusher: I'll take a look at your PSD if I get a chance. But I can tell you what your problem with fonts stems from - you are probably trying to change the font size of a BITMAP font, not a TRUETYPE font. You can't change sizes of bitmap fonts - you'll simply have to create your own bitmap font for the size of character you need, or else switch over to using a truetype font.

- RT

ps. transparecy issues concerning the edge interface w/ the desktop, you should be aware that only Win2K supports transparency to the desktop so your edges will always look jagged / f*&%ed up on Win9x/Me. Internal jaggedness I find confusing, you must not be using your alpha channels right.

BTW, both those skins look very cool.

I'll take a look at the skins also. One major caveat of course: my wife is due to give birth to our second child tomorrow :eek:. I don't know if I'll have the time or the brain cells to respond with any kind of timeliness.

One the font issue, check out, again :), my Diablo II skin. The numbers are a bitmap font, while the song title and info lines use a truetype font in two different sizes.

:) :) :) GRATULATION :) :) :)
I love children...

Hmm... Thank Ya! Swhat I R! Old in body, Young at heart!
<grin> [Old school stuff!]

L8r Dude...

OMG
 

Congrat's on the kid...

(and good luck)

but, on the Eq Part (My GOD!!!)

This is not a kewl thing why don't they just an increment system for ea (possible Vert Slider) instead of drawing each one out...couldn't we say its x + (n) where
x = Image Size (Slider.png)
n = Number of Pixel point from right of leftmost slider.


ugh...This is going to take more time than originally thought...

Bah...

GaretJax
Fatal Forever

That's a good idea, actually - you mean in the .xml you'd have something like:

code:


<eqpanel 

  id="eqpanel"

  x="10" y="10"

  w="192" h="60"

  bandwidth="12"

  bandspacing="8"

  bandbackground="player.eqpanel.bandbackground"

  thumb="player.eqpanel.slider"

  thumbDown="player.eqpanel.slider.pressed"

/>

?

Would be a neat idea for folks who don't want to do each eq band individually - although that should still also be an option.

As an afterthought, it might be possible to do this with scripts in the next alpha. You'd just need to be able to move around layers from the script, which hasn't been implemented yet I guess.

Yeah,
 

That is what I was thinking that it should be an opt in/out to use somekind of incremental tag...in the xml that will auto define the position for the next slide/band.

Oh hey, Nice Micron and I want you to take a look at my first completed part of the WA3 Skin - Its only the front and I'm just now starting on the Eq...for it...So...don't use the eq until I get the rest...

I'd like to put up an Image but, I'm lazy what can I say.

Here you go tell me if I did ok..(hey, rhino I borrowed your small icons for the shuffle/repeat. For now...wanted to hurry up...)

WA3 - Skin: Liquid-Wave
http://www15.brinkster.com/garetjax/Liquid-Wave.wal

Hey, that's very nice - a sort of retro '50s art decco feel. A few details to be worked out - vol bar goes on top of curvy eject button area, kind of odd. Seekbar and visualization positioning are too close, eject button too small in general, and also your grouping of EQ/PL/Xfade is rather odd. No winshade button. But otherwise, this is really good. Putting me to shame already, i see. Well, it's all about programming for me ;) Take it easy - RT

Sure...whatever man
 

Dude, Micron is the shite...I am really diggin it...and yeah got some minor bugs on it....but, it'll work out in the wash. Heh, I'm not putting you to shame rather just trying to flex my ability. I always hated being locked to the rather box like confines of 2.x but, that is a general feeling.

Anyways, I love Micron...I just think that I wanted to go outside of the norm and move into a different direction that typical winamp skins. Hence the freeform (curves)...

:)

Above all you inspired me with yours so, if you ever think that I am better just say that I learned from you what to do.

-Jax
if a bird can dive in the water, does it taste like fish?

Template Complete.
 

I have finished the template and fixed all the bugs
in the main player. Here's the latest screenshot.

http://members.theglobe.com/nonsaint/DOBLY/DOLBYC4.JPG

The grey is transparent. Will be packing things up soon for
upload.

Does anyboby know if psd files can be opened by paint shop
pro. Also, what files are the menu and check mark.

Rhino, Your skins rock. I could only wish to be able to
script something sweet as pie. But I haven't got a clue
how to. I hope that this skin will show people that you
don't have any knownledge of scritping to make a cool skin.

Spoonman, :D Again Congrats :D

I totally understand your not having time to look and respond. Thats cool.. Got to have your priorities straight.
Do you want me to send you my player. I have your e-mail addy still. You can play with it for fun if you want.

The pusher.

PSP
 

It can but, it looses the hidden layers. And will give you a message indicating it can't support all features. But, it will open them and most of the visible layers will be there.

-Sweet it looks good pixelpusher...I like it...


It should help alot I'm sure.

As far as the scripting question goes, I'm thinking about putting together a little scripting tutorial because I'm sure it will be quite some time before Francis has any time to come up with one himself. I'll at least put together a scripting reference w/ all the usable functions, classes, etc. and their specifications. Look for that sometime in a week or two. - RT

Jax: Liquid-Wave. In addition to what RT said, the volume bar moves down a pixel when you click on the thumb. It then moves up sometime later (can't quite see a pattern yet). Also, the pause indicator (not the button) is not skinned, and it clashes. A few errant pixels on the "S" button when it's off. "Volume" and "Eject" labels are just a little fuzzy and hard to read at 1024x768. Oh, and because the background image is not actually on the edge of the image canvas, you can't properly dock it to the edges of the screen.

pusher: well, today's the day, and nothing yet. Might as well send it to me. Thanx for the good wishes, and great that someone else has Pick Up the Pieces on mp3 besides me :).

RT: Scripting tutorial--ooooooh. Looking forward to that so I don't have to thrash to get what I want done.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Spoonman
[B]Jax: Liquid-Wave. In addition to what RT said, the volume bar moves down a pixel when you click on the thumb. It then moves up sometime later (can't quite see a pattern yet).

Hey Spoonman...

The "pressed" button needs to be copy and re-pasted 1 pixel above its current position.
The pressed and unpressed buttons are out of plane with each other... Visualizations can be deceptive!

L8r...

I have posted a screenshot of the first variation of
the Dolby template in the sister thread here.

http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=49839

garetjax: I love your skin it kinda makes u feel like surfing or wakeboarding, i can't wait till you're finished
I love it man
RT: You are the greatest i wish i had skill like you and all the other tallented people who creat these great skins

WA3 SKin: Liquid-Wave
 

To be honest the skin was only a test to see how fast I could put together a new one. It wasn't something I was going to actually make, although I likely will finish it because, I can never leave a skin incomplete.

Right now, I am working on two skins that I am going to complete asap.

- Slick 4
The Stereo Looking skin I posted earlier. My development on this skin is on hold until I draw up the eq to the poin tthat I actually like it.


- Wyra
A Wood Textured skin. Going after that elegant, sexy look. Right now, my attention is drawn to it only because, I have started doing the eq on it first because its easier to replate the texture for the background of the eq.

myLayer.resize(newX, newY, myLayer.getWidth(), myLayer.getHeigt()); will move a layer to newX, newY

myLayer.setTargetX(newX);
myLayer.setTargetY(newY);
myLayer.setTargetSpeed(2);
myLayer.gotoTarget();

Will tell the layer to move to newX, newY by itself, in two seconds.

Francis.

Hi! I want to be a winamp 3 skinner too :)

q: Can someone post all the tutorials for winamp 3 skinning ?

And im still learning and checking every part of the default skin.. And if ill get some more questions ill post em.
thnx no*name

Thanks Francis - I realized after I posted that that you could easily use resize to move things around, which I have implemented in the next skin. The target stuff looks sweet.

- RT

garetjax I hope you finish liquid wave

*sob*Please for me *sob* Lol J/k
but it is a really sweet skin and it'd be a shame for it to goto waste

P.S Right now it is my main skin
well it and DesertAmp

Where can i set the wide and height of the main screen? i tried hard but i couldn't find it...
And what about making a alternative forum on a site for winamp3 skinners ? if you think it is handy then i can manage one

It auto-defaults to the size of your background layer. I think this forum is fine for now personally, but whatever.

My player did'nt default to the background size. To get
wa3x to take the bigger size.

This is what I had to change in the player-normal.xml

First remove the second line concerning the placeholder.

<layer id="placeholder" x="0" y="0" image="player.placeHolder" />

Second. Add the width and height to the Bg code like so.

<!-- Player:Standard mode -->
<layout id="normal" background="player.main.bg" W="305" H="230">

You may have to reload the skin a couple of times to get it to take the size.

Hope this helps.

Deleting studio.xnf will solve that problem without having to explicitly setting arguments. Or you can just change the settings in studio.xnf if you dare instead of just regenerating it. The reason is that studio.xnf saves the size of the windows of the skin, so if you change that size, you need to change .xnf.

Thanks!
im going to try it, but i got to go first to school *sigh* and do some french stuff, and some others :(
*wishes informatics were avaible at my school*