Stardock DirectSkin

DirectSkin 5.0 Released. Vista Ready!

Some features are listed below.

DirectSkin Screenshots

Featured Customer

What is required.

Make your applications fully skinnable using WindowBlinds (TM) technology The latest version of the widely used software development tool for creating skinnable applications is now optimized for Microsoft .NET Framework

DirectSkin is a library that allows developers to make their applications fully skinnable in minutes. It requires no special controls to implement. Simply insert the DirectSkin library into your project and in a few lines of code specify what WindowBlinds(TM) skin you would like to use. You can make your applications look fantastic at a fraction of the cost that it would take to develop a custom skinning system for your program.

Benefits/Comparisons...

Ease of use. Just add the DirectSkin library to your project, add a couple lines of code, and you're set. Save hundreds of hours of development costs using DirectSkin in your program.
No special controls. DirectSkin skins the standard Windows controls. Your developers can write your applications as they normally would and add skinning support at any time.
Robust Support. Supports Windows 2000, XP, and Windows Vista along with .NET applications.
Extensive Client list. DirectSkin programs have been used by millions of users and has been licensed by companies such as Sony, ATI, GE Medical, and many more to create unique, branded applications.
WindowBlinds(TM) support. Supports Stardock's industry-standard WindowBlinds visual style formats.
Easy Content Creation. Make your skins yourself using SkinStudio DE (see below) or have Stardock Design create your skins for you at a modest extra cost.

SkinStudio DE (Developer's Edition)
Price: $299
Optimized to work with DirectSkin, supports skinning of custom software controls and includes one year of free updates and technical support.

Special features for DirectSkin developers:

Support for custom applications.
Visually design skins without the need to code.
Advanced skin code editor with auto completion.
Helps adapt thousands of available WindowBlinds skins and .msstyles (Windows XP visual styles) for use with your development application.
Built in preview (clickable) for fast location and "tweaking" of skin sections.
Test tool using DirectSkin as the skinning engine for fast and the most accurate final preview.
Integration with your application�s skin folders for faster testing and modifying the skin right where it�s needed.
Most up to date DirectSkin format support.
Use of pre-made GUI widgets.
Import skin parts to mix and match skins.
Advanced skin colorizing
Support for easy putting skin images into resource DLLs for faster skin loading (faster application startup) with fewer files needed for distribution.