[cube3]

Beta 7 Notes at bottom of thread

http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pictures/preview.png <-- screenie, also illustrates the use of icons and backlit colours.

The Download : http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/FileSharing8.html

Here are some desktops, each is unique.

http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pict...x-1024x768.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pict...x-1280x864.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pict...-1280x1024.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pict...x-1440x900.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pict...-1680x1050.jpg

If you find problem please let me know.

[bluevertical]

cube. thanks i'll check it out. have you by any chance had the time to make the safari skin for this yet? i would love to use it full time but thats the only keeping me from it really....
anyway, keep up the great work. i've enjoyed seeing this one take shape.
peace.
bv.

[Dragon T]

Nice theme cube 3 =)
though I'm not sure what you mean by backlit.
is the front view backlit?
I like the central icons across the toolbar (are they yours also?)

couple of suggestions:
the inner edge of the corner bevel doesn't match the toolbar background.
either extend the same grey (or level of transparency) from the title bar fill down into the toolbar... or graduate the transparency of the inner edge of the lower corner bevel.
=)

I like the grungy background =)
though my taste would prefer it in a slightly 'fatter' colour range.
I would be tempted to either run a subtle lighting effect over it
or duplicate the image in a new layer, then use layer blending options to remove everything exept the extreme highlights in the top layer, then try out subtle colour shifts on the top layer

love the scroll arrows =)

[NetworkShadow]

Finish the backlight version and I'll install it without thinking. I hate that LCD color, so a nice blue light version would rock.

[cube3]

Anyone notice the iBook pulse on the push button?

bv
Will definitely make a safari skin mate, just getting final colours sorted. will probably give an iTunes skin a bash too.

DT
Backlit refers to the blue lcd colour change in the "Orpheus" theme, it's based on the iPod backlight.

Yes the icons come with the pack, those are the base icons, there will be standard Icons too to match the various different desktops. Although I don't know if I will have time to do a massive icon set, I would love too.

Inner edge of the corner bevel? Sorry mate can u possibly post a screenie with an arrow, I am too blonde

There will be a wider variety of desktops for release, these are just to use for this beta because peeps were complaining about lack of desktops at last beta.

Network shadow
Planning on doing just that mate

[Dragon T]

cube33 said: Inner edge of the corner bevel? Sorry mate can u possibly post a screenie with an arrow...



I realise now that it isn't your corner bevel...
it is your side bevels.
They need something like a transparent feathering down the inner edge.
=)

[cube3]

yeah those beeshes need a total rework, it's easy enough now I have psds

[Twister]

Cool! I like the blue version, however I miss the safari skin. Come on beta 4.

[cube3]

Originally posted by Dragon T:
cube33 said: Inner edge of the corner bevel? Sorry mate can u possibly post a screenie with an arrow...


I realise now that it isn't your corner bevel...
it is your side bevels.
They need something like a transparent feathering down the inner edge.
=)

um, those edges are a total bitch, I have them perfectly feathered in PS upload changes to theme, I can't theme preview so I have to install the new version, and then they come out looking like rubbish again :/

Busy trying a new approach.

[Dragon T]

Originally posted by cube3:
um, those edges are a total bitch, I have them perfectly feathered in PS upload changes to theme, I can theme preview I have to install new version, and then they come out looking like rubbish again :/

Busy trying a new approach.

This is what I would do:
Send the side bevel to PS, add layer mask, option click mask, apply horizontal B/W gradient to mask, send back to ThemePark.

[cube3]

combining layers if you have a hefty layer set seems to help, then use history undo to revert.

[Dragon T]

so have you managed to keep the feathered transparency after inserting it into ThemePark? or are you doing it another way? =)

[Komisar]

freaking owesome theme... keep it up... i hop the release is even better

[cube3]

Originally posted by Dragon T:
so have you managed to keep the feathered transparency after inserting it into ThemePark? or are you doing it another way? =)

I got it looking much better, had to make a few graphic changes.

[Dragon T]

I just found the earlier views of your theme (which I hadn't seen before).
And I now understand (I think) what you meant about the backlight.
Is the backlite version only on mouse over?... or have you totally replaced the earlier version with the recessed title bar widgets and metal finder windows? I hope not.
I much prefered the green recessed version. In fact, I think I preferred the graphite (itunes) appearance even more. =)

http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/.Pictures/preview1.png

by the way... VERY COOL! =))

[cube3]

That version is still available in this theme, it's called "Morpheus", when you use "Orpheus", it changes all the lcd elements to backlit lcd, like turning the iPod backlight on.

I wanted to make it a "blue" & "Graphite" option at first, but sadly finder window only supports B&G on selection, so I've had to make it an entire theme.

[cube3]

I updated the beta with a quick safari skin for "morpheus", it's a bit rough but I thought I may as well put it up so people can give feedback.

I will experiment with safari for next release.

http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/FileSharing8.html

[bluevertical]

thanks cube! sorry i missed you on IM the other evening. see you around.
peace.
bv.

[cube3]

wow bv, I just updated the link, so the previous one might not work :o go to filesharing8 I am just busy organising the stuff It has newer build anyway

[chezpaul]

Just tried downloading it.. Link to filesharing8 works but click download and nothing happens.

[chezpaul]

Actually if U click on the Graphite download page (.mac file sharing old style) then the download link works... Go wonder.

[cube3]

Sorry about that, was cleaning up a bit and deleted wrong file, it's fixed now.

[cube3]

Updated scroll bars, popup buttons and various elements. Added "backlit" menus into Orpheus variant.

I split the the downloads into their specific elements so that people don't have to download everything all over again.

Specifically interested in hearing what people think of the iBook type "pulse" on the buttons in the "Morpheus" variant, please note it only works in blue and not graphite.

http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/FileSharing8.html

[cube3]

I have edited the first post, it's in beta 4 now and is the last public beta before release.

New updates are online and available from http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/FileSharing8.html

Contributors for icons, desktops are very, very welcome, don't make me beg

[Dale Sorel]

That's a nice theme... can't wait for the final version

[Twister]

I got the new version and here are my suggestions. I'm running the grey/bluish version

1) Safari theme. Man I'm still waiting for that.
2) Menu rollover colors, the words need to be whiter, or highlight color lighter.
3) Text in Mail should be darker.

Those are my opinions for now. LOVE the progress!!

[chezpaul]

Man this is definitely getting to be one of my favorite themes... And I'm hard to satisfy. I always rool back to panther. I like how this one is very sublte but very slick at the same time, if that means anything. I wouldn't do too much moreto it though. beta 4 already seems a little brighter I think... or is it me ?

I don't like the blue when an icon is highlighted.. Makes U stare at it... I would rather have a grey there.

The apple in the menu bar is cool but looks like it put on some weight.. Just a little too fat for my taste.

Damn those icons are way cool.. Or should I say that icon... where can I get them... (The guikit icon.)

When I tried to download your font, it downloaded the beta 3... !!!!

Yeah... Safari skin please... Can I still use safarion to apply the Milk skin for example or will it goof up with SS ?

Nice work. But I'm still wondering if I won't be going back to beta 3... ??
This seems too bright...


Oh the menu color... I would go more toward a ice color instead of that greenish left over from LCD look...

[cube3]

Thanks for the feedback

Been very productive today, I have completed Morpheus *wipes sweat* and I am 95% of the way through Orpheus, just busy working on some minor elements. Calliope is pretty much the same, except for a few minor mistakes some testers found. The beta is now at beta7.

There was a roll back, when one of the themes corrupted, I lost the safari skin I made. Not to worry, I have all the elements and it should only take me half and hour or so to redo it Needless to say I think beta 4 doesn't have the safari skin, so because of the screw up, I will update tonight and add new safari skins.

Orpheus (Backlit grey/blue)
The menus in Orpheus have been rolled back to the same lcd colours as Morpheus, the menu is still very much in beta I will be changing it, and the text colours etc last. So mail text colours etc should all be much better.

Morpheus (lcd greens)
Same thing with the orpheus menu, I lost the advanced menu, but tbh I wasn't truly happy with it so it's a good thing. I could just bring it over from Calliope but I want to refine it.

Calliope
As I mentioned, she is done , although I might refine her a bit, at the moment she is only still in the kit bag because some testers requested to keep her.

Safari skins
The next big project, but I will put some in and update tonight to make up for buggering it up in the last beta.

iTunes skin
In progress.

Apple Symbol
The menu bar Apple is one of the things I am playing around with. Please change between graphite and blue appearances to see the various options. Those options will remain, though some might get refined. Every theme has a different Apple easter egg.

Guikit Icon
It's something I made for the theme, glad you like it If I get the chance I might make a bunch for the theme with various Glyphs on it.


<edit : I fixed the font link, sorry about that the download should work now >

[bluevertical]

cube. really love Calliope! i like the buttons better.
keep up the terrific work bud.
peace.
bv.

[cube3]

bah I was hoping to get the changes out tonight, but I am doing more damage the good, I need to sleep, I will add tomorrow.

[bluevertical]

no sweat cube...

[cube3]

kk, Beta 7 is up in the usual place.

http://homepage.mac.com/cube33/FileSharing8.html

Graphite/Blue options change menu colours and Apple Symbols. (still testing here, so be patient with text colours in "Orpheus").

Safari skin is only available for Orpheus at the moment (ThemePark bug where skin is not available, apparently patience helps and it will come back)

Still finishing the progress bars for Orpheus, so they will appear lcd, as will the slider tracks.

[cube3]

I am thinking of reverse scheming the backlit version, so that everything starts with the darker widgets and on mouse over goes light. Just finding it a bit too light in it current format.

[Dale Sorel]

Nice update Cube, really looking forward to the final release

[chezpaul]

Damn stupid mac.com won't let me on to the site... Stupid bandwith rule more than likely.

[chezpaul]

I love the new menus... Very cool..
Nice safari skin.. I would just change the color of the progress bar to an icyer blue maybe.. not as blue sky..

but otherwise.. it's looking very nice... nice job.. I love the new scroll bars too.
It's crazy how much U've changed.. And all for the good... And U're working on three themes really.. well six when U take in account Blue/Graphite... Nice..

[bluevertical]

wow! looking really sweet cube... have to say though, i'm not lovin the menus as much in orpheus. they are a bit too busy for me along side the sophistication and subtleties of the theme itself... but i'm sure these will get polished up along the way. keep up the great work!
peace.
bv.

[Dale Sorel]

Originally posted by chezpaul:
I love the new menus... Very cool..
Nice safari skin.. I would just change the color of the progress bar to an icyer blue maybe.. not as blue sky...

Now that's a decent suggestion

Keep up the good work Cube

[cube3]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

The safari skin is just a temporary thing, it'll change quite a bit before I am happy to release it. It's the iTunes skin that I fear right now, I haven't even started to tackle that bitch.

The menus are going through a design curve at the moment, I want to have one simple square menu and one pill menu for both Morpheus and Orpheus, I am just busy checking out my alternatives. So those menu's will stay in a manner of speaking, but hopefully be a nicer end choice. It's a bit <hard> trying to make sure everything works with 2 different style menus

Having a rest from the menus right now though, and busy doing a new desktop for the theme. I wish I didn't have to do all these other bits, but they genuinely do make a difference to any theme. I was staring at the progress bars for 30 minutes and just couldn't bring myself tackling them, so I consider this my creative break

[chezpaul]

The menus are fine......

[bbxstudio]

Nice theme - great Icons

[cube3]

don't suppose I could entice you into making a desktop for it

anyone?

[chezpaul]

Originally posted by cube3:
don't suppose I could entice you into making a desktop for it

anyone?

Shhh.. he's hard at work on Omega...