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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > GUI Customization > [Mockup!] SmoothMetal3

[Mockup!] SmoothMetal3
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penguinn
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Aug 23, 2004, 05:01 PM
 
i've decided to stop working on smoothsilver for now, and make smoothmetal3.

A year ago i started making the original smoothmetal, and it looked pretty neat for a 10.2 theme. I redesigned it and made smoothmetal2 about 5 months ago, and it kind of sucked.

Now its back and better than ever in SmoothMetal3.

Mockup So Far
( Last edited by penguinn; Sep 3, 2004 at 01:17 PM. )
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NetworkShadow
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Aug 23, 2004, 05:13 PM
 
It looks cool, but I'm not a big fan of the square window widgets.
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rhythmicmoose
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Aug 23, 2004, 05:46 PM
 
Originally posted by NetworkShadow:
It looks cool, but I'm not a big fan of the square window widgets.
Neither am I. I like the rounded edges of the push buttons though. I'd clean that up and work around that.

People will try to tell you that it's been done before. Who cares? The more themes the better.
     
Holigen
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Aug 23, 2004, 05:56 PM
 
I really like the shine effect on the push button.

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MacDog
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Aug 23, 2004, 06:30 PM
 
Looks a lot like Alumite, but more square... so not too shabby. Keep workin on it.
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NetworkShadow
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Aug 23, 2004, 06:51 PM
 
Originally posted by Holigen:
I really like the shine effect on the push button.
Yes thats the best part yet, I'd try and base most of the elements on that if I were you, to keep it consistent.
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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 23, 2004, 07:42 PM
 
thanks for your feedback
I suppose i can make the titlebar widgets like the push buttons

And i decided to make this instead of SmoothSilver.
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blackdog12345
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Aug 23, 2004, 08:30 PM
 
i love it!
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rhythmicmoose
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Aug 23, 2004, 10:05 PM
 
Originally posted by MacDog:
Looks a lot like Alumite, but more square...
Not this again.
     
penguinn  (op)
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Aug 23, 2004, 10:16 PM
 
not what again?
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MacDog
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Aug 24, 2004, 01:06 AM
 
Originally posted by rhythmicmoose:
Not this again.
What? I like AlumiteX, I think it's still one of the best themes available, so a varient would suit me just fine. What's the big deal?
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Holigen
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Aug 24, 2004, 01:21 AM
 
Originally posted by rhythmicmoose:
Not this again.
Lol, the moose knows. There was a time when everyone thought that every single theme being created at the time looked too much like Allumite X and there was this huge debate and ya, it was messy...

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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 24, 2004, 01:55 AM
 
to tell you the truth, i couldn't be copying it.
Bit of a coincidence that it turned out almost the same then.. Cuz im just making a very shiny, smooth version of an oooold theme.

EDIT: i just checked out AlumiteX.... i don't see the similarities you do, besides the fact that my theme is grey.
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NetworkShadow
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Aug 24, 2004, 02:21 AM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
to tell you the truth, i couldn't be copying it.
Bit of a coincidence that it turned out almost the same then.. Cuz im just making a very shiny, smooth version of an oooold theme.

EDIT: i just checked out AlumiteX.... i don't see the similarities you do, besides the fact that my theme is grey.
Every new metal theme gets compared to it for some reason, (don't ask me why) some one thought even Siro looked like AlumiteX... I don't understand it. I have yet to see a theme that resembles AlumiteX.
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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 24, 2004, 02:37 AM
 
oh well... as long as I get it done, im happy
if you want a desktop that will go with the theme, here it is:
http://penguinn.com/dextop/smdex.jpg
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Fonzie
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Aug 24, 2004, 03:25 PM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
oh well... as long as I get it done, im happy
if you want a desktop that will go with the theme, here it is:
http://penguinn.com/dextop/smdex.jpg
Okay, this variation of smoothmetal show some kind of promise. Make some cool highlights inside the widgets and make a killer menubar(one is often overlooked in themes - the Cobalt theme my Paul Johnson and Max Rudberg has a killer menubar. I could (c)lick that all day)

Just don't make the x - + like you did in that blueish theme a while back. Made me cry all over my face and knees.

The wallpaper looks hella nice. But make the DeXtop logo a small one at the top corner that will be hidden by the menubar.

I just realized I quoted the wrong post. But it's still valid.
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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 24, 2004, 03:28 PM
 
well i've changed a lot since i posted the mockup...
i'll have a preview screenshot by tomorrow if i get that much done.
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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 24, 2004, 04:08 PM
 
Here's a screenshot, i haven't finished the finder buttons or the scrollbars but you get the idea
http://penguinn.com/sm3screen.jpg
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Fonzie
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Aug 24, 2004, 04:46 PM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
Here's a screenshot, i haven't finished the finder buttons or the scrollbars but you get the idea
http://penguinn.com/sm3screen.jpg
them "x - +" are nice.

The menubar is not working(for me) try doing what the authors of Flagship2 and ProLCD has done to the selected menubar -menus. they made the selection kinda half with a round top. And add some posh metallic gloss to the selected menubar-menus kinda like what quandarry did for his metallic theme that he posted for a limited time only here at MacNN.. Again, my humble opinion.
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MacDog
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Aug 24, 2004, 05:07 PM
 
The menubar highlights need more contrast, or something... they blend in a little too much. Other than that, lookin' good!
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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 24, 2004, 11:02 PM
 
i made the menubar and selected menubar better don't worry you'll like it.
I'll post another screenshot once i'm almost done the theme.
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penguinn  (op)
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Aug 31, 2004, 04:14 AM
 
yea i've been really busy lately, but the theme is almost ready for testing i just need to theme safari and itunes
screenshot:
http://penguinn.com/~androo/sm3preview.jpg
( Last edited by penguinn; Aug 31, 2004 at 04:19 AM. )
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bluevertical
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Aug 31, 2004, 05:48 AM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
yea i've been really busy lately, but the theme is almost ready for testing i just need to theme safari and itunes
screenshot:
http://penguinn.com/~androo/sm3preview.jpg
damn! lookin pretty sweet!
keep up the great work....
peace.
bv.
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badidea
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Aug 31, 2004, 08:55 AM
 
Seems like I am stepping in far too late to give my vote for keeping the square widgets, pleeeease?!?
They looked way better than the round ones!
And please make the menubar flat while you're at it...thanks!
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rmongold
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Aug 31, 2004, 09:13 AM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
yea i've been really busy lately, but the theme is almost ready for testing i just need to theme safari and itunes
screenshot:
http://penguinn.com/~androo/sm3preview.jpg
I really like what you've done with the place

One suggestion, though: Match the menu item selected fill to the more gel-like fill you have in the Finder preferences toolbar. You seem to float between a more matte finish and a high gloss. I like the high gloss. I guess the same could be applied to the sidebar selections, etc. Just for the sake of consistency, really.

Keep up the good work!
     
rhythmicmoose
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Aug 31, 2004, 09:24 AM
 
This is looking slick, and thanks for putting in Safari and iTunes skins. Any chance we could get an iChat skin too?

The only things I don't like are the menu item selection and the raised, glossy toolbar.

But even with those, I think this could be my new theme when it comes out. Awesome work!
     
JoE950
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Aug 31, 2004, 07:07 PM
 
oh my god, please remove the white from the menu bar extras.. maybe even spend some time on them and make them look good for once. nobody does that.. just dont make them confusing.. =) and like stated before, the menu selection looks like hell... and the light background behind the white type in the sidebar selection could use some attention, because its almost too way hard for my poor eyes to pick up enough defining tones to know to bitch about it being too low contrast...

make the glyph on the action button in the finder window black (very important, it looks inactive greyed out like that.. same with the scroll bar glyphs..)

aside from the ugly menu selection nastyness, and all that.. it looks great, and worthy of my humble advice!

good hunting!
     
penguinn  (op)
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Sep 1, 2004, 01:23 AM
 
okay so i'll add in an ichat theme, i'll redo the menu item selected, and perhaps i'll release a variation once im done this theme to have square widgets. The menubar wouldn't look metallic if it was flat....
I will also make the toolbar fit in a bit better, since i think its too dark and glossy

thanks for your feedback, i better get to work on it
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penguinn  (op)
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Sep 1, 2004, 02:22 PM
 
i am pretty much done, except that i have to fix the safari buttons cuz they look way too cheap at the moment. I also have to fix a popup button error where the right arrow cap looks smaller than the text part. You should be seeing this theme most likely by tomorrow !!!!
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penguinn  (op)
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Sep 3, 2004, 04:54 AM
 
Well i'm done i hope you like it anything that looks bad or if there's some sort of mistake email me or just post here.




And download it here.
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Tarambana
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Sep 3, 2004, 07:18 AM
 
I like it! It is very nice. Yet, the version I downloaded has some aqua parts left over, such as small scrollbar arrows, the round on-off button and tabs; also, the graphite variation seems to lack many elements, such as the menu bar.
     
penguinn  (op)
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Sep 3, 2004, 01:04 PM
 
ok #1: never use graphite versions on my themes, cuz i only make one version of my theme, if u dont like it then don't use it.
#2: when the hell are round buttons and tabs used? which apps?
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dragun415
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Sep 3, 2004, 01:53 PM
 
I just started reading your thread...

Nice to see how your theme has evolved... Looking real good. Really got the smooth going. (like a silver ipod mini).
     
penguinn  (op)
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Sep 3, 2004, 02:35 PM
 
thnx
i'm not sure what i'll do for a new theme... maybe i'll update my silverwood theme
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Tarambana
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Sep 3, 2004, 02:45 PM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
ok #1: never use graphite versions on my themes, cuz i only make one version of my theme, if u dont like it then don't use it.
#2: when the hell are round buttons and tabs used? which apps?
Nah. I like it. Maybe I'll add the elements to the graphite myself. It's just that I thought you might had overseen them.

Don't worry about the other as they only seem to be missing in the graph variation.
     
penguinn  (op)
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Sep 3, 2004, 03:02 PM
 
ooooo ok cool
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Tarambana
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Sep 3, 2004, 03:34 PM
 
Hi. Sorry for the late info and changes, but I have been checking it.

What the theme lacks (even in the Aqua variation) are some of the small and mini widgets (scroll arrows and tabs). There are some normal elements missing, but the best way to see them (i think) would be for you to open the SS preview.

It is very nice, but those aqua elements (though not so very present), detract from the overall experience.

Cheers.
     
penguinn  (op)
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Sep 3, 2004, 11:23 PM
 
Originally posted by Tarambana:
Hi. Sorry for the late info and changes, but I have been checking it.

What the theme lacks (even in the Aqua variation) are some of the small and mini widgets (scroll arrows and tabs). There are some normal elements missing, but the best way to see them (i think) would be for you to open the SS preview.

It is very nice, but those aqua elements (though not so very present), detract from the overall experience.

Cheers.
Are you refering to the round aqua button or whatever? Because I have never seen that in any application. Small tabs are themed. The small scroll arrows aren't i noticed. DON'T HAVE GRAPHITE SELECTED IN YOUR APPEARANCE PANELS, SINCE THERE IS NO GRAPHITE VARIATION ON THIS THEME.
SS preview shows every single element, even those that aren't ever used like the round buttons. If you tell me which app uses them, then i'll make them. For now i won't.
Thanks for your feedback.
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Tarambana
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Sep 4, 2004, 05:12 AM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
Are you refering to the round aqua button or whatever? Because I have never seen that in any application. Small tabs are themed. The small scroll arrows aren't i noticed. DON'T HAVE GRAPHITE SELECTED IN YOUR APPEARANCE PANELS, SINCE THERE IS NO GRAPHITE VARIATION ON THIS THEME.
SS preview shows every single element, even those that aren't ever used like the round buttons. If you tell me which app uses them, then i'll make them. For now i won't.
Thanks for your feedback.
Hey dude, no need to yell. I had the Aqua variation, as I said.

Maybe it's just my copy (I'll try downloading again), or maybe it is a bug in SS, but you seem to have left some aqua elements. I am not trying to force you to do them if they are missing. I am only pointing out possible bugs, in case you are interested.

But anyway, enough is enough. You can check an image I took of SS preview in which you'll see some of the missing elements (there are more, such as mini tabs, but I didn't want to take any more snapshots). As I said, mybe it is a bug with SS, but its preview does not show all elements skinned.

Check it here
     
penguinn  (op)
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Sep 4, 2004, 12:14 PM
 
i only themed the elements that are used that's why, don't use SS preview to check, use my theme and you won't notice any aqua.
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Tarambana
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Sep 4, 2004, 12:21 PM
 
Originally posted by penguinn:
i only themed the elements that are used that's why, don't use SS preview to check, use my theme and you won't notice any aqua.
Glad to hear. As I said, I think it is a very nice theme.

Cheers.
     
   
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