User:DJ VorTechS/PhatHack Media Manager/Manual/Swapping Skins

PhatHack Media Manager - Skin Support
Many of the screens in PhatHack Media Manager can be skinned. 'Skinning' is the process of allowing the applications look and feel to be manipulated whilst maintaining all, or most, or the required functionality.

The skinning is achieved through a closed-source library written by VorTechS.

PhatHack Media Manager's skin support is achieved through a 'Skin Definition File' (.SDF), a template file that is a standard windows INI file providing the number of skinnable windows the applications supports. This file also houses a number of dynamic 'events' that a skin definition, and application can support.

Skins, are represented by a 'Skin Layout' file (.SKL) outlining which of the relevant windows the skin implements. It is NOT necessary for the skin to implement all of the windows. For each window, under the skin files sub-directory, there will be a 'Skin Definition' (.SKD) which is an XML-based file outlining the visual make up of the window and the funcionality that window provides.

PhatHack Media Manager includes the 'Skin Designer Studio', a simple to use application to allow users of any skill level to create their own skins. However, that does require the in-depth knowledge of both the application features, skin bindings (not covered by this documentation).

Swapping Skins
On startup, PhatHack Media Manager browses the installation directory for a 'Skins' folder, and loads any skin layout files adding the skin name to the 'Swap Skin' button.

To swap the current skin for another, simply:


 * Click on the 'Swap Skin' button to see the list of available skins
 * Click on the skin you wish to activate