Now that you've seen how simple it is to create non-rectangular "skinned" forms, do you plan to build applications using these techniques? Why or why not? Do you think such applications will ever become popular, or do you think they're already popular, but not used often enough? Let us know in the .NET Technical discussion forum on DevX.
Don't Be Square: Creating Non-Rectangular Windows with .NET
If you're tired of the same old rectangular boring user interfaces in your Windows programs and prefer the funky shapes of applications such as Windows Media Player 9, follow this step-by-step guide to take your applications where they have never been before.
by Laurence Moroney
July 12, 2004
ne problem with creating GUIs with Microsoft Visual Studio.NET is that they all tend to look the same. It takes extra work and innovation to make your user interface stand out from the crowd, but one way to make your application distinctive is to create a non-standard shaped UI such as that used in Windows Media Player 9 (see Figure 1). You may not have realized that—thanks to the .NET framework—creating a non-rectangular UI like this is easier than it has ever been, and is well within the reach of every developer. There's no longer any need to override Windows subclasses to add your own drawing routines! The framework does it for you. In this article you'll find out how to create non-rectangular UIs, and build your own retro-style wooden application in the process.
The user interface of Windows Media Player 9 begins with a basic non-rectangular form, and then adds both non-traditional buttons and traditional controls, such as the TreeView on the left, and the ListBox containing the songs on the right. These are traditional, rectangular controls, placed on the form, and colored to blend in.
It's quick, easy and you get access to all the articles on DevX.
This registration/login is to allow you to read articles on devx.com. Already a member?
To become a member of DevX.com create your Member Profile by completing the form below. Membership is free!
ne problem with creating GUIs with Microsoft Visual Studio.NET is that they all tend to look the same. It takes extra work and innovation to make your user interface stand out from the crowd, but one way to make your application distinctive is to create a non-standard shaped UI such as that used in Windows Media Player 9 (see 
