Question:

How can I add resources to an EXE or DLL? I am using Delphi 3 at the moment. For example, I want to use a new Cursor (a self created 32×32 bitmap), but I need to add it first to the resources of the application before I can use the LoadCursor command. All of the examples show you how to read existing resources and not how to add resources.

Also, how can I use a bitmap safely in an application without sending the bitmap with the application (Using LoadFromFile)? I want to make it impossible to change the bitmap after the application is compiled.

Answer:

First off, you need to create a resource file. Since it’s just a cursor, then all you need to do is create it with the Image Editor and save the file as a RES file. It’s best to save the file to the same directory as your project file. Once you’ve done that, in the main unit of your application, you just need to declare a compiler directive in the implementation section of your unit to include the resource file. Here’s an example:

implementation{$R *.DFM} //This is the default for the form{$R MyCursor.RES} //Include this as well

That’s all there is to it.