Using Apple's Interface Builder for Layout Design?

[Neon123]

Hi,

I have been reading this forum for some time now and I have found many useful tips in FMP design (thank you to all).

From what I can gather, there are many great tips provided here that have been developed because of the lack of some features that should be included with the current (or Future) versions of FMP. I have been using FMP (on and off) since the beginning.

The main feature lacking (I believe) is the support for "AQUA-Graphite" design tools incorporated into the FMP interface.

I have tried to use the "graphite" starter templates and various "Apple-Aqua" graphics posted here and around the Web, But I find that designing a "Complex" data base using these graphic elements is very combersome and time consuming.

Then I discovered the Application (that I received with jaguar), Apple's own "INTERFACE BUILDER".

Without reading any help, I have now completely designed all of my layouts (50+) for the project I am working on. It is very easy to use and its difficult to make an "Ugly" layout. The Apple design specs are incorporated into the design tools!

My plan is to use this Application (Interface builder) to design my layouts and then "Screen grab" each Instance of each laout (You need to use the "timed capture" and copy & paste them as the Entire background in FMP.

I have included all Tabs, Field names , boxes for fields, pop-up lists, portal graphics and buttons etc.

When I bring these "layouts" into FMP all i need to add is the Actual fields (with no borders and clear back), Add the portals, and a clear (Rounded Rectangle) graphic for each of the buttons and tabs.

I wish that FMP would utilise this Great App (Interface Builder) in some way as the results are excellent. If you need to modify any of the layouts (ie add more elements) then us just make the adjustments in "Interface Builder" then "Screen grab" the layout again and replace the old background in FMP. You dont even have to delete the button links!

I've got more to say later and explain how I am using this app but I just wanted to share with you this TIME SAVING method.

If anyone else has tried this method I would like to discuss with you.

(PS I am inthe process of finishing my layouts, then I will be adding them to my database and adding the fields, button links etc) I will keep you posted.

regards

Dave M

IMIX MULTIMEDIA

Sydney

[Chuck]

An interesting idea. I hadn't thought of that, and I actually recently created an entire system that has the Aqua look with custom buttons. I'd be interested in seeing your results.

Another option, if your system is Mac OS X based, is to use AppleScript Studio. The ASStudio app provides all of the interface to the user, and the AppleScript language can be used to pass instructions from the interface to FileMaker in the back end.

Chuck