I was discussing some xpm theming problems with Jasper on the forum (see link). The problem, as I see it, is that the xpm format is very limiting to what you can do with picture files. My specific example (in the g5-ish theme) was that I was trying to use .pngs that faded along the edge; xpm format didn't like that and made them look all blocky. Olivier, I bet you didn't make a thoughtless decision on making xfwm4 to use xpms, so I don't mean to step on your toes. I just think it'd be nice if other more robust formats were able to be used, given that xfwm4 would still be fast and that the themes could still pick up the GTK theme colour.
- xfwm4 already supports PNG images. - XPM is a file format, that has nothing to do with the look of the pictures. - XPM is easy to edit supports color symbols In other words, I don't see your point (XPM vs. PNG is irrelevant here)
Maybe I misunderstood. On http://www.xfce.org/xfwm4-theme-howto, it seems that XPM is the *only* supported file format for the buttons etc., for example menu- active.xpm. Unless I'm really missing something, XPM leaves a lot to be desired. Compare the two attached picture files to see what I mean; the first is from a Metacity theme and the second from my port of said theme to xfwm4.
Created attachment 116 PNG from Metacity theme Notice the smooth edge.
Created attachment 117 XPM from Xfwm4 theme Notice the jagged border.
Comment on attachment 117 XPM from Xfwm4 theme Notice the jagged border. (I couldn't figure out a good way to attach this so you'll probably have to download it first.)
You can perfectly achieve what you want with the current supported formats (XPM *and* PNG with alpha channel). I suggest you look at other existing themes that ship with xfwm4-theme package.
=> The answer is in the howto, "Xfwm 4.2 new functionality"
Yes, I saw the howto, but that seemed like it was only used to achieve some fading on the titlebar; you still have to have an XPM present. With my attached pictures, adding in the PNG didn't show the soft edge. Am I missing something?
I suggest you actually try things out and work a bit on the themes. BTW, I'm sorry, but using a resolved bug is not the best way to help on how to design themes for the window manager. And, if you think the howto is unclear or incomplete, feel free to post improvements on the ML :)
Look, send me a screenshot of the theme you want to port and I'll show you that there is no limitation at all.
http://download.freshmeat.net/screenshots/41279.png The screenshot's not very good and I don't have Gnome installed so here's a link to the theme also; when I've done porting in the past, I've just used the theme tarball. http://themes.freshmeat.net/branches/44823/ http://themes.freshmeat.net/branches/53174/ <- That's my poor-looking port. :)
Created attachment 119 the requested theme ported to xfwm 4.2 Here you go. This theme requires xfwm4 4.2 and will *not* work with xfwm4 from Xfce 4.0.x
Well, that seems kind of tedious, but it does work. I'll give you that. Thanks for showing me what I can do. Of course, in all of this, I'm not giving up xfwm4, so I hope you understand I don't mean to offend. :)