SkinStudio pointers for my first skin?

from WinCustomize Forums
Ok, I’m going to attempt to make a WindowBlinds skin, but I’m not sure where to begin. I’ve downloaded Skin Studio and become a little familiar with it and all, but I have no idea what to do within the program to start a skin. Do I choose a blank skin or do I choose ‘From a template”? I’ve toyed with both and they seem very different, with the names of the graphics that they use and all (WindowFrameTopUis2.bmp vs. top.bmp). I’m only really interested in making skins for WinXP, but I dunno if that makes a difference with the choices here.

Also, I’d like to make a skin that covers the sidebar in Windows Explorer as well (left side of Windows Explorer with sections such as Other Places, Details, etc.)

Anyhow, pointers would be great.

PS – I made a WindowBlinds skin long ago but I only used MS Paint and Notepad to get the job done… Times have changed and Skin Studio looks like it would make the job easier.
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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You may find it easier to start with the "classic" template. XP is a little more complex and I think you need to know about masks to modify some of the graphics.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I just completed my first skin so i know where your coming from.I started with the luna template and replaced all the graphics .you will have to adjust things like margins and colors to suit your graphics.Some parts are pretty obscure but if you dig deep enough you find them.The other skinners are very helpful .The only part i couldnt skin was the mouseover on the more programs bmp.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I messed with the "classic" template, but will that give me what I need as far as being able to skin the portions of Windows Explorer also? (the left side menu items?)

So far it seems that making a "blank skin" and going from there may be what I'm looking for as it seems very "XP" oriented and that is pretty much what I'm looking for.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I dont think the classic template will include those branches but you might still be able to add them .
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for the info so far... so uhhh... how in the world do I edit the min/restore/close buttons when working in a "blank template"? When I click on them nothing happens like it does with the other items that I select, such as the top, left, right .bmp's. The pop-up balloon says to double click on them but doing so results in nothing...
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That was why i started with an existing template.Everything is already there your just replacing all the standard luna graphics.I'm no expert on blank templates ,its possible you may have to add all buttons and set there functions individually.Buttons were definately one of my stumbling blocks.but finally got them all to work(even the little winamp controls)The way i had to do it was to open a skin that works correctly and look at the way they set all the options.(not telling you to copy anything,just use them for a reference on how settings look when they are done right)