Single class module, plug & play. Maybe the last color selector you will ever use? Lots of options & will list most of them here: 1) 3 palettes to choose from, 2) palette tabs can be disabled, 3) grab color from anywhere on screen, 4) fail-safe mode will display std color dialog if routines fail, 5) mouse wheel support, 6) prevent non-palette selections, 7) auto-convert negative sys colors to positive values, 8)add custom colors & personal colors to the default palette or replace completely, 9) easy window placement, 10) even more options. Heavily documented, jump to end of the module for a detailed description of options & their settings. 22Feb06 - Converted to a stand-alone, single class. 26Feb06: Keybd navigation. Now movable. 30Mar06: Reworked to make Win9x-safe & make more MDI-friendly. 31Mar06: Changed memory APIs used to help prevent XP DEP warnings & addressed the error messages being reported that are not errors rather a result of VB IDE settings. 4 Apr. Prev repost broke ability to select listbox items; fixed. 10 Nov 06: listboxes didn't scroll down w/mousewheel, played with XP Manifests to replicate reported issues w/some luck. 11Nov06: running out of bugs... patch minor keybd navigation issues, add layered window support, patch MDI parent losing active titlebar when common color dialog closes. See change history in module if interested.
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Note: 1 module, 1 very big module. Could be broken out into a few, but wanted to keep it easy to copy & paste from repositories if desired. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
If it doesn't work right, please let me know. Quick update already to properly redisplay color picker if optional color dialog is canceled by user. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Shouldn't have to mention it, but will anyway: subclassing in effect, so don't hit End button or use the End statement. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Beau-ti-ful !! Ex-cell-ent !! What will be the name of v4 ? Each version has its own name (v1=picker, v2=selector, v3=chooser, v4=?) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1.Right click for more,parent windows lost focus 2.select color from Pop up windows,this pop up windows got focus 3.click 'OK' to close pop up windows 4.Parent windows still lost focus even mouse has clicked many times (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Zhu JinYong, the parent will lose focus when the std color dialog is displayed. That is a modal app & nothing can be done about it. However, returning focus back to the parent after the color picker is closed in the situation is doable, look for an update a little later today. Thanx. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
This version has capability of using custom palettes, screen color snatcher, a fail-safe mode, and several additional options/flags. The previous version couldn't be customized and restricted users too much. The changes are so immense, I removed the previous post 'cause I don't want anyone using it as it was. Feedback prompted the changes as I didn't foresee that version's lack of flexibility. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I have been using .net to develop the leading OA/KM system in China for over 2 years. .NET is good, buddy, use it;) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Gotta pay for it first? I'll wait... Just kidding, been playing with the VB/C version a bit & will completely convert only when necessary. Hard to throw away 20+ years in Basic (GW, QB, VB, etc); especially since I use it to earn my paycheck :) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I didn't think this application was completely intuitive. Especiall how to get the color from anywhere on the screen. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Ok? Clicking on the eye dropper (screen color snatcher) has simple instructions displayed on screen. If those aren't good 'nuf then so be it. Maybe I can add a tool tip for the eye dropper icon, but anything other than that is overkill IMHO. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
to LaVolpe: Me too, coding with BASIC since I was 12(GW,TB,QB,VB,etc), and now, I am 24. Even in .net, I still use vb.net, though c# as well. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Unruled: Got you beat. My 1st Basic program was the 8 Queens problem which I wrote on IBM punch cards & evolution brought me to a TRS-80 using cassettes & finally PCs when I joined the military. Almost an extinct dinosaur, but not quite yet :) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Ah, yes, the old TRaSh-80. Sounds real similar to my own beginnings. Punch cards, accoustic couplers, 5 1/2" dual floppies and amber monitors, now those were the days. Excellent work, keep it up. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
In response to CodeClub: There are many companies that refuse to go to VB.net, at least for the time being and prefer to stick to VB6. And I know many developers who wish Microsoft would release a VB7. .Net is good, and it certainly comes closer to being a true object oriented language, but many "professionals" agree that it really isn't VB anymore. I for one use VB5 and VB6 when working for clients, because that is what they want. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Keith, maybe I (40 years old ;) ) can beat this: in 1977 i wrote my first lines in BASIC on a 2 Kbyte WANG system ;)))))) And i'm with you: I know VB and I like it. After spending so many time into this great system I got the benefits. Why changing? LiTe (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
LiTe, yep got me beat. My 1st was in 1980 as an "advanced" high school class since computers were pretty much a new technology for the public back then. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Jesus, I got beat serveral times simply within this submission! :( But I use c# a lot nowadays, and I am the co-developer of OpenPOP.net in sourceforge.net using c#. I am goging to create a new open source project featuring smart web resources retrieval! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
and I have develped a successful version with pure vb6 without any third-party controls, featuring custom mining script etc. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Ahh,my ol' ZX Spectrum and machine code.Now those were the days,when ONE slip and ding,bang went god knows how many hours coding.Then it was the good ol 8088/8086 now it's SOOOO easy.Ah Well. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Oh,sorry,forgot to give you a rating while I was thinking about the ZX. 5 *****'s for you cos tis good (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
to Lavolpe: dude, I forgot to mention why you use a dummy form? that's not so pretty:( I have dummy form:( (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Why? Wanted it to open modally. Thought about doing dialogbox via API. Is it worth the extra hassle? Figure most people would use this in a project that has forms, so why not just use VB form as a shell? Besides, the way I completely control that form might be a new learning experience for other coders (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Another partial reason.... Don't you just sometimes get bored doing things pretty much the same way? Not saying the dummy form is an optimal solution, it is just one of several. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Updated. Found an error. m_Status variable wasn't always being reset to zero which could cause a plain, gray window being displayed. Fix is simple & uploaded as of this date/time. My bad. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
right, there are always more than one way to solve the problem. and you pick up a new way, you may learn something new. Cheers! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
was it an XP machine or some control subclassing the window? If XP, I can't help since I don't have XP to troubleshoot. It is curious nevertheless, since I'm not drawing the scrollbar, windows is. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
LaVolpe, you have all the skills to be a great C/C++ developer. After all, its all about using the windows APIs ( and MFC if only necc). Many of your components could be re-written in C++, bundled, and sold to developers around the world as code-components and OCXs. The C/C++ code is not really hard, it's know which APIs to use, and how to use them. You have that skill. Always enjoy seeing what you come up with. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
i know this code is old, but last night i was looking for it.because i lost it from my database code...anyway just to remember to aboid loosing focus to the titlebar put this code. Case WM_ACTIVATE SendMessage lng_hWnd, WM_NCACTIVATE,1,0
where WM_ACTIVATE is the Message and lng_hWnd is the window that desactivates the titlebar focus. in this case WM_NCACTIVATE will return the focus to the titlebar when wparam (focus lost)=0.. hope you understand. cheers (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I am havibg an issue with this when running in VB6 with manifest file (XP theme). Runs fine if I compile an exe without manifest. Is this a known and/or intended bug/feature?
Nice work! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
This version uses 2 of Paul Caton's thunking subclassers combined into a single module. Don't go looking for it because it doesn't exist elsewhere. The thunks negate using a dummy form for the color picker; now it is 100% self-contained & is stand-alone (vs "stand along" as I typed in my description above :) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Nice single-file solution. I've been wanting to start investigating the use of "conjured-up" windows for a "Morph" project and hopefully this will be a good submission to learn from. Cudos ;) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
XP & manifest users. Sorry can't help yet -- still don't own XP; otherwise, I might be able to figure it out. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Looks neat - but my reaction to the way you've done this is that you've made something massively more complex with subclassing/form creation for minimal benefits.
Its really hardly any odds adding a couple of forms/modules to a project rather than just one. One is a little tidier - but not THAT much.
Also
Test with enlarged/non small fonts - I use large fonts there are all sorts of format issues.
Mouse only - no keyboard selection of palette (arrow keys maybe) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Jeremy, lack of keybd navigation is being worked on. Large fonts; not an issue: it wasn't designed for ppl to mess with the GUI other than exposed properties; modify & tweak as you require. Yes, one could produce same effects with a modal form and frames/tabs, etc (already been there done that). This was a challenge to myself to see if I can create a modal api-window for various uses. The usage here is applied to a color picker; concept could be applied to almost anything, including creating your own advanced menu system to replace windows menus. The post hopefully gets ppl thinking "wow, that give me an idea..." P.S. I like subclassing; it gives one so many options not otherwise available. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Keith you must have been reading what passes for my mind... I've been wanting for a while to create a class that creates a replacement for popup menus that would match the graphic theme of my controls. That's why I'm interested in this. So you hit the nail on the head in your comment above. Jeremy, sometimes it's not the destination it's the journey :) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
To all. Regarding keybd navigation. Very doable but just haven't decided how I want to handle the keystorkes yet. The tweaks should be minimal to provide that support. Asked Zhu JinYong for a screenshot of how mainfests are messing with it -- might give me an idea or two; even though I don't have XP yet. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
When applied a MANIFEST file,the compiled prjColorPicker.exe doesn't run at all.(XP,SP1,VB6+SP6). (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
^^Zhu, errors? Can you un-comment the only MsgBox line in the sample form & try it again? If the picker is aborting, you should get a message saying "Aborted". Anyone with XP, using a manifest, able to run it compiled? Just curious & if not, have other issues to deal with. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
^^Can you be more specific please, maybe a hint? AFAIK all APIs used are compatible with Win95 and above. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Updated to allow keybd navigation on all tabs and to address/fix the issue pointed out above by jeremyxtz. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Updated 28Feb06: Can drag color picker w/option for not movable. Tweaked some keybd nav logic & minor tweaks for performance. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Keith: Noticed that with extended 32 grey scale it is gradually overwritten with selected colors - intended? I have a magnifier which also picks colors off the screen - interestingly it picks the colors behind your color picker. Presumably it sees yours as tranparent. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Robert. It shouldn't be overwritten; rather the user-selected colors not already in the palette will be appended to end of palette. 1) Add palette, 2) add custom palette, 3) add personal palette. Can you try again, but when selecting colors from the Web tab, select darker colors; you should see the last grayscale row (light grays) and then the web colors you chose. Max amount of colors displayed in the palette is 4000. Regarding your magnifier; intersting, how do you move the magnifyer over the picker? The picker should close when loses focus which is what may be happening: picker closed & screen didn't refresh? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Keith: Yes I made a mistake the selected color is added to the palette colors. On the "color thru", I opened my other "color picker-magnifier first" then yours. Mine works by simply moving the mouse over the screen, that's when it shows the color behind yours - but it's not a problem just curious. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
On 'color-thru' yours also shows this effect. Selecting your 'screen-color-picker' then moving it over the picker (no clicking) it picks up the underneath color. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
No, the effect is not there with yours it simply keeps the last screen color it detected. Mine definitely has this behaviour. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Simply amazing. This has to be the most sophisticated self-contained class I have seen. I would say you succeeded in your challenge! As usual great potential to implement the techniques used in other areas. ***** (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Robert's questions raised an issue. Did you know that you cannot get a target window's pixels from the desktop window when that target is a layered window (ws_ex_layered for Win2K & up)? Therefore, this & other color pickers will not the see the window at all and any colors returned are those under that target! The tweak/mods needed are simple enough and will be uploaded after some testing. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I have a question Keith. Some colors are complex and are based on a combination of colors, not based on a single pixel (such as a good gold color). Can you think of a way to get a good 'combination' color like that, spread across several pixels? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Suggest holding off downloading this for now... I'm having some real issues with Win98 and the subclassing thunks. If one O/S is having big problems others might too. Will post whatever fixes I find & if I can't find them; this will be coming off PSC until I do find them. Sorry about this. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
SUPER..needed this. thanks. Suggestion - change the lblRGB & lblColorVal arrays to textboxes for easy CnP. Also add hex value like &H8000000F& (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Just when I think I am getting somewhere with my coding skills, along comes a piece of code like this and raises the bar!! Works as advertised. Full of amazing code - all I need is some time to pull it apart and see how it works. Thanks for sharing this with all of us here at PSC. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Ok folks, reworked a bit to make it Win9x safe too. If any problems, please email me with details; I'd be glad to make it right. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
The latest update uses a system class for the color picker. Maybe this will solve XP manifest issues? Anyway, using class #32768 for our window solved a few annoying issues, including keeping the parent titlebar active while the picker is displayed. This latest gives me an idea for a menu replacement project; hmmm... (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Downloaded code for testing: Error "1962" occurred with following conditions/actions: WinME, IDE, click "Show Color Picker", click a point on Form (not on color chart). (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1.Compiled application doesn't run with XP manifest.(Old problem) 2.Mouse move out and click other place,application report error with 'Err.Raise 1962, "cColorPicker", "Aborted"' in IDE. (New) 3.Right click to choose a color such as "cyan" in tab palette,then click button "show color picker" again,Tab can't stay at palette,it will jump to Tab Web and point to cyan item.(old) 4.Tab hasn't nice stereoscopic effect (with the effect of depth and solidity) when active.
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Herman & Zhu JinYong: 1)XP & manifest issues can't help you there until I get XP. 2)The err 1962 is locally generated error & fixable with your help. 3)Which tab is displayed first is controlled with startup options; read the comments at the end of the class module. This is not a bug. 4)Tab graphic quality? Will entertain ideas; but not a concern of mine. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
^^Believe the fix for the 1962 error reported is to change the line beginning with: Err.Raise 1962 to: Err.Raise vbObject+1962. Awaiting confirmation. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
^^Ok, the err.1962 wasn't an error afterall. It is the user's IDE error-break settings. Noted this in the project's remarks. Made minor mods to include replacing GlobalAlloc type APIs with VirtualAlloc APIs to help prevent XP/sp2 DEP warnings. Still am clueless about the Manifest issues. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Please modify a bit of Tab drawing,Let's say the shadow of Vertical line seperator is at right side of active Tab. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Until I get XP to address the manifest issue or a bug appears. Project is done. Modify the code to suit any specific needs. If downloaded before date/time of this posting, re-download. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Regarding XP manifest w/compiled apps. When manifest used and placed call to InitCommonControls in Form_Load, failure. But placing call in Form_Initialize, success. Maybe this is fix for problem reported in above posts? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Keith: I'm getting run time error '9' for the exe - after clicking one of the four color boxes followed immediately by the Show Color Picker button. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Keith: sorry that should have been error '91'. Same sequence in IDE produces same error in frmColorSample at Command1_Click. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Sorry Robert, you found some test code I left in by mistake. Please remove/ignore the 1 line of code behind those labels. That form was just a test vehicle for the class. If something is wrong with it, ignore it. If something is wrong with the class, then I would like to know. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
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