A little module: AlphaBlt() and AlphaBlend() functions will let you render 32-bit-alpha bitmaps onto a given DC. Use first one (faster) when rendering onto solid-color surfaces. Use second one for a complete emulation of API's AlphaBlend. // W9x and WNT systems compatible, I hope. // ~115Kb. __________________________________________________
Update #1. Added cDIB32 class (simplified version accepting only 32-bit DIB sections). Useful in case loading a resource bitmap. All properties have been preserved to allow create/edit custom alpha DIBs. Thanks go to redbird77 for the new CreateFromResourceBitmap() function. Note: compile first if you want to test this function! (also you'll get about 10 times faster results).
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Update #2. Added a mini-tool to export 32-bit bitmaps from icon/cursor resources (XP format). __________________________________________________ Update #3 (2005.05.03). Speed up: checked special alpha values (full opaque and full transparent).
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In fact, both functions should also check for alpha channel. We could be in front of a true-color bitmap stored as a 32-bit one without alpha information. In that case, we will see 'nothing' :-) So it's supposed user knows what is loading. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Carles, this rocks! Clean code working like a charm! Supporting ALL Windows versions is very noble! My *****+ for! ;) Regards - LiTe (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
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4/2/2005 5:54:18 AM:
Wooooooowwwww!!!!! Nothing less then WoW! Nice code Carles! 5***** from me again! U know, this code would be complete if you add a little thing in your function like, giving the height and width of the image, so the picture is fully resizable when painting. Hope to see this in it too. My God this code is great! Keep up the good work! Thanx! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/2/2005 6:31:36 AM:
Is it posible to add picture from resource? Thx! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
You being the grahics guru, how about making a custom imagelist that supports your dropshadow and 32 bit icons and doesn't need to depend on the hefty comctl32.dll.
Works fine on win98. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/2/2005 6:02:25 PM:
How can we change the size of the picture when painting? Does it support this yet? Thx (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Resizing: Not so 'straight-forward'. This would need pre-processing scaled bitmap with respective destination area. Taking in account we are rendering alpha-bitmaps ('soft-edged'), it should be 'necessary' to interpolate (both color and alpha channels) to get a 'correct' result. This would take a 'litte bit more' of processing time. If someone wants to try it... :-) Anyway, a previous improvement could be let define source rectangle area (always at 1:1). This could be useful for 'clipping' purposes (BeginPaint-EndPaint -> update region, etc). (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/2/2005 11:34:14 PM:
Flawless; well done! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Btw. I'm using your code for my shell (if it's ok with you of course)... That way I'll be able to display the 32 bit icons of files and applications :D
Tnx again (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Great Code man, but some how the result is much slowr in my PC, my CPU is AMD Athlon 64 +3700 2.17 GHZ... and i use XP.... ? any one knows why? Great Code.. i vote ***** globes... (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hi Carles, I am having trouble painting translucent bitmap directly to screen, (for form skinner), bg is always black, if you have any ideas, can you email me? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
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4/1/2005 6:40:02 PM: 
