How to customize rcp applications using swt designer?

[kubikconcepts]

Hello,
I am writing an Eclipse RCP application. I would like to change the look and feel(colors, fonts, etc). Essentially I want to look like custom written application(like what IBM did with the eclipse for their lotus apps). For example i want to set gradient colors in tabs, window title bars, etc. How do i use swtdesigner to do this?

Also, I would like to make the customized properties, user customizable too. Like for example: lets say i set the window title bar color to blue. I would like let the user a color of their own choosing. What is the most elegant way to implement this? How to implement color scheme?

I would appreciate any thoughts, ideas, tips, pointers, etc.

Thanks,
PK

[Eric Clayberg]

I am writing an Eclipse RCP application. I would like to change the look and feel (colors, fonts, etc). Essentially I want to look like custom written application (like what IBM did with the eclipse for their lotus apps). For example i want to set gradient colors in tabs, window title bars, etc. How do i use swtdesigner to do this? Also, I would like to make the customized properties, user customizable too. Like for example: lets say i set the window title bar color to blue. I would like let the user a color of their own choosing. What is the most elegant way to implement this? How to implement color scheme? I would appreciate any thoughts, ideas, tips, pointers, etc.

In general, questions about using the Eclipse RCP framework are best posted to the Eclipse RCP newsgroup.

Specifically, you should look at the org.eclipse.ui.presentationFactories extension point as well as the AbstractPresentationFactory class and its various helper classes. That is how IBM sets the look of their Lotus apps.

If you don't want to go that route, you can always hard code colors and fonts of various components using Designer. For example, you can set the gradient used by a CTabFolder to any combination of colors that you want.

[kubikconcepts]

Thanks for the reply Eric. Sorry, I posted this question here. I was wondering if SWT Designer had anything to help me out.

[Eric Clayberg]

I was wondering if SWT Designer had anything to help me out.

Not really. You are asking about a fairly obscure portion of the Eclipse RCP API that is rarely used in Eclipse RCP apps.

The Eclipse RCP newsgroup is the best place to go for advice on things like that.