| 214 | | == Look & Feel (Windows) == |
| 215 | | |
| 216 | | === How do I change the look and feel? === |
| 217 | | See [#CanIskinPidgin this FAQ entry]. |
| | 215 | === Can I make Pidgin transparent/translucent? === |
| | 216 | '''Windows:'''[[BR]] |
| | 217 | You can make Pidgin translucent in most versions of Windows using the "Transparency" plugin that ships with Pidgin for Windows. A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can to make any window translucent. |
| | 218 | |
| | 219 | '''Linux & other *nixes:'''[[BR]] |
| | 220 | It is not yet possible to make Pidgin translucent in Linux and other platforms that use X11.[[BR]] |
| | 221 | The X.org X11 server provides a COMPOSITE extension that allows applications to have true translucency, but it is X.org-specific and it requires support at the GTK+ level (if it is to be per-widget). Support for this is apparently scheduled for inclusion GDK 2.12, but we are not currently interested in implementing support for it (note that a plugin could provide this functionality). Pseudo-translucency offered by other programs (by copying a section of your background image, tinting it, and plastering it onto a window) will never be implemented in Pidgin.[[BR]] |
| | 222 | Note that if you are using a compisiting window manager such as Compiz, you may have global support for modifying the opacity of any window. For example, in Compiz, the default method to changing the opacity of a window is Alt+Mouse Scroll Wheel. This method does not require extra support from the applications. |
| 222 | | There is a global file found in the `etc\gtk-2.0` directory your GTK+ Runtime install directory (`C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0`, by default). |
| 223 | | There is also per-user file (named `.gtkrc-2.0`) in your user's home directory, the location of this varies according to the version of Windows you're using and the configuration. |
| 224 | | * For Windows 2000/XP/Vista(?), entering `%USERPROFILE%` in your Windows Explorer address bar will take you to the right directory (probably something like `C:\Documents and Settings\username`). |
| 225 | | * For Windows 98/ME it will be something like `C:\Windows\Profiles\username`. |
| 226 | | * If you have the `HOME` environment variable set, it will override the default per-user file location. |
| 227 | | |
| 228 | | **Note that Windows Explorer will not allow you create a file that starts with a period; you'll need to use a text editor or rename the file in a cmd shell. |
| 229 | | |
| 230 | | There is also a pidgin-specific file that is located in the configuration directory (`%APPDATA%\.purple\gtkrc-2.0`). |
| | 227 | * There is a '''global file''': |
| | 228 | * On Windows, it is found in the `etc\gtk-2.0` directory your GTK+ Runtime install directory (`C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0`, by default). |
| | 229 | * On Linux and other *nixes, it is found in `/etc/gtk/`. |
| | 230 | |
| | 231 | * There is also a '''per-user file''' (named `.gtkrc-2.0`) in your user's home directory, the location of this varies according to the OS you're using and the configuration. |
| | 232 | * For Windows 2000/XP/Vista(?), entering `%USERPROFILE%` in your Windows Explorer address bar will take you to the right directory (probably something like `C:\Documents and Settings\username`). |
| | 233 | * For Windows 98/ME it will be something like `C:\Windows\Profiles\username`. |
| | 234 | * For Unix-like platforms, it is `/home/username`. |
| | 235 | * If you have the `HOME` environment variable set, it will override the default per-user file location on all platforms. |
| | 236 | **Note that Windows Explorer will not allow you create a file that starts with a period; you'll need to use a text editor or rename the file in a cmd shell. |
| | 237 | |
| | 238 | * There is also a '''pidgin-specific file''' that is located in the configuration directory. |
| | 239 | * `%APPDATA%\.purple\gtkrc-2.0` on Windows |
| | 240 | * `~/.purple/gtkrc-2.0` on Unix-like platforms |
| 238 | | If you just want the buddy list to always be on top, you can dock it to the side of your desktop. A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can set any window to be 'Always On Top'. |
| 239 | | |
| 240 | | == Look & Feel (Linux and Unix-like platforms) == |
| 241 | | |
| 242 | | === How do I change the look and feel? === |
| 243 | | See [#CanIskinPidgin this FAQ entry]. |
| 244 | | |
| 245 | | Themes and information on using them can be found at http://themes.freshmeat.net, http://art.gnome.org, or by searching on your favorite search engine, such as Google. |
| 246 | | |
| 247 | | The system-wide location on Windows to add themes is `C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0\share\themes`, but this location will be overwritten when installing updated GTK+ runtime versions. |
| 248 | | |
| 249 | | === Can I make Pidgin transparent/translucent? === |
| 250 | | It is not yet possible to make Pidgin translucent in Linux and other platforms that use X11. |
| 251 | | |
| 252 | | The X.org X11 server provides a COMPOSITE extension that allows applications to have true translucency, but it is X.org-specific and it requires support at the GTK+ level (if it is to be per-widget). Support for this is apparently scheduled for inclusion GDK 2.12, but we are not currently interested in implementing support for it (note that a plugin could provide this functionality). Pseudo-translucency offered by other programs (by copying a section of your background image, tinting it, and plastering it onto a window) will never be implemented in Pidgin. |
| 253 | | |
| 254 | | Note that if you are using a compisiting window manager such as Compiz, you may have global support for modifying the opacity of any window. For example, in Compiz, the default method to changing the opacity of a window is Alt+Mouse Scroll Wheel. This method does not require extra support from the applications. |
| | 245 | '''Windows:''' If you just want the buddy list to always be on top, you can dock it to the side of your desktop. A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can set any window to be 'Always On Top'. |
| | 246 | |
| | 247 | '''Unix-like platforms:''' Please consult your window manager's documentation. |
