TLabelEffect Component (Version 2.1)

The TLabelEffect component is a non-windowed control that displays
text on a form. Usually this text labels some other control.
It differs from a TLabel component in that it can have a highlight
and a shadow, allowing a 3D effect, among others. The highlight
and shadow can be extruded or graduated, or even real
(semi-transparent). The face of the label can be graduated in
colour and the label can also be rotated to any angle.

Version 2.1 fixes bugs with Alignment and Transparent properties,
and prepares the label offscreen before drawing it. It also
allows the component to function fully under Delphi 2.

The files for this component are described below. Note that the compiled
versions (.DCU and .DCR) are provided in both 16-bit and 32-bit formats.

LBLEFFCT.PAS  The code for the TLabelEffect component.
LBLEFFCT.DCU  The compiled unit for the component.
LBLEFFCT.DCR  The picture that appears on the component palette.
LBLEFFCT.ICO  The icon for the demo.
LBLEFFCT.HLP  A help file for the new component.
LBLEFFCT.KWF  A keyword file for the help.

LEDEMO.DPR    The project for the demo program.
LEDEMO.OPT    Options for demo project.
LEDEMO.RES    Resources for demo project.
LEDEMO1.PAS   Demo form unit.
LEDEMO1.DFM   Demo form resources.

README.TXT    This file.

Install the component as described below.

I suggest that you place the following files in the designated libraries :

LBLEFFCT.HLP in DELPHI\BIN

LBLEFFCT.KWF in DELPHI\HELP

LBLEFFCT.DCR and LBLEFFCT.DCU in DELPHI\LIB

with the remainder in another directory, eg. DELPHI\COMPS.

Then install the new component :

1. Select Options|Install components... from the menu.
2. Add LblEffct to the list of units.
3. Click OK to start the installation.

The new LabelEffect component will appear on the Standard page
of the component palette.

Then merge the component help keywords into Delphi's list :

1. Select the HelpInst icon in the Delphi group.
2. Open file Delphi.hdx in DELPHI\BIN.
3. Add LblEffct.kwf to the list of keyword files.
4. Compile and save the .hdx file.

Then open the demo and see what it can do! After that you're on your own.

Also included are four property editors for the component. These are
for the EffectStyle, ColourScheme, GraduateFace, StyleHighlight and
StyleShadow properties, allowing them to be set graphically.

The files for these editors are described below. Note that the compiled
versions (.DCU) are provided in both 16-bit and 32-bit formats.

LEEFCTED.PAS  The code for the EffectStyle property editor.
LEEFCTED.DCU  The compiled unit for this property editor.
LEEFCTED.DFM  The description of this editor's dialog box.

LECOLRED.PAS  The code for the ColourScheme property editor.
LECOLRED.DCU  The compiled unit for this property editor.
LECOLRED.DFM  The description of this editor's dialog box.

LEGRADED.PAS  The code for the GraduateOption property editor.
LEGRADED.DCU  The compiled unit for this property editor.
LEGRADED.DFM  The description of this editor's dialog box.

LESTYLED.PAS  The code for the EffectOption property editor.
LESTYLED.DCU  The compiled unit for this property editor.
LESTYLED.DFM  The description of this editor's dialog box.

Install them as described below.

I suggest that you place the following files in the designated libraries :

*.DCU, *.DFM in DELPHI\LIB

*.PAS, *.DFM in another directory, eg. DELPHI\COMPS.

Note that the .DFM files are necessary in both places if you want to
make changes to the editors.

Then install the new editors :

1. Select Options|Install components... from the menu.
2. Add LeEfctEd, LeColrEd, LeGradEd, LeStylEd to the list of units.
3. Click OK to start the installation.

The new editors will then be available.  To access them, start a new
project, add a TLabelEffect component and then double-click on either
the EffectStyle, ColourScheme, GraduateFace, StyleHighlight or
StyleShadow properties. Select the required value and press OK, or
double-click the required value. Note that you can still drop down the
list of enumerated values if you would care to use them instead.

This component is freeware. Any correspondence or improvements
can be sent to :

Keith Wood
4 Watterson Place
Gilmore  A.C.T.  2905
Australia

Phone : +61 6 2918070 (H)

E-mail: kwood@netinfo.com.au
