Finder Desktop Pattern Editor NDA

From the top:

The DeskPat NDA is a first attempt at a pattern editor for the Finder's
desktop pattern (as well as a first attempt at programming the GS).  Before
going into the operation of the NDA a quick tutorial on patterns for those
interested.

About patterns:

Patterns, like most other features of the GS, take on different characteris-
tics based on the current screen resolution.  Since the Finder operates in
640 mode, each pixel of the 8 X 8 grid is composed of a 2 bit number, rather
than a 4 bit nibble that would be used in 320 mode.  The method that the
Finder uses to display 16 different colors in 640 mode is called dithering.
Thus by treating the pattern as a 4 X 8 grid, a combination of 16 different
colors can be used to build the desktop pattern.

About the NDA:

The NDA has 4 main areas: The pattern display in the lower left section, the
current color selection in the lower right section, the pattern edit area in
the upper left section, and finally the color selection area.  To choose a
color, simply click in the square of the color you wish to use.  The current
color selection box will then change to display your selection as the current
color.  To then set pixels in the pattern, click in the pattern edit area.
The current pattern square below will then show you what the change you have
made will look like.

Limitations:

Currently there are several limitations to the program.  The first is that
when you close the NDA window, it saves the pattern.  At some point this
should be changed to allow you to indicate if you wish to save the new
pattern or not.  The other is that you have to reboot the machine before
the new pattern takes effect.

History:

The basic program DSKTOP.FIX by Jay Long was the original impetus to write
this NDA.  As he suggested, it would be nice to have a NDA to change the
desktop.  Also, with a bit of a background in Mac programming and use, I
thought it was a bit lacking not to have any of the Control Panel like
setting capabilities for the GS.  Hopefully some of you will find this NDA
usefull.  If you do, or if you do not, feel free to send praise, comments,
and hopefully complaints and suggestions.

Shayne Bradley
8536 S.W. 107th Ave #A6
Miami, FL 33173
(305) 595-3640
Genie: S.BRADLEY
