Bitmap library, embed or link?

[MoGrace]

I downloaded an iconset of png and bmp files. Some are 32 bit color which as I understand cannot be added to a library file. So if I embed my button images, which file are they stored in? Or is it better just to link to the file and hope they never get moved...?

[CraigSchumacker]

Re: Bitmap library, embed or link?

If large numbers, I suggest you create separate 'Workspaces'. For example, a workspace named 'Toolbars' might have my custom toolbar icons. Pick a size as your standard size, like 72 x 72. Then, just add the toolbar.ALB library to your primary workspace on the tab under workspace properties named libraries. Another library might be 'Buttons'.

I use separate libraries for organization, and also so the primary workspace library files are not bloated. If you are only adding a few images, and they are small, then using the primary ALB should be fine.

I did not know 32 bit cannot be embedded. If so, I wonder can it even show if linked?

32 bit might be a heavier file, anyway, and you can use a photo editor to reduce it to 16 bit.

I almost never use a link, because anyone can easily steal, replace, delete, infect, encrypt, or move the files. (Technically, the image can still be stolen, but it keeps the honest people honest.)

I never embedded files directly into reports and forms, as it seemed never to work well for reasons I cannot remember. I think I had issues after an upgrade, and the logo in reports was fouled. If you do chose to do that, the image is cloaked in the tables or set files, and is not visible under the code tab, and throughout the app.

If you have an icon in a library, and want to replace / update one with the same name, you might find you need to delete the old one before importing the new one. It often does not import the new icon.

Think about using PNG files, as they have transparent backgrounds and look better on toolbars and buttons. It is buggy using PNG. I tried to get AS to fix it, but the owner of Alpha appeared to get angry with my request. At any rate, images on buttons may not have transparent backgrounds all the time.

Compact your adb after importing or deleting.

Sadly, if you do have large numbers of icons, and you scroll down to one you want to delete, the code tab bounces it's pointer back to the top of the list. This is a pain if you are deleting several.

[CraigSchumacker]

Re: Bitmap library, embed or link?

Attached is my current form toolbar with 96 x 96 icons. This was about as large as I could make the buttons without exceeding the size of the 1280 x 1024 screens that still sit on a few miserly desks.

I made the buttons as large as possible for screens like a surface, so they could still be functional on a touch screen. You can get away with 72 x 72 if you have to, but it seems like the bigger the screen, the smaller the buttons get!

Current Toolbar.jpg

[MoGrace]

Re: Bitmap library, embed or link?

Hi Craig,
I did find another post of yours and followed the suggestion of putting the 24x24 pngs in a separate library. You are right however in that having the same image name in 2 libraries caused the newer one to not show. So I added '24' to the name.

Where did you find the images you show on your toolbar? I've been working with free ones but would be willing to pay if I can find a nice set.

Also the library file can be converted to an AEX and put in your addins_installed folder. That way they are available without taking up the code tab and can be used with other databases.