X graphics get a boost (NewsForge) [LWN.net]

X graphics get a boost (NewsForge)

Posted Feb 8, 2006 6:36 UTC (Wed) by iabervon (subscriber, #722)
In reply to: X graphics get a boost (NewsForge) by russell
Parent article: X graphics get a boost (NewsForge)

I don't know of a practical use for arbitrary transparent windows, but transparent window decorations (things like drop shadows) can be effective at providing visual cues without taking up as much screen space, because people's brains automatically see as separate effects the two things affecting the same pixels. Low-detail transparent windows are also useful for things like clocks, where the window underneath isn't significantly complicated, and the window on top doesn't require a lot of attention to details.

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Actually, some applications have a nice use...

Posted Feb 8, 2006 11:16 UTC (Wed) by hummassa (subscriber, #307) [Link]

for translucency. For instance, I worked in a GIS application that had to
bring a lot (12 lines x 30 columns) of info about some point in a map, and
the info window obscured a large portion of the map. So (I was working
over Win2000) I created the info window 60% transparent and high-contrast
(fonts white over black background) and voilá... the map is completely
unobscured again AND the info is highly visible... some more tricks to
pass clicks thru the transparent window and we were all set. It was one my
my nicest (visually speaking) hacks, and I'm still proud of it some years
later.