RibbonX: Customizing the Office 2007 Ribbon

Chapter 8. Custom Pictures and Galleries

As you become more experienced in developing a custom UI, you will probably find that the built-in icon gallery just isn't enough. You may want to take it to the next level and add a greater personal touch by introducing your own images (icon or pictures).

In this chapter, you learn how to harness the power of custom pictures and how to use galleries, one of the coolest new features in the UI.

As you are preparing to work through the examples, we encourage you to download the companion files. The source code and files for this chapter can be found on the book's web site at www.wiley.com/go/ribbonx.

Custom Pictures

Many of the examples you've seen so far involve built-in pictures (or images if you prefer). Using custom pictures is a highly visible way to truly personalize your UI.

There are different ways you can add pictures to your project. You can attach them to the project itself or you can load them from external picture files. You will learn these methods as well as the unique way in which Access can work with pictures. First, however, you need to get acquainted with which formats are appropriate for the job.

Suggested Picture Formats

If you really get into planning a customized UI, you will probably also consider using your own images to add that extra touch.

Adding custom images is not rocket science, but it is important that you get to know some file formats so that you can make an educated choice as to which type you should use in particular ...