18.7 Frequently Asked Questions about Icons and Bitmaps
Where must icons and bitmaps be placed?
In the SOURCE directory of the associated partition. For example, if the partition was called TST, then the icons and bitmaps should be placed in the <drive>:\X_LANSA\X_TST\SOURCE directory.
What size should I make my icons?
Usually icons are 32 x 32 pixels.
What size should I make my bitmaps?
256 x 256 pixels is the recommended maximum size for bitmaps that are presented on process menus. When the process presents itself as an action bar larger bitmaps may be used.
How many colors should I use in my icons and bitmaps?
Usually you should use 16 colors only.
How do I edit bitmaps under Windows?
The Windows "PaintBrush" facility can easily work with bitmaps of the recommended size, as can the IMAGEDIT toolkit product.
Should certain names be avoided for my bitmaps and icons?
Yes. Avoid using the prefixes X_, S_ or W_ for bitmaps or icons that you create.
During a Visual LANSA install or upgrade all X_, S_ and W_ icons and bitmaps may be replaced. This could cause you to lose any changes that you make.
Where does the defaulting file X_ICOBMP.DAT reside?
In the SOURCE directory of the associated partition. For example, if the partition was called SYS, then the icons and bitmaps should be placed in the <drive>:\X_LANSA\X_SYS\SOURCE directory.
Do I have to have an X_ICOBMP.DAT defaulting file?
No. It is an optional file. Process compiles will simply issue a note indicating that the file could not be found.
What language is the defaulting file X_ICOBMP.DAT shipped in?
English.
Is the defaulting file X_ICOBMP.DAT replaced when I upgrade?
Yes. This means that every time you alter this file you should back it up. After each upgrade of your Visual LANSA system simply replace the upgraded file with your own version.
When I edit an icon it does not change on the process menu. Why?
Icons and bitmaps are actually "imbedded" into the process DLL during the compile process. If you change an icon or bitmap you must force a recompile of process menus that reference it.
This also means that when you move your application to another machine you do not have to ship the icons and bitmaps as well.
They are only required on the target machine if you intend to perform process (re)compilations there.
Can I alter the X_DFTxxx icons and bitmaps?
Yes. Remember that every time you alter one of these files you should back it up. After each upgrade of your Visual LANSA system simply replace the upgraded file with your own modified version.