Lycaon
asked on
Need API/Info on real balloon tips (As seen in the system tray)
I'm seeking full and complete (or almost) information, API, etc, on using tooltip balloons such as those used in the system tray by programs like Windows Update. These have to be the real balloons, not workarounds using forms, etc.
Tooltips are FORMS. Believe it or not. They have hWnds and have to be able to FLOAT above all else...
That means that they are a form.
Don't believe me? Put a tooltip on a standard VB button.
Run your app, and task-manager too (Windows NT/2K/XP). When you mouse-over the button, a NEW PROCESS appears by the name of the "text" in your tooltip.
So... what needs to be done?
Create a form that is round/odd-shaped. There are plenty of spots/sites describing how to do this.
Once you have your form, create a publicly-creatable class that uses this form, setting the caption property of an auto-sized label that floats/centers itself within the form.
That WILL work.
That means that they are a form.
Don't believe me? Put a tooltip on a standard VB button.
Run your app, and task-manager too (Windows NT/2K/XP). When you mouse-over the button, a NEW PROCESS appears by the name of the "text" in your tooltip.
So... what needs to be done?
Create a form that is round/odd-shaped. There are plenty of spots/sites describing how to do this.
Once you have your form, create a publicly-creatable class that uses this form, setting the caption property of an auto-sized label that floats/centers itself within the form.
That WILL work.
ASKER
JRC:
I know they're 'forms' (actually a window with several attributes set). I never said they weren't. :)
The "make a round form borderless with a yellow background and position it where you want, then waste time adding tons of options that are already included in the balloon tooltip API" is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I'd have to code stuff such as adding icons, centering, float/stay-on-top, dealing with sizing depending on message size, etc. Too much hassle when there is a simple API or two that will do all that for me.
Dean:
Thanks for the URL, but I don't do C++ yet. Lemme see if I can figure out how to do it in VB, and if someone else doesn't happen to sneak in a working example that's already in VB, I'll accept yours as an answer. The only reason I haven't done so already is it's in C++ and I hate translating to VB.
Lycaon
I know they're 'forms' (actually a window with several attributes set). I never said they weren't. :)
The "make a round form borderless with a yellow background and position it where you want, then waste time adding tons of options that are already included in the balloon tooltip API" is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I'd have to code stuff such as adding icons, centering, float/stay-on-top, dealing with sizing depending on message size, etc. Too much hassle when there is a simple API or two that will do all that for me.
Dean:
Thanks for the URL, but I don't do C++ yet. Lemme see if I can figure out how to do it in VB, and if someone else doesn't happen to sneak in a working example that's already in VB, I'll accept yours as an answer. The only reason I haven't done so already is it's in C++ and I hate translating to VB.
Lycaon
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Have a look here:
http://www.domaindlx.com/e_morcillo/download/cod/ctl_tips2.zip
There is a nice example of what you need.
Hope this helps,
M.
Lycaon:
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ASKER
Sorry about the long period of absentness. I've been without an internet connection for a while. Let me test out the last few suggested solutions, and I'll accept an answer within the next day or two. Thanks to everyone for offering answers.
Lycaon
Lycaon
ASKER
Dean,
Your comment has been accepted as an answer. Congratulations, thanks, and sorry for the late reply.
Lycaon
Your comment has been accepted as an answer. Congratulations, thanks, and sorry for the late reply.
Lycaon
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/shellcc/platform/CommCtls/ToolTip/UsingTooltips.asp