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I've followed the various threads on the subject but would like to ask what size bitmaps generally work best with the buttonbar. If I want the most contemporary look, do I use 16x16, 32x32, what ?

Does someone have a recommended website where there is a good selection of bitmaps ? Most advertise "thousands" but they are usually just a mix of sizes of the same basic bitmaps.

Thanks for the input.

Tim,

32x32 is the general trend though on some bitmaps (browses, etc) you may use 16x16

viewtopic.php?f=3t=15023start=0hilit=icons

http://www.noupe.com/icons/50-most-beau ... -2008.html

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Does someone have a recommended website where there is a good selection of bitmaps ? Most advertise "thousands" but they are usually just a mix of sizes of the same basic bitmaps.

Tim,

I agree with You. You can find many BMP's in the Internet, but difficult for special thematics.
Some month ago, I started to seperate my big BMP-collections into categorys.
They are converted to sizes of 32x32 and 16x16 with Alpha-Channel.
I just have to look in my Archive for something special.
Included : Travel, Trading, Medicine and some more ( 10 to 15 different BMP's of each Group )
Is there a special Thematic You need ?

Best Regards
Uwe

Tim,

My suggestion is that for infrequently used programs that are not complex, use 32x32 bit--big, bright, and easy to figure out.

For frequently-used, complex programs you need the maximum real-estate to display information and since users are familiar with the program then they can easily recognize small bitmaps, so use 16x16. Also consider offering the user either size in the configuration. Some users can't see as well, and some have trouble hitting smaller buttons with the mouse.

Remember also the color of the bitmaps as many users are colorblind. There is a website that will allow you to upload a screenshot and it will convert it into several views that correspond to the different types of colorblindness.

http://www.aspnetresources.com/tools/colorblindness.aspx

I suggest searching for icons rather than bitmaps. These are generally designed for use in programs (most other programming languages use icons) and icons can easily be converted to bitmaps.

Regards,
James

Thanks for the input. I want to eliminate text buttons and go to button bars on all my dialogs. Its rather easy to do, and I want to be consistant throughout.

I made a list of all the buttons I use, and some are repetitive. In the manual I intend to have pictures of all the buttons with a description so my clients can easily recognize them.

I am color blind so its very easy for me to know what works and doesn't in that regard. Thanks James.

Uwe, the program handles point of sale, accounting, and that means invoicing, customer tracking, service histories, scheduling, and a whole lot more. Right now I'm using some icons/bitmaps that relate to the task they trigger, but I'm thinking of seeking a consistant look. There needs to be some logic and familiarity to this. For example, adding a record could be a + sign, or the more confusiing arrow pointing into a folder. Deleting a record could be a - sign, or a trash can, or a circle with a line through it. Printing is pretty universally a printer, but what about history ? ( I use a folder now, but a file cabinet could work but I like the simple designs best ). The icons should be easy to distinguish one from another, and easy to understand the purpose.

I intend to build a specific library of icons, but the designs really vary from one spot to another, and I've yet to find a single set that is large enough to meet my needs. Maybe I'll have to become an artist and draw my own. I have the tools for it, but not the talent !

TimStone wrote:I've followed the various threads on the subject but would like to ask what size bitmaps generally work best with the buttonbar. If I want the most contemporary look, do I use 16x16, 32x32, what ?

Does someone have a recommended website where there is a good selection of bitmaps ? Most advertise "thousands" but they are usually just a mix of sizes of the same basic bitmaps.

Thanks for the input.

Hi Tim,
in my opinion 3 size bitmaps are needed.

- 16x16 bitmaps for menu and browse
- 24x24 bitmaps for the buttonbar
- 48x48 bitmaps for dialogs

Marco,

Good point and nice example.

Thanks

Tim