How to use "Mica backdrop" with TC on Windows 11

[Tringi]

EDIT: Showcase video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xIzA4RwVVs

Back in the days of Windows XP, one of the cool moment I remember was installing new version of Total Commander, and that new version added Rebar background behind menu and top toolbars. I believe the same moment can be achieved again with adding the popular Mica backdrop.

How to:

The Mica backdrop is basically implemented (on build 22543) the same as Vista/7 aero glass. You use DwmExtendFrameIntoClientAreaAPI, to include the menu and toolbars (and perhaps bottom Fx buttons and command-line combobox) and fill the area with transparent brush: GetStockObject (BLACK_BRUSH).

That'd be enough for aero glass, but we ask the DWM to do it's thing with:

Code: Select all

DWM_SYSTEMBACKDROP_TYPE backdrop = DWMSBT_MAINWINDOW; // or DWMSBT_TABBEDWINDOW
DwmSetWindowAttribute (hwnd, DWMWA_SYSTEMBACKDROP_TYPE, &backdrop, sizeof backdrop);

It's also possible to use modern simple outline color for the active window, instead the full color-filled titlebar:

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COLORREF clr = DWMWA_COLOR_NONE;
DwmSetWindowAttribute (hwnd, DWMWA_CAPTION_COLOR, &clr, sizeof clr);

Although there might be issues with ClearType-rendered text on transparent surfaces.

[Tringi]

If anyone's interested in screenshots, on how this would look: https://twitter.com/JanRingos/status/1693821772464812488

Since the APIs above can be called from other process, I wrote myself a proof-of-concept app, that forces this style on Total Commander.

[Hacker]

Tringi,
My apologies, but what are we supposed to see here?

Roman

[ghisler(Author)]

I don't understand it either. The two images look the same???

[Hacker]

Perhaps the transparency or tint or what it is?

Roman

[ghisler(Author)]

One has a slightly darker background than the other, but you can already change the background color in
Configuration - Options - Color - Others - Dark mode: Background color

[umbra]

It's also somewhat transparent and textured. Mica is basically a visually less intrusive version of Aero Glass for Windows 11.

[Tringi]

Oh, sorry, I didn't realize not everyone is Windows 11 nerd like me
Mica is a modern background used by Metro/UWP apps by default, and is available to Win32 apps through DWM API in my first post

The background is not just the color. It's the grainy fill significantly influenced by desktop wallpaper. It's what Settings on latest (build 22534 and newer) Windows 11 use. Try setting some contrasting wallpaper, in both light and dark modes, and see how Settings look like.

Windows maintains the backdrop for the application. The app basically only fills the windows black (even in Light mode), like it would to get Aero glass on Windows 7, if you are Windows developer.

The reason is: It looks good and modern. Kids like that. And using it contributes to the consistency of the whole OS appearance.

---

EDIT: Try it for yourself:

I cleaned the tool up and put it on github, so you can try it and see for yourself: https://github.com/tringi/setmica

It will currently work if you set Total Commander to Dark mode, and then go to Settings / Colors, and set Dark mode Background color to full black.
Then you compile the project (or just download the prebuilt exe) and run:

Code: Select all

SetMica64.exe 2 TTOTAL_CMD 0 0 113 51

Adjust the last two numbers by your DPI.
Try modes 3 or 4 instead of 2, move the window.
Try using different desktop backgrounds, etc.

[Horst.Epp]

Maybe Kits like it, but I don't need any fancy effects in my file manager.

[wetware05]

hi.
From my point of view, all contributions are welcome. There are people who ask for an improved view of the interface, maybe they will appreciate it. Perhaps a video or a better (more detailed) image will show the change.

[Tringi]

hi.
From my point of view, all contributions are welcome. There are people who ask for an improved view of the interface, maybe they will appreciate it. Perhaps a video or a better (more detailed) image will show the change.

Hi. If you are on latest Windows 11, try my tool two replies above.
The effect won't persist after restarting Total Commander.

[Tringi]

Hi again. I've recorded the aforementioned video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xIzA4RwVVs

[Horst.Epp]

2Tringi
This video shows me no effects I need for TC or any other file manager.

[Hacker]

Horst.Epp,

This video shows me no effects I need for TC or any other file manager.

Yet it's more relevant to the topic than your replies.

Tringi,

I've recorded the aforementioned video

Thank you for the video.

Roman

[Tringi]

So, um... any chance of getting this little thing in any upcoming version?