https://warped3.substack.com/p/direct-win32-api-weird-shaped-windows
Article
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Covers the 90s/00s era of custom-shaped Windows app skins using Win32 SetWindowRgn
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Explains the pixel-art region-building technique behind irregular window shapes
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Argues the trend died due to HiDPI, complexity, and shifting UI culture
Discussion
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Commenters nostalgic but mostly glad weird windows are gone; Winamp cited as best example
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Electron/React apps seen as the new offender: bloated, inconsistent, OS-mismatched
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Fun trivia: SetWindowRgn was originally added for Microsoft Bob speech bubbles
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Technical note: LWA_COLORKEY is easier than manual region-building from pixel runs
Discuss on HN
