Skin (computing)
191887
220366421
2008-06-19T14:44:37Z
JAnDbot
1725149
robot Adding: [[cs:Skin (informatika)]]
{{selfref|For skins in Wikipedia, see [[Help:User style]].}}
[[Image:Qtskins.png|right|thumb|A [[Qt (toolkit)|Qt]] program using three different skins: Plastik, Keramik, and Windows]]
In [[computing]], '''skins''' may be associated with '''[[theme (computer)|themes]]''' as custom graphical appearances ([[Graphical user interface|GUIs]]) that can be applied to certain [[computer software|software]] and [[website]]s in order to suit the different tastes of different users.
Software which is capable of having a skin applied is referred to as being '''skinnable''', and the process of writing or applying such a skin is known as '''skinning'''. Applying a skin changes a piece of software's [[look and feel]] — some skins merely make the program more aesthetically pleasing, but others can rearrange elements of the interface, potentially making the program easier to use. Although often used simply as a synonym for ''skin'', the term ''theme'' normally refers to less-complex customisations, such as a set of [[icon (computing)|icon]]s and matching colour scheme for an [[operating system]] — notably, this is how the term was used in association with [[Windows 95]] and [[Microsoft Plus!]] for Windows 95.
==Common skinnable applications==
Probably the most popular customised skins are for [[instant messaging]] [[client (computing)|client]]s and [[media player (application software)|media player]]s, such as [[Trillian (instant messenger)|Trillian]] and [[Winamp]], due to the association with fun such programs try to encourage. However, in programs which use a [[cross-platform]] [[GUI toolkit]], rather than using the standard interface for the [[operating system]] on which they are running, it is relatively easy to add functionality to alter this interface from within the program. For instance, both the [[Mozilla]] and [[Opera (web browser)|Opera]] [[web browser]]s are skinnable because they take advantage of a cross-platform toolkit. In the case of Mozilla, the entire interface is written in [[XUL]], [[Cascading Style Sheets|CSS]], and [[JavaScript]]. Those who know these languages are free to modify both its look and its behavior.
==Standard interface==
Of course, it is also possible to change the standard interface. Some platforms have inbuilt support for this, including most using the [[X Window System]]. For those that do not, there are usually programs that can add this functionality, like [[WindowBlinds]] for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[ShapeShifter]] for [[Mac OS X]].
==Model-view-controller==
Skinning is typically implemented with a [[Model-view-controller]] architecture, which allows for a flexible structure in which the interface is independent from and indirectly linked to application functionality, so the GUI can be easily customized. This allows the user to select or design a different skin at will, and also allows for more deep changes in the position and function of the [[Elements of graphical user interfaces|interface elements]].
==Pros and cons==
The benefit of skinning in user interfaces is disputed. While some find it useful or pleasant to be able to change the appearance of software they use, a changed appearance can complicate [[technical support]] and training. A user interface that has been extensively customized by one person may appear totally unfamiliar to another person who knows the same software under a different appearance. It is often said by [[usability]] practitioners that this flexibility "requires the user to be an expert interaction designer" in order to tailor the software for best use.
==Websites==
Many websites are also skinnable, particularly those which provide some [[social]] capabilities. Again, some sites offer skins that make primarily cosmetic changes, while some — such as [[H2G2]] — allow major changes to the layout of pages. As with standalone software interfaces, this is facilitated by the underlying technology of the website — the use of [[XML]] and [[XSLT]], for instance, facilitates major changes of layout, while [[Cascading Style Sheets|CSS]] can be used to easily produce different visual styles.
==External links==
{{External links|{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}
=== Skinning communities ===
*[http://themes.belchfire.net/index.php?dlcategory=1 Belchfire] – skins for the [[Windows XP]] user interface
*[http://www.customize.org Customize.org] – general skinning site online since 1998
*[[deviantART]] – [http://skins.deviantart.com/ Skins & Themes Gallery]
*[http://www.invisionpower.fr/ Invision Power France] – skins for [[Invision Power Board]]
*[http://realone.real.com/?subsection=skins A site] for [[RealPlayer]] skins
*[http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/ Simmers Paintshop] – creating skins for [[flight simulator]]s and [[computer games]]
*[[Skinbase]] – [http://www.skinbase.org skins and wallpapers]
*[http://www.skinnables.org skinnables.org] – catalogue of freeware skinnable applications
*[http://www.skinning.net/ Skinning.net] – a skinning forum
*[http://www.skinz.org Skinz.org] – a skin & graphics site
*[http://www.winamp.com/skins/ A site] for [[Winamp]] skins
*[[WinCustomize]] – [http://www.wincustomize.com skins for the Windows user interface]
*[http://www.winmodify.net WinModify.com] – windows modification site
*[http://skins.birdline.gr/index.html Birdline] – Samplitude skins
=== Content management system theme archives ===
*[http://www.aphexthemes.com/ Aphex Themes] – themes live preview for [[XOOPS]] [[Content Management System|CMS]]
*[http://foxtheme.com/ FoxTheme.com] – themes for [[Wordpress]], [[Joomla!]], [[Drupal]] CMS
*[http://themeartists.com/ ThemeArtists.com] – themes for Drupal CMS
*[http://themegarden.org/drupal50/ Themegarden.org] – themes live preview for Drupal CMS
[[Category:Graphical user interface]]
[[cs:Skin (informatika)]]
[[de:Skin (Computer)]]
[[es:Skin (software)]]
[[fr:Thème (informatique)]]
[[ko:스킨 (컴퓨터)]]
[[it:Skin (informatica)]]
[[nl:Skin (gebruikersinterface)]]
[[ja:スキン]]
[[pl:Skin]]
[[pt:Skin]]
[[th:สกิน]]