The FreeHand Source Kaleidoscope 2 Scheme v1.5

OK, I know this isn't a tip. But it is pretty cool if you're a Mac user and use the fantastic Control Panel called Kaleidoscope. To find out more about Kaleidoscope and to download the latest version (You need v2.0.1 for this scheme), visit the Kaleidoscope Home page:
http://www.kaleidoscope.net

Version: not applicable (Mac)

This is my very first attempt at creating a Kaleidoscope scheme from scratch. I've played around a bit in previous versions, but with the introduction of K2, I could finally create something beyond the regular Mac interface constraints.

This scheme is dedicated to FreeHand™ and it also reflects the same style of this Web site.

As you can see above, I've tried to make the scheme give the feel of being in a FreeHand™ document in all aspects. Including all the icon replacements, etc. A lot of pieces were actually taken from resources or screen captures of the FreeHand™ interfaces from v5 to v8.

I've also included an alternate scheme called The FreeHand Source Rulers. This scheme was what I actually started designing. It turned out pretty neat, but I was unhappy with how the Text Ruler intruded into the user space for everyday use(see above), so I moved on to the other version. You can choose to use this version if you like. Everything else that is in the other version is in this one as well.

These schemes are completely free so enjoy. Also, if you plan to distribute this, please include all the files that it originally came with. Thanks!

Kaleidoscope 2 Scheme Download Macintosh Stuffit File thefhsource_k2scheme.sit

Some things to check out in K2:

• Finder Colors - With this option turned on, the list view finder windows are drawn with grid lines seen in FreeHand™. Also the text colors change to "The FreeHand Source" purple color.
  
  
• Finder Icons - This changes your System icons to appear as shapes drawn in FreeHand with the "selected points" look. I used the old 7.5 icons because they are flat and take on the look of the "selected points" better.
  
  
• Arrow Cursor - This option changes the arrow cursor to the "The FreeHand Source" purple color.
  
  
• Desktop Pattern - I chose this gray because it makes the menus at top (these mirror the look of the floating toolbox tabs in FreeHand™) blend seamlessly into the background. I've included an alternative pattern that you can add to your Desktop Picture utility of choice. Also, I've included a Desktop Picture (1024 x 768) that you may or may not want to use. It makes your desktop look like your in FreeHand with The FreeHand Source logo of course. When I first started using it, I got confused thinking there was actually something to click on, but after awhile I got used to it. You may too.
  
  
• The FreeHand Source FIM - I've included a FIM (Folder Icon Maker) resource for you to create custom icons in your environment. You can get the latest version of Folder Icon Maker v1.5.1 from most Mac Shareware sites.
  
  
• The Icon Tools Frame resource - If you use Icon Tools, you can add this resource to your frames folder. When used, you can create custom folder icons for your favorite applications.
  
  
• Font Suggestion - If you have the font called Comic Sans MS installed, use that for your Desktop font (set in the Edit menu in the Finder for OS 8 or in the Views Control Panel in OS7). It looks great with this Scheme. You usually get it installed if you have Internet Explorer 4.

Tools used:

• ResEdit - Of course everyone involved with K2 making or editing knows about this tool.
  
  
• FreeHand™ 5 through 8 - Most, if not all elements were copied or screen captured from these programs. FreeHand™ 5 was the first version from Macromedia that let you enable the "Gray" interface. I took elements such as the check boxes and radio buttons from this version.
  
  
• PhotoShop 5 - Created a lot of the cicns from screen shots using this program.
  
  
• Pink Elephants - Couldn't have done it without this fantastic tool. Finds and adds all the new K2 regions for stretching and creating those cool windows. You can download this from the Kaleidoscope site.
  
  
• DragThing - Used to test all the small Utility window cicns. Probably the only thing I've ever seen use the "Side Utility" window. You can get the latest version from most Mac Shareware sites.
  
  
• Custom Folder PPC - I used this handy utility to add the 7.5 icons to my scheme then modified them to fit the scheme better. It patches Kaleidoscope, your System or an existing scheme with custom icon replacements that you can make or get from other sources. You can get the latest version from most Mac Shareware sites.

Version History:

• 1.5 - Updated both schemes to work better with MacOS 8.5 and up with the introduction of mini folder icons in the headers of windows. Also fixed a button view mode glitch, it should look much nicer now. Updated the Desktop picture to have the new URL on it. Now includes a Icon Tools frame resource to create custom folder icons.
  
  
• 1.2 - Fixed the The FH Source Rulers scheme to work better when windows are very small so that the title doesn't completely disappear. Fixed minor inconsistencies in the The FH Source Rulers scheme. Fixed the List view headers to show the "column" that's currently chosen better as well as fixed those button areas so that other programs that use that, show as completely closed boxes (i.e. the help icon in most control panels).
  
  
• 1.1 - Fixed the Side Utility Windows so that the Collapse widget "crumpled" in small window situations. Added Trash icon.
  
  
• 1.0 - Initial Release.

Comments, Bug Reports, and other info:

Ian Kelleigh

Hope you enjoy!