Hi,

Are the Nextstart hotspot location settings held in an accessible config file, which I could edit to get pixel level placement? It would be easier than the direct movement method (or easier for me anyway). I've had a look and can't find one, but that doesn't mean it's not there. I'm using Win7 if some-one can give me the file name/path.

Thanks.

You mean the Hotspot desktop *buttons* (as opposed to direct desktop hotspots)?

Out of curiosity, why do you need such accurate positioning of those?

Yes, hotspot buttons on the desktop.

I've a bunch of these and because I'm clumsy I sometimes drag them slightly out of position when I'm clicking on them. Getting them back precisely can be fiddly. Of course opening an .ini file (or whatever) and editing the numbers would be fiddly as well, but I'd prefer it.

It's not a big deal - if editing a file is possible I'll use it, otherwise I'll drag them back.

Pete

When I'm trying to line up my WorkShelf desktop modules, I use a program called Xoomer, by Xymantix: http://xymantix.com/joomla2/programming ... ing/xoomer

For some reason, the link there to download it is broken, but this link works:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-En ... omer.shtml

That allows me to get them lined up pixel-perfect. I used to ask Jorge to allow themers to define a "snap" so that desktop modules could snap to each other, but he had lots of reasons that would be dang near impossible.

I added a new 'Lock hotspot buttons' option so you can prevent that from happening in the future.

The only way to edit hotspot button positions currently, that is not by dragging, is by delving into the Windows Registry, and sincerely, I don't recommend making changes there.

Jorge - Thanks, that will sort it. I'll have to upgrade from 12.2 now.

Vectornut - Thanks for the tip, I'll give Xoomer a go.

Given Vectornut's input I've added two more features that might help:

1. A 'snap in' option for hotspot buttons on the desktop.

This, however, has the same limitations that led me not to implement his suggestion to add a 'snap' feature to WorkShelf desktop modules (although in the case of hotspot buttons the problem is not so bad):

Since buttons have 'free form' skinning, what you perceive with your eyes to be the edges of a button might not be the actual edge. Sometimes the bitmap used for the button has shadows or transparent edges, so visually there will be gaps between the buttons when they snap in, and this might not be what you want. At most, the optional 'snap' feature will simply align the buttons.

Since hotspot buttons are mostly square or rectangular and usually the same size, this isn't so much of a problem there (unlike WorkShelf desktop modules, which are usually anything BUT rectangular in form or even the same size).

Another reason I didn't implement Vectornut's suggestion is that I don't want to encourage skinners to make run-of-the-mill rectangular WorkShelf desktop modules.

2. Pressing SHIFT when you drag a desktop hotspot button will now drag all other buttons within snapping distance at the same time, thus allowing you to move them as a 'group'.

I don't think I'd call my modification of Treetog's Sputnik rectangular, but I did design the modules to all work together and the ability to snap them together would have been awesome. But, like I said, way back when we originally discussed it, I was disappointed but understanding when you explained why it wasn't in the cards.

That sounds really cool, Jorge!

Jorge,

Snap-in options will definitely be a help.

Thanks.