How to make a rocketdock / OSX style launch bar using Delphi

Question

I'd like to make a tool bar with icons that get's bigger when you mouse over them. I don't mind reinventing the wheel, but if anyone can suggest a good:

1. Image Format (not sure bitmaps'll work here and not sure how to do Vectors)
2. Existing Control (pay or free, so long as I can use it in a close source app)
3. Container class (is TPanel sufficient?)

Answer 1

I've not used it yet personally, but maybe check out TMS TAdvSmoothDock rather than reinventing wheel..?

http://www.tmssoftware.com/site/advsmoothdock.asp

Answer 2

There is some sample code doing exactly this on the delphi.about.com website.

The link below shows the code as well as an example image of the dock while running.

http://delphi.about.com/od/fullcodeprojects/a/mac-doc-launch.htm

I don't know if the code is D2009 compatible or not, but even if it isn't the code shouldn't be that hard to bring forward. I would think anyways.

HTH,

Ryan.