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<b>General</b>
<br>:: <a class="nav" href="../README.html">Readme</a>
<br>:: <a class="nav" href="../RELEASE-NOTES.txt">Release Notes</a>
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<b>User's Guide</b>
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<h1>:: Tips & Tricks ::</h1>
See also the <a href="quickstart.html">Quick Start</a> and the
<a href="http://www.jgoodies.com/articles/">JGoodies articles and presentations</a>.
<h2>8 Steps to a Better Swing UI</h2>
<ul>
<li>Choose a look&feel that uses appropriate fonts and colors.
<li>Choose an appropriate icon set.
<li>Remove clutter.
<li>Align, group, relate and balance.
<li>Learn to work with negative space.
<li>Take care of aspect ratios.
<li>Be consistent.
<li>Comply with style guides.
</ul>
<h2>Don'ts</h2>
<ul>
<li>Don't change colors.
<li>Don't change fonts.
<li>Don't break the icon design.
</ul>
<h2>Do's</h2>
<ul>
<li>Remove clutter.
<li>Use TitledBorders carefully.
<li>Add negative space.
<li>Align.
<li>Be consistent.
<li>Balance the design.
<li>Use contrast effectively.
<li>Use aesthetic aspect ratios.
</ul>
<h2>Tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Benefit from the powerful JFC: Java2D, translucency, etc.
<li><em>Carefully</em> add color, advanced typography, images, animation.
<li>Enable problem analysis.
<li>Know critical performance issues.
<li>Take care of the application startup.
<li>Construct lazily ... and prepare eagerly!
<li>Check your UI via ClearLook.
</ul>
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