TAdvShaper

Note: All components from the TMS VLC UI Pack can now be found here.

Developers who are looking for a VCL component capable of converting forms into the shape of bitmap images can turn to TAdvShaper. This tool is available for Windows programmers who prefer to work with Delphi or RAD Studio.

According to the maker of TAdvShaper, it can accurately read and translate any kind of form into a bitmap, regardless of the complexity involved, by relying on a speedy algorithm. It basically makes it possible to only customize the mask color to be able to generate the new bitmaps.

The software utility is only available for Delphi 7 and RAD Studio (10 Seattle, XE8, XE7, XE6, XE5, XE4, XE3, XE2, XE, 2010, 2009, 2007). Part of a bundle called TMS System Controls Pack, TAdvShaper cannot be downloaded and purchased separately. Instead, you have to get your hands on the entire bundle.

TMS System Controls Pack, as the name suggests, contains a range of VCL components dedicated to system controls. For example, it has a tool for grabbing signatures that were made with pen or touch screen interfaces, which can save them as BMP, GIF, JPEG or PNG pictures. Another component can be used for opening and saving vCard files, featuring support for v2, v3 and v4.

If you're interested in buying the pack with the full source code, you should know there are single developer licenses as well as site licenses for any number of developers who work at the same organization. In both license modes, the bundle can be used for both personal and commercial purposes.

Meanwhile, you can take a look at all components in the download archive, which includes sub-archives for Delphi 7 and each RAD Studio edition. There are also demos accompanied by an overview file.