SkinStudio (previously known as BuilderBlinds) is a software tool by Stardock used to create skins for their WindowBlinds, ObjectBar, WebBlinds and PocketBlinds programs, as well as Koala Player and Windows Media Player. It is a component of Object Desktop, but is also sold separately, and a version is available for free download.

SkinStudio uses a Universal Skin Format (USF) that can be used to create one skin and export it to multiple skin formats. In practice, skins often need further editing after being created from this template, but it can be of use when developing a suite of skins. msstyle files are imported into USF before being converted to one of the WindowBlinds skin formats.

Versions

As of July 2005, there are three versions generally available:

• SkinStudio Free — Creates skins for WindowBlinds, and allows importing of skins from the msstyle format.
• SkinStudio Enhanced — As the free edition, but with the addition of pre-made widgets, skin imports, and options for skin colorization. Included with Object Desktop subscriptions.
• SkinStudio Pro — Adds the ability to create skins for Windows Media Player to the Enhanced version.

A product called SkinStudio Developers Edition is also available for those who want a custom-supported tool for use with Stardock's customized skinning add-in, DirectSkin.

External links

• SkinStudio official website
• Making Great Skins - a guide to creating usable and well-performing skins