How do I switch between light and dark mode in Adonis UI at runtime?

Use the ResourceLocator.SetColorScheme method as shown in the README, which involves swapping the color scheme ResourceDictionary. This allows dynamic theme changes without restarting the app.

Adonis UI vs MahApps.Metro for WPF, which should I use?

Adonis UI enhances the classic Windows look with runtime themes and layering, while MahApps.Metro offers a more modern metro-style design. Choose Adonis for seamless upgrades of existing WPF apps and MahApps for a visual overhaul.

How to customize the window title bar in Adonis UI?

Derive your window from AdonisWindow and modify its properties or template. The README provides examples for custom colors, gradients, and adding interactive elements like buttons.

Does Adonis UI support data validation with error popups?

Yes, it includes integrated validation templates that display red borders and error icons, with popup messages on focus or hover, compatible with WPF's validation interfaces.

Can I use Adonis UI with .NET 6 or newer?

Yes, Adonis UI requires at least .NET Framework 4.5, .NET Core 3.1, or .NET 5 and above, as indicated in the README badges, so it works with modern .NET versions.

How to add a custom color scheme in Adonis UI?

Create a ResourceDictionary with your color definitions and use the ResourceLocator to switch to it at runtime. The docs guide you through defining and applying custom schemes beyond light and dark.

Open-Awesome

AdonisUI

MITC#1.17.1

A lightweight UI toolkit for WPF applications offering classic but enhanced Windows visuals with runtime theme switching.

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1.9k stars154 forks0 contributors

What is AdonisUI?

Adonis UI is a lightweight UI toolkit for WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) applications that provides enhanced classic Windows visuals. It offers a set of default styles, templates, and controls designed to improve the look and feel of WPF apps while maintaining compatibility with native WPF design. The toolkit solves the problem of outdated or inconsistent UI in WPF applications by providing modern features like runtime theme switching and interactive effects.

Target Audience

WPF developers building desktop applications for Windows who want to enhance their UI with modern visuals while staying close to the classic Windows design. It's ideal for those looking for a drop-in replacement to upgrade existing WPF apps without major rewrites.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Adonis UI because it offers a seamless upgrade path for existing WPF applications with minimal configuration. Its unique selling point is maintaining WPF's native look and feel while adding modern enhancements like runtime theme switching, interactive effects, and a flexible layering system—all without requiring extensive customization.

Overview

Lightweight UI toolkit for WPF applications offering classic but enhanced windows visuals

Use Cases

Best For

Upgrading the visual design of existing WPF applications with minimal changes
Adding dark mode and runtime theme switching to WPF desktop apps
Implementing consistent spacing and layering systems in WPF UIs
Enhancing WPF controls with modern interactive effects like hover and ripple
Creating customizable window title bars that respect application themes
Building WPF applications that require data validation with visual feedback

Not Ideal For

Cross-platform desktop applications targeting macOS or Linux
Projects requiring design languages far from classic Windows, such as Material Design or Fluent Design
Teams needing a large library of custom controls beyond enhanced WPF standards

Pros & Cons

Pros

Runtime Theme Switching

Supports seamless switching between light and dark color schemes at runtime using the ResourceLocator class, with examples in the README for dynamic updates.

Customizable Title Bars

Provides a flexible window title bar that respects color schemes and allows easy customization, such as hiding icons or adding buttons, by deriving from AdonisWindow.

Automatic Color Layering

The layering system automatically adjusts control colors based on container layers to maintain contrast, ensuring visual consistency without manual tweaks.

Integrated Data Validation

Includes validation templates with error indicators and popup messages that work with WPF's IDataErrorInfo or INotifyDataErrorInfo interfaces.

Cons

Windows and WPF Lock-in

Exclusively tied to WPF and Windows, making it unsuitable for cross-platform projects or frameworks like .NET MAUI or UWP.

Limited Custom Control Set

Focuses on extending existing WPF controls rather than providing new ones, so developers may need additional libraries for specialized components.

XAML Configuration Overhead

Requires manual setup in XAML resource dictionaries, which can be complex and error-prone for those unfamiliar with WPF's resource system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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