How do I add dynamic values to Dam messages?

Use %p placeholders in the message text and pass an array of parameters when calling the message method. Parameters are auto-escaped, so HTML tags in parameters are displayed literally.

Dam vs standard Delphi MessageDlg - which should I use?

Use Dam if you need centralized management, HTML formatting, parameter substitution, or multi-language support. Stick with MessageDlg for simple, unformatted messages without the overhead of an external component.

Can Dam handle exceptions in Lazarus apps?

Yes, Dam can handle exceptions in Lazarus by setting HandleExceptions=True on a TDam component. It displays formatted error messages using the same dialog style, but note FMX limitations on non-Windows platforms.

How to change the language for Dam dialog buttons?

Set the Language property on the TDam component to one of the 14 supported languages. The component auto-detects the system language on placement, but you can manually override it for custom translations.

Does Dam support custom icons in message dialogs?

Yes, set the Icon property to diCustom and assign a TIcon to CustomIcon. However, on FMX, diApp icons are unsupported, and DPI scaling for custom icons has limitations in older Delphi versions.

What happens if I use Dam without DzHTMLText installed?

Dam will not function properly, as it depends on DzHTMLText for rendering formatted text. You must install DzHTMLText first, and the auto-installer or manual steps ensure this dependency is met.

Dam

MITPascalv6.8

A Delphi and Lazarus component for creating formatted text message dialogs with HTML styling and parameterized messages.

GitHub

What is Dam?

Dam is a component library for Delphi and Lazarus that provides enhanced message dialogs with rich text formatting, parameter substitution, and centralized message management. It replaces standard message dialog functions with a flexible system that allows developers to create professional-looking dialogs with HTML-like styling directly in their applications. The library centralizes all application messages in a container, making them easy to edit, translate, and maintain across platforms.

Target Audience

Delphi and Lazarus developers building desktop or mobile applications who need to display formatted, maintainable message dialogs across multiple platforms (Win32, Win64, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux) using VCL or FMX frameworks.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Dam over standard dialogs for its centralized message management with design-time configuration, support for HTML-like formatting and parameterized messages, and built-in multi-language support for 14 languages. It uniquely integrates exception handling with styled error messages and provides a structured system to replace hardcoded strings, improving code maintainability and visual consistency.

Overview

Delphi and Lazarus Message Dialogs with Formatted Text

Use Cases

Best For

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Managing and centralizing all application message dialogs in a single container for easy editing and translation
Displaying message dialogs with rich text formatting (bold, italic, colors, links) in Delphi or Lazarus applications
Creating parameterized messages with dynamic value substitution at runtime to simplify code
Handling and displaying exceptions with formatted error messages in a consistent dialog style
Building multi-platform applications (Win32, Win64, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux) that require consistent message dialogs across VCL and FMX frameworks
Developing applications with multi-language support needing translated button captions and default titles

Not Ideal For

Applications that only require basic, unformatted message boxes without centralized management, as Dam adds design-time configuration overhead.
Projects needing highly customized dialog layouts beyond text formatting and standard buttons, since Dam is built for enhanced message dialogs, not fully custom forms.
Teams using IDEs other than Delphi or Lazarus, as Dam is tightly integrated with these environments and their component libraries.
Scenarios where minimizing external dependencies is critical, due to Dam's requirement for the DzHTMLText component and complex installation steps.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Rich Text Formatting

Supports HTML-like tags for bold, italic, underline, colors, alignment, and clickable links, enabling professional-looking dialogs without custom forms, as shown in the message wizard creator.

Centralized Message Management

All messages are stored in a TDam container, allowing easy editing, translation, and maintenance from a single design-time interface, which replaces hardcoded strings.

Multi-Platform Support

Works on Win32, Win64, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux with both VCL and FMX frameworks in Delphi and Lazarus, ensuring consistent dialogs across platforms.

Built-in Exception Integration

Handles exceptions with formatted error messages using the EDam class and {except} placeholders, providing styled error dialogs that integrate seamlessly with Dam's system.

Cons

FMX Feature Limitations

On FMX platforms, several features are unsupported, such as diApp icons, help settings, and image preview in the message editor, as noted in the Limitations section.

External Dependency Required

Relies on the DzHTMLText component for HTML rendering, adding an extra installation step and potential compatibility issues, which complicates setup.

Complex Installation Process

Manual installation involves building packages, setting library paths, and running batch files, which can be error-prone compared to simpler drop-in components.

Breaking Changes in Updates

Version updates often require complete uninstallation of previous versions due to file reorganization, as warned in the changelog, increasing maintenance effort.

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