I am setting out to create regular image VTPro-e templates (non smart graphics) for a new design I just released for a few other systems called Aleera.

Can I simply create these templates as an XPANEL specific resolution (800 x 480 for instance) and let the end user change them to other resolutions or as specific touch panel models when performing a "Save As"?

I noticed there is an option to convert regular templates to smart graphics as well. You will have to forgive me on this one, I haven't released a set of templates since 2009-10 and that was when Core 3 and all these new features were added.

I basically want to cover all of the existing panel resolutions and the iPad / iPhone as well.

Thanks for any help on this.

Ultamation. #just sayin

What is that?

Keep in mind, everybody who inquires about porting my new design to Crestron doesn't use smart graphics or themes. They are looking for old-school straight up pre-made templates in specific resolutions.

Here is a quick peek at the 800 x 480.

Does that actually run on a panel?

Have you tested it on a panel to make sure the panel doesn't hang/choke/cry/give up and go into a panic attack?

If you have verified it runs, then make one "template" PER-resolution/device it is intended to be used on.

VTP does wonky things with graphics so it shouldn't be trusted to scale anything.

Think old school... native resolution templates with pre-made pages. The 800_400 would only be for panels with that resolution etc...

Here is my list of current Crestron resolutions and templates I would create for them.

1920 x 1080

1280 x 768

800 x 480 (above)

1280 x 800

240 x 320

iPad (I can do standard, Retina or both) & iPhone 5/6

Good, you'll have to create a template at each of those.

Do they actually run on hardware though?

Converting to SG is hit and miss at best so either develop as old isysI/O style or SG.

Also don't worry about Retina as the apps don't support it

These will work fine. I still have Ctreston templates up on my website, and there are still a few purchases now and then. The problem is, they were designed for older resolutions that don't exist on any Crestron hardware (800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 etc..)

No they won't. If I try to save a regular VTPro file of 800 x 480 to a new SG panel of same resolution, VTPro says can't do.

If the graphics aren't in a SG theme they won't look like your templates.

Being that every new screen from Crestron is SG, I'd say building non SG templates is completely useless.

I can right click on my 800 x 480 XPANEL project in the tree, convert to Smart Graphics and save it as a TSW-752 (same resolution)

Everything is there when I open the new / converted file.

And of course you've loaded it to the new panel and tested everything?

Converting between SG panels can cause all kinds of issues let alone converting from standard VTPro.

I have a friend who is a Crestron dealer. I'll have him test it out for me when I am ready. I could go the smart graphics route too, I have everything I need to create custom themes and I know the 9-Slice graphics format forward and back.

Another manufacturer which I create templates for is adopting that capability shortly, so I had to learn how to create my own scalable buttons etc..

Then do it, otherwise you'll be doing it later.

Seeing as how all of the non-SG panels have been discontinued except the TPMC-3/4 and those are SG compatible you're designing for equipment that doesn't exist.

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I could now teach a class on using custom graphics and compiling custom graphic themes in Studio. You were right, native resolution graphics are completely out the window.

Smart graphics are the only way to go. It takes a lot of time and patience, but I am now working directly for an integrator who wants something completely unique for all of his clients.

I am doing a full blown custom floorplan for zone select / overview, and whole house audio manager where you can select one or more zones, then the audio source select appears, and after that you have volume control and presets. All of the icons will populate dynamically via code. Client wants a quick way to have full control of audio in every zone. He does a lot of entertaining.

If anyone is interested, I could share some screenshots.

You just started doing this type of layout? You're very late but welcome to the party.