How to Use the Mac OS X Leopard Dashcode

Mac OS X Leopard's Dashcode lets users easily create their own widgets right on their own desktop. Dashcode's new intuitive design and usability invites even novice users to try their hand at creating and using widgets on their Apple computers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Select a template. Choose a custom template if you'd like a blank widget with which to work or a preconfigured template like "Countdown," "Maps," "RSS," "Podcast," "Photocast," "Quartz Composer," "Video Podcast," "Gauge" or "Daily Feed" to simplify your widget-making experience.

2. View your chosen template's Workflow steps by clicking "Show Workflow." These steps are different for each template and help guide you through the creation of the widget and its editing. Mark each step as "Done" as you finalize one to streamline the widget-making process.

3. Customize your new widget's look. Use the "Parts Outline" of your widget in the left side of the Dashcode's editing window to change the widget's attributes, icon and default image. Move elements using alignment guides, resizing options and absolute position indicators. Access Dashcode's library to add graphic images to the widget and its interface.

4. Check the front and back views of your widget.

5. Run the widget by pressing "Command-R." Test the widget's usability with the built-in debugger and use the "Code Evaluator" if a problem arises and you are familiar with coding.

Tips & Warnings

• Import existing widgets to Dashcode to edit or update them.
• Use the search option to find specific parts of the widget to modify.
• Highlight text and use the widget's Inspector by pressing "Option-Command-I" for an easy way change text attributes.