Defining color sets for menus


    Color sets specify the colors used in subpictures. Each menu can reference only one color set. However, a project may contain any number of sets. To maintain a consistent look throughout a project, a common approach is to use the same color set for all menus in a project. Using a limited number of color sets makes it very easy to change the highlighting colors for the entire project at once.

    Adobe Encore DVD includes a predefined color set. You can modify this default set or create your own sets. Once defined, you can save color sets and use them in other projects.

    A color set consists of a maximum of 15 colors, each with its own opacity setting. The colors are divided among one color group for the normal state and two highlight groups. Each highlight group may contain up to six colors: three for the selected state and three for the activated states. Any button can reference one of the highlight groups. You can use the highlight groups to distinguish between different types of buttons on the same menu. For example, you could assign Highlight Group 1 to the main navigation buttons in the menu (such as Play Movie), while using Highlight Group 2 for the common navigation buttons (such as Next and Previous).

    Illustration of Menu Color Set dialog box with these callouts: A. New Color Set B. Export to Color Set File C. Import from Color Set File D. Delete Color Set E. Color Set name and pop-up menu F. Normal Group G. Highlight Groups 1 and 2
    Menu Color Set dialog box A. New Color Set B. Export to Color Set File C. Import from Color Set File D. Delete Color Set E. Color Set name and pop-up menu F. Normal Group G. Highlight Groups 1 and 2

    New Color Set

    Creates a new color set definition, using the name you specify.

    Export to Color Set File

    Exports the current color set in a file so that it can be used in other projects.

    Import from Color Set File

    Imports the color set you specify.

    Delete Color Set

    Deletes the currently selected color set.

    Color Set

    Displays the name of the color set.

    Normal Group

    Sets the colors and opacity values for the subpictures in the normal, unselected state.

    Highlight Group 1 and 2

    Sets the colors and opacity values for the subpictures in the selected and activated states. A button can reference one of these two groups.

To define a color set:

  1. Choose Edit > Color Set > Menu.
  2. Click the New Color Set button New Item button .
  3. Type the name of the new color set, and click OK.
  4. Click the color swatch of any color you want to change.
  5. Click NTSC Colors Only if you want to limit your color selection to NTSC-safe colors.
  6. Adjust the color using one of the following methods. The color you select appears in the top half of the color swatch. The original color remains in the bottom half.
    • Locate the color range you want using the triangle sliders on the color spectrum bar, then click the desired color in the color field.
    • Change the numeric values for Hue, Saturation, Brightness, Red, Green, or Blue.
  7. Click OK. The new color replaces the original color in the Color Set dialog box.
  8. Choose the desired opacity level from the Opacity pop-up menu adjacent to the color swatch.
  9. Repeat steps 4, 6, 7, and 8 for any color you want to change.
  10. Click OK when you have defined all the colors to your satisfaction.