The Apple Grayscale Appearance for System 7.5 specification provides the information you need to create a grayscale appearance for System 7 products that is consistent with the default Apple Grayscale theme in Mac OS 8. This grayscale specification is provided license-free for implementation. Apple Computer claims no proprietary rights to this appearance design.
Since Apple Computer originally released the Apple Grayscale Appearance For System 7.5 specification in February 1996, we have received significant feedback from users and developers. In response to that feedback, we are providing this July 1996 revision to significantly improve usability. This revision simplifies the recognition of the disabled state of windows and controls so that the user can more readily identify those windows and controls that are active. Please review the Grayscale Appearance Read Me for more information on the changes.
Issues To Consider Before Implementing This Appearance
Before implementing this grayscale appearance, developers should consider the compatibility issues below. These issues are raised to enable a smooth migration path to the Mac OS 8 Appearance Manager. For example, implementing this grayscale appearance can result in theme switching compatibility problems with Mac OS 8.
If you have decided to provide a grayscale version of your System 7 application, this specification will be invaluable in ensuring that your implementation of a grayscale appearance provides a smooth visual transition to the default Apple Grayscale theme in Mac OS 8.
Mac OS 8 Appearance Manager
The Mac OS 8 Appearance Manager provides the robust foundation by which a designed suite of custom interface menu, window and control elements, contained in a theme file, are displayed. Applications will automatically display the current theme elements when running Mac OS 8 if they behave correctly and use toolbox calls for their menu, control and window definitions. In Mac OS 8 all themes are system-wide so that all applications and the Finder will display a consistent interface appearance.
Compatibility with Mac OS 8 Appearance Manager and Themes
Generally, any custom interface controls or alterations made to elements of the System 7 interface require custom window, control and menu definitions. These elements will visually appear as they were coded instead of inheriting their proper appearance from the current theme when running on Mac OS 8. Even implementing this Apple Grayscale Appearance For System 7.5 specification includes the same risk of incompatibility that any custom interface definitions will have when switching themes under Mac OS 8.
To maintain interface compatibility for themes, it is recommended that implementing System 7 custom interface definitions in applications be avoided. Unless the Mac OS 8 high-level tool box has been used, custom interface elements will be incapable of displaying their proper appearance from a Mac OS 8 theme. This will result in a "patchwork" appearance, mixing the application's custom interface elements with those of the current Mac OS 8 theme.