Skin (computer)
A skin ( Engl. , Skin ',' trim '), sometimes design or Feathers (' Feathers') is a collection of graphic elements and settings that the appearance of a graphical interface of operating systems , programs or websites or change set .
A composition of this kind was originally referred to as a theme ('theme (tik)', '(guiding) motif', 'tonality', 'mood') if it changed more than just the appearance, such as sounds. Typical topics are for example “jungle / forest ”, the “ sea ” or “ nature ” in general as well as stars and celebrities or the appearance of other systems. The possibilities range from resource -saving to kitschy .
Skins / themes enable, for example, larger fonts, icons and buttons or a science fiction fan a corresponding environment.
Depending on the application, skins / themes often provide new functions. Skins / themes can be available as a package or individual elements, as free software or proprietary .
Typically, with applications that support skins / themes, a parameter in the configuration - sometimes also user- or application-dependent - can be used to easily switch between several skins / themes. For this, the interfaces between the application and the user interface must be designed in a modular manner.
Examples
Operating system level: In some cases, entire design packages can also be adapted here. Or it is possible to modify individual representations, including background images, window frames, icons or mouse pointers . In the private amateur sector, this is known as desk modding .
Smartphones : A typical case are various skins thatcan be “slipped over”a smartphone in order to change their appearance and behavior.
Application software : In this area you can often find skins for web browsers and media players . Many instant messengers also support a design change.
Web applications: Popular content management systems and blogs such as WordPress , Joomla or Drupal support themes, some of which include new functions.