Lesson 2: Designing the User Interface in VB2019

Prior to creating a Visual Basic 2019 project, you need to conceive an idea of what kind of project you intend to develop. Whether it's a desktop game, multimedia app, financial app, or database management app, having a clear vision is crucial.

2.1 Customizing the Default Form

When you start a new Visual Basic 2019 project, the IDE displays the default form along with the Solution Explorer and Properties windows. The Properties window is your central hub for customizing form appearance during design-time.

Understanding the Properties Window

The Properties window comprises an object drop-down list, a list of properties, and a description pane that explains the selected property.

Let's configure these essential properties for Form1:

You can select colors from three tabs in the color picker:

2.2 Changing Form Properties at Runtime

You can dynamically modify form properties during program execution using code. The default form is represented by the Me keyword:

' Change form properties at runtime
Me.BackColor = Color.Cyan

Example 2.1: Setting Form Properties in Code

Public Class Form1
    Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        Me.Text = "My First VB2019 Program"
        Me.BackColor = Color.Pink
        Me.MaximizeBox = False
        Me.MinimizeBox = True
    End Sub
End Class

Example 2.2: Advanced Form Customization

Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
    Me.Text = "My First VB2019 Project"
    Me.BackColor = Color.Beige
    Me.MaximizeBox = False
    Me.MinimizeBox = True
    
    ' Set form size to 400x400 pixels
    Me.Size = New Size(400, 400)
    
    ' Set form opacity to 85%
    Me.Opacity = 0.85
    
    ' Center form on screen
    Me.CenterToParent()
End Sub

Next Lesson

Ready to learn how to enhance the UI? Continue to Lesson 3: Enhancing the UI.

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