README

BraunUI Component Library for Lazarus/FPC 📻

A pixel-perfect, skeuomorphic UI component library for Lazarus/FPC inspired by Dieter Rams' classic Braun designs. Features highly detailed knobs, faders, switches, LEDs, and dynamic theming to bring vintage hi-fi aesthetics to your modern applications.

✨ Features

• Skeuomorphic Design: Meticulously crafted 3D lighting, drop shadows, and deboss effects.
• High-Quality Rendering: Powered by BGRABitmap for smooth antialiasing, alpha blending, and gradient transitions.
• Global Theme Manager: Switch the entire UI palette instantly with a single property change.
• Flicker-Free: Custom drawing logic designed to prevent black box glitches and double-drawing.

📦 Components Included

• TBraunRotaryKnob - A tactile, rotating dial with precision grip.
• TBraunFader - A smooth vertical sliding fader with scale markings.
• TBraunGauge - A curved analog indicator gauge.
• TBraunLatchingButton - A mechanical push-button that stays depressed when activated.
• TBraunRoundButton - A standard momentary push-button with beautiful deboss press effects.
• TBraunRockerSwitch - A classic 2-way rocking switch.
• TBraunToggleSwitch - A mechanical toggle lever.
• TBraunSlideSwitch - A horizontal sliding selector.
• TBraunLEDIndicator - A realistic glass dome LED with bloom/glow effects (Red, Green, Blue, etc.).
• TBraunLCDDisplay - A retro-digital display panel inspired by the Braun ET66 calculator.
• TBraunSquareButtonGroup - Grouped functional switches.
• TBraunThemeManager - A non-visual component to control global form themes.

🎨 Dynamic Theming

The library includes a robust TBraunThemeManager that allows you to change the look of your entire application in real-time. Available themes:

1. Classic Light: The iconic off-white/ivory aesthetic of the 1960s Braun appliances.
2. Studio Dark: A sleek, matte black finish for professional audio/video software.
3. Silver Aluminum: A metallic, hi-fi stereo system look from the 1980s.

⚙️ Requirements & Dependencies

• Lazarus IDE (Tested on recent versions)
• Free Pascal Compiler (FPC)
• BGRABitmap: You must install the BGRABitmap package via Online Package Manager (OPM) before installing this library.

🚀 Installation

1. Make sure BGRABitmap is installed in your Lazarus IDE.
2. Clone or download this repository.
3. Open Lazarus, go to Package -> Open Package File (.lpk).
4. Select braunui.lpk from the downloaded folder.
5. Click Compile to verify the package.
6. Click Install and rebuild Lazarus when prompted.
7. The components will now appear in your Component Palette under the BraunUI tab!

💡 Quick Start Usage

1. Drop a TBraunGrillePanel onto your form and set its Align to alClient for a beautiful textured background.
2. Drop various switches, faders, and LEDs inside the panel.
3. Add TBraunThemeManager to the form. Change its Theme property in the Object Inspector to instantly restyle all components.

🏛️ Inspiration

This project is a tribute to the legendary industrial designer Dieter Rams and his "Less, but better" (Ten Principles for Good Design) philosophy during his tenure at Braun.

☕ Support the Project

If you find BraunUI helpful and want to support its ongoing development, consider buying me a coffee or sending a tip. Any support is deeply appreciated!

💡 Your support keeps the momentum going!
Every contribution directly fuels my passion, energy, and motivation to continuously build, maintain, and release even more useful open-source desktop applications for the developer community.

📄 License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.