Byteform

Resource flippers begone!

You know you should have changed over to Carbon NIB years ago, but you stayed with resources because they still worked fine. Now, you need to port your code to Intel, and things aren't looking so good.

Until now, you had two choices: re-draft your layouts in Interface Builder from scratch, or keep hacking your resource-based applications, add a few resource flippers and hope. The first option is painful, and stops you doing worthwhile development; the second option is ugly, and will increase costs of testing and localisation down the line.

If you're considering a move from resource-based UI to Carbon-nib, you should download Migrator now! Migrator will faithfully convert your existing resource-based menus, windows and layouts into Carbon-nib files. Control items and PowerPlant included!

PowerPlant spoken here

Migrator understands 'PPob' resources! If you've been thinking of moving your PowerPlant projects to Apple's toolset, then Migrator provides the essential first step: getting all of your layout resources over to the new platform. Also, Migrator preserves command and pane IDs, so you don't have to pick through InterfaceBuilder, adding control constants.

If you've got custom classes, that's no problem either: by adding some additional information to your custom type definitions ('CTYP' resources), Migrator will translate your custom classes into Carbon controls.

Strings

Migrator also converts your string resources to Unicode .strings files. You can control the arrangement of your strings, and the key values used in the files.

Doesn't Interface Builder do this for free?

Not really: Interface Builder has an "Import" function, but it handles only the most basic of dialogs windows and menus. You don't get dialog layouts ('DITL' resources not attached to a window) at all, nor do you get popup menus or standalone 'MENU' resources. And of course, if you're using PowerPlant, Interface Builder won't help at all

New in version 1.0.3

Migrator version 1.0.3 adds support for 'xmnu' resources, so you won't have to pick through your NIB files, re-attaching menu commands and non-alphabetic key bindings.

Where to Buy

Migrator is distributed as a demonstration version. This demo functions just like the full version, except that the demo deliberately jumbles the text of your layouts and strings. You will still be able to use the output of the demo version in Interface Builder, and in your products, but it won't be suitable for shipping!