libwinblur 1.0.0

Winblur

Winblur provides a streamlined integration for implementing Microsoft Windows 11 Mica and Acrylic backdrop effects within Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications. This library is specifically engineered for projects targeting .NET Framework 4.8.

Essential Prerequisite

To enable the Windows 11 Desktop Window Manager (DWM) to communicate with the application, the project must be explicitly declared as compatible with Windows 10/11. Failure to perform this step will result in the application defaulting to a legacy rendering mode where transparency effects are disabled.

Steps

1. Right-click the project in Solution Explorer
2. Select Add → New Item
3. Choose Application Manifest File (typically named app.manifest)
4. Locate the <compatibility> node and ensure the following supportedOS entry is uncommented:

<compatibility xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:compatibility.v1">
  <application>
    <supportedOS Id="{8e0f7a12-bfb3-4fe8-b9a5-48fd50a15a9a}" />
  </application>
</compatibility>

Installation

Via NuGet Package Manager

The most efficient method of installation is through the NuGet Package Manager:

1. Navigate to Project → Manage NuGet Packages
2. Search for winblur
3. Install the package authored by wyntxr

Manual Installation

1. Download the latest winblur.zip from the Releases tab
2. Extract the contents to the project directory
3. Right-click References and select Add Reference
4. Locate and select winblur.dll

Usage

To implement the backdrop:

• Include the winblur namespace in MainWindow.xaml
• Set the window background to Transparent
• Use WindowChrome to extend the frame into the client area

<Window x:Class="YourNamespace.MainWindow"
        xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
        xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
        xmlns:wb="clr-namespace:winblur;assembly=winblur"
        wb:Backdrop.Mode="Mica"
        Background="Transparent"
        Title="Winblur Application"
        Height="450"
        Width="800">

    <WindowChrome.WindowChrome>
        <WindowChrome GlassFrameThickness="-1"
                      CaptionHeight="32"
                      CornerRadius="0" />
    </WindowChrome.WindowChrome>

    <Grid>
        <TextBlock Text="Content remains visible over the backdrop"
                   Foreground="White"
                   HorizontalAlignment="Center"
                   VerticalAlignment="Center" />
    </Grid>
</Window>

Backdrop Options

• Mica: An opaque, long-lived surface that adopts its appearance from the user's desktop wallpaper.
• Acrylic: A translucent, frosted-glass effect that reveals windows and surfaces behind the application.
• Tabbed: A variation of the Mica effect designed specifically for hierarchical tabbed window structures.

Technical Notes

• Transparency Effects: Ensure transparency effects are enabled in Windows Settings under Personalization → Colors.
• Power Settings: Windows 11 may automatically disable these effects when the device is in Battery Saver mode.

Authors

• alya / @wyntxr

License

This project is licensed under the BSD 3-Clause License.