We have finally released CPL Builder v. 2.0. Among other new features, now it allows to use any icon format in the built applets, even icons inside executables and libraries.
CPL Builder is the easiest way to create Control Panel Applets. Have you ever tried to make one? You probably checked that it's not an easy job, specially if you use programming languages like Visual Basic. CPL Builder makes it easier, building a small cpl file that launches your own configuration program. Don't get bored with C++ or Delphi; Task of making a Control Panel Applet isn't easy and could take you too much time. Let CPL Builder make everything concerning to the Control Panel and enjoy. CPL Builder has been made using a special technology that makes Applets the smallest and the fastest ones!! A simple applet with a 16-colors icon will only take about 4.5 Kb. You won't find a better solution.
Usage
This is the main program window, where you can select almost all the options available:
Main
CPL File Name: Name of the generated applet. You don't have to append ".cpl" extension.
CPL Name: Name shown in Control Panel (Can be up to 40 characters long). You can see a preview in the main program window.
CPL Description: When you click Applets in the Control Panel, they show a short description in the status bar to explain what applet does (Description can be up to 140 characters long).
Settings
Icon: Here, you will be able to select your applet's icon. CPL Builder supports ALL icon formats. Even icons inside executable files or libraries!! (Supports Windows XP icon format)
Shell Program: You can select here the configuration program that your Applet will run once it is double-clicked. Although you can specify full path to the executable (e.g. C:\MyWinDir\System\MyConfig.exe) that's not recommendable. We suggest you to write only the executable file name (in this case MyConfig.exe) and copy it to your Windows or System folder. CPL Builder will also look in all directories in the PATH environment variable, so you have the last choice.
This is the settings window:
Generate applets in... Here you can select the directory where applets will be placed when generated. By default is the CPL Builder directory.
Copy generated Applets to System directory: With this option checked, generated Applets will also be copied to your Windows/System directory.
Generate '.reg' file for Windows 2000 CPL registration: Creates a .reg file that will install your applet in the Windows 2000 registry, so it will be shown in the Control Panel when copied to the System directory. Please, remember that this is only needded in Windows 2000, not in any other Windows version (95,98,ME,NT4,XP).
Generate '.exe' file for Windows 2000 CPL registration: Creates an .exe file to install your applet in the Windows 2000 registry.
If you need further information about CPL Builder usage, you can download the complete manual from here.
Licensing information
This program is shareware. You can download a demo version to try it and check if it meets your requirements. However, demo version has a limitation: you can't write your custom icon to generated applets. Once you purchase a license, this feature will be unlocked.
Support
CPL Builder customers can register with Cucaracha Software to receive unlimited support over it. Also, new versions of CPL Builder will be FREE for them.
Download
You can get CPL Builder from the downloads section.
CPL Builder is the easiest way to create Control Panel Applets. Have you ever tried to make one? You probably checked that it's not an easy job, specially if you use programming languages like Visual Basic. CPL Builder makes it easier, building a small cpl file that launches your own configuration program. Don't get bored with C++ or Delphi; Task of making a Control Panel Applet isn't easy and could take you too much time. Let CPL Builder make everything concerning to the Control Panel and enjoy. CPL Builder has been made using a special technology that makes Applets the smallest and the fastest ones!! A simple applet with a 16-colors icon will only take about 4.5 Kb. You won't find a better solution.
