The uniqueness that is the iMac, both from hardware and industrial design standpoints, cries out for a unified look and feel right down to the CPU. This not only goes for the packaging it comes in, and the computer's exterior design itself, but also what appears on the iMac's monitors. Up until the very release of the computer, there was almost no mention about whether or not the iMac would sport its own custom designed desktop themes, patterns or icons. It is only now that we know the iMac does come with new desktop patterns, but that is it. This is where the iMac OS collection comes in.
The iMac OS collection is meant as a designed _compliment_ to the iMac's appearance. That is to say it is not based literally on the exact look and feel of the iMac. The colors are similar, but not dead on, the curves suggest the iMac, but don't imitate it. This was a conscious effort on my part, so that when you looked at these icons on your iMac's desktop, you wouldn't get "iMac overload". The set also contains something unique for an Iconfactory collection - prototypes. I've included the rough prototypes I created on the road to the final iMac OS look and feel. Its kind of interesting to see the design process in action and this small file gives would be iconists a look into how its sometimes done.
The enclosed folder contains 63 iMac OS icons that are intended as a compliment to Apple's new iMac computer. These files can be used to replace virtually every aspect of your iMac's system icons. From the iTrash and generic iFiles to folders covering all the major subjects and topics on a typical computer (games, utilities, applications, internet, etc), the iMac OS collection stands as an all new look and feel just ready to be used to customize your Mac.
You may not use these files for purposes other than icons (such as in a Kaleidoscope scheme for example) without expressed permission from the author.
Although a shareware fee is not required to make use of these files, contributions are encouraged and can be sent to:
The Iconfactory
Box 7504
Greensboro, NC 27407
How To make Use of iMac OS as Mac Icons:
1. You need system 7 or higher.
2. Do a "Get Info" (File menu) on the original iMac OS icon file that you want to use.
3. Click on the icon in the window; choose "Copy" (Edit menu).
4. Close the window, then "Get Info" on destination file/disk.
5. Click on the icon, choose "Paste" (Edit menu). (this method won't work on the trash can)
6. Don't forget to e-mail us and let me know what you think!
On replacing the trash icon:
Many people ask us how to go about replacing their Mac's trash icon with a custom one. There are several ways to go about replacing the trash icon, but we don't recommend messing around with system resources unless you are fairly versed with ResEdit. If you're not sure you want to mess with the guts of your Mac's system files (and are using pre-Mac OS 8 system software) then may we recommend a program called Zonkers! from Nova Development. Zonkers provides users with a safe, fast and easy way to customize ALL system level icons with the click of a mouse (unless you're running Mac OS 8). If you'd like to learn more about Zonkers! for the Mac and all the neat things it can do then head for: <http://www.novadevcorp.com>
There is also a program called Dumpster that will do similar things that zonkers will. In addition, Dumpster should work on Mac's running System 8.x You can find out more about Dumpster from the links page of the Iconfactory.
Contact:
Gedeon Maheux - gedeonM@aol.com
The Iconfactory - webmaster@iconfactory.com
More Stuff for your Mac:
For the ultimate collection of kick butt icons for the Macintosh, we've created a place called The Iconfactory. The Iconfactory has quickly established itself as the premiere web page for Macintosh icons. If your tired of looking for quality icons for your Mac, but only finding junk, then The Iconfactory is for you! We would love to have you add The Iconfactory to your list of bookmarks. The URL is:
http://www.iconfactory.com
If desktop patterns are more your cup of tea, then you'll want to visit The DeskStop: 3D Desktop Patterns for your Mac. Mindy Weaver & Gedeon Maheux have started the site as a one- stop source for cool, dimensional textures for use on the web, with 3D modeling software or just on your Mac's desktop. Drop by The DeskStop today at:
http://members.aol.com/deskstop/index.html
Thanks:
With the release of the iMac, Apple has once again proven that it was the company responsible for putting the "Personal" in Personal Computer. Seeing the iMac in person at E3 in Atlanta, was nothing short of exciting. Being a design nut, I was very impressed with Apple's industrial design departure for the iMac. I walked all around it and thought "Yep, this is the one." After all - "Form follows function." Thanks Apple for giving me yet more ammunition in the fight to convince PC users that the Mac is the best computer available today!
Thanks also go out to our very own Craig Hockenberry for suggesting the idea for the iMac OS set in the first place. Craig sent me a set of iMac icons someone had done in the rush to be one of the first out there. The icons came attached with a simple message... "I think we could do better." That little seed is sometimes all it takes. Thanks Craig!
