Delphi Transparency Demo

A Delphi VCL application demonstrating multiple window transparency and blur techniques on Windows.

This project showcases several distinct methods to apply window transparency and blur effects to a native Delphi form: SetWindowCompositionAttribute (Acrylic), DWM Blur Behind, Windows Magnification API, AlphaBlend (Simple), AlphaBlend (Complex), and Smooth Acrylic (Hybrid).

---

Overview

This tool allows developers to experiment with different Windows transparency techniques in a single VCL form. Users can switch between methods via a combo box, and the application ensures that switching methods fully resets previous effects, preventing overlaps or visual artifacts.

Supported methods:

1. None — No transparency applied
2. AlphaBlend (Simple) — Standard layered window alpha blending
3. AlphaBlend (Complex) — Gradient alpha blending with per-pixel control
4. SetWindowCompositionAttribute (Acrylic) — Modern blur/alpha effect (requires HDR-capable hardware for best results)
5. DWM Blur Behind — Classic Aero blur (performance may vary on HDR displays)
6. Windows Magnification API — Custom alpha blending using the Magnifier window
7. Smooth Acrylic (Hybrid) — Dynamic SWCA blur that adapts during window resizing (optimized for HDR-capable GPUs)

---

Features

• Native Delphi VCL Win32 / Win64 implementation
• Switchable transparency methods at runtime
• Automatic clearing of previous effects
• ComboBox and form controls remain interactive
• Magnifier API window placed behind controls to avoid input blocking
• Smooth Acrylic dynamically adapts during resize
• Lightweight and self-contained (no external dependencies)
• Certain blur effects may require HDR-capable hardware for proper rendering

---

Requirements

• Windows 10 / 11
• Magnification.dll available (built-in to Windows)
• Delphi 12 or compatible version for compilation
• HDR-capable hardware (GPU + Monitor) recommended for Acrylic / Smooth Acrylic effects

---

Project Structure

Core components:

• ApplyAlphaBlend — Applies simple layered window alpha blending
• ApplyComplexAlphaBlend — Creates per-pixel alpha gradient effects
• ApplySWCA — Sets Acrylic blur using SetWindowCompositionAttribute
• ApplyDwmBlur — Enables DWM Blur Behind
• ApplyMagnifier — Uses Windows Magnification API for alpha blending
• ApplySmoothAcrylic — Hybrid Acrylic effect with dynamic WndProc adjustments
• SetSWCAAccent — Helper to set specific SWCA accent states
• ClearEffects — Resets all previously applied transparency effects
• ApplyMethod — Switches between methods safely
• ComboBox for runtime selection of transparency technique

---

Intended Use

• Learning Windows transparency APIs
• UI experimentation with blur and alpha effects
• Prototype effects for Delphi VCL applications

---

Limitations

• All methods have potential for performance impact
• SWCA/Acrylic and Smooth Acrylic effects perform best on HDR-capable hardware
• Visual appearance may vary based on OS theme and hardware acceleration
• Some older GPUs & Monitors may not fully support advanced rendering methods

---

⚠️ This readme (documentation) was generated with the assistance of AI.

⚠️ All code is human written.