Controls on top, like TPanel can do?

Question

My program is doing a time consuming task, and I would like to display a TImage in the middle of the application window, but it will not stay on top - my VST is always on top. However, when I use a TPanel, it stays on top? How can I make my TImage do that?

In fact, a solution that applies to all controls would be splendid :)

Thanks!

Answer 1

You need a windowed control (that is, a control with a window handle, or a "proper" control) to display your message, because a non-windowed control cannot be visible above a windowed control. The easiest solution is to place the TImage in a TPanel and set Image1.Align := alClient and Panel1.BorderStyle := bsNone.

If you wish to draw a semi-transparent bitmap on top of your ordinary controls, you can do like I always do:

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
var
  bm: TBitmap;
  png: TPngImage;
begin
  // The form contains a hidden TPanel (somewhere on the form)
  // with a TImage (alClient).

  // png is a PNG image with an alpha channel
  png := TPngImage.Create;
  try
    png.LoadFromFile('C:\Users\Andreas Rejbrand\Pictures\alpha.png');
    // Create bitmap of form and blend PNG on it
    bm := GetFormImage;
    try
      bm.Canvas.Draw(0, 0, png);
      Image1.Picture.Bitmap := bm;
    finally
      bm.Free;
    end;
    Panel1.Align := alClient;
    Panel1.BringToFront;
    Panel1.Show;
  finally
    png.Free;
  end;
end;

Sample result http://privat.rejbrand.se/formdraw.png

Answer 2

A TImage does not have a window associated with it and that's the difference between it and the panel.

Add a panel, and put the image inside the panel, i.e. the image's parent is the panel. Then you can bring the image to the front by bringing the panel to the front.

Did you think about hiding your VST?