Dark Mode for OS 9?

[retr01]

Now I have a Mac mini G4 with macOS 9.2.2. The problem is that I have difficulty viewing the screen comfortably because of typical white background. I see more comfortably and can use a lot longer in dark mode.

So, I am wondering if anyone has come across a CDEV that changes the screen, theme, etc,. to dark mode?

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

This package might have something easier on the eyes: https://www.macintoshrepository.org/2549-appearance-manager-themes-add-ons-mac-os-8-9-

 

[retr01]

Thank you, @3lectr1cPPC. What about Kaleidoscope? Doesn't that slow down even on a Mac mini G4?

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

No problem, never heard of kaleidoscope unfortunately.

 

[Phipli]

Thank you, @3lectr1cPPC. What about Kaleidoscope? Doesn't that slow down even on a Mac mini G4?

Kaleidoscope won't slow a G4 down noticeably. It runs at speed on a 25MHz machine, let alone a 1.25GHz machine.

The theme "Onyx" might be what you want.

 

[Romko23]

This may be a little off topic, but can platinum sound be changed on OS 9 for something better?

 

[Phipli]

This may be a little off topic, but can platinum sound be changed on OS 9 for something better?

Yup! Its called off.

 

[MrFahrenheit]

Yup! Its called off.

I know many hated jt, but I liked having it. I use a G5 for some work stuff, and I have it enabled on mine (still!)

I always found it strange that the sound effects had cut-off issues when virtual memory was enabled, or when run under Mac OS X (Classic). I kind of liked the sound effects, but only without the cut-off issue.

 

[Phipli]

I know many hated jt, but I liked having it. I use a G5 for some work stuff, and I have it enabled on mine (still!)

I always found it strange that the sound effects had cut-off issues when virtual memory was enabled, or when run under Mac OS X (Classic). I kind of liked the sound effects, but only without the cut-off issue.

I always turned it off in seconds. I sort of found it like having someone humming under their breath next to you. I didn't use 9 much back in the day.

I think it was just... too much. If it had been a couple of things, but not constant. I was fine with Windowshade's woosh, and I'd have been ok with eject and perhaps menu select, but not dragging and windows opening and closing etc.

I extracted them for someone a while back :

MacOS 9.2 Sounds

MacOS 9.2 Sounds This download contains the default system sounds from MacOS 9.2. Specifically the following three types of file (split into two folders), in WAV format. System SoundsSounds from in…

stuffandnonsense.elephantandchicken.co.uk

 

[Daxeria]

This may be a little off topic, but can platinum sound be changed on OS 9 for something better?

Here are a few dozen options: http://macintoshgarden.org/apps/assorted-sound-set-collections-mac-os-85-922

 

[CC_333]

I always turned it off in seconds. I sort of found it like having someone humming under their breath next to you. I didn't use 9 much back in the day.

I just tried something weird by taking all the sounds and playing them simultaneously. It kind of sounds like something big is being squished, with a pair of ratchets constantly running in the background.

c

 

[retr01]

Kaleidoscope won't slow a G4 down noticeably. It runs at speed on a 25MHz machine, let alone a 1.25GHz machine.

The theme "Onyx" might be what you want.

Thanks. Yes, it flies on my Mini G4. Unfortunately, for some reason, it crashes. Maybe I need to get rid of all those themes I downloaded and put them there? There are about 4,000 themes.

 

[retr01]

hmmm...honestly, none of those dark themes I find in those huge Kaleidoscope theme packs are what I am looking for exactly. I'd like to make my own theme.

So, I wonder how did folks make the themes for Kaleidoscope?

 

[Phipli]

I.... think there were resedit templates? Its a long time since I've poked a Kaleidoscope theme.

 

[MrFahrenheit]

I wonder if there was an Apple SDK for the themes prior to Mac OS 8 (and Copland).

 

[Phipli]

The Kaleidoscope Way - a guide to colour scheme design

A guide to the world of plug-in color schemes for Kaleidoscope by Greg Landweber. Kaleidoscope allows you to redesign the MacOS user interface.

personal.ee.surrey.ac.uk

 

[retr01]

Nice guide. Thank you, @Phipli!

I came across nice themes by someone:

mass:werk <kaleidoscope schemes>

Kaleidoscope Schemes for Classic Mac OS by mass:werk - media environments, Norbert Landsteiner

www.masswerk.at

 

[Phipli]

I wonder if there was an Apple SDK for the themes prior to Mac OS 8 (and Copland).

Allegedly they were converting Kaleidoscope Schemes into Themes

Although I have no idea if its true.

 

[retr01]

So far, the BlackOut theme works best for now. I would've liked to see the window shade and the little box close a Lil better, as it is a tad too dark. Nevertheless, it is dark mode well enough for now.

I know some folks did create themes that macOS 9 meets Yosemite and other OS X versions. Maybe someone will make the dark mode theme for macOS 9 just as we see in Monterey?

 

[da kine]

For those interested in creating your own Kaleidoscope Color Schemes there's a WYSIWYG editor, Designer's Studio, which also includes a package of complete schemes, available here: http://www.akamaidesign.com/studio/