Window titlebars in Windows 2000 are 'painted' with a gradient fade whose fade formula appears to be dependent on the width of a window, i.e. the wider a window, the 'slower' the fade.

Does anyone know how these fades are accomplished? Are there sysmetric() style properties that determine the starting and ending fade color and/or the characteristics/angle/direction of the fade?

Are there Windows API functions (or VFP code equivalents) that can be used to paint a gradient within a specific region of a form or container? Might it be possible to use a gradient background image that gets 'stretched' to fill its container?

Possible uses:

1. Designing a class that acts as a replacement for a standard Windows titlebar where one would want to duplicate the Windows 2000 gradient effect of a native titlebar

2. As a way to fill specific containers (forms, containers) with a specific background effect (similar to the gradient effects available in PowerPoint and Word boxes)

Any feedback appreciated - including comments regarding the sanity of this posting ;)

Thanks!
Malcolm