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EDITOR NOTES
As the last version of the software to be released as freeware, the page to which we are linked requests a donation, but does not require it for download.
DESCRIPTION
CrystalClear Interface (CCI) is a powerful system add-on that lets you customize certain aspects of the Mac OS X "Aqua" interface. Version 2.x adds significantly to the CCI feature set, and is also designed to be easier to control and configure. The 5 basic sets of interface components that you can customize through CCI are: - Window transparency
- The color of windows and some text fields
- The "frame" of various window types
- Miscellaneous items such as scrollbars and the system menubar
- Buttons, tabs, and other interface widgets
In addition, CCI provides several other interface enhancements that you can use if desired: - Animating the opening and closing of windows
- Using "Single Application Mode" (SAM), which reduces window clutter by keeping only one application active at a time. Use the built-in application switcher (command-Tab) to switch applications.
- For the active application, replacing its name in the system menubar with its icon.
- Allowing users to move windows by more than just the titlebar.
- Blurring the background for greater usability with very transparent windows.
- A selection of preset themes, making switching among the numerous possible combinations of color, transparency, and window frames a snap.
- Using recessed-style popup buttons.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 2.2.1.1:
- This release is a universal binary that will work on both Intel and PowerPC systems.
- It fixes a bug that caused certain kinds of windows (e.g., Adium's Contacts list) to gradually expand vertically each time they were reopened.
- It also updates the version number shown on CCI's windows to 2.2.1.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
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| CrystalClear Interface User Reviews (25 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Sep 2 2009 |
LLSCOTTS Quick update: I discovered a problem in the 2.2.1 installer (affected Leopard, not Snow Leopard), so I unlinked the download temporarily this afternoon. The CCI 2.2.1 installer is now fixed, and the DMG file is back online.
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Sep 2 2009 |
CCI can be used on Snow Leopard, but will not load into applications running under the standard 64-bit memory system. Most of Apple's own applications run as 64-bit apps by default, and some newer third-party ones do as well. For these applications, you can load CCI by opening the Info window in the Finder and selecting "Open 32-bit" checkbox. In addition, the CCI graphics module is not yet compatible with Snow Leopard, so you'll see the default Snow Leopard buttons and other widgets rather than CCI's. Enhancements for using CCI on Snow Leopard are in the works. Update 09.01.09: CCI 2.2.1 now has a Snow-Leopard-compatible installer and uninstaller that can be used to add or remove CrystalClear Interface on Snow Leopard.
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 2 2009 |
PISSNAROUND The installer in the CCI 2.2.1 image is 2.1 created June 17th, 2009
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| Sep 2 2009 |
WEB-JIVE The download link says 2.2.1 but when you open the DMG, 2.1 is the only install option so, it won't install on Snow Leopard.
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 2 2009 |
LEE123 Did you read the third comment down? Did you note the System Requirements listed right above the comments?
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| Sep 2 2009 |
LEE123 Whoops, sorry. Should have been a little less snarky. I see what you mean as the Developer refers to the old version not installing on leopard but not this new one 2.2.1.
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| Sep 2 2009 |
MILESLONG I'm a little confused after reading the comments below. Does 2.2.1 install and work properly on Snow Leopard? I know not to install 2.2 but I wasn't sure if you meant all 2.2 installs or just 2.2 and inferring that 2.2.1 was good to go. One thing to remember everyone is that this is a free download so any comments should be constructive and not disparaging.
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 2 2009 |
PISSNAROUND although this .dmg file says it's 2.2.1. it appears to be 2.1 and won't install in snow leopard.
(Version 2.2.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Aug 27 2009 |
LLSCOTTS UPDATE: 08/27/09 22:40 EST A new version of CCI 2.2 has been uploaded that fixes the two problems noted earlier this evening. Version 2.2.0.2 prevents installation on Snow Leopard, and it fixes the bug in the uninstaller that made it unusable for those who had installed 2.2.0.1.
(Version 2.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Aug 27 2009 |
LLSCOTTS NOTE: The current version has two bugs that will be fixed soon. In the meantime, please note the following: - Do NOT install CCI 2.2 on Snow Leopard - The uninstaller included with CCI 2.2.0.1 (the current version) does not work. It will be fixed soon, and I'll add a note to that effect here. | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 30 2009 |
DBIALAC I think this has some potential as OSX Leopard on its own is very ugly. I have no idea what they were thinking with a bland blue and gray interface. Oh wait, I do. Steve Jobs was dying. So anyway in theory, this program makes things look better, and in fact it does just that. Unfortunately at the same time it causes some headaches. First, it makes any animated videos flash with giant white boxes -- not fun for watching YouTube, Hulu, DVDs, etc. Secondly it doesn't seem that all of the kinks are worked out which seems odd because a 2.1.4 version would seem to indicate a stable second-generation product. I think I'd be more likely to call this an alpha fit for a developer willing to put up with a lot of crashes than somebody doing their daily business. But despite my negative comment, I want to offer this as constructive criticism. This app has a lot of potential to get rid of my Vista-envy (yes, I think Windows Vista looks WORLDS better than OSX), if the author would just spend some time working on stability rather than new features.
(Version 2.1.4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jun 16 2009 |
KOSOVAR1 I updated to CCI 2.1.3 excluded Launchbar and Finder Windows Manager from within the preference pane, then I rebooted. This time, these two programs didn't crash automatically as they did before and I was enjoying the new GUI's look very much. Unfortunately after two full day's use of CCI on the computer, I experienced a general destabilization across the board. I saw frequent crashes from programs that had almost never crashed before I installed CCI, like Safari 4.0 and others. I hope that CCI can be fixed eventually. If it remains unusable, I hope that at least the "Marble" interface will be implemented in Snow Leopard because the version 10.5.6's Leopard interface is so bland.
(Version 2.1.3) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jun 16 2009 |
ANONYMOUS I know the art of reading is slowly dying, and I'm also a believer in the notion that good software should not require users to read a manual. That said, I can't imagine releasing software without a "Help" document. The (rather extensive) one included with CCI has two sections that are worth reading for users who have difficulties they'd like to work around if possible: In Usage Tips, there's an entry that suggests turning off window animations if you experience general instability. That's probably the one feature of CCI that is most likely to cause apps to crash, and it's the first "Extra" I'd suggest you try to do without.
(Version 2.1.3) | |
 | Jun 15 2009 |
KOSOVAR1 I would love to have a utility like this that would alter the GUI by adding transparency, but this one simply isn't stable. That was immediately apparent when I installed it and logged in again. It caused my old standbys, Finder Window Manager and Launchbar, not to work anymore and just for those reasons alone, I can't use CCI. Also, the MU menu icon turns into an black eyesore in the menubar. By the way, I DID exclude these two utilities in CCI and logged out, but somehow it's still prevents them from working after logging in again. Too bad. Also, the overall effect for me on some apps is a bit disconcerting although intriguing. Mystique imparts a much less dramatic on the Mac OSX GUI and is a lot more stable, but that one is crippled by neglect. Thanks for the developer of CCIU for trying, though.
(Version 2.1.3) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jun 15 2009 |
EASER Look into a freeware called "Afloat."
(Version 2.1.3) | |
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