SHROOOO0MS  HELP !!!!!!

okay so i download shape shifter right. well right after i download it says " Could not load ShapeShifter preference pane."

i need help what do i do ?  
(Version 2.5)

KENTR  I paid for Shapeshifter a few years back and thought that this program would be supported into the future. I've been waiting and waiting...

Will this ever work with 10.5? How about 10.6? Is this program done? Should we all just stop waiting? What's the deal?  
(Version 2.5)

KZX72  Magnifique - http://magnifique.pcwizcomputer.com/forum/portal.php  
(Version 2.5)

FATAL_SE7EN  Hey you guys up in unsanity, leopards been out for like a year and a half now.. and I still don't see a compatibility update in sight.. I dont know maybe you guys are making it compatible with snow leopard and will blow us away with its stability in the New 10.6.. however I doubt it.  
(Version 2.5)

EASER  Go here:

http://www.slightlypretentious.com/

Unsanity's days are numbered.  
(Version 2.5)

TIM27  freakin' 10.6 will be out before this is updated for leapoard!  
(Version 2.5)

MARIVAUX  Unfortunately, it crashes all of the Firefox 3 versions, at least on 10.4.11. It would be great to have a fix for this, since quite a lot of people use Firefox and a lot of us are still running 10.4--having paid for it, it would be nice if it were still maintained.  
(Version 2.5)

EASER  I've been using APE since it came out and never, not once, has it ever caused me a single problem. I use a host of Unsanity products as well as other programs that use APE. Again, no problems. Neither have I had any problems with this most recent version of ShapeShifter.

As for performance issues, I've found that it depends on the theme. Some themes I've used actually (at least subjectively) make my Mac seem faster than it does without SS. Seti, in particular, is exceptionally fast. So are Muku, Aluminite, iMetal, Cold, X-Metal, and Quad. I don't know why some themes bog my system down and others do not. But I do think that the speed issue needs to be examined in this light. Kaleidoscope themes had a similar range of performances.  
(Version 2.5)

SKRABDARA  Hi ! I updated to 2.5, trow away all themes, pushed the default button and then restart! Finder, still aren´t supported!!   
(Version 2.5)

MAZZBOY  It's great fun to change the same old boring look of OS X but be aware that it can cause problems with some software. I thought my Final Cut Pro was broken and sat here reinstalling everything, looking for help in the apple forums, when eventually it turned out that if I disabled ShapeShifter everything was fine again.

So basically what I'm saying is, if you are using it and something stops working properly, you can just disable it while you're using that application.  
(Version 2.4)

CRISTALLO  This app is great and works with 10.4.9 but I don't what happened with Download function since 2 days but I have this message "Forbidden - You don't have permission to access /content/titanium9/ on this server". So I can't download ShapeShifter guiKits from the app. My network works fine, my authorizations are repared...etc. I don't understand, if someone can help me ?  
(Version 2.4)

FLOUNDER  I used to like unsanity products but my last two support requests fell on deaf ears and I never heard from the devs about it. This is piss poor customer service. I doub't I'll be purchasing any more of their products anytime soon  
(Version 2.4)

CHIEFTED  Ok lets try this again. The reason there isn't a review in my last post is that ShapeShifter crashed, thereby loosing what work I had done.

The APE is a memory hog, it tends to crash when it feels like it and if you are using VirtueDesk (and in the future Spaces) the "theme" isn't applied to all the desktops/spaces.

Support can be summed up as pretty much non-exsistant (least when I asked the few questions).

I got this on the love it/hate it MacHiest holiday buy...if only I had known.  
(Version 2.4)

CHIEFTED  please backup your claims with reasons  
(Version 2.4)

RAMIREZ.G4  exclude DVD Studio Pro - SS brakes functionality of every dialog window  
(Version 2.4)

XARIK  It appears APE is the memory hog here. Without APE, memory usage seems to be normal for the most part. Hopefully they'll release an update for APE that solves the memory/lag issues that some people have been experiencing.  
(Version 2.4)

CAKEY  It's memory hog. Compare your XBench scores with and without shapeshifter/application enhancer enabled.

Very few themes work with it.   
(Version 2.4)

APPLECRYPT MODS  gr8 program, but i just wish more of the themes that are 'out there' appeared in the downloads tab. Save me hunting them down...or am i just lazy!?? ;-)

But there should be more themes available in here....

Gr8 program - 9.9/10 ;-)  
(Version 2.4)

TIM27  are we gonna see an intel version soon? it's been in beta for a loooong time now.  
(Version 2.3.1)

MATHIAS RHEIN  This software just works so nicely and fast- I mostly enjoy that no system files are changed while applying the mods.

Best of all, depending on the applied skin You'll notice an increase of speed in the GUI- just try it and get Tomorrow 2.0 and You'll be amazed...

cheers, mat!-)  
(Version 2.3.1)

JEFF H.  installs but then is "unable to contact****for update instructions" (or something like that).

Same ol' ShapeShi*er...still shlockey...

Figured I'd give it another try, but...  
(Version 2.3.1)

CONDROVIC  just bought my first mac ( macbook pro ) and would love to be able to use this software seems really great.  
(Version 2.3.1)

ALBABE  I have some problems with Unsanity.

I purchased WindowShade from them and it had all sorts of problems starting up (basically it wouldn't) in OS X 10.4.4. Their support was snitty and not any help at all. I finally figured out what their problem was, and when I told them how I got around their bad programming, I never got a "thanx" or...

So... this is why, as much as I'd like to get ShapeShifter, I'm very reticent.

albabe  
(Version 2.3.1)

DCHAMMER  As a paying customer, I'm a bit disappointed to see that I still can't use this program on my new Macbook Pro. Hopefully they will get Intel themes working soon.  
(Version 2.3.1)

DARUKARU  Of course, theming is completely different under Intel versions of the OS. But let's not let that stop anyone from complaining.  
(Version 2.3.1)

DOLPHINS_ECHO  Did unsanity NOT get the memo that the intel Macs require Universal Binaries?  
(Version 2.3.1)

SOLEFALD  U-N-I-V-E-R-S-A-L  
(Version 2.3.1)

SOLEFALD  U-N-I-V-E-R-S-A-L  
(Version 2.3.1)

SEISHI  So is Shapeshifter finally powerful enough for Omega, or is still need further tuning before it can use this state of the art theme?

(Duke Nukem Forever of Themes)  
(Version 2.3)

M2ATMAC  Since I got rid of this cr4p I have not had a single crash. My new theme is Iridium. Nice looking and it doesn't need shapeshifter. Give it a look. ;-)  
(Version 2.3)

NICOTINE  Completely screw up your Mac's stability is more like it. Just ran it on 10.4.5 and all hell broke lose upon reboot. It was fun in the beginning but all things must come to pass.  
(Version 2.3)

APPLECRYPT MODS  great program this and i've been using it for about a year - registered - without any problems. Those that do, i suggest you look elsewhere in your system for the problem. This is not a system hack!

It would be great if the download option was updated more often. Perhaps this is the fault of 3rd party theme designers not submitting their work to Unsanity? I dunno, but i'd love to see this feature updated a heck of a lot more often!!!

Can growl be used more? ie, to announce new downloadable themes??

Great software atm - 9.5/10 !! :D  
(Version 2.3)

JEFF H.  Hasn't everyone figured it out yet?

LEAVE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM ALONE!!!

Altering the core appearance of your OS almost always effects performance.

Shapeshifter looks kind of cool, at first, but it makes everything SO buggy that a clean install is usually not too far down the road. It may run fine for people that basically fart around on their Mac, but those that rely on their machine for a living should never alter the OS with an app like this or Might Mouse.

It could mean a day spent reinstalling everything and tweaking prefs in order to get everything running in accordance with your normal workflow...never mind any lost data...a day (or more?) lost!  
(Version 2.2)

ANONYMOUS  There is a bug in Shapeshifter 2.2 in OS X 10.4.3.

After update the system to 10.4.3, my office 2004 Powerpoint program quit unexpectedly shortly after I start the program (e.g., I could not start the program). Thought it is due to 10.4.3 update. Thus I switch back and forth between 10.4.2 and 10.4.3 for several times (waste me lots of time!). Finally figure out it is because of Shapeshifter conflict. when I disable it, everything works like a charm now in 10.4.3. The author might need to have a look of this issue.  
(Version 2.2)

BRAD CARTER  Shapeshifter doesn't theme my finder on my Powerbook but it does on my G5. Both running Tiger. Still no fix even though the developer said they know about it. The bug was reported about 2 months ago. A waste of my $20.  
(Version 2.2)

ALLAN  Shapeshifter has permanently changed the themes on all applications. Even when choosing defaults, the only theme that changes back to Aqua is the finder. All other applications remain unchanged. I regret having paid 20 bucks for this unstable piece of junk!  
(Version 2.2)

ANONYMOUS  At first the demo was good fun and some of the themes were really cool. But don't let the demo time out! It wrecked my system folder and I am still trying to recover and replace my files from backups.  
(Version 2.2)

ANONYMOUS  Shapeshifter reset itself again because i installed a security update.  
(Version 2.2)

Z  Shapeshifter makes the system slow and sometimes unstable. It does not worth 30 bucks at all. After several weeks, I won't use it anymore, even for free. I am glad Iridium is now usable without this bad dog, as it is the only valuable theme around (imho).  
(Version 2.2)

GAMMA  Omega?

The Duke Nukem Forever of themes.  
(Version 2.2)

ANONYMOUS  Having paid for Shape Shifter and Mighty Mouse.. I am pleased with Shape Shifter...however Mighty Mouse still does not function correctly and all I get from Unsanity is an apology.  
(Version 2.2)

ANONYMOUS  MES and this new version rock! This version is also quicker about matters.  
(Version 2.2)

SLIMLINE  Still missing unified toolbar suport..  
(Version 2.2)

ZIPPY  My biggest complaint with the current crop of theme-changers is that none of the themes available look anywhere near as nice as the old Kaleidoscope themes I used to have. I miss the glassy and reflective ones the most, and I remember some that were really intricate. Most of the current themes look like they were ported over from a Windows PC........  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  - Shapeshifter slows down everything.

- Themes are ugly.

Seems to works but it is slow and ugly: useless.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  you know, shapeshifter's cool and all but...

the themes available for it are really mediocre, and it seems that people are really not interested in creating much more than the dreary grey/black themes. I question my purchase of this item  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  I am a registered user and so far it's been working great for me. I haven't had any problems and with each update, ShapeShifter seems to have gotten better.

I haven't tried to get any support from Unsanity yet so I can't really comment on that. However, from the comments I've seen, I am not expecting too much...  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Needs to support the unified toolbar look.

Needs an update.

Needs to be worth purchasing.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Great idea, a couple of themes are nice, but there are biiig!!! bugs and stability issues. And the exclude liste is a pain in the ---. I use OS X, not Mac OS, not Linux, not Windows.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Shapeshifter is very buggy!!! With APE my Mac behaves like a PC.

Tips: Candybar is a good app to personalize the system, but APE-haxies are not stable. APE is fun, not good.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Do not buy this program. Shareware fees are supposed to promote further development, and when i went to request a single simple feature I was snubbed, quite rudely in fact. I requested an option to turn off the automatic disabling of the themes when an update is installed for individual programs. I hate using this program because it's every other day that it disables itself. I don't know about you, but a program that disables itself every other day feels a lot like shareware, and I definitely paid for it. I ended up emailing unsanity support for the feature request and got the following response: "Nope sorry about that." that's it, entirely. Not "thanks for the suggestion we'll consider it" even. Just "nope." Below comments are talking about how support sucks and I agree with them. This is a good program, but paying for it is supposedly going to entitle you to some sort of extra "support." Well, this is not the case, and I feel ripped off. Don't buy this. It's not worth paying for the full version at all.  
(Version 2.1.2)

JEFFCGD  While usually excellent (I'm a paid user), this release seems to interact badly with Microsoft's Intellieye Wireless Mouse driver v5.1 (unsure whether this is Microsoft or Insanity's issue - but it wasn't an issue with version 2.1). VERY erratic windowing (windows pop to the front or back unpredictably when opening new folders), and title bars are hard to select and manipulate. Console is also filled with debugging comments each time I click on or open a folder. Will be reverting to previous version.  
(Version 2.1.2)

VK  With APE activated Traktor refuses to run.

People at Unsanity refuse to answer my mails concerning the problem...

sucks...  
(Version 2.1.2)

HOMER  I installed the recent update (2.1.1) and it crashed part of my home folder. All my calendars, bookmarks, contacts and many preferences were deleted instantly. Shapeshifter itself disappeared from the preference pane and also one other Unsanity haxie (cleardock). I reinstalled all the deleted items and then reinstalled Shapeshifter 2.1.1 for the 2nd time and the exact same crash occurred again. I went back to v2.1 and it now seems to be stable. I did repair permissions before the initial update.  
(Version 2.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Fantastic update! It fixes some major glitches I was having with my non-CS Adobe apps, and Graphic Converter.   
(Version 2.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  been using it for about a month now, cant live without it!  
(Version 2.1.1)

JEFF   ShapeShifter is nice and it does make your Mac look great, but after running it on my G4 for 2 weeks I have noticed that a few apps tend to run slow and I get app crashes where I never had them before.

As soon as I disable the haxie, things do speed up.

I like the way that it makes things look but for my day-to-day, processor-intensive work I'm going to keep it disabled for now.

Those who don't do a lot of Final Cut or InDesign work may not run into these problems.

G4, Powerlogix Dual 1.4 upgrade, 1.5 GB RAM.   
(Version 2.1)

JOSE  Great Program I bought it and havent had any problems with it on my Tiger. Great if you are a wild type of person!!!!  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  Tip- install unsanity haxies as "only for this user" instead for all users. It is going to work. That is how I figured it out for Tiger.  
(Version 2.1)

TIGERADDICT  NO SHAPE SHIFTING ON MY TIGER

WHAT'S UP?  
(Version 2.1)

CRAIG C  Wow...seems like the three comments prior to mine were all by the same disgruntled person. Shapeshifter simply works and has caused no problems whatsoever on my machine. Great application.  
(Version 2.1)

PSEUDO TASUKI  Added a Spotlight metadata importer for guiKit files.

My goodness, how "useful". Oh how I despise feature creep.  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  Great update works great on my PowerPC G3 B/W 500 MHz. Never had any problems what so ever and as for support, Great. As for the people complaining. No one is twisting your arm to download it.  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  The best argument against SS isn't that it's dire (but it's close).

The best argument isn't even it's instability (a skin that's unstable - think about it).

No, it's that these muttonheads continue to get people to put root-enabled pieces of crap code on their computers.

Here Apple have made one of the most stable implementations of Unix ever for the desktop - and what do these people do?

Convince people to open the portals to the wild hounds waiting outside.

Someone please put Unsanity out of our misery!  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  Really, the best argument against ShapeShifter is that most of the themes that aren't made by Max Rudberg are simply *dire*. Worse than the Kaleidoscope 1.0 days. Oh, look, another flattened version of Aqua with solid-colored buttons!  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  The only thing that sucks about SS other than it's instability, is the fact that the authors are trying to make SS A MUST if you want to use a theme.

SS shouldn't be necessary to theme OS X. Theming ability is already built into OS X. It is not like Kaleidoscope were it was necessary to have to theme.

But the authors are trying to make it that way for some reason.

This is a major bummer to someone who just uses one theme, and wants to just install that theme manually.

Hard to do if theme makers are being pushed to give out SS files only.

Someone could easily copy those themes, make them usable without SS, and hand them out.   
(Version 2.1)

1 CUSTOMER  Support, what is it?

Customers have only to pay.  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  I personally like the idea, and it worked on my computer for about a month, and then every time I tried to open it, it would crash. I emailed the Unsanity team a few times asking for help, and when I did as suggested, it would still crash. I have tried uninstalling it and installing it many times, and to no avail. They have stopped resonding t my emails, and to pay 20$ for an app. that won't work and to get very bad customer assistance doesn't make me very happy. I liked using it, but it made me angry that it won't work anymore, and only did so for a month.   
(Version 2.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Its all good to say a programme is flawed but you forget to mention how  
(Version 2.0.1)

BRILDENLANCH  Every time that stupid nag screen comes on it crashes every app that happens to be open at that time. Ridiculous. I was going to register when I got paid Friday, but to hell with this. When will Devs learn that nags don't make people register, nags piss people off.  
(Version 2.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  If you think the themes are bad, then I would suggest:

a). review each theme on it's own; don't knock ShapeShifter

b). build your own theme  
(Version 2.0.1)

K3N  The blessed day it will become stable it will be a great application. Now it is just flawed execution of a good concept.

Features 2/5: themes are horrible

Ease of use 4/5: good integration

Value 1/5: no good themes, bugs

Stability 2/5: random bugs  
(Version 2.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  I registered it and also had concerns about the lack of good themes available, but that is slowly changing. Unsanity makes great stuff and I like their attitude. They have always been helpful to me.  
(Version 2.0.1)

WISH I COULD MAKE A CHANGE.  At first it seemed like a great idea. Now, after experiencing sad (for lack of a better word) and limited theme abilities shapeshifter seems to be little more than a childs toy. On the topic of OS X themes. I don't know of any other OS with such a gross amount of trite and ugly themes. *nix theme engines are more flexible and appealing not to mention absolutely free. Sorry to say it but even the windows theme movement is looking to bitch slap OS X theme capabilities, minus the cost. Shapeshifter is fair in that it does what it says. But due to a gap of flexibility and a world of ugly gui themes it is coming round to passing its due. However, there are still some great guikits out there, but they remain absolute diamonds in the rough. Only a stroke of innovative software genius or a slough of exquisite and stylish guikits can bring back the luster to the notion of OS X themes.  
(Version 2.0)

ROBERTS2424  When version 2.0 came out I purchased ShapeShifter. Approximately, 30 days later I was forced to return to the default Aqua. The reason was because ShapeShifter was dragging everything down to a crawl making life unbearable. With SS de-activated the system is now purring along. If only Unsanity could speed things up because I really miss using SS.  
(Version 2.0)

TUI  More than 2 weeks ago I asked Unsanity a few questions, but never received a reply:

1: Are older themes still supported by SS 2, like "Cricket" and "Champagne" which are still some of my favourites?

2: SS 2 now appears to automatically store all themes and any other related files (like desktop pictures) in one folder, presumably under System/User/Library. The problem is that my System drive is filling up, so I was wondering if the files can be moved later to a different location and remain available for SS?

3: I noticed on your web site that there is a bug with SS 2 that prevents certain applications from being themed. Does the suggested fix always work? And is this a permanent fix, or does it need to be repeated after every restart?

4: Should things go horribly wrong, is there a way to revert to ShapeShifter 1.2?  
(Version 2.0)

BOBWEINER  I've used ShapeShifter 2.0 extensively. I've not experienced any problems at all. In fact, quite the opposite, the program does what it says it will, and does it with class. It's a great product, works very reliably, and comes with several excellent themes. The fact that Unsanity made 2.0 free for 1.x users is a great bonus. If you're having problems with the program, talk to the developer. They are very responsive. For me, it's 5 stars all the way. Kudos, Unsanity!  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  which themes are people using, there are some drab ones out there plus others that are way to dark and can make things difficult.

Using aqua pro atm - wots every1 else using?! :]  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  System crashed... can't recommend this software at all.  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  ShapeShifter is a fantastic app, it's has it fair share of nasty skins, but it also has some brilliant ones by well respected artists.

If you're tired of looking at blue glass then you have to run this.  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  I threw out the preferences for ShapeShifter, restored Aqua and then re-applied my favourite skin (Titanium) and the new icon-set and now everything works... Give that a shot! I agree, though that it's a pity Unsanity didn't test this more carefully before flinging it in our direction...  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  Having same problems with OS X native apps and finder, but I don't have the courage to mess with the terminal. Let's hope unsanity does something about this fast, because I love, or have loved, ShapeShifter.  
(Version 2.0)

VIRGIL  If you have problems with skinning iTunes 4.7 and the Finder, do as Mac_Evangelist wrote and copy the following and paste it into the terminal:

defaults delete com.unsanity.shapeshifter CustomSettings

Kudos and thanks to Mac_Evangelist for the tip.  
(Version 2.0)

ZECAMAG  Same here. At first everything worked but, after installing the new versions of iTune and QuickTime, Shapeshifter doesn't skin the Finder or any other apple app that came with the Os. Authentication problems?  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  I was unwise; I downloaded this and found that it will skin neither Finder nor Safari. Nothing is listed in the Exclude List.

I purchased the prior version months ago.

I tried logging out, restarting etc.; upon logging back in and starting back up, it still doesn't skin the two applications.

No other application is open right now.

So far, those two are the only applications unskinned.

I tried both graphite and aqua appearances, and all the skins with which 2.0 came.

I am absolutely clueless as to what to do, besides downgrade to 1.2, but this likely won't work for 2.0 updated my registration.  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  Great upgrade, free too :)  
(Version 2.0)

FREEFROG  Awesome! Love the free upgrade price too!  
(Version 2.0)

BOB WEINER  It's a FREE upgrade for registered users of 1.2 and earlier.  
(Version 2.0)

SMKSENSEI  I've been using SS since it first came out. I've never had any problems with anything crashing. I have a very productive 24/7/365 PowerBook and simply couldn't stand looking at Aqua. If you're having crashing problems, there's something else going on! Upgrade is free.  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  Upgrade price? Can't find it on the Unsanity site, but I'm guessing it's NOT a free upgrade. What gives?  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  Free upgrade or not? They don't say anywhere and I'm not installing until i know. If it wipes out my current registration I'll be pissed.  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  If you have no productive use for your Mac, don't care if your apps crash every few minutes, enjoy looking at (and trying to use) rank amateur-level UI design, by all means install this.  
(Version 2.0)

BILLY  I really like this program and didn't want to believe it was causing all the random crashing and other weirdness I was having but of course in the end it was. Or maybe it was APE itself. I had registered and thought it was worth the price.

I didn't think SS or APE was the problem because when I disabled them I still had problems. Then I looked at "top" and saw that it was still running even though it was supposed to be disabled. So I finally uninstalled everything (APE and all "haxies") and my problems immediatley went away. Duh, just like a thousand other people have said all over the internet. It actually worked fairly trouble free at times so it was hard to pin it on APE or ShapeShifter.

Bummer, I like Aqua in general just fine, it's the details I really hate (metal, stripes, blue). I'm running the "Demetallifizer" theme with Theme Changer as a compromise. It really sucks that no ones making non-SS themes anymore.  
(Version 1.2)

JEFF  Well, Spoke WAY too soon the other day...

As every other "appearance/theme" alteration, this one caused all kinds of strange things to start happening.

I ended up unistalling 2 days after.

Oh well...  
(Version 1.2)

JEFF  You know, since I had MAJOR problems with Kaleidoscope years ago I've been of the mind to "leave it alone". But in a moment of bordom I decided to install ShapeShifter. It got pretty good reviews and everything I have is up-to-date as far as back-ups so I figured "what the hell".

Well, I've been running it for 4 days and I see absolutely no change in my machine's performance at all. No buggy weirdness, no conflicts, nothing!

I have a few other things running made by Unsanity and they've ALWAYS run well! Never a problem.

works great!  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  This is a great program, for the small amount of time I was able to try it out. Unfortunately $20 is a much too hefty price to pay for such a program. If it were $10 or so, I would pay it. If the price drops, I'm sure there will be many more happy paying customers, myself included.  
(Version 1.2)

STEPHENS ACO  Works fine. So far so good. I can't agree more, ProLCD is a hit.  
(Version 1.2)

KROMI  Amazing idea (Apple must implement this in Tiger :) but ShapeShifetr slows donw the Finder and sometimes bugs the system. I know the urban legend, haxies can't crash the OS, but sometimes they do. Too bad coz I like Pro LCD so much.  
(Version 1.2)

BRETT  Great Application but I don't have the money to pay for it. Every hour or so shapeshifter nags me about registering. I tried deleting all of the file from shapeshifter and I tried removing shapeshifter from the preferences. NOTHING WORKS. How do I get rid of the constant ****ing nagging  
(Version 1.2)

BOBWEINER  I registered this program - it does what it says it will do, and runs without any slow-down. It also seems to be VERY stable on my system. I used to have Kaleidoscope back in the OS 7.5 - OS9 days, and have always missed theming OSX - until now. Theming isn't for everyone -- but I can say that the program works as advertised and does what it says it will do. If you want to customize your desktop, there's no better program than ShapeShifter.  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  To all those whiners complaining about the price -- you have options. If you want to run themes for free, try using Duality instead. Don't rate a product's stability as poor if the only thing you're complaining about is the price.   
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  shapeshifter is great but its too expensive. this program should be free or much much cheaper. like 20 bucks is a rip. i would recommend this app but i can because of its high price.☺  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  I so desperately want too have a registered copy...but I just can't justify the price, when it's nothing but eye candy, and I'm working on a mac, anyway. there are some beautiful things out there, my favorite is still milk from maxthemes.net, and I ran it until it broke itself b/c I just wasn't going to pay.

The good news, though: when the registration period is done, most everything returns to normal. MOST everything. Thank god, the nasty ass stripes that on their own ruin the panther GUI, did not return to the menu bar. Unless I'm stupid enough to use explorer, I never see a sign of that god awful flaw in OS X  
(Version 1.2)

JEFF  Shapeshifter does nice looking things to your system but be prepared for wierdness.

I have a relatively fast G4: Macintosh G4 Gigabit/Ethernet, OS X 10.2.8 & 10.3.3, Powerlogix 1.4 GHZ Dual Processor upgrade, 1.5 GB RAM, and Shapeshifter IMMEDIATELY started making my system act up.

I don't know why I even installed it...got a bug up my bumbly or something. I (should) know better...I like to run and EXTREMELY lean OS and anytime you install enhancment crap you're absolutely going to sacrifice performance. That's not saying that everyone will experience problems...I run some heavy duty music/MIDI programs and Final Cut Pro in 10.2.8 and web authoring programs in 10.3.3. If you aren't doing anything crazy you might be okay, but if you start to experience problems as you install more stuff Shapeshifter may be the culprit.   
(Version 1.2)

DECADENCE  lovely idea.

the fatalE theme from carbon is gorgeous.

but destabilizes system something awful.

conflicts with everything from default folder to almost all cocoa applications.

save yourself the pain.  
(Version 1.2)

MRDREAM  Horrible!! I just installed the new Panther system and it was working fine. I installed this a day later and now the whole system slowed down dramaticly. Nothing fixes this problem, I had to reinstall everything. DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS PROGRAM!  
(Version 1.2)

VEGANVAMPIRE  At first I wasn't sure, but I now realize that this is worth $20, it may seem a little pricey at first, but how fast it installs themes, how stable it is, it's safe, it can restart the menu bar, a lot of great themes (not all great, but most), and now has Application Skinning, makes it for me worth. Now don't get me wrong, I would much rather pay $15, which I think would be a more suitable price, but $20 isn't bad, and I admit it definately is a work in progress, but pay now and stick around for the ride.  
(Version 1.2)

ROCK  lovely s.w !

as with most of Unsanity's work, performance and reliability is great. I only wish i could get this to work with Carrafix and KDX Client app?? Anyone help?

I've registered now - keep it up Unsanity people :=)  
(Version 1.2)

²HARK  If you work with Windows, try Window Blinds 4 with the theme OSXP NG, it is stable and looks like OS X, great stuff!

Now, about Shapeshifter: features 3, ease of use 4, value 1, stability 3. I add themes 0 and price 1. Total 2/5

For once I've found a Windows application that is better than its OS X clone.  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  superb prog - like most of Unsanity's work! I've just registered and now i'm off to find lots and lots of themes to use :)

Thanks Unsanity!  
(Version 1.2)

ALEX  Wowee Wow Wow! I love this thing!  
(Version 1.2)

BOOM!  F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C  
(Version 1.2)

DUNCAN  I forgot to select my ratings  
(Version 1.2)

DUNCAN  I am a developer so I naturally push my mac. With that said, shapeshifer is excellent and worth every penny. I run it all the time and it NEVER causes problems.

I think they should actually charge more than they do.  
(Version 1.2)

ANANNA  I want to buy, but the price is too high.  
(Version 1.2)

DAVE BATTON  I love this utility. Works flawlessly for me. Great work!  
(Version 1.2)

B  I installed ShapeShifter for Panther (iMac G3/500) a month or three ago, and and got rid of it after a few days. It's a great idea (as was Kaleidoscope) but the execution is a bit clunky and the price is definitely more than it should be, considering that it is by no means a necessary app.

If Unsanity works out the kinks and lowers the price $5-10 I might consider it, but not until then.  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Pretty good but overpriced and without a good theme, even if I like milk it is not as good as Panther. I don't like APE but it works to resolve bugs with some app. Themes are ugly, maybe people likes Panther theme, that's why good designers don't work to modify it ^_^ OS 9 was great but not very nice, it was cool to improve its look with Kaleidoscope. But with Jaguar and Panther, the GUI rocks. How can we improve this great GUI, that's the true problem. Without at least one good theme, Shapeshifter is useless.  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  good prg - but way over priced :-(

Come on Unsanity - ten smackers and no more!  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  I am a registered owner, but find myself going back to the OS theme that comes with Panther...it's hard to improve upon perfection. Unsanity is a great group of Developers and I do support their efforts. This version is a better, but unless the themes become substantially more creative, I'll keep defaulting to the Panther Apple theme.  
(Version 1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Hey, what the heck? I can't get past the third installer screen. Can someone help?  
(Version 1.1)

ANONYMOUS  The product itself seems good enough, but the issue here is the available themes. Some in here whine that they're all not perfect. I say 'do better than'. My problem with the themes is that most of them are metallic silver or black, and it's getting REALLY BORING. If some of the theme makers could either produce different colored themes, or tint the ones they have, I for one would be MUCH happier.

Along those lines: keep it simple and elegant. You don't have to change every little widget just because you can. My big concern is color choice. Simple color variations on the Panther theme would rock.

Thanks everyone for all your efforts!  
(Version 1.1)

MADOG  I really do like this application. I mean, it's not as easy to use as say, Kaleidoscope for OS 9., but it gets the job done. The one thing that does keep me from purchasing this application is that I do not find the need for the base app needed, Application Enhancer. Similar to Richard Bannister's idea... they'll offer the base program for free, and then charge for the programs that actually do something or otherwise enhance the application on what should be originally included, in my opinion. Even though it may be necessary, or easier, to have the host app, it just adds clutter to my attempt at a simple user interface that even my friends can use =) By the by, I'm not indicating that this is a difficult app to use, but rather that my friends are idiots =)  
(Version 1.1)

ANN  I really like this thing; I think I'm going to buy it. It installed with no problems and I'm enjoying my Mac's new look. I'm using the "BBX Mercury X" theme which is amazing. Only problem is I'm on Jaguar (10.2.8) so there aren't as many themes for me as there seems to be for Panther (10.3.x).   
(Version 1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Personally, I think a lot of the MAC's appeal is eye candy and having fun while doing serious work.  
(Version 1.1)

JASON  Expensive eyecandy, ugly themes, lots of bug, slow. I am not happy.  
(Version 1.1)

LEOOFBORG  This app is well worth the value for safety and stability alone. I bought it from 1.0 (when it was a little buggier) and haven't looked back.

With 1.1, the most glaring bug I saw (beachball on ScreenSaver Auth) is now gone. The system on the whole seems quite snappier.

As for the Canadian guy -- can't help you, friend. We're all slaves to our respective currencies.  
(Version 1.1)

ROB  Suddenly any metal-look apps (like iCal 1.5.2, which cannot be un-metafilized) having very tiny traffic light buttons when using Aqua Extreme. What's the deal with that? Is it a bug or did the theme change?  
(Version 1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Wow, really does speed up authentication in this update, no more spinning beachballs.   
(Version 1.1)

PHILIP   I'm gald to see the update/improvements, but as a Canadian $20 becomes $30 and that;s a little too steep for eye candy, but will try it again and see. I'd like to see this app in the $10-$15 range; I bet the increased sales would offset the lowered price. Thanks for an interesting app.   
(Version 1.1)

IGGY NORANT  Go look at the Kagi registration page for Kaleidoscope---$20 is what we all paid to make that hack the best known customization on our Classic systems. And K-schemes stopped being upgraded when X came out, so SS hasn't inflated the price at all. That's pretty remarkable in today's greedy culture.

So, think positive! (:  
(Version 1.1)

GLADHEATEHER... THE MOVIE  $20 to look at different interfaces? Do people really buy this?

I guess using ShapeShifter on your computer is kinda like putting curb feelers, a whale tail, fancy rims and pin striping on your car.

LOL, no thanks. I'll spend my $20 on something useful.  
(Version 1.1)

MUCH BETTER NOW  This version is a significant improvement as I had stopped using the previous version altogether. More themes are coming out (and I saw where they are having a them contest) and I love the Brushed 3.5 theme. Now virtually transparent and I am happy to be using it.  
(Version 1.1)

HANK ULM  Not stable, expensive, unattractive themes. I like the idea but the realisation is bad.  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Shapeshifter is working flawlessly on my G4 running Panther. Don't blame Shapeshifter for poor themes. Try the gershwix2 theme. It's perfect platinum and is integrated with all OSX apps and folders. I have the Mac Platinum look now while running Panther and I couldn't be happier.

-believe it  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Cool...but the themes are clunky in spots compared to Apples. of course they had hundreds of man hours makingthem look just right. in my opinion if your going to change the look of your Mac I for one don't want it looking like Uncle Freds old tool shed (slapped together)

Cool Icon by the way  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Bugs a lot :-( New themes are ugly. Overpriced, this is really unsane.  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Thought there was suppose to be a MacUpdater ShapeShifter Theme section... can't seem to find the link -- not very evident. Just curious about the themes available for ShapeShifter usage.  
(Version 1.0.1)

YOXI  Warning! If you have v1.0 installed, check whether you installed the .ape in your user library or the main library before installing v1.0.1 - I had mine installed for current user, and asked it to install the update for all users. The installer failed to delete the old .ape (though it claimed to have done so), and so after logging back in, I had two versions of ShapeShifter.ape trying to run together, and received a visit from Colonel Panik himself. Deleting the older .ape file and restarting sorted out the problem.

Maybe it's worth deleting the old .ape file yourself first before installing the new one.  
(Version 1.0.1)

HOBY  It's nice, in that it works without weirdness..

Though the themes out there so far are not very innovative, there is some interface slow-down, and it really doesn't seem worth $20. I know a lot of work must have been put into making it, but at face value it only seems worth $5 to $10, if that.

Add functionality or lower the price, or both.  
(Version 1.0.1)

THOMAS  It's been working great for me and i've been using it since it came out on two different machines. No real issues and I love my themes!!  
(Version 1.0.1)

CHRIS  Love it, and have no problems what so ever running it.   
(Version 1.0.1)

SHIFTY  Personally, I like what this has to offer. I have read where it is not priced like Kaleidoscope was, but let's get real as that was ages ago. I do await some better themes and the conversion of one I truly wish to run.  
(Version 1.0.1)

SIR LOIN OF BEEF  I am benumbed... nay, flabbergasted!

Almost 25% the cost of Panther (education price) to make my Mac look different?! 66% the cost of a super valuefull program like Graphic Converter, 50% the price of the "must have" Launchbar, 0.286% of Maya Complete? Is this an early April Fool's joke?

I know, I know, if you don't like it don't buy it but still, $20?

I fart in your general direction.

-SLoB  
(Version 1.0.1)

MARK ABRAMS  Finally! Safe theming on OS X. Nice program, and it looks it's going to only get better in future (free) incremental upgrades.

Folks, if you're having trouble with ShapeShifter, e-mail the programmer (Jason Harris) or Unsanity before posting a idiotic one-star review. They're very responsive, and I imagine would be eager to find out what problems you're having.  
(Version 1.0)

RANDY MC HORN  This piece of ... worked 20 minutes then it disabled the dock and slow down the system. I won't try it 15 days, to the trash! 20 bucks is gross. Never try another hack to the system, I swear.  
(Version 1.0)

LARRY  20$ to make my system slower no thank you, even if 'Milk' theme is cute. I like brushed metal anyway. I can't pay $20 for that, just $5 or 10 for this ''''poser'''' stuff. And I've bought Windowshade, Label X, X sounds and sometimes they crash...  
(Version 1.0)

SCHNEB  The fact that we even need ShapeShifter is rediculous. It makes my Panther upgrade $20 more expensive. If Microsoft can change the look of its GUI from XP to Classic, why can't Apple? Are they better at it? This attitude of Apple to "Love it or lump it" is really getting on my nerves. And it is not just for "looks". Sometimes you want a dark studio, so a dark interface reduces monitor bounce light. Maybe you want to use iTunes as a Jukebox and do not care for the brushed metal look. Or maybe, Aqua is just so much candy for one on a diet.  
(Version 1.0)

JIM READ  Shapeshifter crashed my OS 10.3.1 and I had to reinstall. Something is badly wrong with it. I wouldn't go near it until it it fixed!

The dock on my system flickered up and down and NOTHING would fix that. Disk utility, Disk Warrior. Nothing. I had to reinstall. It's a lot of work to do that.

I like Unsanity's other things and use some of them. Still waiting for "early November" updates!

jmr  
(Version 1.0)

A MARTIN  Its a very nice and well made application, but unfortunately there is a small slowdown when having a theme applied. Scrolling and moving a window in Safari gets a bit slower.  
(Version 1.0)

KING OF SPAIN  If Shapeshifter is not working, the reason may be some other theme changer has screwed your OS; reinstall it.   
(Version 1.0)

JEFF  Themes and good ol' Kaleidoscope are a great thing...I get bored looking at the same old desktop too, but anytime I've messed with an appearance app I've very shortly after the install/alteration ran into problems that resulted in an OS reinstall.

Not saying that this will happen to all or even a few but these have been my experiences.

I run pretty heavy MIDI and graphics apps (graphics for work, MIDI/music for hobby),on my G4 and iMacs and thanks to OS X they both play well together (I spent much of my time "troubleshooting" and reinstalling things in OS 7,8 & 9). And now that everything is stable I'm not going to risk a rock-solid OS over a theme.

I'm sure this app is a good one but I like performance over appearance any day.

Cheers...  
(Version 1.0)

MATS  Being a happy user of some of Unsanity's products (which I'd deem indispensable for MacOS X to somewhat work and feel like a real MacOS), I've two "complaints":

- Before releasing any absolutely new products, I'd rather see the Panther versions of some Unsanity's "classics", which release date seems to get ever-delayed

- Unsanity's haxies have some great thing about them besides the one states above: they were cheap. I don't think I'll invest $20 in something like a theme-changer. The old $10 fare would be some other thing.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  Finally, no more brushed metal blek.

Now if only it could fix the carbon apps too.

Would be even nicer if the ShapeShifter and aped processes didn't always need to be running.  
(Version 1.0)

HEILIGER  It seems like SS is on the way to becoming the flagship theme-changing app.

The one thing that made me disable it, was the fact that even though I had no themes activated in it, it still added intense drop shadows to my 10.3 menu items and Konfabulator Widgets... which... although a small issue, made for a bad GUI experience.

Other than that.. It seems to be great... Looking forward to the update  
(Version 1.0)

CORNSTALKK  Unsanity is a great company with great programmers making things possible in OSX that aren't readily available. This is great to finally have a theming program that doesn't rely on core system files and won't kill your system if corrupted.

As far as installing this and it actually causing someone to reformat, I think your problems extend far beyond this program (anon). Installation of this program or themes changes no pertinent system files. Probably user configuration which to always be the problem seeing as I never have these probs people whine about with software. Either it works, or it doesn't in which you just uninstall (just click install Shapeshifter and it will give you the option to uninstall.

Keep up the good work Unsanity, Geekspiff and all the theming community that took part in this!!!  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  This is lame. I installed this application and it just crashed my computer totally. I have been trying to fix the problem, but I think that I'l have to reinstall everything. Thanks...  
(Version 1.0)

____GøDœ†N°  Just curious, how easy is it to uninstall it?  
(Version 1.0)

DANA SUTTON  This might be worthwhile if and when anybody produces any good-looking themes. Haven't seen any yet, and (as with Kaleidoscope) it's easy to predict there's going to be a lot of ugly stuff out there. So I'll hang on to my $20. Meanwhile I'm struggling along without Fruit Menu although the Insanity site still says it will be Panterized by early November. Wish they'd take the finger out and get on with the job.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  Great future...and present!

I think that today the developers showed us that there is a great future for theming in OSX!

I don't understand the people that buy Macs for so much money but don't understand that there will be no future for theming without us supporting the developers. Instead of complaining $$$ just appreciate the fact that you got it for free for a long time.

I will gladly pay $40 for the software and $5 dollar for each complete theme that is out there.

I had no problems with the program very easy to understand and SAFE!

*In the future I would like to see ShapeShhifter becoming a more flexible customization tool that would enable greater control over the system.

I am giving them 5 stars for a great effort an impressive start and for innovation!  
(Version 1.0)

THOMAS  So far so good for me. Installed w/o a problem!  
(Version 1.0)

JOHNSMITH  If you go to the unsanity site they have links to other themes.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  It's no Kaleidoscope, and the included themes are ugly at best, but it is without a doubt a vast improvement over what we were using before, so I only expect good things from this.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  Very cool concept, but the supplied themes are alternately way too overcooked and way too bland. The second of the two themes makes the entire GUI look like it's in a testing stage. Nothing stands out, and window buttons look like they've been hacked together with little red letters so programmers can work through the kinks.

I'll take Panther's theme anyday over these two, though if I were using Jaguar I'd switch to the second supplied theme to get rid of the pinstripes.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  Doesn't work. Previews for the included themes look like Aqua.

Running 10.3.1.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  Install APE 1.4.1 and all problems will be resolved...  
(Version 1.0)

EXAR_KUN  After installing on OS 10.3.1 The app tells me it has expired today. I didn't even get to try it for the 15 day trial period.  
(Version 1.0)

ISPY  Pretty Slick Haxie!

I've attempted to dive into theming in the past but this has got to be the easiest way to apply a theme in my opinion.  
(Version 1.0)

PB1  Does nothing on my system. Anyone else having this problem?  
(Version 1.0)