Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 10:23:37 GMT From: "Glenn M. Picher" <gplists@IBM.NET> Subject: Re: VGA or Mac sys pal? >Doing a hybrid project that will require me to pull common graphic files >into DFM and DFW (in .pct form). Can go with either 256 color palette >system (VGA or Mac system). Any downsides to using the Mac system palette?Yes! Palette management under Windows is kinda funky compared to the Mac. Windows does not like it when you mess with its first 10 and last 10 colors. You'll notice problems if you put up an alert box or switch applications in DFW.
A Mac system palette does not have the expected 20 colors in the right place. Use the Windows system palette even on the Mac side (the Mac won't care).
If you use a custom palette in a cross-platform production, you still need to keep those colors holy. What I've done is use Debab to generate the best 256 color palette, then rearranged the palette by hand so there's the closest red where Windows expects red, etc.
I've heard first 16 and last 10, 10 and 10, 20 and 10, etc. Does anyone have the definitive answer about exactly which palette slots Windows cares about? I've taken the superstitious route of the first 20 and the last 10 just be be sure.
What about 16-color modes-- are you stuck to a set palette if you want to put up alerts or switch applications?