efg, December 2000


1.  Identify .BMP file, e.g., Pattern.BMP, and place it in your project directory.


2.  Create a .RC file, e.g., Background.RC, in the project directory.
    Be sure to enter all lines in uppercase only.  Be sure to pick a
    name for the file different from your .PAS unit for your form.

    PATTERN BITMAP "PATTERN.BMP"


3.  Create a .BAT file and execute it (or enter from command line)

    "C:\Program Files\Borland\Delphi5\Bin\BRCC32.EXE" BACKGROUND.RC

    After executing this .BAT file, a Background.RES file will be created.


4.  In the Interface section of the unit where the resource is used, add
    the {$R ...} line:

    implementation
    {$R *.DFM}
    {$R Background.RES}


5.  Use the LoadFromResourceName to load the bitmap:

    BitmapTile := TBitmap.Create;
    TRY
      BitmapTile.LoadFromResourceName(hInstance, 'PATTERN');
      ...
    FINALLY
      BitmapTile.Free
    END