CMenuXP is a small set of MFC classes that allow
developers to add various graphical user interface
elements with an Office XP look to their MFC apps.
What this means is that developers can add the flat,
non-3D, “water-color” UI controls that were first
introduced in Office XP to their MFC applications.
These controls do not have raised edges, do not
look “pushed in” when clicked, and are not “shadowed”
(except for menus). Instead, when elements are
selected, they are outlined and shaded. The following
classes are included in the library:

· CButtonXP: Creates a flat-edged button.
· CComboBoxXP: Creates a flat-edged combobox.
· CMenuXP: Allows, among other things, icons along the
edge of menus
· CStatusBarXP: Creates a flat-edged status bar.
· CToolBarXP: Developers can easily insert other
controls into this toolbar.
· CBufferDC: Encapsulates double-buffering to
eliminate flickering while drawing.
· CImgDesc: A menu item image management class.

However, the library has a couple of drawbacks. First,
it cannot be used in a language other than C++.
Second, it is written using MFC, the Microsoft
Foundation Classes library. Although some programmers
adore this framework, many find it unwieldy. Of
course, the developer who wants to add the Office XP
style to applications written using MFC may find that
this class library can be of use. But developers
starting a new project who are looking for a simpler,
more secure library may wish to consider other options.

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