But, changing some colors and desktop backgrounds is not really enough for them either. That’s where third party programs like Moo0 TransparentMenu come into play. The free software for Windows adds options to change the transparency and design of menus in the operating system.

themed menu

The program is controlled via its system tray icon. A right-click on the icon displays the context menu with options to change the transparency of all menus, and a new design for the menus. The transparency is changed for most menus, including Windows Explorer but also Firefox, Mozilla Thunderbird or the start menu. Some programs on the other hand are not affected by the new transparency settings, including Google’s Chrome browser.

transparent menu

Probably more interesting than changing the transparency of the menus, is to change their appearance in the operating system. The software offers more than twenty different menu themes to chose from. Most users probably want to pick a design that matches their Windows theme, and the availability of different color schemes makes that possible.

The selected color scheme becomes immediately available, albeit only in Windows Explorer, and not in third party applications.

settings

Moo0 TransparentMenu needs to be running in the background, and the program offers an option to start it with the operating system. The reason for running the application are likely aesthetic, as it does not add a lot in terms of functionality.

The program is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Downloads are provided at the developer website. (via Beatmasters)

Is it something that you would like to use on your system? Let us know in the comments.

Since you can set the transparency level to be fully transparent you could effectively a state on your system where you do not see Blend anymore which means you cannot change the transparency level anymore; Unless you reboot that is. But that only happens once, don’t you think. As I said Blend can make all Windows transparent or set individual transparency settings for selected windows which is probably the better and safer way.

Individual windows can be selected by adding the path to their executable to Blend or by dragging a little icon from Blend to the open program window which will have the effect that Blend adds this program automatically to the list.

The memory footprint of Blend is extremely low with only three Megabytes and 120 Kilobyte on the hard drive. If you like and use transparency in Windows then Blend is the application for you. Oh, and it’s version 0.0.0.1. Maybe a joke of the author because it runs perfectly on my system.