How To Make A Windows 7 Gadget

It’s very easy to learn how to make a Windows 7 gadget. Windows 7 gadgets are sort of like mini applications that can be docked on the Windows Sidebar or the desktop. The entire process involves some knowledge of HTML and XML, but after researching a little bit on those two aspects, the development becomes very straightforward.

1. Begin by creating two files (Gadget.xml and [name].html) in a new directory. The XML file contains the settings for the configuration as well as the appearance settings, and the HTML file basically contains the gadget user interface and coding for how the gadget will function. These files are both mandatory to make a Windows 7 gadget. Make sure that both the XML file and the HTML file are saved with UTF-8 character coding. This can be confirmed by opening the “Save” prompt for both files and setting the “Encoding” option to UTF-8.
2. Make sure that these two files are contained in a separate development folder. Generally, the folder that you contain these two files in can have any name you’d like. It’s not a good idea, however, to place unnecessary files in the development folder. This just helps to keep things organized, and it also keeps you from getting confused. To be well-organized, place the development folder in the official “Gadgets” system folder.
3. Begin creating the coding for both the HTML and XML files. As previously stated, a little research and practice will probably be necessary for this part if you have little or no experience with coding in these formats. There are tons of online forums and other websites that provide a great deal of information on this particular subject.
4. When you’ve completed the development process, click the “+” symbol at the top of the Windows Sidebar. This will open the prompt so that you can add your newly-created gadget. If you placed the development folder in the “Gadgets” system folder, your new gadget should appear in the box. Double-click it to add it to the Windows Sidebar. Congratulations! You’ve managed to make a Windows 7 gadget!