How to create a window with DropDownShadow like Sticky Notes in Win 7?

Question

How can I create a Win32 window like Sticky Note in Windows 7 which has no border but has drop down shadow effect?

I have tried to create a Win32 window without borders (remove ~WS_BORDER), but the drop down effect shadow is gone.

Any idea?

Best regards, Zach@Shine

Answer 1

Apply the CS_DROPSHADOW window class (You can apply with SetClassLongPtr/GCL_STYLE at runtime iirc)

Answer 2

I think you could do this in C# WinForms without too much trouble. You can set the form's border style to none, do some transparency mask tricks for both graphics and hit-tests.

I've done transparency & hit-test masks, and I've done no-border form windows, but I haven't done both together.