:: JGoodies L&F in NetBeans ::
The NetBeans environment allows to use third party look&feels.
This document describes how to use a JGoodies l&f in NetBeans.
Preparation
First make sure that NetBeans can find the JGoodies Looks library jar.
Copy file looks-1.2.2.jar to directory <netbeans-dir>\lib\ext
Choosing a JGoodies Look&Feel
Add one of the following lines to file <netbeans-dir>\bin\ide.cfg
-ui com.jgoodies.plaf.plastic.PlasticXPLookAndFeel
-ui com.jgoodies.plaf.plastic.PlasticLookAndFeel
-ui com.jgoodies.plaf.plastic.Plastic3DLookAndFeel
-ui com.jgoodies.plaf.windows.ExtWindowsLookAndFeel
Setting the Plastic Color Theme
To change the default Plastic color theme add the following line to the ide.cfg file:
-J-DPlastic.defaultTheme=ExperienceBlue
Other Options
You can change the Plastic tab style to make the selected tab easier to find:
-J-DPlastic.tabStyle=Metal
By default, the JGoodies l&fs switch on ClearLook in NetBeans environments.
You can switch ClearLook off by adding:
-J-DClearLook.mode=OFF
To find visual clutter in NetBeans you can mark content borders of JTabbedPanes:
-J-DmarkContentBorders=true
Previewing Your Apps With a JGoodies L&F
- Select your application within the NetBeans Explorer view.
- Select the Execution tab in the Properties view.
- Select Internal Execution as the executor.

Internal Execution Selected
Screenshots

NetBeans in Default Look

NetBeans in Plastic Look
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