How to create a program interface (style) like the one used in Visual Studio, Office 2013, GitHub for Windows, etc?

Question

I'd like to know how to create a program interface like the one used in Visual Studio, Office 2013, GitHub for Windows, etc.

Looks like Cosmopolitan Theme for WPF is not the same theme used on those softwares.

To show you the difference between these programs interfaces and common others take a look at those printscreens:

Interfaces I wanna know how to build:

Visual Studio:

Office 2013 (Excel):

GitHub for Windows:

Common Interface:

The difference between these programs is its interfaces. I already downloaded the Visual Studio Express for Windows 8, Visual Studio Express for Windows Desktop and I also looked at Visual Studio Ultimate, but them doesn't have the option the build such kind of interfaces when you create a "New Project...".

Do I need to install a new Template on my VS to be able to build such kind of interface? I think it's some sort of theme for WPF. I'd like to see proves that those applications use this UI style you refer in your answer. Thanks.

Answer 1

Please note that the look and feel of the application is based on the operating system theme by default.

Your Interfaces have been designed following the Metro UI style. Metro UI apps are Windows 8 only, as they require WinRT.

You can only simulate the Metro style in Windows 7 (and vista) with WPF : you have to use a third party controls (or develop your own), such as these examples :

• Modern UI for WPF
• MahApps.Metro

Cosmopolitan is just a theme for common controls. For example, there are no pivot or panorama control.

Answer 2

Visual Studio 2012 and GitHub for Windows are WPF applications. Office uses custom controls for the "Metro" look.

WPF and Silverlight provide an easy way to theme an entire application. GitHub is based on the Silverlight theme "Cosmopolitan".

Here are some links for more information.

Cosmopolitan Theme for WPF

Making your WPF app look like the Zune client

Silverlight 4 Application Themes

Mishra Reader (An active open source WPF client with a similar theme)