How to use the Lake applets - and when not to.

There are three different Lake applets that we know of - each with slightly different effects:

The David Griffiths Lake applet
The Dorian GrayII applet
The Anfy Lake applet by Fabio Ciucci

We've used each of the applets below to lake a snow scene, allowing you to compare them, and provide a tutorial on using each one. - This is an old page, kept because people have links to it, The new version is here

David Griffiths Lake Applet

Dorian GrayII Applet

Anfy Lake Applet

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As you can see, all of the applets are capable of producing a realistic lake reflection, but, the Dorian GrayII applet can not have a foreground overlay. So does this rule out the Dorian GrayII applet? Not at all! - The Dorian GrayII applet allows some special effects which the others can't do. Let's look at the features of each applet and compare them:

David Griffiths Lake Applet	Dorian GrayII Lake Applet	Fabio's AnLake Applet
Allows a transparent foreground image More examples Has a rock effect - see an example Allows an underwater effect Allows the picture to be used as a link Applet can be manipulated by JavaScript	Background image can be animated example Reflected image can be different to the background - example Other Java effects can be applied to the background - example 1 - example 2 Background sound can be added to the applet - double click on the water to hear the sound. Background colour while loading can be changed from the standard 'java grey'. As an alternative to sound, the applet can be use as a link.	Allows a transparent foreground image Allows an animated foreground image Precise control over waves - perspective, speed, wind and far wave size, making it ideal for rivers as well as lakes. Animated text overlay possible (scrolling or zooming, both horizontal and vertical) Applet can be used as a link
How to use this applet	How to use this applet	How to use this applet
Where to get this applet	Where to get this applet	Where to get this applet

See another comparison of the three applets

Where Not to Use the Lake Applets

Don't use the lake applets to lake a sea scene - unless you plan to show a dead calm.
Don't use the lake applets on a distant lake - The waves shown are too big to be realistic.
Don't use the lake applets in front of a water fall - unless your waterfall is animated and you use the Dorian GrayII applet.
Don't use the lake applets on white water (rapids).
If using a foreground on the David Griffiths or Anlake applets, try to avoid having water in front of the foreground. If you must, then comb the front edge of your foreground image to avoid the foreground appearing to hang above the water.
Try not to use the lake applet on images that normally would not appear near water. Water lilies grow on water, but roses don't :o)
If the image you are applying the lake applets to has a horizon where water meets the sky, do not include the horizon as part of your reflection. Crop the image at the horizon.
If you are applying the lake applets to a stream or brook, you must use the AnLake or David Griffiths applet with a foreground.
Remember, every rule has a certain degree of flexibility - experiment to achieve unusual effects.

Join our ICQ Java Lake Tutorial Group

	JayDax gives full credit to the authors of the David Griffiths Lake applet, the Anfy Java AnLake applet, the Dorian GrayII applet and the Alcsnow applet. The snow scene image was taken from K.L. Designs. Construction, text, and other graphics were by JayDax.
David Griffith Lake Applet Fabio's Anlake applet Dorian GrayII applet Alcsnow applet K.L. Designs


Now listed:Tutorials & Help - Create It! How To and Animated Images

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