botserver/docs/src/chapter-05-gbtheme

Chapter 05: gbtheme CSS Theming

The .gbtheme package provides CSS-based styling for your bot's user interface. Themes control colors, fonts, layouts, and visual effects across all .gbui templates.

Quick Start

1. Create a .gbtheme folder in your bot package
2. Add a CSS file (like default.css or 3dbevel.css)
3. The theme loads automatically when the bot starts

Theme Structure

mybot.gbai/
└── mybot.gbtheme/
    ├── default.css      # Main theme
    ├── 3dbevel.css      # Retro Windows 95 style
    └── dark.css         # Dark mode variant

The 3D Bevel Theme

The 3dbevel.css theme gives your bot a classic Windows 95 look with 3D beveled edges:

/* Everything uses monospace font for that retro feel */
body, .card, .popover, .input, .button, .menu, .dialog {
  font-family: 'IBM Plex Mono', 'Courier New', monospace !important;
  background: #c0c0c0 !important;
  color: #000 !important;
  border-radius: 0 !important;  /* No rounded corners */
  box-shadow: none !important;
}

/* 3D bevel effect on panels */
.card, .popover, .menu, .dialog {
  border: 2px solid #fff !important;           /* Top/left highlight */
  border-bottom: 2px solid #404040 !important; /* Bottom shadow */
  border-right: 2px solid #404040 !important;  /* Right shadow */
  padding: 8px !important;
  background: #e0e0e0 !important;
}

/* Buttons with 3D effect */
.button, button, input[type="button"], input[type="submit"] {
  background: #e0e0e0 !important;
  color: #000 !important;
  border: 2px solid #fff !important;
  border-bottom: 2px solid #404040 !important;
  border-right: 2px solid #404040 !important;
  padding: 4px 12px !important;
  font-weight: bold !important;
}

/* Input fields look recessed */
input, textarea, select {
  background: #fff !important;
  color: #000 !important;
  border: 2px solid #404040 !important;  /* Reversed for inset look */
  border-bottom: 2px solid #fff !important;
  border-right: 2px solid #fff !important;
}

/* Classic scrollbars */
::-webkit-scrollbar {
  width: 16px !important;
  background: #c0c0c0 !important;
}
::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
  background: #404040 !important;
  border: 2px solid #fff !important;
  border-bottom: 2px solid #404040 !important;
  border-right: 2px solid #404040 !important;
}

/* Blue hyperlinks like Windows 95 */
a {
  color: #0000aa !important;
  text-decoration: underline !important;
}

How Themes Work

1. CSS Variables: Themes use CSS custom properties for colors
2. Class Targeting: Style specific bot UI elements
3. Important Rules: Override default styles with !important
4. Font Stacks: Provide fallback fonts for compatibility

Creating Your Own Theme

Start with this template:

/* Basic color scheme */
:root {
  --primary: #007bff;
  --background: #ffffff;
  --text: #333333;
  --border: #dee2e6;
}

/* Chat container */
.chat-container {
  background: var(--background);
  color: var(--text);
}

/* Messages */
.message-user {
  background: var(--primary);
  color: white;
}

.message-bot {
  background: var(--border);
  color: var(--text);
}

/* Input area */
.chat-input {
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background: var(--background);
}

Switching Themes

Use the CHANGE THEME keyword in your BASIC scripts:

' Switch to retro theme
CHANGE THEME "3dbevel"

' Back to default
CHANGE THEME "default"

' Seasonal themes
month = MONTH(NOW())
IF month = 12 THEN
  CHANGE THEME "holiday"
END IF

Common Theme Elements

Message Bubbles

.message {
  padding: 10px;
  margin: 5px;
  border-radius: 10px;
}

Suggestion Buttons

.suggestion-button {
  background: #f0f0f0;
  border: 1px solid #ccc;
  padding: 8px 16px;
  margin: 4px;
  cursor: pointer;
}

Input Field

.chat-input {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 10px;
  font-size: 16px;
}

Theme Best Practices

1. Test on Multiple Browsers: Ensure compatibility
2. Use Web-Safe Fonts: Or include font files
3. High Contrast: Ensure readability
4. Mobile Responsive: Test on different screen sizes
5. Keep It Simple: Don't overcomplicate the CSS

File Naming

• default.css - Loaded automatically as main theme
• dark.css - Dark mode variant
• 3dbevel.css - Special theme (Windows 95 style)
• [name].css - Any custom theme name

Loading Order

1. System default styles
2. Theme CSS file
3. Inline style overrides (if any)

The theme system keeps styling separate from bot logic, making it easy to change the look without touching the code.

See Also

• Chapter 4: .gbui Interface - User interface templates
• CSS Customization - Detailed styling guide
• Theme Structure - Package organization
• Chapter 2: .gbtheme - Theme package details
• Chapter 6: BASIC Reference - Script commands
• Chapter 8: Configuration - Bot settings