How to use the Lake applets - and when not to

There are three different Lake applets that I know of - each producing slightly different effects:
The David Griffiths Lake applet
The Dorian Gray II 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 provided a tutorial on using each one. For examples of more complex lake applets we suggest you look at the showcase at http://www.jaydax.co.uk/
David Griffiths Lake Applet Dorian Gray II Applet Anfy Lake Applet
snow scene snow scene
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As you can see, all of the applets are capable of producing a realistic lake reflection, but, the Dorian Gray II applet can not have a foreground overlay. So does this rule out the Dorian Gray II applet? Not at all! - The Dorian Gray II 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 Gray II Lake Applet Fabio's AnLake Applet
Allows a transparent foreground image
Reflected image can be made different to the background by using an overlay. The overlay can not be an animated gif, however.

An animated gif can be used to produce the reflected image, within limits.

Has a rock effect - see an example

Allows an underwater effect

Allows the picture to be used as a link

A new 'horizon' parameter allows up to 100% of the source file to be 'laked'.

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

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

Tutorial - How to use this applet Tutorial- How to use this applet Tutorial- 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

Guidelines - Unsuitable Images and Where Not to Use the Lake Applets

  1. Don't use the lake applets to lake a sea scene or lakeshore scene where there are breaking waves - unless you plan to show an almost dead calm or do something like this :)
  2. Don't use the lake applets on a distant lake - The waves shown are too big to be realistic unless you do it this way :)
  3. Don't use the lake applets in front of a waterfall or fountain - unless your water is animated and you use the David Griffiths Horizon or Dorian Gray II applet.
  4. Don't use the lake applets on white water (rapids) - unless you do something like this
  5. If using an overlay with 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.
  6. 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)
  7. Use images in landscape format when possible. If you must an image in portrait format, use one with a height no more than 240 pixels. If you use the David Griffiths horizon parameter this constraint is not quite so important.
  8. 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 and lake the image at the horizon or use the David Griffiths horizon parameter
  9. If you are applying the lake applets to a stream or brook, use the AnLake or David Griffiths applet with a foreground.
  10. Don't reflect a reflection - as in this example from our Laking the impossible tutorial..
  11. Don't reflect a fast moving object unless it's animated also - beware of laking racing cars, tigers lapping water, flying birds, chimney smoke... anything which isn't stationary.
  12. Remember, every rule has a certain degree of flexibility - experiment to achieve unusual effects. For more hints and tips, see our FAQ Database

Click here and get the graphic editor we use in all our Java lake tutorialsGet the code for the applet - Paint Shop Pro XI

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

David Griffiths Lake Applet        Fabio's Anlake applet         Dorian GrayII applet Alcsnow applet

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Java Lake Tutorials - A comparison of lake applets