Abstract: Locating a graphical element associated with an object includes obtaining a key for the object, using the key to determine a particular data table containing the graphical element, and using the key to obtain an identifier for the graphical element within the data table. Associating a particular graphical element with an object includes providing the graphical element at a particular location separate from the object, providing a key indicating the particular location and an identifier for the graphical element at the location, and associating the key with the object. Drawing a graphical element associated with an object includes locating the graphical element, wherein the graphical element is at a location different from the object and after locating the graphical element, drawing the graphical element. Locating the graphical element may include obtaining a key for the object, where the key indicates a particular resource dictionary and a particular location within the resource dictionary.

Abstract: Theme changes for a custom graphical element are facilitated by providing a mechanism for storing theme specific data for the custom graphical element, providing a software object, independent of the custom graphical element, that monitors theme change events and, in response to a new theme being selected, the software object causing the custom graphical element to be redrawn according to the new theme. The custom graphical element may be graphical portions of a custom control, or a custom control itself. Switching to a new theme for an integrated graphical unit may be provided by marking for redrawing all of the graphical elements of the integrated graphical unit, traversing the elements, and redrawing each element that is marked. There may be provided a directory of theme files and, in each theme file, theme specific information indicating visual appearance of graphical elements.