The path for images in a resource folder in project

Question

I am trying to make an app with several random cards drawn on it -- I have added a folder named "resources" to the project and added a few playing card images to it (1.jpg, 2.jpg, etc.).

To fill the picturebox that I have I just made a bitmap including the FULL path --- this is not what I want because this obviously will not be the right path for everyone who downloads and looks at my application.

What path would I use for an image in a folder that has been added to the project???

Below is my clunky code -- any advice would be helpful. I am eventually going to have 21 pic boxes that will be filled by 21 random cards. But for right now I am just trying to figure out the easiest and cleanest way to fill 1 picbox.

private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)

{

deck myDeck = new deck(2);

Bitmap card1 = new Bitmap("C:\\Documents and Settings\\**\\My Documents\\Visual Studio 2005\\Projects\\theDeck\\theDeck\\resources\\" + myDeck.cards[0].ToString() + ".jpg");

pile1image1.Image = card1;

}

Scott Lysle · Answer

Ok. With the build action set to embedded resource the files will not be transferred to any such folder during an install.

Todd Vance · Answer

AWESOME SCOTT! That sounds great! Thank you so much for that help! -- I will do exactly that. Thanks again. **IT IS AMAZING how simple this stuff is when you find out how to do it!** And thanks for your help as well Jan!

Jan Montano · Answer

Correct me if I'm wrong but when you deploy that app eventually you're going to have to set those images as output files right? and it will reside in the same directory as your executable? Only that it will be in another folder (e.g. Images). EXAMPLE: you app is located at C:\program files\Myapp\app.exe then images folder is located at C:\program files\myapp\images first you must get the path of the executable. Then just append your images folder then you have your path. to get the path: 1. you could use Application.ExecutablePath; 2. you could use Application.StartupPath; 3. or you could use System.Reflection.Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly.Location

Scott Lysle · Answer

By adding the image files to your resources you can limit the code needed to display the image to something like this: pbxCard.Image = Properties. Resources .HeartsQueen; Since you have your image files in a resources folder just open up the properties click on the resources tab set the resource type to images and then drag and drop each image onto the resources panel. You should see a thumbnail of each image as an indication of success. Once added you can access them using code similar to that shown above.