Binaryworld - Adding an image as an embedded resource, and loading it from code ... [ VB.net -> WinForms ]

To add an image as an embedded resource in a Windows Forms application, add the image file to the project with Project | Add Existing Item. Then select the file in the Solution Explorer, go to the Properties Window, and set its Build Action property to Embedded Resource. At this point the file will be embedded within your compiled file, when you build the project.

The following routine shows how to load the embedded image in a PictureBox, at runtime:

Click here to copy the following block

Sub SetPictureBoxFromResource(ByVal picBox As PictureBox, _
  ByVal bmpName As String)
  Dim stream As System.IO.Stream = Me.GetType() _
    .Assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(bmpName)
  ' if the stream is found...
  If Not stream Is Nothing Then
    Dim bmp As New Bitmap(stream)
    ' and the bitmpat is loaded...
    If Not bmp Is Nothing Then
      ' load it in the PictureBox
      picBox.Image = bmp
    End If
  End If
End Sub

The routine is called like this:

Click here to copy the following block

SetPictureBoxFromResource(PictureBox1, "YourNamespace.article.gif")

Note that as a second parameter you pass the embedded resource name, with the project's default namespace as a prefix.