Hi rbaprog,

I've read very carefully your post (2 times). Here are some
observations:

"You can get background using Themes unit"
Do you know how? (I know that can be done with a few lines, but for
now I don't know anything for themes unit)

"you can also get image from Panel or Form"
Can you share a code that do this? If I can get snapshot of what is
under my control before it is painted on top, I can do everithing :)

Regions are good because they eliminate fully transpatent parts. We
have Alpha transparency on window controls, but it is not per pixel.
And you are right the best way for flicker free control is using
double buffering.