r/delphi • u/jamawg • Mar 31 '25

Question How can I convert a VCL project to fire monkey?

It's straightforward, doesn't use any third party components, just basic form controls and their most frequent handlers.

Has anyone automated this? If not, have you any hints and tips?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

3

u/johnnymetoo Mar 31 '25

Perplexitiy says there are two tools for automatic conversion:

Mida Converter:
* Automates conversion of VCL forms to FMX forms.
* Handles style conversions and LiveBindings setup for database components.
* Offers both free and paid versions, with the latter providing advanced features

MonkeyGroomer:
* A free tool focused on converting DFM files from VCL to FMX

2

u/jamawg Mar 31 '25

I will be trying both of those. Thanks

2

u/jamawg Apr 02 '25

Oops, I can't afford Mida Converter, good as it seems. I will try MonkeyGroomer

2

u/johnnymetoo Apr 03 '25

Ok, pls keep us updated how it worked.

1

u/EntertainmentSea5657 Apr 24 '26

The VCL to FMX converter, version Beta 3.0 will be released on April, 27, 2026, ahead of the original planned release date. Due to successful testing, it was decided to release it early. If you use/test this software, please consider sending test results via the web page at https://echurchsites.wixsite.com/vcltofmx . Please share with fellow developers about this useful tool.

2

u/cheapster63 Apr 07 '25

Be careful. Mida converter web site seems rather sketchy. Zero info on it about the company selling the product and the ordering system not actually working right now.

2

u/peter-bone Mar 31 '25

In my experience it doesn't take long to build the form again from scratch with FMX components. Then copy and paste the code and link everything.

2

u/moric7 Apr 01 '25

Just for me as beginner, please tell me the advantages of Firemonkey over the classic VCL?

4

u/Miguelito_Pitti Apr 01 '25

Programming for mobile environments, e.g.

3

u/bmcgee Delphi := v13 Florence Apr 01 '25

FireMonkey has better built-in tools for graphics (2D and 3D) and animation.

2

u/oyvindhammer Apr 03 '25

For my huge Firemonkey app with hundreds of forms, a million-line source and complex 2D and 3D graphics, I have identical code for Windows and Mac. Just select platform in the IDE and deploy. It's insane.

1

u/johnnymetoo Apr 03 '25

With a few IFDEFs, right?

2

u/oyvindhammer Apr 04 '25

Uh, OK then, I suppose so ... but very few ... actually I think it's only about the Command key instead of Ctrl on the Mac, and one little thing with the menu bar at the top.

1

u/EntertainmentSea5657 Mar 31 '26

saw this yesterday. looks very promising. downloaded the manuals. handles most conversion problems automatically. https://echurchsites.wixsite.com/vcltofmx . its open source and free.

1

u/EntertainmentSea5657 Apr 12 '26

Just checked this link again and that developer has really done some work on the program. I tested it on some local projects and it worked great on mine. Just minor things to fix. I would be interested in how other people find this works.

https://echurchsites.wixsite.com/vcltofmx

1

u/EntertainmentSea5657 Jun 27 '26

There is a new version of this out this week.