A binary theme file format provides optimized access to retrieve graphical
component theme property data. The binary format includes data structures
storing a set of defined visual characteristics for graphical component
classes, parts, and states. The data structure includes a hierarchy of
theme data. A theme manager quickly retrieves theme property data by
indexing into the binary file with a unique theme handle. The theme
manager accesses state, part, class, and global property sections to
retrieve theme data. Jump tables and jump-to-parent references allow for
quickly traversing property data sections. Packed data sections have
packed objects having the necessary property data for frequently used
graphical components. A custom image region data section provides border
data for nontransparent image borders. A sampled colors section
facilitates rendering of images with solid sections. The binary file
format can be constructed using a text theme file and is loaded into
shared process memory.