Question

It is possible to download a L&F java theme and use it in netbeans ?

for example use one of these themes:
http://geeknizer.com/best-java-swing-look-and-feel-themes-professional-casual-top-10/

I tried this instructions but it looks old:
http://javahowto.blogspot.in/2008/05/how-to-customize-netbeans-look-and-feel.html

Using netBeans 7.2

UPDATE:

this command seems work:
./netbeans --cp:p /home/fra/Desktop/jgoodies-looks-2.4.2/jgoodies-looks-2.4.2.jar --cp:p /home/fra/Desktop/jgoodies-looks-2.4.2/lib/jgoodies-common-1.2.1.jar --laf com.jgoodies.looks.plastic.PlasticLookAndFeel

Answer 1

You need to use a flag. You can check here for more info. And to change to some predefined LaF:

Available Themes

• Metal: Also known as “Cross Platform Look And Feel” or “Ocean theme”. The typical Java look – this is the default. This class is part of the Java Runtime as javax.swing.plaf.metal.MetalLookAndFeel.
• Nimbus: A modern Synth-based laf. This class is part of the Java Runtime 6u10 as com.sun.java.swing.plaf.nimbus.NimbusLookAndFeel.
• Native: Also known as “System Look And Feel”. These classes are part of the Java Runtime as com.sun.java.swing.plaf.windows.WindowsLookAndFeel (MS Windows), or com.sun.java.swing.plaf.gtk.GTKLookAndFeel (Linux), or com.sun.java.swing.plaf.mac.MacLookAndFeel (Mac OS) depending on the operating system you use (See also UIManager.getSystemLookAndFeelClassName()).
• Motif: A classic laf. This class is part of the Java Runtime as com.sun.java.swing.plaf.motif.MotifLookAndFeel.
• … or choose a third-party laf such as Substance, Napkin, Synthetica, TinyLaF, JGoodies Plastic, and many more. Note that NetBeans is not being regularly tested with alternate/third-party look and feel implementations. Various implementations may or may not work well.

To use the themes

1. Decide which Look and Feel widget you want (see list above) and remember it’s class name ().
2. If it’s a third-party widget, download the JAR file containing the custom laf classes ().
3. Start NetBeans from the command line with the following options (cf. examples below):
4. If it’s a third-party widget, place the JAR in the classpath using the --cp:p <jar_path> start-up option.
5. Select the laf using the --laf <laf_class> start-up option.
   When NetBeans starts you should notice the different look. If not, check for typos.
6. If you like the theme, make your custom start-up parameters permanent.