SeeThru for Windows

Used SeeThru for Windows?

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 26, 2026

This utility allows you to make the background color of desktop icon text transparent. You can also select text color for better contrast.

Pros
- Makes icon text background transparent
- Allows custom text color selection
- Supports W95, W98, NT4, W2000 operating systems
- Early and foundational utility of its kind
Cons
- Does not function with Active Desktop running

SeeThru for Windows

Used SeeThru for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: May 23, 2001

Latest update: February 26, 2026

Version: 1.0.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 98
Windows NT
Windows 95
Windows 2000
Windows 10

Additional Requirements: Windows 95/98/NT/2000

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 23,583

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.6/5

16 User Votes

triniboy13bAugust 21, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
A very nice program and easy to use.
dennisdodd1January 26, 2008
Pros
The easy of use. Any one can employ this program - so simple to use.
Cons
Summary
use iconoid
gaumesiDecember 3, 2005
Pros
Cons
why use 1.43MB program when we have small and stable program like iconoid (515 KB)which performs all these functions besides auto choosing background colour similar to wallpaper. it has never crashed even on my Win98.
Summary
Finally! A program that will ensure text under your desktop icons PERSISTANTLY transparent!
JNW31September 3, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This one definitely works flawlessly! VERY stable! No matter how many times I refreshed my desktop (Windows 98) or used graphic intensive programs, the background labels under my desktop icons have ALWAYS remained transparent and text green, (the color I currently have set for icon text.) You can choose ANY color for the icon text since this program uses the built-in Windows color dialog box. So far, it has never conflicted with other programs on my computer. Previous versions of this program had fixes, revisions, modifications, etc. which proves that this version works as it should and is very effective! I'm impressed! Adds an icon to your system tray for quick access. This is one I'll keep!
Does exactlywhat it is supposed to do, very simply and very well.
August 21, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
April 16, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Still No active desktop?
December 28, 2002
Pros
Cons
Summary
needs to suport active desktop
not bad for a free app
April 3, 2002
Pros
Cons
Summary
to get around the active desktop thing put your pictures into the C:windows in BITMAP format u should be able to select it in the wall paper menu you now can use all your own pix :)
Win ME
December 23, 2001
Pros
Cons
Summary
Doesn't have an auto-refresh! like ALL other programs you have to clik the Desktop Icon to activate.
A good program, excellent idea
December 15, 2001
Pros
Cons
Summary
I like finally getting rid of that "box" around the text description for my icons. It got in the way of my wallpaper images; with this stable and very usable software, I can adjust the icon text color to suit the wallpaper, and I'm all set.

Developer’s Description

By mstrong

Make the background color of icon text transparent on your desktop.

Allows the background colour for the text under icons on the desktop be made transparent. Colour of the icon text can also be selected to ensure good contrast with the desktop colour. Works under W95, W98, NT4 and W2000 (but not if Active Desktop is running). This was one of the first utilities to do this, written way back in the middle of 1997. Many have appeared since, most of which either reverse-engineered this program or are based on articles that appeared at the time which explained how the feat was accomplished.

SeeThru for Windows

Editors’ Review

Pros

Cons

SeeThru for Windows

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User Reviews

A very nice program and easy to use.

use iconoid

Finally! A program that will ensure text under your desktop icons PERSISTANTLY transparent!

Does exactlywhat it is supposed to do, very simply and very well.

Still No active desktop?

not bad for a free app

Win ME

A good program, excellent idea

Developer’s Description