RE: XEmacs feature missing in GNU Emacs?

[Drew Adams]

> > Isn't that the Box attribute applicable to all Emacs face, not just
> > mode-line?
> 
> It might be if I could figure out the syntax for set-face-attribute...

You don't need to.

M-x customize-face RET mode-line RET

Look at and play with `Box around text', in particular its `Style' and `Width'
settings when value `Box' is used.  `Width' is what gives you a greater or
smaller 3D effect.

Customize shows you the effect of your changes as soon as you choose `State' >
`Set for current session'.  Fiddle and set, fiddle and set.

Much easier than trying to parse the `set-face-attribute' doc or code and then
experiment with Lisp sexps.  And if you then want to see what the corresponding
Lisp looks like for the option value, choose `State' > `Show Lisp Expression'.

IMHO, too many people think that not using Customize somehow makes them heavy
Lispers, and that using Customize somehow makes them Emacs wimps or newbies.

This not to argue that the Customize UI is wonderful or particularly appealing
(ugh!).  The point is that it is your friend, and a wise Lisper takes advantage
of it.