One of the biggest drawbacks to installing new themes is that my preferred desktop has to be rebuilt each time. It feels like I'm starting at square one.
Is there some easy way to retain the icon & widget layout I'm happy with when applying a new theme?
R1150GSA said:
One of the biggest drawbacks to installing new themes is that my preferred desktop has to be rebuilt each time. It feels like I'm starting at square one.
Is there some easy way to retain the icon & widget layout I'm happy with when applying a new theme?
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I am not sure if you are talking about the Homescreen... But regardless of your issue, it may be of some help to the community if you tell us what device you own, what rom you are using, and any other mods/tricks you've used. That would help us help you in the best manner possible. Anyways, are you using a custom launcher? I personally use Apex Launcher PRO, and when I apply themes, nothing happens to the desktop; everything remains in their location.
Does your issue occur with all theme's or just a certain theme? Have you tried applying a different rom? Restarting?
You're right, I should have included that information. I'm using an MZ604, Team EOS Stable Release 2 ROM.
The problem I have is with the home screen layout. I have my icons set up just the way I want them but if I use any other launcher app I have to redo my whole layout. I was wondering if there's a way to keep my custom homescreen icon setup when I change launchers. It would be a real time saver for evaluation purposes, but I suppose the launcher dev wants you to see a specific home screen layout to highlight their design at startup.
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R1150GSA said:
You're right, I should have included that information. I'm using an MZ604, Team EOS Stable Release 2 ROM.
The problem I have is with the home screen layout. I have my icons set up just the way I want them but if I use any other launcher app I have to redo my whole layout. I was wondering if there's a way to keep my custom homescreen icon setup when I change launchers. It would be a real time saver for evaluation purposes, but I suppose the launcher dev wants you to see a specific home screen layout to highlight their design at startup.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
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I am not sure if you can retain the locations of icons between launchers, only because all of them are different in many ways. However, you can try another launcher and make it the default launcher. Since you are evaluating, only keep a couple icons in custom locations. Then you can try applying different themes and seeing if that resets your homescreens. If it doesn't reset, it should be safe to replicate your original homescreens in the new launcher. For Apex Launcher (and I believe Nova Launcher), there is also an option to back up the layout of your homescreens to the xoom's internal storage.
Hope that helps...
Thanks, yosterwp. Yes, that's very helpful.
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First time ever installing a custom ROM pheww...I honestly didn't like the UI that much especially the dock panel as there is only 3 things i can put and can't customize/ arrange the order of homescreens. Is there a way to change that? Also, I realized that even backing up my apps+ with data using Titanium Backup, there is no Quick Office. Is there a way to restore/recover it? I used it alot before to cheat on my exams and edit docs on the go. Any help is appreciated thanks.
I believe the two main dock replacement apps are LauncherPro (free) and ADWLauncher. Both are highly customizable.
I'm a huge fan of ADW because it's open source. The paid version, ADW EX, is even more awesome. It's even more customizable than the free version and has some nice transition effects when going between home screens.
Yeah I used ADW prior and I loves it, looks like I am going to use it again. Now I realized that when I use Dolphin Browser HD, sites that have Flashplayer, they don't load automatically; instead, I have to click on the download arrow for it to load, is there a way to set it so it automatically loads up flash?
I am using ADW EX and like it.
Quick office can be extract from a stock rom \system\app folder.
chraz13 said:
I used it alot before to cheat on my exams.
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Lol. Nice admission.
chraz13 said:
First time ever installing a custom ROM pheww...I honestly didn't like the UI that much especially the dock panel as there is only 3 things i can put and can't customize/ arrange the order of homescreens. Is there a way to change that? Also, I realized that even backing up my apps+ with data using Titanium Backup, there is no Quick Office. Is there a way to restore/recover it? I used it alot before to cheat on my exams and edit docs on the go. Any help is appreciated thanks.
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Serendipity uses the Launcher2 which is stock. There are other ROM's which use this Launcher which include Stock Gingerbread. Find a launcher from the Market; two have already been named but there are others. As mentioned, extract the quickoffice apk from a stock source. You can read how to do this in the forum since how to do so is covered.
I use Go Launcher. It's like the TouchWiz launcher, but not a giant pile of crap.
MikeyMike01 said:
I use Go Launcher. It's like the TouchWiz launcher, but not a giant pile of crap.
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The dock ribbon on the bottom on GoLauncher is fabulous. 5 buttons, scrolls around to two other docks for a total of 15, and each can hold a second, gesture response. So Settings is the main press, but Battery Settings is the swipe up on the icon. Main email is press, Gmail is swipe up on the email icon.
It frees up an amazing amount of space in the copious home screens for widgets.
Thanks for the responses guys. Another question regarding the mobile data, it is now using HSDPA instead of the 3g. When I disable my wifi, shouldn't the mobile data icon show up? It does not come back at all anymore. Do you think it is because before I was using SMODA widget(toggles the 3g)? or is there a way to make it go back to 3G?
Hi folks,
See, I'm considering making my own themes for my Motorola Defy with Launcherpro, and atm I'm researching for tutorials on how to achieve certain results, but one thing that's bugging me is the default icon size of android. It seems to me that there's too much wasted space in padding between icons. I really like the looks of UI's like MIUI or even iOS in the way that you can actually have big icons to see, press or gloat about
Most solutions suggest using bettercut or Desktop visualizer, but it strikes me the fact that I must fill my desktop with widgets when all I want is just a shortcut. Also, these solutions don't apply to the app drawer, and it's a shame that we have acces to awesome icon packs such as Suave or AresHD and we must have them confined to 0.05 sq inches screen space.
Can this be done by fiddling around with framework.apk or is it much more difficult?
Thanks guys!
Use ADW Launcher. You can change the columns/rows in both your desktop and app drawer.
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.adw.launcher
And if you like it, I highly suggest upgrading to:
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.adwfreak.launcher
Isn't there any NON-Launcher dependant way to do it? I mean, as far as I know the icons are arranged in a grid pattern be it one launcher or another. What I'd like to know is if tere's any way of altering the "padding" in the grid spaces.
Anyone?
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bump!.....
It's launcher dependent.
If you're savvy enough you can decompile your ROM and build it as you see fit.
I am thinking about doing some theming with my Thunderbolt. In the past I have stuck with basic tweaks but now I would like to do some more in-depth theming.
I do not plan to manually modify files. Instead, I plan to theme the overall UI by using widgets, lock-screen replacements, and launcher settings.
For example, I would like to customize the look and feel of my device using some of the following tools:
Minimalist Text Widget
Simi Folders Widget
Beautiful Widgets
Desktop Visualizer
Widget Locker
etc
What is the best way to "theme" the device to have customizations such as lock screens and minimalist feel. I have begun using the above tools and can see the power behind them. In combo with launchers such as ADW or LauncherPro you can achieve the look and feel you desire.
I am unsure the best approach for lock screens and dock replacements.
I am planning to research this more but was hoping some more experienced "themers" in the community could chime in and share the best approach!! I understand that there is a lot of tweaking involved in this process.
Please provide your suggestions and advice. Maybe share what widgets you use and other things I may be missing (font packs, backgrounds, launcher docks, widgets, lock screens, etc.)
Thank You!
Most people use widget locker for the lockscreen...
I suggest , (personal taste) ADW Ex for a custom launcher replacement...
Thanks for starting off the suggestions! I plan to use WidgetLocker and ADW Launcher EX.
I need to look into more WidgetLocker themes to see what is possible!! The possibilities seem endless
I also need to find out how easy it is to replace icons/docks for ADW versus other available launchers!
JsinLegacy said:
Most people use widget locker for the lockscreen...
I suggest , (personal taste) ADW Ex for a custom launcher replacement...
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meh widget locker is like having a 2nd launcher.
just theme the lockscreens!
nitsuj17 said:
meh widget locker is like having a 2nd launcher.
just theme the lockscreens!
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what are you doing trolling the thunderbolt forums lol
mob87 said:
what are you doing trolling the thunderbolt forums lol
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i enjoy trolling...usually its just the continuum or mesmerize...but still
nitsuj17 said:
meh widget locker is like having a 2nd launcher.
just theme the lockscreens!
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How can I theme the lock screens? I am new to this, so any pointers would be helpful. I can dig deeper into the forums for that info as well.
I just figured using Widget Locker would allow for easy lock screen theming!
bmcclure937 said:
How can I theme the lock screens? I am new to this, so any pointers would be helpful. I can dig deeper into the forums for that info as well.
I just figured using Widget Locker would allow for easy lock screen theming!
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the lockscreens for htc are different than what im used to for aosp/touchwiz but the images are prolly in framework-res.apk, and htcresources.apk in system/framework and htclocksreen.apk in system/app
the aosp lockscreen would be framework-res.apk...sense slider in the other 2
Ahhh. Okay. So I would need to manually replace the images... makes sense.
One reason I am attracted to Widget Locker is the easy theming and ability to include information on the lock screen. For example, I could use Minimalist Text Widget to display battery level, time, etc.
I also plan to flash CM7 as soon as I feel it is ready (stable enough for regular function). No worries... I am definitely not sticking with Sense!
bmcclure937 said:
Ahhh. Okay. So I would need to manually replace the images... makes sense.
One reason I am attracted to Widget Locker is the easy theming and ability to include information on the lock screen. For example, I could use Minimalist Text Widget to display battery level, time, etc.
I also plan to flash CM7 as soon as I feel it is ready (stable enough for regular function). No worries... I am definitely not sticking with Sense!
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sense is kinda cool for the rosie mods and lockscreen mods you can do....and honestly i love the theme (i made the sense theme for the fascinate)....but aosp is certainly preferable for many things
Okay. What is the best way to change fonts?!
Also, which launcher do most people prefer for theming. The most popular seem to be ADW Launcher EX, Launcher Pro Plus, and Go Launcher EX.
I used ADW Launcher extensively with CM ROMs. I have not used the EX version but know it unlocks additional features (such as transition animations and the ability to swap dock/icon images).
I recently started using Launcher Pro Plus and am enjoying it very much! I do not know if ADW or Go Launcher has any additional functionality that would make it "better".
Finally, I have no experience with Go Launcher but have heard good things about it...
bmcclure937 said:
Okay. What is the best way to change fonts?!
Also, which launcher do most people prefer for theming. The most popular seem to be ADW Launcher EX, Launcher Pro Plus, and Go Launcher EX.
I used ADW Launcher extensively with CM ROMs. I have not used the EX version but know it unlocks additional features (such as transition animations and the ability to swap dock/icon images).
I recently started using Launcher Pro Plus and am enjoying it very much! I do not know if ADW or Go Launcher has any additional functionality that would make it "better".
Finally, I have no experience with Go Launcher but have heard good things about it...
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search xda for flashable font packs...some subforums have several hundred grouped together
Can anyone who has been using Widget Locker post some of their creative locksceen pics?
I can try to remember this evening after work.
Currenly using ARHD along with Nova Launcher as I like a bit of desktop customisation and more features.
That being said, I have liked Sense since 5 was released a few years back, I even liked Sense 4 but looking back the UI seemed a bit too cartoonish. Good in the day I guess!!
Curious to know what other folks do when it comes to using Sense 6, are they using the native launcher or going for a thirdy party launcher to get that additional customisation.
Reason I'm using Nova is the option to install icon packs, assign individual icons per app, change grid dimensions, icon sizes etc.
Is any of this possible with the latest Sense launcher by use of mods?
Thanks.
maritimesbob said:
Currenly using ARHD along with Nova Launcher as I like a bit of desktop customisation and more features.
That being said, I have liked Sense since 5 was released a few years back, I even liked Sense 4 but looking back the UI seemed a bit too cartoonish. Good in the day I guess!!
Curious to know what other folks do when it comes to using Sense 6, are they using the native launcher or going for a thirdy party launcher to get that additional customisation.
Reason I'm using Nova is the option to install icon packs, assign individual icons per app, change grid dimensions, icon sizes etc.
Is any of this possible with the latest Sense launcher by use of mods?
Thanks.
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Xposed module Xtended Settings.. With that, u can do ALL of the above to the BlinkFeed launcher and then some. It's basically Xgels for Sense but with way more options ... Give it a go, it honestly makes BlinkFeed just as customizable as Nova, and even more... Theme status bar, softkeys (if u use them) , animations , etc.
bdizzle1686 said:
Xposed module Xtended Settings.. With that, u can do ALL of the above to the BlinkFeed launcher and then some. It's basically Xgels for Sense but with way more options ... Give it a go, it honestly makes BlinkFeed just as customizable as Nova, and even more... Theme status bar, softkeys (if u use them) , animations , etc.
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It can change icons individually, for example I could set icons for the dock and differents icons on the desktop area? Resize them?
Thanks.
maritimesbob said:
It can change icons individually, for example I could set icons for the dock and differents icons on the desktop area? Resize them?
Thanks.
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Nope,not currently. As of right now, just different icon packs, not individual icons. However,if u use wizardcut, u can do that on any launcher, including BlinkFeed... Not only that, but u can also layer and mix and match different icons together(for example, u can move 1 icon on top of the background of another icon to create a new icon) or just assign individual icons to individual apps n it sets them on your launcher... Good app on play store... Also ,desktop visualizer does this.
I am getting this phone soon and can not wait. BUT, I really do not like the look of MUI. I'm not interested in having some kind of IOS look-a-like with no apps tray. Has anyone else been using Google Now, or any other launcher, for a while? Could someone who knows about these things explain the pros and cons of just using a different Launcher over MUI rather than flashing a new CM based ROM? Do the changes made by MUI interfere with a more traditional Android launcher?
Used miui7 on my my oneplus one for a good while. No trouble at all to just change the launcher. Was one of the first things I did the second time I used it. Mainly because I needed a launcher that would rotate 180°. Miui doesn't do that for the launcher.
But if all you want is an app drawer, you can easily simulate one with miui launcher. Just create a folder, drop every single app in there and place it in the dock area, where a drawer would be. That's all an app drawer is after all.
The only problem is sorting the apps inside the folder since on miui 7 I never found a way of sorting apps inside a folder alphabetically. I just worked around this by swiping up from the home screen and typing in the first letters of whatever app I was searching for.
BTW you're not losing anything by replacing the miui launcher, the miui experience isn't the launcher alone, it's way more than that. If anything, you're gaining extra functionality but just using nova or alike. Can't say about miui8, never used it.
One of the first things I did when I got the Mi5 a couple of days back was to install Nova Launcher for the same reason. The other thing was to swap the hardware buttons around.
It works just as you'd expect - getting an App drawer and the ability to have a centred home screen.
One of the issues with the MIUI base is that you can't change the Lockscreen wallpaper when your active launcher isn't the MIUI launcher. This is easily fixed by switching to the MIUI launcher, changing the lock screen wallpaper from the settings menus, then switching back to your launcher of choice.
I use buzz launcher and think it's great
Change the launcher. Miui is great otherwise!
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