Customizing SPB Mobile Shell 2.1 - Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General

General
After Reading through the posts of some of the great minds in this area I have come to conclusion that this cool little application can be greatly improved. Want to know how? Download and unrar the archives link below in the release section. READ UNTILL THE END OF THE POST BEFORE YOU DO SO.
Credits
I have taken the following ideas on board and would like to proposed a more radical customization efforts:
greatbal - creator some of the most fantastic theme around. Read about his work http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424479.
MikiBest - creator of Customisation Scripts. Read about his work and download http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424933.
Thedumbkid - creator of spbwatcher.cab. Read about this and download http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2028191&postcount=11.
Note: Please inform me if you find your works are used in this effort. I will give you the proper credits. If you find your works here and they are not freeware, please inform me so that I would remove it from this package. Thanks.
My proposal
1. Replace today screen completely with Spb Mobile Shell. This is not exactly a mandatory.
2. Make Spb Mobile Shell as customizable as possible. Users can select their own combinations to make up a theme they like.
a. Language - During first install only. (currently only english read below in collaboration section)
b. Layout
c. Buttons icons
d. Background
e. Analog/Digital Clock icons
f. Weather icons
g. Status​3. Anybody who would like to make customisation can focus on the specific area where they want to change.
4. With multitude of customizations available, user can choose which combination they want to use and thus make it more usable.
5. This eliminate the need to make multiple themes with slight variations.
6. There seem a need for standardization for customization. I will propose it later after all potential problems has been identified.
I will start this effort. Hopefully we can have something usable by next week. Anyone who would like to joint this effort can contact me at [email protected] or [email protected]. I would love very much for the three name mentioned above to joint me. I think we have something good here that can be fully optimized.
Screen Shots
These are screen shots from my pda. Five pages of the Tabs...
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
1. Launcher
2. Contacts
3. Now/Lockscreen... Sorry I am Arsenal freak.
4. Diary
5. Undecided ... I will think of something for now it is just a copy of the Original Launcher. If you have any idea please tell me.
I will make a layout that only contain 4 tabs. Removing a copy of Laucher.
This is how I change Launcher buttons nows...
1. Goto Launcher
2. Goto Tools
3. Goto Spb Skins
4. Goto Extra Options... here is the differents now you are presented with choices instead of what you want to change.
5. Goto Buttons
6. Selection Screen... select iphone..
7. Now you have new Laucher buttons.. Imagine doing this with background, clocks, layouts, Weather, Status...
Released
1. Beta Released. 22/09/2008 - Discontinued.
2. Beta 1 Release. 24/09/2008 - Still available.
3. Beta 2 Release. 26/09/2008 - Latest.
a. Diff Files. Replace Old files only. 15MB (Unzip, Copy ShellSkins over old ShellSkins)
b. Complete Package. 22MB​4. Beta 2 Release. 11/10/2008 - Projected date.
Note: If you download the package please give feedback.
Instructions
1. Disable spbwatcher. Very important! if your mobile shell cannot load your pda will try it in endless loop (he he he hapen to me). if you have Spb pocket tools maybe you can start in safe mode. If not (like me), Use activesync, copy original mobile shell to installed folder and soft reset. Just like the "old way" mobile shell customization step.
2. Extract the files and copy to any extra/external storage you have. Don't copy to the internal ram. well you can but space is limited might as well free it for your running apps.
3. If you have run Mortscript before skip this step. If not just click on Mortscript.exe to activate it once.
4. Click at Install_ShellSkins - this script will do the everything or you. And you are done.
5. Open Mobile Shell. Goto Tools->Spb Skins, All available functions are there. Enjoy.
Collaboration
I need help in language translation. If you download this package. And you customize it for your own language please send a copy of the language files to me. I will include it in the package and mentione your name in the credits.
If you have idea you can tell me in this thread.
If you have any part of the Mobile Shell such as layout, buttons, background anything at all also send it to me and this package can be much better.
I know some of the material in the package was originally done by someone. Due to the huge number of meterial in it, I could not properly credits all of you. Tell you what. If you change your material to suit my framework and resend it to me, I will definitely mention your name here.
Finally, Thank you very much for reading, hope your enjoy the download and farewell.

18-09-2008
Finally, all possible categories of custimization is sorted into their own folders. This effort would make easy it for the user but definitely makes life a bit problematic for the developers/theme maker. Why, there is some standard that must be followed. Theme maker could not just add functions such as buttons or any other visual item by replacing the original files. This would make our effort useless. There will be new upgrades by the Spb MS makers and with such upgrades we would lost our customization after the file being replace with new files that is not yet customize.
Example. We customize layout by changing qa_layouts, inside it we refer to our new 5 tabs instead of 4 tabs by manufacturer. We also change the bitmap icon to add new tab icon in q*_bkg_now ( * = a/p/l ). If this file got replaced, we lost all our layouts. Instead, we create new files q*_bkg_now# ( * = a/p/l, # = 1/2/3/.. ) and refer it to our new layout. Even if the upgrade replace the old files, it won't touch or customization files. If you need to add new functions. Don't do it to original files but use extension files instead.
20-09-2008
Everything is taking shape. It is working but a bit funny. Like navigation button appear all over the place. Lanscape mode not displaying right. And many other discrepancies. The background and layout downloaded from MikiBest only have potrait view files. Decided to make new layout concepts as follows:
Original - 3 Tabs/1 Close button
3 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
4 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
4 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
5 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
5 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask
5 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
5 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
21-09-2008
Created Arsenal Theme.
22-09-2008
5 Tabs series created.
Beta Available.
23-09-2008
Some display bugs. Need to correct.
24-09-2008
4 Pages series finished.
5 Pages display bug corrected.
Standardization of backrgound started. For those that want to know how the standard is implemented. Go to Original or Arsenal in Commons/Background/Original or Commons/Background/Arsenal directory after you unrar it. Each background theme must have qp_bkg_now, qp_bkg_now1, ql_bkg_now and ql_bkg_now1 files. If you have square screen. Rename qp_bkg_now and qp_bkg_now to qs_bkg_now and qs_bkg_now1 respectively. If it doesn't work tell me.
Notes: Do not add any new buttons or background image to the archives. Just replace the images and icons in there to suite your theme.
Old Icons and Backgrounds from MikiBest download will not work correctly. If you happens to change any of the old files in the background directory to follow new standard please send it to me. I will include it in future release.
Connectivity buttons like in the MikiBest download is not yet implemented. They disrupt the skins layout. Buttons go all over the place. Like I said standardization is required.
Beta 1 Released. See first post for downloads and instructions.
New Packaging concept started for next release.
26-09-2008
New layouts. I have merged the layout new and old into the following list:
3 Tabs Now/Contact/Spb Menu
3 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
4 Tabs Calendar/Now/Contact/Spb Menu
4 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
4 Tabs/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
4 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
4 Tabs/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
4 Tabs Original Menu/Calendar/Now/Contact/Spb Menu
5 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
5 Tabs/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
5 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask
5 Tabs/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask
5 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
5 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
Actually 5 Tabs Now/Speeddail1/Speeddail2/Speeddail3/Spb Menu
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.
I will not be making any new layouts. I think this should satisfied most everyone needs for layout selection. If there is somethine new that I can think of I will put it here. I am also thinking of replace tab1 in 5 tabs layout. Not sure what to put in there yet.
I have corrected the backgrounds and buttons from the original package by MikiBest. It is now okay to work within my package. I cheated abit though. Because I don't have the time neither the capability to make varieties of tab buttons. I copied them all over the bacgrounds. Sorry guys I am sure someone will replace them with something more interesting soon. And if you did please pass it back to me. So everybody else can enjoy it too.
New packaging is in progress. By the way. People who downloaded the packages please give feedbacks. It would be nice to hear how you guys like it.
07-10-2008
Sorry guys.. I had flue for about a week. It has been a terrible week for me. I have not yet finish repackaging the app. I just started to look at it again. I think I fell sick because of the lack of sleep and tiredness. so, my body defenses against microbs was not functioning well. I am much better not. Hopefully I can get it done soon.
Next Relase date 11/10/2008.

hm..not to be stomping out your good intentions and all..but you evidently didn't read all the forums about SPB. There's already a little program called "SPB Switcher" or something along those lines that changes the themes of SPB quickly. When tweaked correctly you can add your own custom theme to it too.

This Z an idea , every 1 LKNG 4 it .
but we hv 2 consider the fact that the themz dn by scanerz contian >> bkgroundz + icons + pagez + clock + otherz
with the relation between them z diff between a them & another .
so , its fair NOW 2 hv just a simple program 2 make the chanc n changng between diff themz eazy .

jackljane said:
Finally, all possible categories of custimization is sorted into their own folders. This effort would make easy it for the user but definitely makes life a bit problematic for the developers/theme maker. Why, there is some standard that must be followed. Theme maker could not just add functions such as buttons or any other visual item by replacing the original files. This would make our effort useless. There will be new upgrades by the Spb MS makers and with such upgrades we would lost our customization after the file being replace with new files that is not yet customize.
Example. We customize layout by changing qa_layouts, inside it we refer to our new 5 tabs instead of 4 tabs by manufacturer. we also change the bitmap icon to add new tab icon in q*_bkg_now (* = a/p/l ). This file got replaced and we lost all our layouts. instead we can create a new file qz_bkg_now and refer it to our new layout. even if the upgrade replace the old files, it won't touch or customization files. If you need to add new functions. don't do it to common/original files but use extension files instead.
p/s: I made great progress. But can anybody explain to me why my icons and background got messed up after i edited it with Photoshop? The graphics just not showing right. greatbal? Anyone, help please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is messed up because the bmp is a 16bit file. You need to save them as R5 G6 B5 format. When saving, you will need to select the Advanced Mode and save as per above format.
Your icons will look nice after that.
Hope this helps, and looking forward to your program.
Edit: Refer to this post. Luiggi had done up an icons tutorial.

Looking forward to this. It would be great to have an app like the HTC Home customizer was for Mobile Shell. I'm not sure what app JokeZony0u is referring to when he says something already exists.

What SPB Switcher EXIST?
JokeZony0u said:
hm..not to be stomping out your good intentions and all..but you evidently didn't read all the forums about SPB. There's already a little program called "SPB Switcher" or something along those lines that changes the themes of SPB quickly. When tweaked correctly you can add your own custom theme to it too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been spending a huge amount of time on this when I read you post. Are you sure about this? Can you provide a link to it? I will be searching for this app before making decission to continuing my effort. If anybody else have seen it please tell us. I don't want to put off too long if there isn't any such thing as I also fail to find it.

I think there's a difference between theme switcher, that just switches between completely defined themes, and a program that allows me to customize a theme myself. So the idea still stands good imho. If I can help with my little perl skills, let me know

g00ndu said:
It is messed up because the bmp is a 16bit file. You need to save them as R5 G6 B5 format. When saving, you will need to select the Advanced Mode and save as per above format.
Your icons will look nice after that.
Hope this helps, and looking forward to your program.
Edit: Refer to this post. Luiggi had done up an icons tutorial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. I am more code kinda of guy not really good in graphics. I am going to try it now.

just found this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424933

crispyj said:
just found this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424933
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, this idea is based on the original ide by MikiBest. But trying to mix and match between options is still not possible. By the way the original idea would be to merged the two concept together. And by sharing informations. A better solutions will emerge.

The program by MikiBest gives you so many options already that I cant see how you are going to make anything that will make it better. One issue is stability and if you have thousands of options its more likely to crash or have other issues. If you check out MikiBests web site you will see how proffesional the approach to the software is and the effort put into the program.
Good luck but for me I already have way to many options to play around with in MikiBests program. If you want to use any of my icons in your work then let me know - made a set up for MikiBest of my Iphone Silver icons and they look great in his program.

scorpion66 said:
The program by MikiBest gives you so many options already that I cant see how you are going to make anything that will make it better. One issue is stability and if you have thousands of options its more likely to crash or have other issues. If you check out MikiBests web site you will see how proffesional the approach to the software is and the effort put into the program.
Good luck but for me I already have way to many options to play around with in MikiBests program. If you want to use any of my icons in your work then let me know - made a set up for MikiBest of my Iphone Silver icons and they look great in his program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 1, replacing the default home screen with the SPB is one good reason.

scorpion66 said:
The program by MikiBest gives you so many options already that I cant see how you are going to make anything that will make it better. One issue is stability and if you have thousands of options its more likely to crash or have other issues. If you check out MikiBests web site you will see how proffesional the approach to the software is and the effort put into the program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha ha... Yup, you are right. I don't dispute that MikiBest has done great job with the initial idea and provide us with a great tool. I want to improve on that idea and share with everybody (Including MikiBest). It is a reengineering his effort and reshare. If you love the tools by Miki, by all means use his. If you want to try mine it is okay too.
scorpion66 said:
Good luck but for me I already have way to many options to play around with in MikiBests program. If you want to use any of my icons in your work then let me know - made a set up for MikiBest of my Iphone Silver icons and they look great in his program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to use your icons sets. I am very bad at graphics. I will contact you later when it is time. For now I am just scrapping from everywhere. And doesn't really has any clear theme that really represent a theme.. wa ha ha.. You know what, if you can, look at my Arsenal theme in the first post. Tabs icons can be better represented by
1. Launcher - Whistle
2. Contacts - Players Jersy
3. Home - Emerite stadium/or Arsenal Logo
4. Diary - Game Schedule
5. Don't know what to put here yet. But I you can propose...
Guys,
I have two pda Dopod and Omnia, different screens sizes. So I guess I have to make the theme/customization that would work for both type of screen QVGA and WQVGA. This is good news for those who want to use MikiBest tools but don't have Omnia.
I have made a theme called Arsenal. Customize the original layout file by SPB to include all possible screen sizes. Most of the theme created is very selective for their owner screen size . Yup, why bother waste effort for something that you are not using unless you got paid. Lucky for you, I use both sizes... well for square guys (240x240 screen), I have no way of testing it. If you want to try go a head and tell me how it looks.
Updated... 22/09/2008
Sorry guys, Files upload problem. Let me sort it out first. I will try to store it somewhere first and link from this page. Please be patient. I also need some sleep. wa ha ha ha... can't open my eyes now... too tired..

Update - 23/09/2008
1. What are done so far. Scripts are getting there. Need fine tuning and cleaning up.
a. Install skin - done
b. Change Button - done
c. Change background - done
d. Change digital clock (classic view) - done
e. Change analog clock (classic view) - done
f. Change weather - done
f. Change layout - done​
2. Need reengineering for layout and tab buttons for all other template created previously by our good friends. This requirements needs a framework and for a layout to be presented correctly after every change it has to follow this frame work. Otherwise the files will overwrite each other and not useable for the specific layouts. Or some layout might be missing icons or wierd graphics. . I will come up with some sort of standard to follow so anybody interested to creat just button set or just layout or any other option can follow. Now you see, we can have thousands of themplate. once this is done.
3. Skin develop by some of our good friends need to be rebuilt to fit the new framework as well, especially the layout part and tab buttons. Rightnow, I avoid using those layout until i can port it into current framework.
4. Well as I mentioned above, I need help. If any of you have spare time please lend a hand. So that we can profit together.
p/s: I am uploading the file to mediafire... once finish I will update the first post of this thread to include the link.

well the switcher that they found was what I referring to, sorry for the confusion! I misinterpreted your intentions! Sorry I haven't kept up with this thread either!

This seems like one of the best places to ask this...
Do any of you know if there is a way to have SPB Mobile Shell show a different alarm such as G-Alarm instead of the SPB Time alarm on the Now screen?

Jye75 said:
This seems like one of the best places to ask this...
Do any of you know if there is a way to have SPB Mobile Shell show a different alarm such as G-Alarm instead of the SPB Time alarm on the Now screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Jye, I am investigating this myself. For the moment, my answer is, what can be shown inside mobile shell are only the functionalities already builtin within mobile shell. You can add links and stuff to external stuff and represent it with icons. But never to loading external function within mobile shell. If I ever found out more about this I will post it here.
Guys, Yes..... I finally manage to upload it. Read the first post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2653709&postcount=1) for download link and instruction.

TauTau said:
I think there's a difference between theme switcher, that just switches between completely defined themes, and a program that allows me to customize a theme myself. So the idea still stands good imho. If I can help with my little perl skills, let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TauTau,
I need all the help I can get. Download the first Beta. Try it and see how you can make it better. I need different perspective. My brain slow down after 5 day doing this... .

Beta 1 is now available... goto first post for information, download and instructions. Enjoy.

Related

Full Theme Changer For Windows Mobile 6?

Is it possible to make a full theme change for windows mobile 6? I mean not like Wisbar Apps or any other type that is similar to it. I mean changing the colors, backgrounds of the phone and any other winmo6 embedded software.
Here is an example of want i want it to do. lets say that you are changing the theme of your winmo6 to blue but you want to keep the same look and feel to it with out install a cab to change the phone the blue color in stead when you change the color to blue it will change everything on your device blue too.
thanks
Its already been done. Search on here for Shantz changer.
WB
wacky.banana said:
Its already been done. Search on here for Shantz changer.
WB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it does not change the phone color just the today screen
There's two applications I know of - both change various aspects of your colour schemes; one is "RC Mod" (get it here) and the other is called "UI Tweaker" (from here).
Have a look, see what you think
Mark.
Mark Crouch said:
There's two applications I know of - both change various aspects of your colour schemes; one is "RC Mod" (get it here) and the other is called "UI Tweaker" (from here).
Have a look, see what you think
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first link is uesless, it's in italian for the most part. And UI Tweaker just changes colors, not the dial pad.
Unless someone comes out with an app that lauches the color changes as well as a cab install for the phone dialer, there isn't a current app to do this. This is one of the drawbacks I have hate about WM. It was never designed to do whole system color coding, you can change the theme which does change system colors, but there is still a lot of white coloring thru out the OS and the dial pads, keyboards, etc never change color with the theme.
smittyofdhs said:
first link is uesless, it's in italian for the most part. And UI Tweaker just changes colors, not the dial pad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must have misunderstoof the first post incorrectly then, but I didn't see the OP ask about changing the dialer.....all of the colours on the dialer are images anyway, so it makes no difference what colour the rest of the UI gets changed to...
The first link is useless coz the attached images are dead links and the post is mostly in Italian because the author is, like, Italian....you obviously stopped reading after the first couple of words
I agree that WM 6.0 lacks any decent "UI tweaking" capabilities - hopefully MS will address that deficiency in 6.1, or 7.0, or 8.0, or........maybe not
Mark.
Since the dialer, theme and everything else is controlled by images and registry edits I believe you just have to delve in with Mortscript and learn how to script it yourself. Mortscript will then batch process it in the same way you can do it yourself manually. But once you do it'll be pretty sweet. You can have a iPhone script, a Touch script, etc. for one click overall theme change. Its just getting familiarized with Mortscript and digging into dialpad CABs to see what registry/files need to be modified/copied. Heck if you are going that route you might as well see if its possible to manually copy over some of the welcome screens as well. =P
Just curious, do you honestly switch your entire phone theme that often? And need the phone pad/dialer to be changed as well? Have you even tried installing a dialpad CAB, then another one on top of it, then another one on top of that one...just to see if it creates any corruption?
Shantz is great cause it does exactly what it needs to do on changing the theme or background and he even has an option to allow you to run an external program (mortscript) so that it can copy the background onto other programs such as S2U2 and WAD (and in the future...possibly PointUI Home background).
So if you are willing to give up on the idea of installing a dialpad CAB (perhaps install a neutral gray or black one), the task will be a lot easier with Shantz and a little bit of Mortscript coding.
Nyditot
NYDITOT
This software is not to change colors, but it has a theme modifier feature that changes the color of that ugly scroll bar on right today screen, and the default buttons etc. Very fun! There is a trial version on website.
TEST IT
Have a look at this program:
http://www.codeppc.com/telechargements/themegence/themegence.htm
it can create new themes or modify an existing one (you can copy the existing one from your windows directory)....

Updated vid: Ultimate launcher + FtouchSL demonstration on athena

i was pushing the icons so i could show you the effect as to what happens when i push (was trying to move my fingers around)
anyways here is the vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVULONa7QZ8
edit: New Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z9QeS5GF9nQ
Hey that's look pretty nice. Dare I ask .. Lanscape support?
boinger66 said:
i was pushing the icons so i could show you the effect as to what happens when i push (was trying to move my fingers around)
anyways here is the vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVULONa7QZ8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aboinger, I am also interested in exploring Ultimate Launcher. Your Athena Ultimate Launcher Interface looks so nice. How did you do that? Can you explain step by step. Cos I also installed Ultimate Launcher, but Ultimate Launcher can only slide from right to left or vice versa, functions like the "easy shortcut". But Ultimate Launcher cannot move up and down.
Landscape is supported and works perfectly fine...
my ultimate launcher is also limited from side to side / fade animations
when you are in the tabs option and hit create new it should give you an option to add in plugins / shortcuts
what exactly did u need help with id be more than happy to help
Where download the ultimate launcher?
its an exe so its in a zip
dont know where the cab for the english version is ...
updated video to include ftouchsl / new UL interface
boinger66 said:
i was pushing the icons so i could show you the effect as to what happens when i push (was trying to move my fingers around)
anyways here is the vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVULONa7QZ8
edit: New Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z9QeS5GF9nQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better!...
I know this is a thread to demo the UL (which I just got put on two days ago....awesome software). But boinger, I notice that you have flames on your S2U2. One: where did you get that animated background for it? Second: your S2U2 looks as if it was designed for VGA....mine looks like a stretched QVGA screen. How can i get mine crisp like yours?
Thanks buddy. Nice layout..
BTW....I'm not sure what the version that was linked earlier in this thread....but I found the english version here!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=365334&highlight=Ultimate+Launcher&page=2
yes this one is the english version
and about S2U2 i changed the graphics for vga.. you can do that simply by editing the .png's
i just changed the clock files to be honest.
and in real vga mode the slider doesnt work. so i enabled dpad support cause the screen mapping is off.
i can send you the flames gif... i got it off another member and edited it for vga.
You said editing the png's. Does that mean you changed the icons themselves, or you adjusted the values of the png to fit VGA? Just a little confused on that. Or all together, did you edit the pngs in a software such as Adobe Photoshop? If that is the case I might have to ask are you willing to share....thats a little over my head.
Yes Please email me the flame background...[email protected]
I might go back to S2U2 because of this.
Thanks boinger....appreciated buddy!
the blue flames jpg is attached
and i wouldnt mind sending you the vga clock files but that should be in the clock pack already
boinger,
What sort of icon format does ultimatelaunch accept. Is it only ico? What about png format?
only ico
you can use 32bit xp icons though.. so they look just as nice... only dillema is you have to convert most icons from .png
i can upload my ico icon pack for you all if you like ?
how can i use icon(bottom) like you?
i like your style..
looks nice..
i tried but.. i cannot use it.
i do not know how i set the icon.
i like icon linked like iphone..
please, let me know how you set yr advantage.....
That would be awesome if you uploaded some of your icons boinger. I'm also trying to find some to share here as well.
I'm struggling a little with the "not activated" signs in the corner. I have registered this app, and entered the code twice. Soft-reset. After a couple of minutes and some navigation, they reappear.
I searched for some answers, and it seems there isnt a fixed from what I was able to find.
Anybody else having this annoyance!!
Thanks
here ya go
Thanks boinger. These are nice buddy!!!!
I think I have the wrong version of S2U2. I just took the WM5 version that I used for my x51v. I say this because, I cant use gif. as a wallpaper for it. I'm assuming that I might not have the most current version.
Lastly, I have been trying to incorporate your icons, but for some reason UL will not show them when I select them. I can only use the default icons that come with them.
Any ideas!!!
I don't seem to be able to enter text for the application icon, although I can see that the config icon has a description.
What is the trick to enter this text?
I'm also unable to choose tab icon. Does tab icon got to meet certain criteria for them to work?
eaglesteve said:
I don't seem to be able to enter text for the application icon, although I can see that the config icon has a description.
What is the trick to enter this text?
I'm also unable to choose tab icon. Does tab icon got to meet certain criteria for them to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For this you have to click the with text button (next to the xp32 icon)
Kenjari said:
Thanks boinger. These are nice buddy!!!!
I think I have the wrong version of S2U2. I just took the WM5 version that I used for my x51v. I say this because, I cant use gif. as a wallpaper for it. I'm assuming that I might not have the most current version.
Lastly, I have been trying to incorporate your icons, but for some reason UL will not show them when I select them. I can only use the default icons that come with them.
Any ideas!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
set the icon size to 72 x 72 that should work..
UL wont show icons unless they are the proper size...
and im running s2u2 .99c

Today Screen Launcher IDEA.. please develop..

hi. i first posted this idea on the PointUI forum.. so forgive me for the blasphemous screen.. anyway.. i jsut want to share this idea for those developers, willing to create a scrolling today screen launcher..
click thumbnail for the animated demo..
the idea is, to create a launcher that is customizable (custom icons - TGA or PNG for transparency), scrollable, and FUN.. hehe..
anyway.. it's a simple horizontal swipe and scroll.. but the added feature of the - what i call - default pane..
the default pane should be a set of five shortcut icons (user configurable) that can be easily accessed from anywhere in the horizontal list.. how? double tap the space above the icons..
for example, you have a 16 icon horizontal list, if you are in the end of the list, and you have to go back to your default pane, just double tap the space above the icons, and the list will scroll back to your default pane..
also, there should be an option for memory or default..
the memory option remembers the last position of your launcher and remains where it is even after you launched a program or switched to another window..
the default view scrolls the list back to the default pane after launching a program or every time the today screen becomes active..
this idea could not just be a today screen plugin.. it can also be a launcher that can be called via screen gesture (FtouchSL/FtouchFLO).. the difference with this launcher, is if implemented, would just be an over-window rather than a full screen launcher.. it may also be a task switcher.. depends on the developers choice..
here's a quick demo..
[/i]click on the thumbnail for the animated demo..[/i]
once again, this is just an IDEA.... for someone else with the programming prowess..
i'm just good with photoshop and ideas. but binaries and hexadecimals kill me..
Good idea..i hope some one develops it...u can try Throttle launcher
Where did you find the picture?
Have you done it by yourself?
look into ultimatlaunch also... very similar to what you are wanting
with customize icons and wallpaper... wold be good.. and a feeds infos too on the clock and events apperance
the upper part of the picture/animation is the PointUI Home interface.. no credit for me with that..
the bottom part however is mostly my creation.. (the icons used were modified from bundled stardock icons for windowsXp)
i created the bottom part and the application launcher ribbon as an idea suggestion for the developers of PointUI..
a bit inspired by the leaked wm7 pix and the iphone springboard hacks they created over at cre.ations.net
i don't really like PointUI that much (YET, but i'm getting there), so i also suggest the idea as a native Today Screen plugin.. and an all around launcher.. a minimalist approach, compared to the touchFLO cube and it's encarnations..
i don't like ultimate launcher that much.. i'm not into Tabbed launchers.. too much space consumed..
throttle launcher looks cluttered at the moment.. too much things are rendered on screen at the same time.. it takes up much time loading and, again, screen real estate.. i'm still eyeing for its future improvements though.. especially if it will be able to get customized, as in, to be able to select the features that will be loaded, and will not..
it's not likely that all people want to see a big clock, a bunch of contact pictures, all of the shortcuts, and running programs cramped in their screen at the same time..
Would be awesome...good idea buddy.
ytsejam_ said:
throttle launcher looks cluttered at the moment.. too much things are rendered on screen at the same time.. it takes up much time loading and, again, screen real estate.. i'm still eyeing for its future improvements though.. especially if it will be able to get customized, as in, to be able to select the features that will be loaded, and will not..
it's not likely that all people want to see a big clock, a bunch of contact pictures, all of the shortcuts, and running programs cramped in their screen at the same time..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they have a single line launcher now, it the same thing you ar requesting. I'm also keeping an eye on them i think the single line can be a nice addon to every rom. (but it has to be easy customiseble)
If you combine Ultimate Launcher with some clever today screen plugins, especially with rltoday, you can do at least the first part with customization only.
if only the creator wants to make pointui for VGA sigh..
That concept has been done here
i tried v2r and though it was not that good....this idea is awesome though i would love to see it developed
I like the concept.... I'll try to achieve something similar with my app (ThrottleLauncher) and report back with what can be done . Some questions:
Any way of getting the art work used on your screen shots?
What are the left and right arrows on the clock for?
Thanks for that cool concept!
APBilbo said:
I like the concept.... I'll try to achieve something similar with my app (ThrottleLauncher) and report back with what can be done . Some questions:
Any way of getting the art work used on your screen shots?
What are the left and right arrows on the clock for?
Thanks for that cool concept!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I've so far. I know the look is not the same but without the background's it's the closer I can make it for the today plugin. For the "poping up" app, the same theme can be used without the clocks on throttle main app. A little modification on the app will be needed to show the prevous window as background.
APBilbo said:
This is what I've so far. I know the look is not the same but without the background's it's the closer I can make it for the today plugin. For the "poping up" app, the same theme can be used without the clocks on throttle main app. A little modification on the app will be needed to show the prevous window as background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome! if you could release your today plugin ribbon, my theme would be complete! really looking forward to this
Michaelr219 said:
awesome! if you could release your today plugin ribbon, my theme would be complete! really looking forward to this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The today plugin ribbon is really eassy to achieve with my app ;-). I've made a simple theme for you. Just uncompress the zip file into your instalation dir of ThrottleLauncher (see my signature).
After that, go to ThrottleConfig app (it must be on your programs menu) and set plugin height to 38 (or higher if you customize the icons to be bigger), then sellect Ribbon on the combo box and click "Set Today's" button. Then on the actions menu (left softkey) select Edit AppDB, add as much app's as you wish (needed fields are title, name and exec, only select an icon if you wan't to override the default of the app). Select the app's you want to be on the Used list. After all that add throttletoday plugin to your today screen.
If you wan't to make some playing with the setup you can take a look at this tutorials
http://www.throttlelauncher.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8
You can for example eassily set the ribbon to be 2 rowed, add a clock, add contact photodial ribbon, etc etc .
edit: removed atachment as it contained an error. Look some post's below for the correct one..
APBilbo said:
The today plugin ribbon is really eassy to achieve with my app ;-). I've made a simple theme for you. Just uncompress the zip file into your instalation dir of ThrottleLauncher (see my signature).
After that, go to ThrottleConfig app (it must be on your programs menu) and set plugin height to 38 (or higher if you customize the icons to be bigger), then sellect Ribbon on the combo box and click "Set Today's" button. Then on the actions menu (left softkey) select Edit AppDB, add as much app's as you wish (needed fields are title, name and exec, only select an icon if you wan't to override the default of the app). Select the app's you want to be on the Used list. After all that add throttletoday plugin to your today screen.
If you wan't to make some playing with the setup you can take a look at this tutorials
http://www.throttlelauncher.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8
You can for example eassily set the ribbon to be 2 rowed, add a clock, add contact photodial ribbon, etc etc .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome! thank you soo much, im going to incorporate this to the m-series of my iStyle theme, youll get much credit deserved for this. im gonna test this right now! thanks again!
Michaelr219 said:
awesome! thank you soo much, im going to incorporate this to the m-series of my iStyle theme, youll get much credit deserved for this. im gonna test this right now! thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need more help or find any probs you know where to find me .
APBilbo said:
If you need more help or find any probs you know where to find me .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i installed the latest version... and unzipped accordingly, i didnt get the "ribbon" as an option in the dropdown menu... and i cant find that clock ribbon like in your screenshot, if you could post that theme like in your first screenshot, itd be much appreciated, im trying to find something similar to the ribbon in pointui... i dont know how to design it, i just would like to easily scroll through a clock, calendar, and if possible, notifications... mainly just clock and calendar... also, is it possible to have it automatically "fall into place" on the flick/scroll... all your work is appreciated... and thank you in advance
Michaelr219 said:
i installed the latest version... and unzipped accordingly, i didnt get the "ribbon" as an option in the dropdown menu... and i cant find that clock ribbon like in your screenshot, if you could post that theme like in your first screenshot, itd be much appreciated, im trying to find something similar to the ribbon in pointui... i dont know how to design it, i just would like to easily scroll through a clock, calendar, and if possible, notifications... mainly just clock and calendar... also, is it possible to have it automatically "fall into place" on the flick/scroll... all your work is appreciated... and thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry... my fault... there was an error on the zip. Setup xml must be inside a folder called Ribbon on the setups folder and not directly inside it. Here you have an update of the simple ribbon setup and the one of the screenshots above (this last will require a little work still but I upload it so you can test it ).

[UPGRADE][Release 3][12/19/08] Project: Storm Theme Pack

The Theme Setup
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Resco Radio Redone
Icon Set
The Plan​
-WAD2 Complete, but plan for one final release, any request please post
-WA3 Will be attached shortly
-Spb Calc Portrait attached, Landscape coming 12/19/08
-WMP Will be attached 12/19/08
-iContact [burt]
-icontact [supbro] Will be attached 12/19/08
-Spb Phone Suite
-Spb Keyboard I suggest using the skin "Black 1" or "Black 2" for now, I'm modifing one to give the blue glow on tap, but there are about 8 different layouts
-Resco Radio
-S2P Drawn up
-S2V Same from S2P
-S2U2 Same from WAD2
-psShutXP
-Resco Explorer Will be attached 12/19/08
-PocketBreeze
-.TSK/System Colors This will match the device theme and colors, I had planned to change system colors, but too many things are changed, leaving them unable to read
-G-Alarm​
Release Notes
I'll most likely be on Live Messenger if you have any questions, [email protected]​
WisBar Advance Desktop 2: Release 3 [12/19/08]​
This is ridiculous!! The theme works great, but I can't seem to get it to ya'll right! WTF! Anyways, go back to the 2nd release, if you never downloaded the third, disregard this. Instructions changed.​
For now, the theme will remain as is. Once the update to WAD2 is complete and working, I will rebuild the theme with two extra features, and to make sure there is no error in the theme with the newer version. So, in the meantime, everything works, but if you have any request for the final release, let me know! Enjoy!​
Release 3 added:
Those without Audio Manager installed were unable to launch the theme, shortcut was deleted
Added text to application tabs
Added Video Recorder Page
Removed Voice Recorder shortcut, not all may have, similar to Audio Manager​
I. How do I apply the theme?
1. Download the attachment "WisBar.zip"
2. Extract to the root, "\", of your device
For those that already have this folder from the last release, I suggest creating a new, blank WAD2 theme, set it as your default, quit WAD, then delete the ENTIRE WisBar folder from your device. Don't worry, all the same files plus more are included.​
3. In the "WisBar" folder you'll have two folders, "Project Storm R2", and "Project Storm WAD2"
Move the "Project Storm R2" folder to "\Program Files\Lakeridge\WisBar Advance Desktop\Themes". Leave the other folder in the "WisBar" folder. These files MUST be in these locations to work! Don't worry about memory, sizes are small and it is best to have these on the device.
The reason for the "WisBar" folder is simple, I use this as my general folder for all WisBar items, graphics and others. This includes the WA3 theme.​
4. Open WAD2
Choose Settings, then "Change Theme". If you do not see "Project Storm R2" in the list, choose the option to "Scan for Themes", and it should then appear. Select the theme, and apply!​
II. On with the Show!
I've tried to use all available possibilities with WAD2, simply to have a better theme, and to use it for what it's worth. For those that used the first release, forget it even existed! This one is MUCH MUCH better. If you are new to WAD2, you will be in for a surprise! There is a lot to it, but once you understand it better, the easier all of this will make sense.
WAD2 is simply a "Virtual Desktop", it allows you to place almost any item you would like anywhere on the screen, with any number of screens. This is why this application is the best for this theme. If you have questions, feel free to ask here, we are all here to help.
For starters, at anytime you can swipe down to return home. Also, all shortcuts use default WM applications, this basically means opening contacts will launch iContact, if that's what you have installed.
III. Home Page
This your first page. Everything you need is here. At the top is the "Status Dock", and the bottom are your "General Shortcuts"
The Status Dock includes:
Live Battery Meter
Live Volume Status [Opens Volume Profile Manager]
Your Carrier Name
Live Phone Signal Strength
Bluetooth Status [Toggles BT power]
Data Connection Status
Wi-Fi status [Tapping toggles Wi-Fi power]
Clock [Opens Clock Page]
Long Date
The space below the date is used for the following notifications, only displayed when needed:
Missed Calls [Missed Call List]
Voicemails [Calls VM, you will need to change! Edit the script to call your own VM]
Emails [Opens Email Inbox, ActiveSync by default]
SMS [Opens SMS Inbox]
MMS [Opens SMS Inbox]
The General Shortcuts:
Messaging [Messaging Center]
SMS [SMS Inbox]
Contacts [Toggles Speed Dial Dock, shortcut to Contacts included]
Calendar [Opens Agenda Page]
Browser [Toggles Web Favorites Dock, PIE preset]
Media [Opens Media Page]
Weather Icon [Opens Weather Page, displays Home info]
Maps [Change to what you like]
IV. Applications Page
Like before, tapping the middle, blank part of the screen will open the applications page. This is fixed, so you don't need to look for it! At first, you're brought to the main applications page.
The bottom four are preset to:
Applications [Opens Page 1/3]
IM Apps [1 Page Only]
Games [Opens Page 1/2]
Tools [1 Page Only, Control Panel preset included]
The top two rows can be customized to launch your eight favorite applications.
To change between pages, swipe left/right, but this does not apply to the Main Applicaiotns Page.
ALL grids are set to "Object Grids". This means you can add more than shortcuts!
V. Media Page
This is really just a quick build. Once WAD2 is updated, the tab bar feature will be added here. Those who are unaware of this feature, it is similar to the tab bar of M2D.
Four buttons, these only change page, the large icons are the shortcuts:
Music [Audio Manager]
Photos [Photos & Videos]
Videos [WMP]
Voice [HTC Voice Recorder]
I used to have a second row for more, but I didn't like the way it looked, plus I'm sure majority of us use one general application for each media category. To change, just edit the button to launch the app of your choice.
VI. Weather Page
Fairly simple, forecast for days 1-4 on left, 5-8 on right. All general data is displayed in the middle. All icons and data are for Multiple Cities! This means the data for everything will update when you change the active city. The right arrow chooses the next city, left chooses prev, and maps brings you to a new blank screen. On the blank images page, just add a weather image of your choice.
Tapping the large weather icon will update the info.
VII. Agenda
Full screen agenda page, tapping anywhere on the agenda opens the calendar. Top left notifier displays remaining appt + all day, opens calendar, top right shows due today tasks + overdue, open tasks.
If you use PB or Diary, simply delete the agenda and add the plugin.
VIII. Clock Page
Simple clock page, arrows switch between digital and analog. If you have HTC Home installed, I suggest changing the digital clock to a HTC home style clock, just be sure to choose the location of the images! Alarm clock opens the default alarm application. This page also acts as a screen saver. On sync, this page will open, when done the home page will open.
*CONTINUED IN POST 2*​
*None of these images show the correct WA3 theme!*​
VIIII. Additional Notes
Included in this theme was a folder named "Additional Files", it is located under "\WisBar\Project Storm WAD2". Here you will find several different customized links for you to use as you like.
The following are included:
New Note
New Contact
New Appointment
New Task
New Word Document
New Excel Spreadsheet
Open SMS Inbox
Open Specific Inbox
Control Panel Shortcut
Default email link is set to open ActiveSync, to change, change the properties with an application like Resco Explorer and change "ActiveSync" to the name of your Inbox. This is for the WM default mail application.
A great thing about these shortcuts is they are linked to the default WM applications. This means for example, if you use PI8, and choose, "New Contact", it will open PI8, not the default application.
Users of FlexMail 4, see here, lots of great info:
http://kb.webis.net/questions/57/FlexMail+Command+Line+Parameters
When landscape is complete, those with a 320x320 screen can duplicate the theme files and use the copy for the second direction.
WAD2 Release 4 [Final]​
Not yet completed, just making of list of things that will be changed. Once WAD2 is updated, these will be posted.​
Each App Page will have shortcut to Page 1 [tabs will be shortcut to Main Apps Page]
More Apps Pages [maybe 5 vs. 3]
Lock Page
Tab Bar
Battery Icon [new]
Volume Button [changed, hopefully fixed]
Three Seperate Releases
1. Shortcuts/Speed Dial can be added without entering Author Mode [This means items can't be customized]
2. Shortcuts/Speed Dial must be entered through Author Mode [Allowing more customization to items]
3. Home Page Shortcuts will toggle docks [This means instead of launching email on tap, you will see a dock with inbox specific info, along with the shortcuts to open inboxes and create new emails]​
WisBar Advance 3: Release 1 [12/19/08]​
NO THIS ISN'T POSTED YET!
The idea for this theme is to match the WAD2 theme, and of course the Storm. At first, this may feel a bit odd to use, but after a day or it works great, for me at least. I have REMOVED the Start and OK/Close buttons. Don't worry, the functions are still there, just looks different. Now, you will have to set the order and functions yourself, the theme unfortunately only includes the graphics. Also, you do not have to set your taskbar like this, but I recommend it, because it will match the WAD2 theme, and looks awesome. There is a lot you can add to the taskbar, but by adding too many things, I feel you lose a "finger-friendly" taskbar. I like to have it simple, and display important info.
I recommend the following taskbar order:
Left Aliged:
Battery [Tap: Casc Start Menu, Hold: WAD2]
Window Title
Right Aligned:
System Notification [Tap/Hold: Show Notifications]
Clock: [Choose whatever]
Network [Tap: Clock/OK, Hold: Menu or Switch Window]
Phone [Tap: Clock/OK, Hold: Menu or Switch Window]
You'll notice I say use the Network and Phone Signal with the same functions. This way, it feels like you just have to tap the right corner to close, instead of tapping a small "X". Again, this is just a personal opinion.
Font looks best at 10pt.
Bottom taskbar:
I have included two different themes, one with a glossed bottom bar, and one with a flat black. I really like the way it looks glossed, but some may like the flat black instead. There isn't a lot of focus on the taskbars, more on the rest, like the buttons.
wow wow wow wow
please post your questions in the Questions & Answers section.
than........... wait wait... i got it wrong... it's like a freakin hangover
that looks great JT.. gute work
will it only be landscape?
ahh dude if u do it.. u gotta make a VGA rendition this would look so DOPE on my FUZE!
Late,
Jstar
nir36 said:
please post your questions in the Questions & Answers section.
than........... wait wait... i got it wrong... it's like a freakin hangover
that looks great JT.. gute work
will it only be landscape?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please Dont post in this thread
lol nir , nice Work Champ!!, simply awsome
JstarLuvsTina said:
ahh dude if u do it.. u gotta make a VGA rendition this would look so DOPE on my FUZE!
Late,
Jstar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QVGA will be first since I've got the Touch, then VGA hopefully!
man... this looks unbelievable.gotta have this.
need help with graphics?
nir36 said:
man... this looks unbelievable.gotta have this.
need help with graphics?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far I think I'm good. I'm just surprised at how simple everything is, but looks so dang good. The only thing I'm trying to think about is the dialer, and how it can work for all devices. I've only made dialers with Tiermann's creator, which I think is for the Touch only.
Honestly, I've been staring at the first pic for almost 5 min now putting it all together in my mind! I may have to run to the store for some Starbuck's Double Shots !
Thanks for the support, I'll let you know when I'm stuck.
How big is each icon image for the menus? I could try whipping up a VGA skin if the icons are big enough.
go on!
I started this theme two days ago..
here a pic: I haven't resized anything allready so the buttons are bigger than normal for a 240x320 screen..
caballero600 said:
I started this theme two days ago..
here a pic: I haven't resized anything allready so the buttons are bigger than normal for a 240x320 screen..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you get the buttons smaller, it should look very good
Are you going to have them link to new pages or directly to apps?
Alright, so I'm finally putting things together, I'd really like to finish this ASAP, since my new replacement device will be here next week, and I hate working with an incomplete theme.
The only thing I know I won't be able to do is a custom matching icon set, similar to the icons in the first pic of post 1. It won't include the background image, just the icons itself. So far, I've set the background to 60px wide, which should leave the icon around 45x45. If anyone would like to help with that, just PM me and I can send you what I've got.
Thanks!
Some screen shots posted.
Definitely blows away what I posted over at lakeridge forums. Terrific work.
JT, i'd like to help you in whatever way i can...
PM me with what you need.. i'll start working on it this weekend.
More screen shots up ! Check post 1 & 2.
Almost complete, just fixing a few things.
Argggggghhhh I need that WAD2 theme!! looks great!
This theme looks great. Good job!
I can't wait until this is done!!!! It looks amazing.

[WindowsXP/Vista/7][.NET][TOOL] Icon Set-Builder v1.1.0 [2012/10/12]

Want to create your own icon sets based on an existing one?
Tired of manually having to apply all necessary steps per icon?
Well... maybe this little tool can help you:
Icon Set-Builder v1.x
:: Introduction ::
Lately I saw an icon style I'd liked and wanted to recreate it using Android ICS icons as base.
Using Paint.NET I could create my template and do so... but since Paint.NET does not support scripting, I had to do everything (resizing, changing color and transparency, applying as alpha mask to my template, etc) again and again for about 200 times.
Being a .NET developer, I thought "Why not write a little script to do that treadmill work for me?".
Well, finally it grew into this "Icon Set-Builder" tool.
:: Screenshots ::
Here's one screenshot of the app, more are in the second post or here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/byzwc8u40kjuai0/xIQ72kDZBG
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
:: Features ::
What can you do with it?
Well, basically it works with several layers (template, icon, mask and overlay) for each you can apply a lot of adjustments.
The basic steps:
Choose a template and, if supported, a template style (i.e. several colors)
Choose your favorite icon set
Optionally, choose an alpha mask to be applied for each icon
Optionally, choose a matching overlay
Play around with the settings
Let the tool generate your icon set
All changes you make are immediately applied to the previews, so you always know, what the result would look like.
Basic icon sets (ICS, Metro, PixelPerfect, iOS-like) and templates are included.
Most templates i created myself myself, some are based on or inspired by other's ideas (see below).
But of course you are free and encouraged to create your own stuff and contribute!
Well... that's what it's for, right?
To easier bring your own ideas to live!
:: Download Location ::
Versions 0.9.x as well as (maybe in time...) older versions can be found in this DropBox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e837ronlu4k4roc/j_kuqNgUo0
Download of version 1.0.0 and later is available here:
http://iconsetbuilder.echtzeitig.de
Direct links for latest version:
MSI-Installer
ZIP-Archive
Some AddOns:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6edgq8hnvxkur5y/lBL0R4i8n2
Both a simply zipped version as well as an MSI-installer are available.
The folder also contains a ZIP "IconSetBuilder_Samples.zip" containing some created samples.
The tool itself is only 160kB, but with base stuff it's about 9MB.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Using MSI-installer, v0.9.1 should no longer cause problems with Windows "User Access Control", since the installation folder changed.
Also fixed a nasty bug with leftover debug-code which tried to save an intermediate image in "D:\Temp" and crashed if that folder was not available. SORRY!!!
Requirements: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or later, but I guess that's already installed nowadays on all Windows PCs.
:: Samples ::
Sheets displaying a few icons of various styles can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cugwu9xzh06riuh/ecqPW_CzTY
More samples as single PNG icons are here (no complete sets!!):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tvvmptmz47rnq2e/RDL4p3oTFZ
:: Detailed Features ::
Template:
Choose a basic template
Some templates may offer styles, i.e. various colors
Templates may have matching default settings, which one can automatically load and apply
Adjust size, cropping and position
Modify colors: invert, greyscale, transparency
Icon Set:
Choose icon set
Adjust size, cropping and position
Modify colors: invert, greyscale, transparency
Choose style: overlay / blend with template / apply as alpha mask (i.e. to create a "cut-out" in the template)
Apply a shadow/glow effect
Rotate the icon
Add mirror effect on X- or Y-axis with adjustable axis-position
Choose all or just some icons you want to use
Textual Icons:
Choose a txt-file containing the texts for your icons in icon set-list
Choose your favorite font from system or custom folder
Change the fonts size and style
Change color and transparency for the text
Choose alignment (top/middle/bottom, left/center/right)
Choose wether text should wrap on blanks and/or shrink to fit inside the available space
Use all basic effects mentioned above for further modifications
Alpha Mask:
If you wish, you can apply an alpha mask to the icon
This allows i.e. to cut off parts
Overlay:
If you wish, choose an overlay
Adjust size, cropping and position
Modify colors: invert, greyscale, transparency
Choose style: overlay / blend with template / apply as alpha mask
Preview:
Save currently shown icon as single file (without generating complete set)
Open a preview window which "simulates" a phone's screen
Choose between different backgrounds to see what it looks like
Layouts from 3x3 to 5x6, plus dock
Create:
Choose the output size of the icon, from 8x8 to 256x256 everything is possible
Give your icon set a name (will be used as folder name)
If the folder exists, you can let the tool automatically create a new one (i.e. "My Set (001)") or use the existing output folder
If an existing folder contains icons, you can let the tool delete all of them before generating the new set
Optionally save your settings for later reuse
Press "Generate" and watch it do it's work
The tool works pretty fast. Some effects (shadow basically) may take a little longer. But overall it takes less than or only a little longer than a second per icon.
:: Thanks and Mentions ::
I would like to thank the following guys for their great work and inspiration.
Their ideas and work are the fundament the tools is build upon.
Some elements I reused as templates or basics, I hope they don't mind (will inform them soon and will remove from tool if necessary).
NiteOwl360
for the great "Semi Sense" icons I cut and spliced and re-implemented as template
BlackBearBlanc
for his awesome minimalistic ICS-based icon sets, which I included honorably as templates
for his work on the ICS- and additional icons included as base in some of his set (BTW: some needed optimization; I did so *g*)
rawdealer
for his "PixelPerfect" icon set, great minimal basic set; I took the liberty to also include them
P_C
for his "3C" icon set, great minimal basic set; I took the liberty to also include them
Unknown guys:
the various Suave icons I included
the various other iOS-like icons I included
various creators of Metro-styled icons (I don't quite remember which one I used for creating my basic set, SORRY!!!)
Samples
Some samples, more attached:
Eclipse Rounded Square:
Roostilabel'd Metro:
Semi Sense'd:
Sketch (Chalkboard)
Wooden Plate
Colored Tiles
"3C" in 3D
More samples of V1.0.0 in this posting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31505848&postcount=123
Version 1.1.0:
Greatly optimized performance for many functions, average 30-40% faster now
Label-over-Icon with seperate "Shadow" settings
Mirror: Optimized and enhanced, more options
"Open folder"-buttons to easily open folders (i.e. containing Exports) in Explorers
Details here.
Version 1.0.2:
NEW: Textual Icons: change texts case to lower case, UPPER CASE or Title Case
NEW: Textual Icons: "wrap" and "shrink" for 2-line-text-icons
NEW: Textual Icons: rewritten 2-line-text-icons functions
FIXED: Rotation of final icons sometimes resulted in not properly sized icons (i.e. 128x124 instead of square 128x128)
Version 1.0.1:
Added "Brightness to Alpha": Create single color icons with the original icons' brightness used as transparency value. More in this posting.
Version 1.0.0:
New stuff:
App Settings: Some settings are now stored in a config-file, like chosen Visual Style, Preview Device or Author Name
Continue session: When closing Icon Set-Builder, this current settings are automatically saved, so next time you start the tool, you are asked wether you want to load the settings and continue your work.
Add to queue: If you want to create multiple icon sets (different, slightly changed or whatever), you may queue the generating and finally start processing all queued sets at once.
Import/Export: FINALLY the long awaited feature to export your creation to a ZIP file and of course import ones from others is available!
Overlays now also have "Hue/Satuation/Lightness" settings like templates.
FEATURE: Download from Web
FEATURE: Import/Export
FEATURE: "Devices" in Simulation
FEATURE: Levels and Gamma
FEATURE: Label Over Icon
FEATURE: Tool "Extract from Titanium Backup"
FEATURE: "Save settings as default"
FEATURE: "Process Queue"
FEATURE: Random items
Detailed descriptions in this post and following.
Improved:
Speed: At various places I could improve the speed a lot.
Rotation: Rotating had some issues, didn't work correctly sometimes, or left too large margins.
Version 0.9.9a:
Hotfix for invalid file name when trying to generate a 2-line styled textual icon set (TAB contained in file name - DUH!!)
Version 0.9.9:
Interims release with just 2 new enhancements/features:
"Fade Out" with adjustable width in "Mirror" function; can be used for mirror reflection also, just set the "axis" appropriately
"2 Line Text Icons": allows to create textual icons with two lines that can be configured seperatly (font, size, color)
Items in TXT-file for icons must contain both lines' texts seperated by TAB-character (i.e. "Read[TAB]Mails")
Enable in "Textual Icons" tab and configure
Version 0.9.8:
Lots of new functions and effects:
Use icon as Mask
Colorize icon
Colorize template
FX: Random Hue Shift
FX: Apply Texture
FX: Pseudo 3D
In-detail descriptions in this and the next postings:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30344572#post30344503
Many samples (not complete sets!) you can find here in the DropBox (previews and zips):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/udpmii8763x7zs0/lXfLC3fcfg
Version 0.9.7:
Minor changes.
HSB color functions are now also available for template
Moved "Generate" parts (output size, icon set name, buttons) from tab to main window area
Version 0.9.6b:
In version 0.9.6 MSI and ZIPs one DevExpress DLL was missing, app didn't even start, SORRY for that!
Uploaded 0.9.6b with included missing file, should work now properly.
Version 0.9.6:
Added "Random Rotation" as finalize function
Added "Crop to icon size" as finalize function
...plus all from 0.9.5pre2
Read more here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29991028&postcount=47
Version 0.9.5pre2:
Preview version only right now, not released yet!!!
Reworking UI in progress
New effect "Pixelation"
New effect "Color Accent" with three modes and adjustable width of accent
Color Accent: only accent chosen color
Primary Color: finds primary color in icon and accentuates that color
Replace Primary Color: finds primary color, but uses chosen color for accentuation
New adjustments "HSL":
Shift HUE in color wheel, i.e. red becomes blue etc
Adjust SATURATION (boost or dim color strength)
Adjust BRIGHTNESS, make colors brighter or darker
Version 0.9.3:
Only added functionality to save currently shown icon as single file (without generating complete set).
Version 0.9.2:
Added "Simulation Preview":
Open a preview window which "simulates" a phone's screen
Choose between different backgrounds to see what it looks like
Layouts from 3x3 to 5x6, plus dock
Version 0.9.1:
SORRY the first version caused problems. Didn't take Windows Vista/7 UAC into account. Also there was a stupid DEBUG-code left over, which tried to save an intermediate file into "D:\Temp", but crashed if that path didn't exist. That and hopefully missing rights related problems are fixed now. For MSI please try 0.9.1, it uses a different (per user) install folder, so UAC should be history now. Uninstall 0.9.0 before.
reserved3
reserved4
Looks like a great tool! Does it make an apk that will automatically apply the icons?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
No, sorry. Maybe the name is misleading. It creates a folder containing the generated PNGs. But that's an interesting idea!
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for share
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
will try when i am free:good:
Thank you this will make it alot easier, was gonna do an icon set.
Added quick note in first post regarding Windows's UAC.
When using MSI installer, you might encounter the tool runs, but is not able to generate icons.
Sorry, will fix this soon. For now: use "Run as administrator" in this case. Or use ZIP and unzip to a non-protected folder.
Version 0.9.1 available.
SORRY the first version caused problems. Didn't take Windows Vista/7 UAC into account. Also there was a stupid DEBUG-code left over, which tried to save an intermediate file into "D:\Temp", but crashed if that path didn't exist. That and hopefully missing rights related problems are fixed now.
For MSI please try 0.9.1, it uses a different (per user) install folder, so UAC should be history now. Uninstall 0.9.0 before.
Thanks for this! I'm not having any troubles so far.
If only I could compile these icons to nova, but that's another difficulty level for me.
Will your program work with this icon set: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1702688
Would be a great way to help it get rounded out more quickly.
MissionImprobable said:
Will your program work with this icon set: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1702688
Would be a great way to help it get rounded out more quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think so! PSD looks good, will give it a try this evening.
Suhweetness. Thanks much.
Lala v2
MissionImprobable said:
Will your program work with this icon set: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1702688
Would be a great way to help it get rounded out more quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's done, created assets for Icon Set-Builder from Lala V2-PSD-template. You need high resolution icons, but it works pretty well.
BUT: Not only did I port the template, I also added a LOT of different backgrounds for the basic icon. This opens a lot of new possibilities, i.e. to create icons like wooden block with ICS icons.
Here are some screenshots and samples:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1f6ys481qoaxdks/CmXHR4I1m2
You can download the "Lala V2"-assets here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6edgq8hnvxkur5y/lBL0R4i8n2
It's two ZIPs, one for 128x128 icons, one for 256x256 ones.
You must unzip the ZIPs into the Icon Set-Builder-tools "Assets"-folder (i.e. located at "c:\Users\{User}\AppData\Roaming\Icon Set-Builder\Assets\" if installed using the MSI).
After that it's listed in "Templates" and also applies default settings.
Enjoy!
EDIT: Fixed ZIPs, unzip into "Assets" didn't work, accidently there was an additional subfolder in the ZIP. Now it works.
Great job on getting it done so quickly and putting together such a cool utility. I've always had a bit of trouble keeping full unity when I'm trying to build icons from beveled/3D icon PSDs so this is perfect.
Here's one more you might like to add if you get the chance: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26818917
Your Builder is definitely one of the best theme aids that has been made
MissionImprobable said:
Great job on getting it done so quickly and putting together such a cool utility. I've always had a bit of trouble keeping full unity when I'm trying to build icons from beveled/3D icon PSDs so this is perfect.
Here's one more you might like to add if you get the chance: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26818917
Your Builder is definitely one of the best theme aids that has been made
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your appreciation! And therefore motivation
Your next suggestion looks do-able, will dive into it as soon as possible.
Also, for the tool I still got ideas in the back of my head, it's definitely not finished yet (if ever will).
Next thing is import / export for themes, so it'll be much easier to add new themes and stuff.
Am also planning further color adjustments like hue/saturation/lightness, but I think this first requires a bit redesign to avoid cluttering.
Well... Enough said. Glad this tool got some attention and response already!
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk 2
Ok, I tried it and it's really good.
Just some lower quality but it probably looks good on a 480x800 screen.
Just too bad that the 3C icon set is customized to every icon, the bottom bar has to be the same width as the icon, thanks BBB for ICS icons.
An option that resized the template to the width of the color in the icon would be too much to request, so I'll make them separately when I'm done with my other project.
Still an awesome program that I'll use alot.

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