Related
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. Status3. 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. 22MB4. 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.
http://rapidshare.com/files/189717709/TF3D_HD_Template.zip
Here you'll find a Photoshop file with basically all screen elements of the TF3D HD manila interface present.
Unless I've missed something all icons/button/etc are present except for the weather section. I've only included the main icons there so you can put your flag on the moon..
If somebody feels like mapping out every raindrop like in this psd file, please let me know so I can update the file
The bmp files of the photo and video sub menu's are present as well.
These will go in the windows directory.
I plan to add the blackstone dialer .. but am not sure it's that much needed.
The main idea was to map out the Manila files.
I've build it from itjes Full HD cab for the X1. As far as I know it should work for all other touch HD manila setups..
import/export
I've used the mode9editor to extract all png's.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3095189&postcount=1
The mode9editor has a batch import/export function.
When you use the layer names in the PSD file you're able to batch import all icons you'll change.
Transparency
Most icons will have either a red pixel line border or at least 2 red pixels at the corners.
This way you can select the alpha channel of the layer, crop your image and have to correct dimensions for the png/qtc file.
All you then need to do is remove the red pixel before saving.
For 99.9% of the images you can do it by a color select unless your new theme will be red
Buttons
All buttons that have a press and rest stage have been linked to each other and put on top of each other. In the corresponding layer you'll notice this soon enough
Tiny pixel files
There are a few images that are 1x1 or 2x2 pixels. These are present and I've tried to make all layers in logic order to be easy to find.
Some pixels are 100% transparent and therefor red which was easier to find
Batch PSD export
There is need to find or create a photoshop action that will:
- select layer
- crop by alpha selection
- remove red pixel
- export by layer name
- repeat this process for all layers
If there's anyone out there that can help me make such an action please do. As I have limited experience in advanced photoshop actions
All suggestions and help (especially with the photoshop actions) are welcome!
With a little help this can be an easy automated template for our own redesigning fetish
Discontinued
check here if you want to stay up to date on this and other things
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=477268
Would like it for someone to try the mp3 player on the touch HD.
Please check the upper thread for the zip file and let me know if it works there.
thanks allot!
For those who have used my blackdrop in the past, here is an update for the blackdrop theme for tfl3d. I might be late to the TFL3D game... but for those interested its here.
As with the old blackdrop... It will blend with any wallpaper... As we sometimes want a specific background, but a theme might not mix well. The blackdrop's intent is to make it all transition.
Made it a simple theme with the following:
No dotted lines
Translucent focus bars
Translucent buttons (ex sms icons, email icons, envelope, music and so on)
Glass clockface (not a flipclock)
Again my goal was making it easy to blend with any background of your choice...
Made for TFL3D (from a stock sprint)
Install:
Just download and place it in your themes folder.
Use the tfl3d config -> go to appearance -> find the path -> and apply.
Enjoy the 1st simple version!
More updates will follow with different bg imbedded as you see above.
Any comments will be much appreciated. Thanks and enjoy!
****Having troubling with adding the theme... will try again****
Try here for now if interested:s2w Blackdrop revised TFL3D
Here is a matching psshutXp
*Reserved*
looks very fine
Like your theme, but I have just binned TF3D in favour of SPB MS3, but I would still like to use your nice psshutxp skin, I headed over to PPCGeeks but I can't find a download link for that so could you upload that one here please?
Hi, I really like this theme, however I'm running on an HTC Fuze from ATT. I was wondering if this would work on a GSM phone and is there a download link? Thank you.
Using this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518682
as a starting point, and by scouring the web for more decent folder icons, I've put together a simple collection of .PNG folder icons that you can use with windows mobile 6.5 start menu. Using Re-Start ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=481379 ) is an easy way to assign this icons to your folders.
There's two styles here, style "a_" and "b_". I take no credit for creating any of the artwork or even most of the icons, this is just a general compilation for my own personal use that I'd thought I'd share with the community. Style "b_" includes a few of gfreek's icons and adds a bunch more. I tried to add variations for most of them as well.
jsmith8858 said:
Using this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518682
as a starting point, and by scouring the web for more decent folder icons, I've put together a simple collection of .PNG folder icons that you can use with windows mobile 6.5 start menu. Using Re-Start ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=481379 ) is an easy way to assign this icons to your folders.
There's two styles here, style "a_" and "b_". I take no credit for creating any of the artwork or even most of the icons, this is just a general compilation for my own personal use that I'd thought I'd share with the community. Style "b_" includes a few of gfreek's icons and adds a bunch more. I tried to add variations for most of them as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice thanks. Fit in well with other standard icons without the need to change tham all to match.
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
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:: 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.