Tell me About Themes - Touch HD Themes and Apps

I am very seriously interested in designing skins or themes or whatever for my blackstone but there really is nowhere to start. There are no definitions for the things people talk about and it makes it super hard to break into this developers world.
But I guess I am looking for a few answers and tips about Themes.
What is the Top Curtain?
What is the Bottom Curtain?
Flip Background? Flip Digit?
Slider?
How to create Icons for the slider and the task bar at the top?
Details like pixels sizes, formats and ect.
Just anything about themes.
Is there a book about this? haha.
I will probably be yelled at for this post and referred to the search function but from what I have seen, there is nothing about this topic. Hmmm, Maybe this is something to add to the Wiki? These are probably the questions developers do not want to answer because this is all probably fudamental and kindegarten but I have to try.
Thanks to anyone who can post some links to guides or some tips and answers.
I feel retarded.

Don't feel retarded.
If someone is retarded it's the Microsoft and HTC programmers who figured that absolutely everyone will just love their default colors / icons / wallpapers, and so they didn't provide any support for making new skins and themes.
To cut the long story short - yes, it can be done, and yes it's kindda frustrating but if you're serious about it and you know how to work with graphics, I'm sure you'll be able to figure it all out.
First of all, you need a Manila editor. There are a few, I recommend CFC GUI and M9EDITOR, the first one being intended only for graphics, and the second one having the same but also additional things too. If you only want to skin the graphics, then you'll be ok just with CFC.
Then go to your device Windows folder and copy over to your PC any file that ends with _manila. There's like a few thousand of them, so it will take a while.
Run CFC GUI and point it to the folder where you copied all those _manila files. It will then show you a list of all the files that contain ANY graphic elements.
Browse it through and you'll soon recognize the familiar graphic items from your device. You will also notice there's a "Save as PNG" option - that will create a transparent PNG in the appropriate resolution, which you can then open up in Photoshop, edit, colorize or whatever you like.
When you're done, you save the PNG, go back to CFC, select "Replace with", load your newly edited PNG, press "CFC Compress" and voila!
The 12345_manila file you just edited has been updated!
Now you take the 12345_manila file, copy it back to Windows folder and restart TF3D.
You will see your new graphic has been integrated into the system.

First of all, Thanks a Ton!
Thousands of them eeeek. Does it take a long time to make a theme?

No problem... I've just started messing around with all of this, so I'm no pro skinner either.
Does it take long... Well, depends on your skills. And also on what kind of extent you want to cover with the skin.
The biggest problem is that most of the graphic files are a complete mess. There's no logical pattern, and they've managed to complicate things beyond reason - for example, some of the most common graphics you see on the screen are actually made out of two or more separate bitmaps, and it's up to you to figure out what is what, etc.
For example, when you click on the flip-clock on your Home screen it glows up in green - well that "green background" is made out of THREE images!
Also, some of the files are coded into Manila format, while others are just plain BMP or PNG or even GIF. Then there's a lot of stuff that's controlled through XML files...
So, when you start with all this, keep your ambitions modest - it's not something you can overcome in one day. But it can also be very rewarding

Took like 50mins to copy over. Wow. I opened it up in CFC and I can not believe anyone who has made a theme. I am trying to figure out a pattern with the file names. Sooo confusing but thanks a ton again for your help. Now I just need to find a graphics editor.

Shival said:
Took like 50mins to copy over. Wow. I opened it up in CFC and I can not believe anyone who has made a theme. I am trying to figure out a pattern with the file names. Sooo confusing but thanks a ton again for your help. Now I just need to find a graphics editor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is why i am full of respect for these peeps...

Rozenthal said:
Don't feel retarded.
If someone is retarded it's the Microsoft and HTC programmers who figured that absolutely everyone will just love their default colors / icons / wallpapers, and so they didn't provide any support for making new skins and themes.
To cut the long story short - yes, it can be done, and yes it's kindda frustrating but if you're serious about it and you know how to work with graphics, I'm sure you'll be able to figure it all out.
First of all, you need a Manila editor. There are a few, I recommend CFC GUI and M9EDITOR, the first one being intended only for graphics, and the second one having the same but also additional things too. If you only want to skin the graphics, then you'll be ok just with CFC.
Then go to your device Windows folder and copy over to your PC any file that ends with _manila. There's like a few thousand of them, so it will take a while.
Run CFC GUI and point it to the folder where you copied all those _manila files. It will then show you a list of all the files that contain ANY graphic elements.
Browse it through and you'll soon recognize the familiar graphic items from your device. You will also notice there's a "Save as PNG" option - that will create a transparent PNG in the appropriate resolution, which you can then open up in Photoshop, edit, colorize or whatever you like.
When you're done, you save the PNG, go back to CFC, select "Replace with", load your newly edited PNG, press "CFC Compress" and voila!
The 12345_manila file you just edited has been updated!
Now you take the 12345_manila file, copy it back to Windows folder and restart TF3D.
You will see your new graphic has been integrated into the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yet more thanks for this post!
Very useful and informative.
(and a refreshing change from the "do a search" unfriendliness that often befalls these forums ).

Related

chome could we do this

could we do this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IMtkNSjuhQ&feature=related
Definitely would be awesome!
Look here for possible needed files
http://allshadow.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3
This is so cool! : ).
I can't wait to see it on my phone.
Can "we"? Yes, all the shadow glamour is powered by ( and probably funded 6.1) the funky new silverlight tech that powers Chome.
But do we want nice large photoes and album covers on our home screen? Do we want my fave loading with Flash-like slowness? Some yes, some, not so much...
There is a *load of possibilty in this .1 release, beyond what we've seen so far. SmartPhone Cube? Excalibur-exclusive UI functionality exploiting the unique hardware I assume is only days away, if everyone is as rapid-fire as you, Rick.
Replace * with your favorite word
I think, the people must have a choice, what to install and what is important - performance or effects. This is personal choice, and if there are many variants, technologies, etc, the people will be happy.
You see what happen when sliding panel come - everyone like it! .
The interface on the Juno... which is what you're seeing that in video... IS Chome. It's even the same CLSID on the home screen's .xml... the same GUID's... etc I'm thinking the .dll's are different to make it "special" for the TMobile Shadow (the HTC Juno).
I thought it was just a matter of formatting, like changing the .cpr file or something. I don't think it is so though... as I've searched the file system on a TMobile Shadow phone and couldnt find any .cpr files whatsoever...
All CHome interface in bronze.dll (i think so...)
yep.. true.
this cmhomeaddon plugin is only for portrait screen,and only for neo display style(another display style of chome)
Oh, sh....
Neo have weather plugin, and current CHome - no
Any recommendations for what to pick apart and repack bronze.dll with? ResHack isn't giving me anything too friendly.
Profezza said:
Any recommendations for what to pick apart and repack bronze.dll with? ResHack isn't giving me anything too friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use this PE Explorer
PE is much friendlier! Thanks for the tip!
When I replace the images, the file is nearly 4x larger. When I replace bronzeres on the phone it kills Chome-based screens. Is there something I have to do to force a file-size match, or sign it, or something?
Profezza said:
PE is much friendlier! Thanks for the tip!
When I replace the images, the file is nearly 4x larger. When I replace bronzeres on the phone it kills Chome-based screens. Is there something I have to do to force a file-size match, or sign it, or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unsign the dll first then once done resign
i think it would be real neat to have a shadow interface on the dash it would make the excaliburs unique and for people in the barbershop with the same phone as me can envy lol
It works, it works! And boy, does this quick test version look like crap--- but it works, so I think I will try again, but with feeling now. Woo hoo hoo...
So, how shall we get this working on the same phone with an existing bronzesres.dll? I notice that thehome.xml calls only 2 plugins, iconbar and "Bronze". Anyone know how to dupe Bronze, and have it call the new dll?
Off to Google I go...
Ok, it's closer, and much stronger than the first experiment. In fact, the black is too strong. Back to the 'shop to tweak it again...
UPDATE: Closer still... (#6 & #7)
Got it
Ok, here it is, a nice, dark, but not too dark Sliding Panel set. At this point, it will REPLACE your regular sliding panel's soft translucent white bubble look.
Although a simple script to unload any current Chome-based homescreen and swap the dll's is probably trivial for someone to write (hint, hint), it is not for me.
Directions:
Be running WM6.1, and have Sliding Panel (Chome) working.
Switch to any homescreen that does not use Sliding Panel.
Backup your existing bronzeres.dll
Overwrite with the BrightNight version.
Load a Sliding Panel style homescreen. For best results, use black text and a bright and light background, or a medium text and a dark background for a low output "night mode". Hence the name.
CAUTION: This .dll is experimental. Use at your own risk. Look both ways when crossing the street. Floss. For those of you who didnt follow directions, the original bronzeres.dll is available earlier in this thread. It is in use and cannot be overwritten while chome is running.
UPDATE: Added some bright wallpapers, since they are hard to find around here. © someone else. If you need directions on what to do with them, just skip this whole topic.
That's tight! Maybe we can "join efforts" and make the top of the rectangle darker also, like I did in a previous thread around here. Oh... what do I do with those backgrounds ?!
send me the pic. I was toying around with making a whole new image, if I ever get a day off, too.

Chome Panel Chooser

Hey guys. Whipped this thing up to help people choose the panels that can be displayed on the homescreen. So far it only contains 7 entries, the ones I found on my phone. You can turn the panels off or on, by selecting a panel and typing it "off" or "on" respectively. After you make the changes, you need to reboot to see the changes. The last option will make that easier for you. Choose "Reboot", type "yes" and it will reboot for you. Let me know if there's any other panel names you would like me to add, or if you find any bugs. Thanks!
Look good but isn't this just like the chome settings (neoOrder) that is in Rockys ROM where you can enable and disable the windows you want and change which position they are in on the screen?
Clydeisthe**** said:
Look good but isn't this just like the chome settings (neoOrder) that is in Rockys ROM where you can enable and disable the windows you want and change which position they are in on the screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone isn't running rickwyatt's ROM. Some are still with Kavana's. Like me.
Rip Syntaxx said:
Everyone isn't running rickwyatt's ROM. Some are still with Kavana's. Like me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ohh ok I didn't know that it wasn't in Kavana's ROM I have never flashed one of his just Rickys .. my bad
Clydeisthe**** said:
ohh ok I didn't know that it wasn't in Kavana's ROM I have never flashed one of his just Rickys .. my bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To Clyde: It's cool. Contrary to popular belief, there are still some users that are on Kavana's ROMs. lol I have no problem with rickwyatt's, but I found them to have too many apps and tweaks that I found unnecessary for me personally.
To Org (and anyone who'll listen): This is great idea for those who aren't quite comfortable with editing their .xml files to rearrange the slider panels (like me)! I've noticed that many users have a panel called "My Programs". What do I need to do to create this? I think it's a really useful tool to "slide" straight through the programs you use on a regular basis. I've already read tons of posts on this, but it's not registering. Thanks in advance, guys.
It's difficult to sit here and do a step by step, but I'll point you in the right direction and answer your questions later.
1) Download a registry editor or use the one on the phone.
2) First off, keep in mind there's TWO places in the registry where you need to make changes. One is HKLM\Security\Chome\DefaultSettings\CWelcomeCenter and HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Chome\CWelcomeCenter
3) Look for a key that says "Disabled" and make sure it doesn't say "1". Or use my utility to turn the welcome center on.
4) When you're in the registry you'll find Page1, Page2, Page3 etc etc in both places. Each Page represents ONE slide. For each page you can makes changes such as... ACTIONURL is the path to the program you want to execute when hitting the middle button. for example "\program files\NRG\Chomeweathersettings\weather.exe" will run the weather program
SK2URL is the same, but for the right softkey. SK2Text is a label for that softkey. The "pictures" key points to the .png file you will be using as an icon for your program. Right now it probably says "2500". Change it to "\windows\weather.png" and you'll get the weather icon in its place, for example. The Title text is self descriptive... put in whatever you want the title of the slide to be.
I hope you can figure it out from here
OrganicM said:
It's difficult to sit here and do a step by step, but I'll point you in the right direction and answer your questions later.
1) Download a registry editor or use the one on the phone.
2) First off, keep in mind there's TWO places in the registry where you need to make changes. One is HKLM\Security\Chome\DefaultSettings\CWelcomeCenter and HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Chome\CWelcomeCenter
3) Look for a key that says "Disabled" and make sure it doesn't say "1". Or use my utility to turn the welcome center on.
4) When you're in the registry you'll find Page1, Page2, Page3 etc etc in both places. Each Page represents ONE slide. For each page you can makes changes such as... ACTIONURL is the path to the program you want to execute when hitting the middle button. for example "\program files\NRG\Chomeweathersettings\weather.exe" will run the weather program
SK2URL is the same, but for the right softkey. SK2Text is a label for that softkey. The "pictures" key points to the .png file you will be using as an icon for your program. Right now it probably says "2500". Change it to "\windows\weather.png" and you'll get the weather icon in its place, for example. The Title text is self descriptive... put in whatever you want the title of the slide to be.
I hope you can figure it out from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a bunch, man. I'm gonna finagle with this as soon as I get off.
OrganicM said:
It's difficult to sit here and do a step by step, but I'll point you in the right direction and answer your questions later.
1) Download a registry editor or use the one on the phone.
2) First off, keep in mind there's TWO places in the registry where you need to make changes. One is HKLM\Security\Chome\DefaultSettings\CWelcomeCenter and HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Chome\CWelcomeCenter
3) Look for a key that says "Disabled" and make sure it doesn't say "1". Or use my utility to turn the welcome center on.
4) When you're in the registry you'll find Page1, Page2, Page3 etc etc in both places. Each Page represents ONE slide. For each page you can makes changes such as... ACTIONURL is the path to the program you want to execute when hitting the middle button. for example "\program files\NRG\Chomeweathersettings\weather.exe" will run the weather program
SK2URL is the same, but for the right softkey. SK2Text is a label for that softkey. The "pictures" key points to the .png file you will be using as an icon for your program. Right now it probably says "2500". Change it to "\windows\weather.png" and you'll get the weather icon in its place, for example. The Title text is self descriptive... put in whatever you want the title of the slide to be.
I hope you can figure it out from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm understanding how to read the code. Thanks for breaking it down. I'm just having trouble finding the .pngs for my icons and also (noob moment) finding the target file for certain applications. It's keeping me from being able to input the file address for ACTIONURL and SK2URL.
Not Hard to Find
Just think of your program, "Where is it stored?"
That should be your only question when finding your target file. That simple, you should look in your Program Files directory on your phone or you storage card, that will then tell you where the link is.
2ndly, you can find other programs in your startup folder. They will be listed in link format, but this is fine, the link can be treated basically as the exact file itself (as far as your phone is concerned).
Long story short, use these locations for your entries for ACTIONURL and SK2URL. Have a blast!
Rip Syntaxx said:
I'm understanding how to read the code. Thanks for breaking it down. I'm just having trouble finding the .pngs for my icons and also (noob moment) finding the target file for certain applications. It's keeping me from being able to input the file address for ACTIONURL and SK2URL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
outerdepth said:
Just think of your program, "Where is it stored?"
That should be your only question when finding your target file. That simple, you should look in your Program Files directory on your phone or you storage card, that will then tell you where the link is.
2ndly, you can find other programs in your startup folder. They will be listed in link format, but this is fine, the link can be treated basically as the exact file itself (as far as your phone is concerned).
Long story short, use these locations for your entries for ACTIONURL and SK2URL. Have a blast!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, OD. I've figured out the file locations and such. I just need to know where you guys edit the .pngs for icons. I've found some icons, but they sucketh. I want them glossy and polished looking like the default icons.
By "where" , I assume you mean what programs do we use?
I use Photoshop do edit my pngs. I think other, cheaper software is available. Don't quote me on that. Photoshop can also be attained other "ways" (cough,cough).
Anyways, you can easily mod any pictures, turn them into anything you want, .png,.tga,.gif,etc. Look around.
Rip Syntaxx said:
Thanks, OD. I've figured out the file locations and such. I just need to know where you guys edit the .pngs for icons. I've found some icons, but they sucketh. I want them glossy and polished looking like the default icons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
outerdepth said:
By "where" , I assume you mean what programs do we use?
I use Photoshop do edit my pngs. I think other, cheaper software is available. Don't quote me on that. Photoshop can also be attained other "ways" (cough,cough).
Anyways, you can easily mod any pictures, turn them into anything you want, .png,.tga,.gif,etc. Look around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand how to make any pic a .png, .jpg, .gif, etc... It's not the icons that I need, but rather, the program. I'll search for "alternate" ways to get photoshop. lol
Rinku has a pretty good description on how to add CProgs on his blog. It at the bottom of the page.
Thanks guys for all your help and input! I've figured it out, and in the process figured out how to change the small icons in the upper lefthand corner of the panels as well. It's kinda tedious at first, but once you get the hang of it--it's not bad.
Rip Syntaxx said:
Thanks guys for all your help and input! I've figured it out, and in the process figured out how to change the small icons in the upper lefthand corner of the panels as well. It's kinda tedious at first, but once you get the hang of it--it's not bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For photo edtiting, i use GIMP,,,, it's the same program i used to modify the yahoo weather icons for ORG...... it's free and works just as well as photoshop CS3.
Go here if you want to try. www.gimp.org
pudgedaddy said:
For photo edtiting, i use GIMP,,,, it's the same program i used to modify the yahoo weather icons for ORG...... it's free and works just as well as photoshop CS3.
Go here if you want to try. www.gimp.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Pudgemeister. I'll check it out.
pudgedaddy said:
For photo edtiting, i use GIMP,,,, it's the same program i used to modify the yahoo weather icons for ORG...... it's free and works just as well as photoshop CS3.
Go here if you want to try. www.gimp.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used GIMP for my icons, it was easy and I think they turned out quite nice. Here are a few that I found/made they all have transparent backgrounds. Feel free to use which ever you like.
A few more
Editing Slider Panels
Does anyone know the default setting for this registry key: \HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CHome\CMessage\ICONPATHS? I changed it trying to change the condensed icon (upper lefthand corner) for the message notifications panel. Instead, my weather panel's icon was changed. What're the default values for the key? (ex. 2xxx;2xxx)
It is 2201;2201

Manila Files in Sections? Looking for

I am just wondering if any Artist (People who Skin and Make themes for TF3D) have their QTC/orPNG files split into sections for easier editing?
Example: You have all the Images divided into folders by their Tab/Category like Home tab, Messaging, Calendar, Internet Tab, and ect.
Just wondering if anyone has done that or if it is possible because I just started trying to get into Skinning but it is hard to figure out which files appear where in TF3D even with M9editor and the descriptions.
I would be very grateful if anyone has done this and could help in anyway.
nixx-X1 did work on categorizing. Dont have the link handy, but should be found easily.
I looked him up and all I found was something about the files categorized and PhotoShop. It is alright though. I guess this is going to be harder than I thought. See you in a year lol. jk.
Thanks though for that.
Shival said:
I am just wondering if any Artist (People who Skin and Make themes for TF3D) have their QTC/orPNG files split into sections for easier editing?
Example: You have all the Images divided into folders by their Tab/Category like Home tab, Messaging, Calendar, Internet Tab, and ect.
Just wondering if anyone has done that or if it is possible because I just started trying to get into Skinning but it is hard to figure out which files appear where in TF3D even with M9editor and the descriptions.
I would be very grateful if anyone has done this and could help in anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that would be a daunting but a welcome undertaking
daunting because there are about 2000 files in the latest manila
and the current tools (and they are great tools) are not really setup to take advantage of separated files
welcome because many people could benefit from this
i only skin for my own use and only modify about a dozen files
i personally keep the files i work with in one folder and
the rest of manila as backup somewhere else
If you have any tips or tricks for skinning they would be extremely welcomed! lol
TF3D hates me! I have lost almost all ambition.
Many of the images are used on more than one occasion. Anyway, here's a list of filenames and their virtual paths. The .qtc files are the ones you would go for. There are a few tools around here to convert them to png and back to qtc.
Wow. This will help a lot.!
Manila is crazy. Seeing all those files and blah. I hope I can do this. I did attempt to change the Bottom curtain and just turn it into a fade up with the color yellow but it look just like a solid yellow bar. I think I may be because the image was 2x128pix but when it is on screen it only goes up half of that I think. I unno. Soo confusing.
But I was to say thanks for that filelist! It should help a lot.
To Anyone:
Any tips or tricks about editing Manila would be greatly appreciated!

Excalibur ZUNE Interface?

I was wondering if anyone had been working on a Zune-like interface for WM6.5 roms. I was noticing that a lot of the professional roms had a zune interface you can enable and I was thinking someone should make a .cab file for a new homescreen. Much thanks
I suppose that a Zune interface is POSSIBLE, but not practical for the Excalibur. THe zune has an interface designed for touch-screen ease. However, that isnt to say that you can't do a Zune-like HomeScreen for our beloved phone.
I'm busy working on my CycloneSkins horizon Theme at the moment, but if I had the time, this is how I would go about it:
-Get a copy of the SLIDING PANELS CPR Files (since Titanium is 'center-based' for its panels and sliding panels is top-based)
-Find some Zune iconsets
-Analyze the CHome registry key (and its subkeys and entries)
-Analyze the Sliding Panels.cpr file
-Eliminate images you find unnecessary from the CPR
-In the registry change image locations to Zune style images (on phone)
-Change font and font sizes.
Its a time-hogging and meticulous task, but it is 'do-able.'
Thanks man, I'll devinately look into this
pokejake2002 said:
Thanks man, I'll devinately look into this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I left something out that I did when i started to plan out my Horizon skin.
Get photoshop or GIMP or some pretty decent image editor that supports layers, and photoshop a couple images of what you want your skin to look like. If you look at the first post in my CycloneSkins thread, that large image is fully photoshopped. i use it as a guideline. It is never fully accurate, but it saves a good deal of guesswork
If you ever need help, just ask
Good luck!

{Team Rejectz} THEME/DESIGN CHEAT SHEET {Still Working On}

This first post is about using Adobe Illustrator
I figured I would share a little knowlege of my designing and how when i came to android it helped out in making theming my rom so much quicker
ATTACHED AT THE BOTTOM IS A STARTER LAYOUT TO HELP MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR YOU!!!!!! :fingers-crossed:
THEME/DESIGN CHEAT SHEET
INDEX​1. Tools..........................................................................
2. Begin.........................................................
3. The Setup...........................................
4. The Artboards.........................................................
5. Adding And Modifying Multiple Artboards.....................
6. Saving your Icons.................................
7. Layers, Colors, And Strokes................................................
8. SELECTING MULTIPLE LAYERS AND ICONS TO CHANGE COLOR AT ONCE.
9. TRACING TOOL...................................................
10. Keyboard shortcuts coming soon
1.TOOLS​
First remove Adobe Photoshop and Fireworks from your playlist. To me these tools are crap or for short cuts. lol but short cuts coming soon
"Adobe Illustrator" and some quick learning or know how.
I'm not going to go over every single tool because if anyone knows illustrator lol its just way to many. Im just going to get to the main ones in this case in point.
2. BEGIN​
Adobe Illustrator is one of the best graphic design tool I've ever used Ever. Your images would no longer start of as just a pic anymore. Now its time to learn vector.
Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based on mathematical expressions, to represent images in computer graphics. "Vector", in this context, implies more than a straight line.
Vector graphics is based on images made up of vectors (also called paths, or strokes) which lead through locations called control points. Each of these points has a definite position on the x and y axes of the work plan. Each point, as well, is a variety of database, including the location of the point in the work space and the direction of the vector (which is what defines the direction of the track). Each track can be assigned a color, a shape, a thickness and also a fill. This does not affect the size of the files in a substantial way because all information resides in the structure; it describes how to draw the vector.
WIKI^^^^^ thanks
In short this means that all the res you would lose resizing images in Photoshop or Fireworks wouldn't be lost in Adobe illustrator because it use the vector format
When designing in vector you have so many capabilities that any format doesn't, like proper shading, 3D effects and the easiest way to change the color of multiple vec's at once on the same artboard.
The art board is the space and area in which your design would be held on. It's the only part that would be use to create the png, jpeg, etc. Anything on the edge or off of the artboard wouldn't come up at all in the image. This is convenient to me because I like to have almost the entire framework or system res themed perfectly. Meaning all color and tints and shade all match to the T. You also can line up anything to the artboard or to an object perfectly, so no more miss shaped png's lol.
There's also some tools there that you also seen in Photoshop and Fireworks.
My favorite part of adobe illustrator is the Effects section. This is how to avoid messing up when trying to make your own shading, shadows, 3D effects, glows and more. Trust me, when you get a taste of the effects your going to be trying anything!!!!!!
3. THE SETUP​
Now it's time to prepare.
First you need to start a new project. Go to file and select new. Give your project a name. i prefer the name of the rom.
New documents profile - Don't change this because it going to change to custom by itself.
Number Of Art Boards - Keep this at 1 (im going to tell you how to add more)
Size - don't touch anything after size, just make sure Units Say Pixels
Advanced(drop down the menu) - There are 2 color mode RGB - and CMYK. Rgb modes give your stage for the artboards a white background as if it was on paper. Cmyk leave it empty or transparent like in a PNG. It's your choice on which you want.
Raster Effects - Make sure it's at High 300 PPI
4. THE ARTBOARDS​
THERE IS A STARTER KIT FOR ARTBOARDS ATTACHED
The Artboard is pretty much a stage. This is where all the magic happens.
Now when your designing any icon you should make sure you know the sizes. Knowing all the sizes can be a hassle right, but this is where it gets really easy. Say you have 30 icons that are 72x72 if you have a project set up with multiple art boards you would be fine. because once you have made all the icons the save size is just a drag and click away.
5. ADDING AND MODIFYING MULTIPLE ART BOARDS​
If you noticed which I'm sure everyone has, that some images match the size of other. This is where it gets very easy to make save and do it in a quick fashion.
Go to "File", scroll down to Document Setup and click on it. A window will appear don' worry about anything it the window unless you want to change things yourself. Just go to Edit artboard. You will notice that the screen has turned grey and now you artboard is the only thing thats white. If you hover over the grey you will see that your drag symbol has turned into a square. Us this to add more artboards. Click and hold on to the grey area and drag your mouse. You will see that you just added another artboard. To resize the artboard the Width which is labeled W and the Height which is labeled H will be in the upper right hand corner. Click on the artboard you want and start to reshape it according to the size you need. You can also drag the artboards to which ever place you want it to sit. Once done just click on the mouse pointer icon on the right and everything will be back to normal.
6. SAVING YOUR ICONS​
When saving your icons make sure that where ever your project is you have it as the target location when saving. On your first save you should locate the folder and where the original file is and replace and save it. No need to type in the name. If you know where it is alphabetically, then just scroll to it, click on it and the name should appear in the File name box. If it tell you the file already exist, Do you want to replace? click Yes, but make sure you have a backup copy of the folder just in case. Also make sure you are on the right art board when saving. All it takes is a click on the artboard and you would be just fine.
7. ANCHORS, LAYERS, COLORS, AND STROKES​
You ever find it a very long task to make all your icons the same or correct color. Or in short make them match. Well in vector format you can change all of the icons color at once. It has to be selected though. I know you wondered what the white arrow was for, well wonder no more. The white arrow it to select a layer, stroke, or any anchor on the vector image.
ANCHOR - this is single or multiple dots on a vector image that controls the path, line and/or stroke.
Layer is a section of the image thats either below, side by side, or on top of another image. You can change positions by right clicking on the image and use arrange to move its position.
Colors well you know what these are, But Illustrator has three different kind Grey Scale, RGB and CMYK (will be explained later)
Strokes are pretty much a line. It can be around the image, by itself or combined to create an image.( Will Be explained on how to manipulate a stroke in a image.)
To make it short grab the white pointer and have at it lol.
8. SELECTING MULTIPLE LAYERS AND ICONS TO CHANGE COLOR AT ONCE.​
We all know images have layers but say you have several vector images that are 2 colored icons or more colors just stick with 2 for a sec. If you go to the image with the white pointer, You can click on the one color on the image and change it without making a mistake and turning the whole icon one color. Now to select more than one of the icons, say all of them where blue and green. Click on the green part of the icon. Now go to the top and click on "Select" scroll down to same. When the menu pop out, you will see that there are many ways to select multiple types of images. For right now click the one that says "Fill Color". All of the icons will be selected that has that same shade or ton of green. (note you must have them already colored in to match in order to select same). Now when you change the color they all will adjust together to make them Perfect.
9. TRACING TOOL​.
This tool i would recommend that you stay away from and just design your stuff from scratch. Now I'm about to contradict myself lol but this tool is so f'ing handy if used right.
When tracing and image your pretty much turning it into a vector image with paths, strokes, and anchors. Its pretty much a conversion tool but difficult to use. If you have a colorful image that's when it gets hard. But if you have like a solid color shape its kinda easy.
Say like you have a picture of a solid black triangle in .png and .jpeg because you didn't feel like drawing one. Drag it to the artboard. You will see a button up top that wasn't there b4 called "Live Trace". Click on it and you will see your triangle go from a rough .png/.jpeg image to a smooth vector format triangle.
Now it gets hard.
If you have a multiple color image there are ways to trace it to a vector but not all get it the way you want. Just play around with it a little and you will see what i mean. The traces I'm talking about are in the drop down menu right next to the "Live Trace" button. You will see a slim button with a down pointing arrow.
10. Keyboard short Cuts(coming Soon)
​To Be Continued - meaning im Sleepy lol​
Photoshop Short Cuts
Photoshop Shortcuts​
Index
1. .9 shortcuts Without Decompressed png
2. Batch File Opperation
Adobe Fireworks Shortcuts
Adobe Fireworks Shortcuts
even more
My biggest problem would be the dreaded 9patch
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
gtuansdiamm said:
My biggest problem would be the dreaded 9patch
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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dreaded 9patch? what is so hard about .9's
rujelus22 said:
dreaded 9patch? what is so hard about .9's
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Lol yea thats the same thing i was thinking but, Im going to put a short cut for .9 patches for people who don't know how to do it. For Photoshop and Fireworks. But im not going to go into full details because there are post on here with that. Im just going to explain a quick way without decompressing a .9 png
Dude, this rocks. I will be using this like crazy for sure.
hi, I'm interested in learning how to theme, but I must admit, teaching me may be a pretty big project since the extent of my experience is making themes in UOT Kitchen.
would this tool be a good place to start?
mjs2011 said:
hi, I'm interested in learning how to theme, but I must admit, teaching me may be a pretty big project since the extent of my experience is making themes in UOT Kitchen.
would this tool be a good place to start?
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yes sir this is the perfect place, while not done, im going to apply all of my knowledge of design to help out
Thanks! I may reach out to you privately as well, because I'd really be starting from scratch.
What would be killer is if we had a reference guide for the names for certain harder to find pngs. Background files and such.

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