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
INDEX1. 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 Short Cuts
Adobe Fireworks Shortcuts
Adobe Fireworks Shortcuts
Using Adobe Flash To Make Bootanimations, Banners, and Sigs
Using Adobe Flash To Make Bootanimations, Banners, and Sigs
lorjay589 said:
Using Adobe Flash To Make Bootanimations, Banners, and Sigs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is damn near the best post for theming I've ever seen! Simply awesome!. Please put this in the theming section for other young devs and themers alike. This should be a sticky!
Related
Do you miss knowing which letters are on which numbers, like when dialing a number from a business? Like, "Call Now! 1-800-YES-YEAH" Here's the fix for Kavana/Ricky/HTC based ROMs.
This is a mod of Surreal Networks Alpha-Numeric Display patch (grey), without the T-Mobile Branding:
Now, with correct spelling. (Hey it was late!)
download BRANDING.GIF
place in the Windows folder
browse to it with resco explorer
rename to ms_mobile.gif, confirm
May require rebooting. You are welcome to modify this, make into a .cab or desktop installer.
UPDATE April 4: Newest version, no branding, simpler install, and works on both the in-call and dialer screens here! Or jump to page three for preview.
UPDATE April 18: One Point Zero release here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2129954#post2129954
Thanks, that's great. Although, you spelled Excalibur wrong...
Thanks a ton! This is a great help!
Nice but I was wondering how the hell to get the panel AFTER you make a call to show the numbers on Kavana's 6.1. Like automated service tells you to put in your name or whatnot on the dialpad....
dialpad cab minus excalibur branding
attached is the same dialpad without the Excalibur branding.
install cab, reboot, enjoy.
thanks to Ben Hirashima for the cab
MountainDrew said:
Thanks, that's great. Although, you spelled Excalibur wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed!
Now, I am analyzing how to make a slicker package from Ben's example.
Yianaki said:
Nice but I was wondering how the hell to get the panel AFTER you make a call to show the numbers on Kavana's 6.1. Like automated service tells you to put in your name or whatnot on the dialpad....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. I will look into it. I suppose it could be added to the top of whatever image is in the "next" screen?
So it's only in one colour, and it might not match your blues, but I'll share the one I made for my phone if any of you like it.
I made one too
Windows standard colors
Here are original ones for each of the default colors and Segoe text. No Branding. Included one in grey, too!
Anyone else having a problem with the automatic alpha-num installers with a cooked ROM?
I like the one with T-mobile Branding. It makes the rom feel more official. (Extracted from the Surreal Networks CAB)
ygb said:
I like the one with T-mobile Branding. It makes the rom feel more official. (Extracted from the Surreal Networks CAB)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am working on a complete suite of not T-Mobile Branding, trying to figure out the splash screens at the moment. I just cant dig the pink T; Ive tried! Been cruising the other forums for clues...
It seems that the Ben dialpad works on the in-call screen, but I cant simulate the behavior if i uninstall his cab and manually it the reg. What keys do others use to change background on the in-call screen? IT really needs some livening up anyway.
Profezza said:
It seems that the Ben dialpad works on the in-call screen, but I cant simulate the behavior if i uninstall his cab and manually it the reg. What keys do others use to change background on the in-call screen? IT really needs some livening up anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just one key...but it has to point to a file that exists. So if you've extracted the .gif file from the .cab / make sure you drop the .gif file in the windows directory and note what the .gif filename is as thats what you're going to put in the regitry entry...also make sure you soft-reset otherwise it won't change until then.
And as far as the in call screen is concerned ... look for a file in \windows directory named cprogback_land.png for your in-call screen
Here's the one that i use: It looks good with technology's another blue color scheme .......Just rename the extention from .jpeg to .png if you want to use it
nice tip! thanks!
pudgedaddy said:
...And as far as the in call screen is concerned ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that that file is hard-coded, so there is no way to mod the reg with the installer, but it looks like windows mobile's .cab-install system will back things up alright from a file replacement approach. So, a single installer for both is do-able.
Interestingly, the image I am overwriting is called Carrierlogo.gif, not cprogback_land.png. Are there two potential images retrieved for the call screen, one in the fore and one in the back? I wonder what I could do with that info...
Or, maybe it is named differently in different source roms with the same purpose. Will text that next.
boom, got it
So, I think i this is how the in-call graphics work:
It appears that the call screen does indeed call up two images (not including a contact thumb, if applicable) The background is hardwired as "cprogback_land.png". Also, instead of having the carrier text string at the top, it can have an image across the top, which is hardwired as "carrierlogo.gif". Nothing can be done, as far as I can tell, to change the pointers to other files, so overwrites are the only method of changing.
If the graphic is put inside the background image itself, it can be the full width of the screen, like any background, and likewise any height (up to 213) But the in-call screen is a bit busy.The top 24 pixels (after the window top) are reserved for the carrier branding text string (or image), followed by 2 blank rows of pixels and a horizontal rule at row 27. The next 88 pixels (the middle area is a call status area followed by another rule at row 116, and pressed digits fill the bottom area.
However, if the graphic (.gif only) is in the foreground, it can be any size and proportion, but if it is taller than 24 pixels, or wider than 311 pixels, it will be (UPDATED) scooted over four pixels and cropped to fit a box of those dimensions at the top. If it is smaller, it will be top-, then left-aligned. Either way, if it is there, it replaces the carrier text string, rather than having to be designed around it. One thing to keep in mind, if using this method is that it has to be 10 pixels narrower than the image that might be used on the dialer screen, or it will "shrink" when you switch screens, if you want them to "match".
If anything is unclear, or anyone has any details to add, or corrections to make, please let me know! Thanks
pudgedaddy said:
Just one key...but it has to point to a file that exists. So if you've extracted the .gif file from the .cab / make sure you drop the .gif file in the windows directory and note what the .gif filename is as thats what you're going to put in the regitry entry...also make sure you soft-reset otherwise it won't change until then.
And as far as the in call screen is concerned ... look for a file in \windows directory named cprogback_land.png for your in-call screen
Here's the one that i use: It looks good with technology's another blue color scheme .......Just rename the extention from .jpeg to .png if you want to use it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot pudgedaddy we definitely needed better visuals for the call in screen. Does anyone else have any other variations of screens like this laying around?
killswitch said:
...Does anyone else have any other variations of screens like this laying around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One could be made by renaming any wallpaper that would work on the home screen.
I am working on a png one that blends seamlessly with a floating .gif dialpad right now. Must test it out tho'
Here is a trio of images to bring a consistent and mellow dialpad feature to BOTH the dial and incall screens.
Directions
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.
I recently saw images in the themes section, that I loved and subsequently now use for my phone. Shown:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=781455
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=783946
Now, how do I resize the images properly? Scale, resize? Differences? What program to use (free, I'd prefer)? How to add that black bar so lovely at the bottom of the images and the text there? I tried figuring it out, but I couldn't figure out how to search how to do that specific thing.
Any help would be great! I want to start making images in that fashion for other applications, as those are very limited.
When I had my Hero, you could download Desktop Visualizer - this will allow you to associate certain pictures to the icons you want. It will also allow you yo resize them....my suggestion is start with a big icon and resize it smaller - smaller to big makes it look grainy...as for the dock bar....I used (use) LauncherPro - under LauncherPro setting you can change the dockbar....hope this helps!!
The black bar at the bottom looks to be a custom dock for LauncherPro. I've seen it in collections of LP Docks before (I'm unfortunately not immediately able to find it, but google it and spend a few minutes, and you ought to find it no prob).
As for the icons, Simi Folder would be one way to do it if what you're linking to is a folder. Not sure for just an icon that links directly to an app -- you can certainly resize icons in LPP, but I'm not sure off the top of my head how to do it and maintain the scale. You could probably compress it using Photoshop such that when it gets stretched, it looks correct? I dunno, someone else may have better ideas...
I believe people are misunderstanding what I'm asking.
I know how to get it all set up on my homescreen and such. I have the setup like that currently, no problem, using DesktopVisualizer and LPP.
I'm more asking about how they placed those bars on the image and the writing. See, they have an image that they got from wherever on the internet, put that minimalistic black transparent bar on the bottom and wrote "Texts" there, so that one would use it as a tile of sorts (as the theme they're going for is an "Android Phone 7" sort of thing"). I want to basically get images from wherever in the internet as well and use them for other applications. Like, create a, say, "Market" one, where the image I found will represent in some form, a market, and then put that black transparent bar in the image and type "Market" in some font in the corner like they did so that I can then use DesktopVisualizer to use the image as the icon in the manner shown in those posts. I'm assuming you can't just go and place a huge image (####x###) as the icon and hope it fits right. They resized theirs down to like 355x115 or something. Every time I try to resize something like that, though, it does not like it in the least. So, I'm wondering how they did that, too.
In a sense, they're like icon sets, if you will, and I want to then expand their offerings, as they only offer "icons" for a few applications or needs.
God, what a text wall. Sorry!
I wouldn't mind knowing myself, I'm all for customizing my Evo, and the more I learn the better I can do so.
I'm sure it's a relatively simple process, I just simply don't know how and wouldn't even know how to search for it. Like, what, "black bar on image?" Ha!
Hundreds of views, hardly any replies! You'd think this wise community would know!
totalanonymity said:
I believe people are misunderstanding what I'm asking.
I know how to get it all set up on my homescreen and such. I have the setup like that currently, no problem, using DesktopVisualizer and LPP.
I'm more asking about how they placed those bars on the image and the writing. See, they have an image that they got from wherever on the internet, put that minimalistic black transparent bar on the bottom and wrote "Texts" there, so that one would use it as a tile of sorts (as the theme they're going for is an "Android Phone 7" sort of thing"). I want to basically get images from wherever in the internet as well and use them for other applications. Like, create a, say, "Market" one, where the image I found will represent in some form, a market, and then put that black transparent bar in the image and type "Market" in some font in the corner like they did so that I can then use DesktopVisualizer to use the image as the icon in the manner shown in those posts. I'm assuming you can't just go and place a huge image (####x###) as the icon and hope it fits right. They resized theirs down to like 355x115 or something. Every time I try to resize something like that, though, it does not like it in the least. So, I'm wondering how they did that, too.
In a sense, they're like icon sets, if you will, and I want to then expand their offerings, as they only offer "icons" for a few applications or needs.
God, what a text wall. Sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The text is just in the image, it isn't some magical add-on. It is probably just a black rectangle and then transparency adjusted to taste.
There are a handful of win7 style icon packs like that. You could use one of those as a template (for size) and use your own images and text. Minimal PS or GIMP experience needed. Just keep the aspect ratio of the images when you are resizing them and provided they aren't absurdly larger than the ~355x115 or whatever size you are aiming for they should still look fine.
The second link says it comes with photoshop templates. You could always just download the 30 day free trial of photoshop.
looks like a simple photoshop job to me, just add a second layer above the background, rectangle marquee the section you want to be the transparent bar, then paint bucket the area with a black (or any color) at 50% opacity, then add text.
jstalford said:
The second link says it comes with photoshop templates. You could always just download the 30 day free trial of photoshop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, can't believe I missed that. Oops!
Those are pretty cool looking layouts nice find.
I was thinking that at the time where developers will have access to Mango accent colours, it could be a lovely idea to make an app like this:
http://colorschemedesigner.com/
Imagine a "light version" of this app for WP7 with:
1. The same access to color data (viewing of hex/rgb values)
2. A big "randomizer button" to randomly produce combinations (like the one inside the online app menu...)
3. Presets with load save
4. ..an "apply as theme colors" function (the app would map the generated colors to each of the available parts (registry keys) of the OS.
..someone could tap the randomizer button if he doesn't know about color combinations, until he finds one he likes. Then, he could manually or automatically (randomly) map colors to the appropriate areas of the OS. (I think this is about 3-4 color mappings), save the combination into a preset and apply it by adding it as an accent color in phone's theme menu.
I could definitely buy such an app, even if it was an expensive one.
i think what you are looking for is called Advanced Config
Cristi93 said:
i think what you are looking for is called Advanced Config
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advanced Config:
1. Doesn't work properly (It closes right after I open it in Mango and I also get an error message at the start. I had it before some months and it worked...I don't know what happened)
2. It doesn't have a color scheme generator (we can just choose one color for the tiles and active fonts and that's all). So we can't change background / tile / tile font colors according to an already tested combination of colors.
3. It doesn't have a randomizer (which, if all the above existed, could modify all of the OS colors with a minimum amount of aesthetic errors. Not all combinations are suitable for every use, but at least many of them could be quickly accessible with just the press of a button and they could be even modified if the user wanted.
...for those who say that WP7 has already great colors and doesn't need apps/functionality like this I can say that the system doesn't get bloated with an advanced color customizer. It gets bloated when someone tries to radically change the style of the UI, like making the 2d icons look like "iphone 3d icons" etc...that could be bad...but having the ability to properly change tile/background/font colors, is like MS making us part of their design team.
Moved to WP7 Software development
This is not the place for a discussion about a non existent app. Please post in the correct section.
Take it easy
O_G
Sorry for the wrong thread. I hadn't noticed that section..
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
INDEX1. 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
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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.