====== Phase 2 (Part B): Advanced Containers (Windows & Folders) ======

Once the basic Page and Layout is mastered, the next step is mastering "Floating" and "Collapsing" containers. In Total Launcher, these are called **Windows** and **Folders**.

===== Windows (Pop-ups) =====
A **Window** is arguably the most powerful feature in Total Launcher. It is a container that can be full or partial screen, acting as an overlay on top of the current page.

==== Characteristics ====
  * **Visibility:** Windows are frequently "hidden" containers that appear only when triggered.
  * **Interaction:** They can appear via a gesture, a visible shortcut, an invisible trigger, or a series of actions (Sequence).
  * **Scrolling:** While the Window itself is a fixed overlay, you can place scrollable widgets (like an RSS Reader or App Drawer) inside a Window to create scrolling pop-up lists.
  * **Usage:** Windows are often used to replace horizontally scrolling pages entirely, keeping the home screen clean.

==== Creating a Custom Search Window ====
A common advanced use case is creating a custom Search interface:
  - Create a Window.
  - Place an **App Drawer** widget inside it.
  - Customize the window's background, color, and font.
  - Set a **Launcher Action** (App Search) as the Window's "Action on open."
  - *Result:* When opened, this window provides a fully customized search keyboard and interface. See the detailed procedure [[howto:howto-search-apps_and_contacts|here]].

==== Window Animation ====
Windows support **Transition Animations**.
  * **Transition ID:** You can link an object on your page to a Window using a "Transition ID." Both the button and the destination Window must have identical IDs.
  * **Duration:** The animation speed is customizable up to 800ms.

===== Folders =====
A Folder in Total Launcher is a simple container used to group items, similar to other launchers, but with more visual control.

==== Folders vs. App Groups ====
New users often confuse these two:
  * **Folder:** A basic container for shortcuts. It expands/collapses when tapped.
  * **App Group Widget:** A dedicated widget that *looks* like a folder but has widget-specific features (like separate layout controls).
  * See the [[:section:section-widget#widgets|Widget Section]] or specifically for a more detailed review of the [[:section:section-widget#widgetapp_group|App Group widget]].

==== Structure & Behavior ====
  * **Content:** Folders can hold shortcuts, app links, and even some graphics.
  * **Tags:** Folders interact with the App Drawer's "Tag" system. You can tag apps to automatically sort them into specific folders/groups.
  * **Customization:**
    * **Background:** Supports Color, Image, Icon Pack, and Shape.
    * **Icon:** The folder icon itself can be customized using the standard "Icon Style" options.

===== Stacking & overlays (Advanced) =====
Because Windows float, you can use them for **Widget Stacking**.
  * **Concept:** Place 2 or more windows on top of each other (e.g., a "Weather Window" and a "Calendar Window").
  * **Switching:** Create transparent buttons that execute a [[admin:drafts:section-sequences|sequence]] using a "Close Window A" and "Open Window B" action statement to toggle between views without leaving the home screen.

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