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howto:howto-setup_guide-initial [2026/07/17 18:21] – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1howto:howto-setup_guide-initial [2026/07/20 22:14] (current) – ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation doreps
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 +====== Total Launcher Setup Guide: A New User Step-By-Step Post-Installation Process ======
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 +<WRAP centeralign>**Total Launcher\\ landing screen**</WRAP>
 +{{:ui:ui-new_install-landing-v4.webp?direct&200}}
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 +\\ \\ \\ \\ 
 +Executing a structured post-installation configuration establishes the foundation for a highly efficient and stable custom Android interface. Initialize a clean workspace by removing default stock widgets to prevent layout clutter and ensure complete creative control over subsequent design layers. Within Total Launcher, setting backgrounds independent of orientation, defining dynamic date elements, and binding precise touch actions transforms a raw installation into a personalized, high-performance environment. 
  
 +This foundational documentation delineates the exact sequence required to clear default templates, map application links, embed custom audio feedback, and secure the completed setup using the internal backup utility. The configuration sequence initiates with purging the default installation layer.
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 +
 +===== Starting with a Clean Slate =====
 +
 +Before designing the new user interface, the existing default widgets must be removed at the user's discretion. The default installation setup is shown above.
 +
 +  * When first installed, the Launcher //is// in Edit On mode and the Developer's "App Reminders" will periodically flash on the screen. They offer key points for learning Total Launcher. If missed or to review them again, check [[section:section-reminder|here.]]
 +
 +    * As a reminder, the Launcher does require the user to **grant specific Android permissions** to perform select functions. Some of these are presented during installation. However, it would be good to review a summary of these to become acquainted and use as a future reference. See [[section:new_install-permissions|Total Launcher Permissions - Suggested For New Installs.]]
 +
 +The Launcher's initial setup includes:
 +  * Home Screen: Day and Date, 6 object circular layout, 5 object bottom dock (pinned)
 +  * Screen 2 (swipe left): 3 row / 4 column grid App widget; 5 object bottom dock (pinned)
 +  * Screen 3 (swipe left): 3 row / 4 column grid Contact widget; 5 object bottom dock (pinned)
 +
 +To customize the setup:
 +  - Long-press a blank area of the screen to enter layout edit options.
 +    * Verify that the main window shrinks and the {{:ui:ui-menu-edit_mode-v4.webp?direct&150|Edit Mode menu}} shows at the bottom of the page.
 +  - If the ''Edit Off'' icon {{ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_off-v4.webp?direct&25}} shows on the right, press it to change to ''Edit On'' {{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_on.webp?direct&25}}.
 +  - Tap the center of the window to return it to full size as shown by this ++image.|{{:ui:ui-edit_on-v4.webp?direct&200}}++
 +  - As an example of deleting an item (steps to replace it will follow): the day/date
 +    - Long-press the day/date to highlight it and activate object edit mode.
 +    - Tap the trash can icon {{ui:ui-icon_delete-v4.webp?direct&25}} in the top right corner and confirm the deletion.
 +  - To replace it //now//, just as if it was accidentally deleted:
 +    - While in Edit On mode, the Page Design menu {{:ui:ui-icon_page_design_menu-v4.webp?direct&100|}} on the top has a "redo" icon {{ ui:ui-icon_redo-v4.webp?direct&30|}}. Tap it to see the deleted object returned to its place.
 +  - Repeat the deletion process for any other default elements until the screen is clear, if that is wanted.
 +  - Tap a blank space on the window or press the device back button to save and exit element edit mode.
 +
 +===== Setting a Background Image =====
 +
 +  - Long-press (or ''Pinch-in'') anywhere on the screen to enter Edit mode to shrink the window view. Tap the ++''Edit Off'' icon|{{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_off-v4.webp?direct&100}}++ in the lower right to change it to an ++''Edit On'' icon|{{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_on-v4.webp?direct&35}}++
 +  - Tap the ''Image'' icon {{ui:ui-icon_image-v4.webp?25}} located at the bottom of the center window.
 +  - Decide if the layout will be for landscape **or** portrait mode (each is independent of the other)
 +    - Select the landscape (or portrait) image option to open the image library page.
 +  - Press the plus (''+'') icon {{ui:ui-icon_add_gray-v4.webp?direct&25}} and navigate to the device location of the desired background image.
 +  - Select the image to import and save a copy into the launcher library.
 +  - Tap the picture within the library to open the background setting page.
 +  - Select ''Fit Type'' the
 +    - ''Keep aspect ratio of image''
 +    - ''Stretch to screen''
 +    - ''Stretch to content''
 +      -  and press ''OK''.
 +  - Tap the main window to apply and display the new full-size background. Edit On mode is still active. If desired, tap it to enter Edit Off mode.
 +
 +===== Adding and Customizing a Clock Element =====
 +
 +  - Tap the plus (''+'') icon in the top right corner.
 +  - Navigate through ''Graphic'' > ''Text'' > ''Default'' to place a text box on the screen. This is a ++generic view|{{ui:ui-object_add-text-selection-selected-v4.webp?direct&200}}++ of that.
 +  - Tap the Option icon {{ui:ui-icon_option-v4.webp?25}} to open element settings.
 +  - Select ''Text'' and then select ''Date/time''.
 +  - Tap the end of the default format string, delete the contents, and input ''HH:mm'' or ''hh:mm'' via the keyboard.
 +  - Scroll to the bottom of the page, tap ''OK'', and swipe right-to-left to back out of the screen to view the clock.
 +  - Adjust the position of the clock by dragging it, or adjust the size using the dots around the bounding box.
 +  - Change the text color if necessary by tapping the Option icon, navigating to ''Text color'', selecting ''color'', and choosing the preferred color.
 +  - Swipe right-to-left to back out of the screen and save changes.
 +
 +===== Creating an Application Launch Button =====
 +
 +  - Tap the plus (''+'') icon and select ''Graphic'' > ''Text'' > ''Default''.
 +  - Tap the Option icon, select ''Text'', and ensure ''Plain text'' is active.
 +  - Tap the text field, enter the desired application name, scroll to the bottom of the page, and tap ''OK''.
 +  - Check the ''Capitalize all'' box if uniform lettering is desired, then swipe right-to-left to exit the screen.
 +  - Tap the Action icon {{ui:ui-icon_action-v4.webp?direct&25}} to the left of the Option icon.
 +  - Under ''Tap'', press the ''Action'' field and select ''Application''.
 +  - Scroll through the list, select the application named above.
 +  - To move the object, tap-and-drag right-to-left over the text element background area, and resize it to fit by the 'bulbs' on the corner boundary. Move the entire object intact with a tap-hold-drag motion to the desired area.
 +  - Tap an empty space to deselect and finalize the button.
 +
 +===== Creating a Website Shortcut with Copied Elements =====
 +
 +  - This can either be text, image, or icon.
 +  - With Edit On mode, tap the plus (''+'') icon and select ''Graphic'' > ''Image'' > ''Default''.
 +    - For an image: Tap ''Image'', press the plus (''+'') icon, and select a button image from the storage location.
 +    - For an icon: Tap ''Icon packs'' and the Launcher will load any installed device icon pack. Scroll and select the one desired.
 +    - For text: The 'Text' is now on the screen. Position it in an empty space, and resize it.
 +      - If multiple shortcuts are desired, long-press the existing text element and tap the ''Copy'' icon {{ui:ui-icon_copy-v4.webp?direct&25}}.
 +      - Tap the plus (''+'') icon, select ''Paste'' {{ui:ui-icon_add_paste-v4.webp?direct&25}}, and drag the duplicate text over the new button image.
 +      - Tap the Option icon, select ''Text'', modify the text to reflect the website name, scroll down and select Ok and back out of the editor.
 +      - From a device browser, copy the target website URL (address).
 +  - Select the object (either the text, image, or icon) with a long press, select the Option icon, and tap ''Action'' > ''Launcher action''.
 +  - Scroll to the bottom, tap ''Open URL'', and paste the copied URL, remove the default %%http://%% prefix.
 +  - Tap ''OK'', then swipe right-to-left twice to save and return to the page. Tap ''Edit ON'' to exit.
 +
 +===== Utilizing Multi-Element Copy and Paste =====
 +
 +  - Long-press a button element to open the editor.
 +  - Tap additional button elements to highlight and select multiple items simultaneously.
 +  - Tap the ''Copy'' icon, followed by ''Paste''.
 +  - Drag the duplicated group of elements to the empty positions on the grid. Tap a blank space to deselect the elements.
 +  - Edit the actions and text of the pasted buttons individually to save configuration time.
 +
 +===== Adding Audio Effects to Elements =====
 +
 +  - Ensure sound files are saved in a device-accessible directory.
 +  - Enter Edit Mode (Long press an empty) > )Toggle Edit Mode icon) > Tap the ++''Edit Off'' icon|{{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_off-v4.webp?direct&100}}++ in the lower right to change it to an ++''Edit On'' icon|{{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_on-v4.webp?direct&35}}++
 +  - Select the target object that is to play the sound.
 +  - Tap the Action icon.
 +    - Each object has 5 actions: tap and swipe (up, down, left, and right). Make a selection.
 +    - From that selection, the '' Sound '' option will be available to access the launcher sound library. Tap it.
 +  - Import with the ''Add'' icon and select the desired audio file, then swipe right-to-left to return to the page. Tap an empty space.
 +  - Verify that the assigned sound plays whenever the element is tapped (or swiped). Tap ''Edit ON'' to exit edit mode.
 +  - See also: [[howto-add-app_shortcut|How To: Add An Application Shortcut To The Total Launcher Page]].
 +
 +===== Creating Backups and Setting the Default Launcher =====
 +
 +  - Long-press a blank space on the launcher screen and select ''Launcher options'' {{:ui:ui-menu-launcher_options-v4.webp?direct&30}} > ''Backup Center'' then tap the plus (''+'') icon, and select ''New backup''.
 +    - Insert a custom identifier in front of the default ''backup_YYMMDD'' text string using underscores instead of spaces (e.g., ''My_New_Table_01_backup_YYMMDD'' with the YYMMDD being the current date).
 +    - Tap ''OK'' and wait for the ''Backup successful'' confirmation message before exiting by a swipe right-to-left.
 +  - Set Total Launcher as the system default by navigating through system settings: ''Settings'' > ''Apps'' > ''Total Launcher'' > ''Home App'', and select ''Total Launcher''.
 +  - For more information, see [[section:section-backups|Backup: Access, Create, Export, Import.]]
 +
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