How To: Share an Object With Other TL Users

Total Launcher does not currently feature a native process to share individual objects or widgets. To share specific design elements, the entire setup containing that element must be exported.

This procedure details the steps to use a “Clean Slate” carrier file to isolate a single object (widget, graphic, or group) and create a lightweight package for distribution.

Total Launcher objects are shared by encapsulating them within a backup file (archive). Since individual objects cannot be exported directly as standalone files, the standard procedure involves placing the object onto a completely empty setup. This “Clean Slate” approach prevents the inadvertent sharing of personal data, old layout artifacts, or unnecessary resources that may exist in a user's primary setup.

First, a clean environment must be loaded to act as the container for the object.

1. Download the Clean Slate Shell:
   1. A pre-verified empty setup is available for this purpose.
   2. Download the uiTLM Clean Slate Shell here.
   3. (Reference: See How To: Prepare the "Clean Slate" Setup for details on how this was created.)
2. Import and Restore:
   1. In the Total Launcher interface enter Edit Mode and navigate to Main menu > Backup center
   2. the Add > Import backup.
   3. The device's file manage will open. Navigate to the folder containing the downloaded file `uiTLM_Clean_Slate_Distro.zip`.
   4. Once imported, tap the 3-dot menu next to the file and select Restore.
3. Verify the Environment:
   1. Ensure the Home screen is completely black/empty (1 page).
   2. Note: The App Drawer (accessed via swipe up from the bottom right) will display the installed apps of the current device. This is normal; the “All Apps” group is dynamic and is not part of the saved setup.

With the clean container active, the object(s) to be shared must be placed onto the empty page.

1. Option A: Creating a New Object
   1. Long-press the empty screen to begin the process of adding a new Widget, Graphic (Text or Image) object.
      1. If further guidance is needed see Adding an Object
   2. Style and configure the object as desired.
   3. Save it to the page
      1. Optional: - The object can also be saved to the Graphics Saved category
         1. Select the object
         2. In the Object Design menu (top) tap Save
         3. The object is saved and can be accessed anytime by Add > Graphic > Saved > select the graphic.

1. Option B: Importing an Existing Design
   1. If a graphic or icon exists in the local library:
      1. Long-press > Add > Graphic.
      2. Select the Saved tab.
         1. Important: The “Saved” tab displays files on the current device. These are not shared automatically. The graphic must be tapped and placed onto the Home screen. Only objects physically residing on the page layout are bundled into the backup during export.

1. Option C: Copying from Another Setup
   1. (Advanced) If the object exists in a different setup:
      1. Restore the primary setup via Backup Center.
      2. Select the object > Copy.
      3. Restore the “Clean Slate” setup via Backup Center.
      4. Long-press the empty page > Paste.
   2. Constraint: Ensure only the object(s) intended for sharing exist on the page. Delete any accidental additions.

Once the object is isolated, the setup is exported to create the distribution file.

1. Save the Setup Internally:
   1. Navigate to Main menu > Backup Center.
   2. Tap Add > New backup.
   3. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., `Shared_Clock_Widget`).
   4. Tap OK.

1. Export the File (Standard Method):
   1. Locate the new backup (`Shared_Clock_Widget`) in the list.
   2. Tap the 3-dot menu > Export backup.
   3. Select a destination (e.g., Downloads folder) and save.
   4. Note: This process typically creates a standard .zip archive. Verify the created ZIP backup is not a 0 byte file.
      If it is see Trouble Shooting

The standalone file is now ready for sharing.

1. Locate: Navigate to the destination folder selected in the previous step using a File Manager.
2. Verify: Check the file size. If the file is 0 bytes, the export failed (see Troubleshooting below).
3. Share: Long-press the file > Share. The file can be sent via Email, Telegram, Google Drive, or Discord.

In some instances, exporting a very small setup may result in a 0-byte (empty) file. If this occurs, use the Manual Zip Method.

1. Locate Internal Backup:
   1. Open a file manager that offers root access without the device being rooted
      1. Such as MiXplorer from the developer's site
      2. or MiXplorer - Play Store version.
   2. Navigate to `/Android/data/com.ss.launcher2/files/backups/`.
   3. Find the folder named `.Shared_Clock_Widget` (Note the leading dot).
2. Compress or Archive Contents:
   1. Tap the located folder to open it.
   2. Select All from the menu or manually tap and hold all files inside (properties, pages, images, etc.) to select them. Do not select the parent folder itself.
   3. Tap the 3-dot menu > Archive (or Compress).
3. Configuration of the ZIP:
   1. Filename: Shared_Clock_Widget (Remove the leading dot).
   2. Format: Zip.
   3. Tap OK.
   4. The resulting valid ZIP file is now located inside the backup folder and ready to be moved to Downloads for sharing.
      1. If using MiXplorer
         1. With the file selected (highlighted) tap the vertical 3-dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen
         2. Select Move to… and navigate to the device's download or desired folder.
         3. Tap OK and back out of MiXplorer.