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section:section-margins-page_and_object [2026/07/21 17:13] – dorepssection:section-margins-page_and_object [2026/07/21 22:46] (current) – doreps
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-<WRAP hide>%%<!-- googleoff: index -->%%</WRAP> +====== Understanding Margins in Total Launcher: Defining Boundaries and Object Separation ======
-<WRAP center notice centeralign> +
-**⚠️ v4.0 UI Transition Notice - In Process:** +
-//The release of Total Launcher v4.0 has introduced significant user interface changes. Please note that this  +
-page does not yet reflect these updates. The new layout paths, folds, and visual maps are currently being  +
-compiled and will be deployed shortly.// +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP hide>%%<!-- googleon: index -->%%</WRAP>+
  
 +Mastering the 'Margin' setting in Total Launcher is essential for precise spatial management and creating polished, professional home screen layouts. Because the Total Launcher interface does not utilize traditional 'padding' controls, mastering margin properties is the primary method for defining workspace boundaries and separating individual layout elements. The exact behavior of a margin depends entirely on the target element, functioning differently when applied to an entire page versus a specific graphic object:
  
- 
----- 
- 
- 
-====== Understanding Margins in Total Launcher ====== 
- 
-In Total Launcher, the 'Margin' setting is a fundamental tool for managing space. Its specific function, however, depends on what it is being applied to: one of the following: 
   * [[#page_margins|Page]]   * [[#page_margins|Page]]
   * [[#object_margins|Object]]   * [[#object_margins|Object]]
 +
 This guide explains how to use margins in both contexts. The term 'padding' is not used in the Total Launcher interface; all space management of this type is controlled via ''Margin'' or ''Item spacing'' settings. This guide explains how to use margins in both contexts. The term 'padding' is not used in the Total Launcher interface; all space management of this type is controlled via ''Margin'' or ''Item spacing'' settings.
  
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 ===== Margin Dialog Controls ===== ===== Margin Dialog Controls =====
-^  **Object Margin Dialog**  ^^  **Page Margin Dialog**  ^ +^  **Object Margin Dialog**  ^ ^  **Page Margin Dialog**  ^ 
-|  {{  :ui:ui-margin-object-dialog-v4.webp?200  }}  | \\ \\ \\ \\ Notice the difference:\\ ⬅️ Object: Based on the\\ internal object container.\\ Margins are only positive.\\ \\ \\ \\ Page: Allows a negative ➡️\\ margin. See the\\ discussion above. |  {{  :ui:ui-margin-page-dialog-v4.webp?200  }}  |\\ +|  {{  :ui:ui-margin-object-dialog-v4.webp?200  }}  |\\ **Notice the difference:**\\ \\ ⬅️ Object:\\ \\ Based on the internal\\ object container.\\ Positive only.\\ \\ \\ \\ <WRAP rightalign>Page: ➡️</WRAP>Allows negative margins.\\ See discussion above. |  {{  :ui:ui-margin-page-dialog-v4.webp?200  }}  |\\ 
  
-   * **left, top, right, and bottom:** - Each value is adjusted separately for precise control. Use the slider or the dialog above the ➕ to enter the amount manually. +  * **Link all sides:** - Activate this feature to cause any side margin change to be applied to all sides. 
-   * **Unit and Range:** +  * **Left, Top, Right, and Bottom:** - Each value is adjusted separately for precise control. Use the slider or the dialog above the ➕ to enter the amount manually. 
-      * While not explicitly stated, the unit is best understood as **dip (density-independent pixel)**. This ensures layouts are consistent across Android devices with different screen sizes and resolutions.+  * **Unit and Range:** 
 +    * While not explicitly stated, the unit is best understood as **dip (density-independent pixel)**. This ensures layouts are consistent across Android devices with different screen sizes and resolutions.
       * The default setting is ''0''.        * The default setting is ''0''. 
       * For the 'Object', the maximum positive range is 200. There is no negative capacity.       * For the 'Object', the maximum positive range is 200. There is no negative capacity.
       * For the 'Page', the maximum positive //and// negative range is 500.       * For the 'Page', the maximum positive //and// negative range is 500.
-   * **Positive Numbers:** Increases the defined space. +  * **Positive Numbers:** Increases the defined space. 
-      * For a **Page or Container**, this shrinks the usable content area. [+] Practicality limits this; setting a margin equal to the screen width will result in no viewable area.+    * For a **Page or Container**, this shrinks the usable content area. [+] Practicality limits this; setting a margin equal to the screen width will result in no viewable area.
       * For a **Simple Object**, this pushes other objects further away.       * For a **Simple Object**, this pushes other objects further away.
-   * **Negative Numbers:** Decreases the defined space, with different effects: +  * **Negative Numbers:** Decreases the defined space, with different effects: 
-      * For a **Page**, this pushes the content canvas off-screen, making it **partially or totally unviewable**. +    * For a **Page**, this pushes the content canvas off-screen, making it **partially or totally unviewable**. 
-      * For a **Simple Object**, negative margins do not exist. +    * For a **Simple Object**, negative margins do not exist. 
-        * <WRAP center round tip 60%> + 
-<WRAP centeralign>**To Make An Object Extend Beyond The Container Boundary**<WRAP>+<WRAP center round tip 60%> 
 +<WRAP centeralign>**To Make An Object Extend Beyond The Container Boundary**</WRAP>
 Use any of the margin elements (left, top, right, or bottom) and apply a //positive// margin to //push// the object in the desired direction. Typically, a portion of the object outside of the container boundary will not be visible. Whether the object is text, an image, a folder, or a window, that result may be acceptable. Use any of the margin elements (left, top, right, or bottom) and apply a //positive// margin to //push// the object in the desired direction. Typically, a portion of the object outside of the container boundary will not be visible. Whether the object is text, an image, a folder, or a window, that result may be acceptable.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
-   * **Suggest:** - Tap to automatically calculate margin values, which is useful for objects with effects like a shadow to ensure the effect is not clipped. +<WRAP clear b/> 
-   * **OK:** - Tap to accept the margin numbers shown.+ 
 +   * **Suggest:** Tap to automatically calculate margin values, which is useful for objects with effects like a shadow to ensure the effect is not clipped. 
 +   * **Cancel:** Discard all input and return to the previous page. 
 +   * **OK:** Tap to accept the margin numbers shown.
  
 ===== Related Concepts ===== ===== Related Concepts =====
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    *   **Analogy:** This feature can be thought of as applying a "padding" //between// each item in the grid, spreading them out from each other.    *   **Analogy:** This feature can be thought of as applying a "padding" //between// each item in the grid, spreading them out from each other.
    *   **How to Choose a Value:** The input quantity (range of 0 - 200) is determined by visual preference and usability. There is no single "correct" value. A user should adjust the number and observe the result, balancing aesthetic appearance (a clean, airy look) with usability (ensuring icons are not so close that they are hard to tap accurately).    *   **How to Choose a Value:** The input quantity (range of 0 - 200) is determined by visual preference and usability. There is no single "correct" value. A user should adjust the number and observe the result, balancing aesthetic appearance (a clean, airy look) with usability (ensuring icons are not so close that they are hard to tap accurately).
 +
 <WRAP center round tip> <WRAP center round tip>
-<WRAP centeralign>**Object Alignment:** For positioning objects relative to each other or the page, the alignment tool offers assistance with centering, edge matching, and distribution. It is a complementary tool to margins for creating precise layouts. +<WRAP centeralign>**Object Alignment:**</WRAP> 
-</WRAP>+For positioning objects relative to each other or the page, the alignment tool offers assistance with centering, edge matching, and distribution. It is a complementary tool to margins for creating precise layouts.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
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