====== How To: Share an Object With Other TL Users ======

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**Prerequisite**\\ 
This procedure assumes the use of the verified "Clean Slate Default" shell.\\ 
To understand how this shell was built or create it from scratch, please refer to:\\ 
[[:howto:howto-share_shell_prep|How To: Prepare the "Clean Slate" Setup]]
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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.

==== Introduction ====

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.

===== Phase 1: Preparation =====

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

  - **Download the Clean Slate Shell:**
    - A pre-verified empty setup is available for this purpose.
    - {{:shared_files:uitlm_clean_slate_distro.zip?linkonly|Download the uiTLM Clean Slate Shell here}}.
    - //(Reference: See [[howto-share_shell_prep|How To: Prepare the "Clean Slate" Setup]] for details on how this was created.)//
  - **Import and Restore:**
    - In the Total Launcher interface enter ''Edit Mode'' and navigate to ''Main menu'' > ''Backup center''
    -  the ''Add'' {{:ui:ui-icon_add_gray.webp?direct&15}} > ''Import backup''.
    - The device's file manage will open. Navigate to the folder containing the downloaded file `uiTLM_Clean_Slate_Distro.zip`.
    - Once imported, tap the 3-dot menu next to the file and select ''Restore''.
  - **Verify the Environment:**
    - Ensure the Home screen is completely black/empty (1 page).
    - **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.

===== Phase 2: Isolating the Object =====

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

  - **Option A: Creating a New Object**
    - Long-press the empty screen to begin the process of adding a new Widget, Graphic (Text or Image) object.
      - If further guidance is needed see [[:section:section1-2-e_beginners_basic_editing_steps#to_add_an_object|Adding an Object]]
    - Style and configure the object as desired.
    - Save it to the page
      - **//Optional://** - The object can also be saved to the Graphics Saved category
        - Select the object
        - In the Object Design menu (top) tap ''Save'' {{:ui:ui-icon_save.webp?direct&20}}
        - The object is saved and can be accessed anytime by ''Add'' > ''Graphic'' > ''Saved'' > select the graphic.

  - **Option B: Importing an Existing Design**
    - If a graphic or icon exists in the local library:
      - Long-press > ''Add'' > ''Graphic''.
      - Select the ''Saved'' tab.
        - **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.

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

===== Phase 3: Creating the Transfer File =====

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

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

  - **Export the File (Standard Method):**
    - Locate the new backup (`Shared_Clock_Widget`) in the list.
    - Tap the 3-dot menu > ''Export backup''.
    - Select a destination (e.g., Downloads folder) and save.
    - **Note:** This process typically creates a standard **.zip** archive. Verify the created ZIP backup is //not// a 0 byte file.\\ If it is see [[#troubleshooting:_0-Byte_Export_Error|Trouble Shooting]]

===== Phase 4: Distribution =====

The standalone file is now ready for sharing.

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

===== Troubleshooting: 0-Byte Export Error =====

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

  - **Locate Internal Backup:**
    - Open a file manager that offers root access without the device being rooted
      - Such as [[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BfeK39boriHy-9q76eXLLqbCwfV17-GvmiXplorer|MiXplorer]] from the developer's site
      - or [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mixplorer.silver|MiXplorer - Play Store version]].
    - Navigate to `/Android/data/com.ss.launcher2/files/backups/`.
    - Find the folder named `.Shared_Clock_Widget` (Note the leading dot).
  - **Compress or Archive Contents:**
    - Tap the located folder to open it.
    - 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.//
    - Tap the 3-dot menu > ''Archive'' (or ''Compress'').
  - **Configuration of the ZIP:**
    - Filename: ''Shared_Clock_Widget'' (Remove the leading dot).
    - Format: ''Zip''.
    - Tap **OK**.
    - The resulting valid ZIP file is now located inside the backup folder and ready to be moved to Downloads for sharing.
      - If using **MiXplorer**
        - With the file selected (highlighted) tap the vertical 3-dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen
        - Select ''Move to...'' and navigate to the device's download or desired folder.
        - Tap OK and back out of MiXplorer.

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