Logic & Behavior (The Magic)
Once the visual structure is built, how it is to behave. This phase covers the “invisible” logic: Actions, Animations, Sequences, and Data Variables.
Actions & Gestures
In Total Launcher, almost every graphic object can be interactive. They are not limited to a single “Tap” action.
Multi-Gesture Support: A single object can trigger up to five different actions:
Tap
Swipe Up
Swipe Down
Swipe Left
Swipe Right
Action Types: You can assign these gestures to open Applications, Windows, Folders, or Shortcuts.
Launcher Actions: You can also trigger system tasks, such as “Toggle Edit Mode,” “Open Menu,” “Screen Lock,” or toggling “Wi-Fi”/“Bluetooth”.
Sequences (Macros)
A Sequence is a user-defined chain of actions performed in a specific order. Think of it as a mini-program or “Macro”.
How it works: Instead of just opening an app, a sequence can contain:
Add: Launcher action > Play a Sound
Add: Wait > 2 seconds
Add: Launcher action > Open a Window by name
Select my_previously_created_window
Add: Action > Application > Select my_app
Wait Times: “Wait Times” between steps can be specified to ensure animations finish before the next action starts.
Creation: Create a sequence via Main Menu > Launcher options > Resources > Sequence or directly within the Object Design menu > Options > Action dialog of any object.
The Animation System
Total Launcher uses three distinct types of animation. Understanding the difference is critical for smooth design.
Launch Animation
What it is: The visual effect that displays when tapping an icon to open an app.
Options: Include Flying, Sliding, Fade in, Popup, Random, and Fast (instant) and more.
Sound: Optionally attach a sound effect to the launch action.
Object Animation (Enter/Exit)
What it is: Controls how an individual object appears or disappears when a Page or Window opens.
Customization: Define the Effect (e.g., Slide from Left), the Start Offset (delay), and the Duration (speed in milliseconds).
*Usage Tip:* Use “Start Offset” to cascade animations — making icons fly in one by one rather than all at once.
Transition Animation (Windows)
What it is: A specialized animation that morphs an object on the page into a popup Window.
How to use (Transition ID):
With the object selected, Options > Animation tab > Edit - Transition Animation > Transition ID Give it a Transition ID (e.g., mytag).
Now select the other “Window” object to open. Use the same process to give it the identical Transition ID (“mytag”).
*Result:* When clicked, the button will physically morph/expand into the window.
Duration: Customizable up to 800ms.
There are other options available which can be used in this process. If interested, see
Window Animation.
Variables & Tasker Integration (Advanced)
Total Launcher can display data, such as weather temperatures and forecasts, geographical location, and even control which device screen displays as the home page. All data originates from automation apps, external to Total Launcher, like Tasker or MacroDroid.
Step 1: Sending Data (In Tasker)
Create a Task in Tasker.
Select the Plugin > Total Launcher.
Use the Set Variable function.
Map your Tasker variable (%mydata) to a Total Launcher text variable (<mydata>).
Step 2: Displaying Data In Total Launcher
Create a Text Object and select it.
Go to
Options >
Text“ > Advanced
> Variable
.
- Enter the tag name exactly as defined in Tasker (without the %) and enclosed inside chevrons (< >), (e.g., <mydata>
).
* *Result:* The text object will now display whatever data Tasker sends it.
Variable Syntax Notes:
* Newlines: Use the character \n to create line breaks in variable text.
* Quotes: If text contains quotes, “escape” them (e.g., use double quotes ”“) or the text may not display.
Comments & Feedback
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