====== Folders ======

In Total Launcher, **Folders** are containers used to group applications or objects for organized access. They function similarly to "mini-App Drawers" and can be customized extensively in terms of appearance, layout, and animation.

The **ui** portion ([[ui:ui-folder-options|here]]) of the wiki will provide a hands-on view of how Total Launcher presents options for newly created folders.

Folders can be placed directly on a **Page** (Desktop) or created inside an **App Drawer** widget.

===== Creating a Folder on a Page =====
To place a standalone folder icon on a page:

  - Enable ''Edit ON'' mode (Long press an empty area -> Toggle Edit Mode icon).
  - Tap the ''Add'' icon (+) in the upper right corner.
  - Select ''Graphic''› ''Image''
  - When the ''Action on tap'' dialog opens, select ''Folder''.
  - A list of existing folders will appear. 
    - To create a new one, scroll to the bottom and select ''New folder''
      - The ''Folder Options'' dialog will appear, allowing initial setup. Key options are:
        - **Applications:** Tap to open the app list. Check the boxes next to the apps you want inside the folder, then tap **OK**.
        - **Label:** Enter a reference name for the folder (e.g., "Social Apps"). Note: This label is primarily for your reference in the Action menu.
        - **Icon:** Tap to change the default folder icon using an Icon Pack, Image, or Shape.
        - **Folder Style:** Allows detailed customization of the folder's internal layout
        - See [[#customizing_folders|below]] for an expanded descriptions and additional options.
    - Click **OK** to finish. The folder icon will appear on your page.

===== Creating a Folder in an App Drawer =====
Apps can be organized into folders directly within an Sliding Drawer or App widget.

  - Open the App Drawer
  - Tap the ''Add'' icon (+) located in the App Drawer's bottom menu bar
    * //Note: If the menu bar is hidden, enable it in the App Drawer settings//
  - Select ''Folder'' from the dialog
  - Enter the ''Label'' (title) for the folder and tap OK
  - The new folder will appear within your App Drawer grid

===== Adding and Removing Apps =====
Once a folder is created, its contents can be modified.

  - Enter ''Edit ON'' mode. See [[section1-2-e_beginners_b#to_enter_edit_mode|here]].
  - Open the folder by tapping it's icon.
  - Tap the ''Checkmark'' icon (✓) located as the last item in the folder
  - A list of all installed applications will appear:
    * Add: Tap an unchecked app to add a checkmark.
    * Remove: Tap a checked app to remove the checkmark.
  - Tap OK to save changes.

===== Customizing Folders =====

Customizing a folder involves two main menus: the initial **Folder Options** (basic properties and header) and the deeper **Folder Style** (visuals and layout).

=== Folder Properties & Header ===
These options appear immediately when editing the folder's properties. This control the folder's identity and the optional "Header" bar displayed at the top of the open container.

  * **Basic Settings:**
    * **Label:** The internal name of the folder
    * **Icon:** The icon used for the folder on the desktop (Reset, Color, Icon pack, Shape, Image).
    * **Applications:** The menu to add or remove apps from this folder.

  * **Header Style:** (Controls the title bar of the open folder)
    * **Show header:** Toggle to display or hide the header bar.
    * **Header height:** Sets the vertical size of the header area.
    * **Header image:** Sets a specific background image for the header bar.
    * **Text Settings:** Define the **Typeface**, **Font size**, **Text color**, and **Alignment** for the header title.

=== Window Layout & Sizing ===
Controls the grid structure and positioning of the open folder container.

  * **Grid Dimensions:**
    * **Max column number:** Limits how many items appear horizontally.
    * **Max row number:** Limits how many items appear vertically.
        * After setting the grid the remaining objects will scroll
  * **Item Dimensions:**
    * **Item width / Item height:** Forces a specific size for items. //Note: Setting these too high may override column/row settings.//
  * **Positioning:**
    * **Center in the screen:** Toggles whether the folder window floats in the center or uses a custom position.

=== Animation & Behavior ===
Controls how the folder interacts with the user and transitions on screen.

  * **Interaction:**
    * **Sort order:** Defines if items are sorted by Name, Smart order, or User defined.
    * **Gesture to close:** Assign a gesture (e.g., swipe down) to close the folder window.
  * **Visuals & Audio:**
    * **System scroll animation:** Toggles the standard Android scrolling physics.
    * **Animation duration:** Sets the speed (in ms) of the open/close transition.
    * **Entering sound / Exiting sound:** specific audio effects triggered when opening or closing.

=== Background & Item Visuals ===
This section combines global background settings with the specific styling of the app icons inside the folder.

  * **Folder Container:**
    * **Background:** Sets the color, image, or shape of the main folder window.
    * **Show shadow:** Toggles a drop-shadow effect behind the folder window.
    * **Margins:** Adjusts the padding between the folder edge and the content.
  * **Item Styling:**
    * **Item background:** Background for individual apps (Normal and Pressed states).
    * **Icon size:** Scales the size of the app icons inside the grid.
    * **Visual Effects:** Adjust **Icon opacity**, **Icon saturation**, and **Icon color filter** (e.g., for tinting icons).

=== Content Labels ===
Controls the text appearance on the folder cover.

  * **Visibility:** **Show label** (Toggle on/off).
  * **Font Style:** **Typeface**, **Font size**, **Text color** (Normal and Pressed), **Scale X** (width of text).
  * **Formatting:** **Label lines** (limit the number of text lines).
  * **Shadows:** Configure the text shadow's **Color**, **Radius**, **Offset X**, and **Offset Y**.

=== Thumbnail Icon Style ===
Unlike the above options which style the *open* container, these options style the *closed* icon that sits on the page or in a folder.

  * **Layout:** **Icon layout** (Select from 7 preset arrangements).
  * **Geometry:** **Icon scale**, **Icon offset X**, **Icon offset Y**.
  * **Composition:**
    * **Background:** The shape or color behind the thumbnail apps.
    * **Foreground:** An overlay applied on top of the thumbnail.
    * **Mask:** Applies a shape to the viewable thumbnail cluster.
        * See [[:section:section-folder-mask|more here]] or [[:howto:howto-folder-mask|How to Create Folder Masks]].

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