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Dynamic Text - Customizing
While Dynamic Images serve as visual status indicators, Dynamic Text objects function as the data display engine of Total Launcher. These objects replace static alphanumeric characters with real-time variables derived from the device system, sensors, or external applications.
Understanding Dynamic Text Variables
When a text object is converted to “Dynamic,” Total Launcher replaces the standard text string with an internal variable or formatting code.
- The Internal Code: Upon selecting a data source (e.g., Battery Level), the user may observe that the text input field is populated with a symbol (such as `%s`) or a specific format string (such as `hh:mm`). This code acts as a placeholder. The launcher's rendering engine interprets this code and substitutes it with the live data value on the screen.
- Mixing Static and Dynamic: In many cases, static text can be added around these variables to provide context. For example, if the internal code for battery is `%s`, the user can modify the field to read
Power: %s. The result on the home screen would display as “Power: 98%”.
Configuring Dynamic Text
Dynamic text is applied via the Text options menu of a Graphic object.
- Access via New Object:
- Enter
Edit Mode>Add>Graphic>Text. - Set “Action on Tap” to
Default(Do Nothing) or assign an app/action.
- Access via Existing Object:
- Select an existing text object.
- Open the Options menu (Gear icon).
- Tap the Text tab (Input field icon).
- Tap the Dynamic Text button (often represented by a generic text label or list icon depending on the theme).
Dynamic Text Types
Total Launcher categorizes dynamic text into several functional groups. Selecting a group often reveals further granular options.
Date & Time
- Clock / Time: Displays the current time. The “Text” field uses standard time formatting codes (e.g., `h:mm a` for 12-hour time with AM/PM).
- Date: Displays the current date. Allows for custom formatting strings (e.g., `EEEE, MMMM d` for “Monday, January 1”).
- Next Alarm: Shows the time of the next system alarm.
- Calendar Events: Options include “Next Event” or “Ongoing Event.” These variables pull title, location, and time data from the device's default calendar.
System Status
- Battery Level: Displays the current percentage of battery charge.
- RAM / CPU Usage: Displays the current system resource usage as a percentage. Note: These variables refresh approximately every 1 second.
- Storage: Displays available or used space for internal/external storage.
Communication & Notifications
- Unread Counts: Displays the integer count of unread items for specific apps:
- SMS: Unread text messages.
- Gmail: Unread emails (requires permission).
- Calls: Missed call count.
- Notifications: Displays the count of active notifications in the status bar. This can be filtered by specific applications if the text object is associated with an App action.
Weather (OpenWeatherMap)
- Temperature: Displays the current temp. Unit (C/F) is determined by the global launcher settings.
- Description: Text description of the condition (e.g., “Broken Clouds”).
- Location: The name of the city or region as detected by the provider.
Advanced Variables & Tasker Integration
For users requiring data not natively available in Total Launcher, the Tasker automation app can inject data into Total Launcher text fields.
- Advanced Variable: This option allows Total Launcher to display the value of a specific Tasker variable.
- Configuration:
- In the Dynamic Text menu, select Tasker Variable (or Advanced Variable depending on version).
- In the input field, enter the exact name of the Tasker variable (e.g., `%MyVariable`).
- Tasker Setup: Within the Tasker application, a “Send Intent” action is typically required to broadcast the variable value to Total Launcher. The variable name in Tasker must match the name entered in the Total Launcher text field.
Note on Internal Codes: If a dynamic text object displays the raw code (e.g., `%s`) on the home screen instead of data, ensure that the necessary permissions (Location, Notifications, etc.) are granted to Total Launcher in the Android System Settings.
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