====== Total Launcher App Management: Creating Custom Folders on Android Pages or App Drawers ======

Maximizing homescreen efficiency remains a cornerstone of advanced Android customization. Grouping applications into specialized directories streamlines navigation and reduces visual clutter on complex screen layouts. Within Total Launcher, deploying custom folders inside app drawers or directly on homescreen pages offers unparalleled control over application organization and interface design. This technical manual details the precise methods for generating new organizational groups, populating the directories with applications, and modifying visual styles. The process begins with establishing a basic container within an existing app drawer configuration.

===== How To: Create a Folder Within an App Drawer or Page =====

An App Drawer is currently on the page:
  - 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
  - A dialog will open for modifying many options of the folder. See [[:ui:ui-folder-options|here]] for full details.
    - At a minimum, enter the ''Label'' (title) for the folder and tap OK
  - The new folder will appear within your App Drawer grid

===== Creating a Folder on a Page =====

To place a standalone folder icon on a page:

  - Enter [[section:section-basic_editing|Edit Mode]] (Long press an empty area -> Toggle Edit Mode icon) > Tap the ++''Edit Off'' icon|{{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_off-v4.webp?direct&100}}++ in the lower right to change it to an ++''Edit On'' icon|{{:ui:ui-icon_edit_mode-edit_on-v4.webp?direct&35}}++
  - 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 description and additional options.
    - Click **OK** to finish. The folder icon will appear on your page.

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

The ''Folder Options'' dialog provides extensive control over the visual presentation and behavior of grouped applications. Accessing these settings allows for deep integration with the overall theme.

  * **Window Background:** Defines the visual layer behind the applications when the folder is open. Apply custom colors, gradients, or shaped graphics (see [[:section:section-shape|Shapes]]) to maintain thematic consistency.
  * **Layout Style:** Determines the alignment of the opened folder window. Options typically include standard grid alignments, paginated grids, or fluid vertical lists.
  * **Animation:** Controls the transition effects when opening or closing the directory.
  * **Sorting:** Establishes the order of applications within the container, allowing for alphabetical sorting or manual drag-and-drop placement.
  * **Item Settings:** Modifies the scale of the application icons, adjusts padding, and dictates the visibility of text labels specifically within the opened folder environment.
  * **Folder Icon:** If placed on a page, the external representation of the folder can be customized independently of the apps inside using an Icon Pack, Image, or standard Shape.

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