[INFO] How to create new icons for your apps

[jdhatt]

I'm wondering if there is anyway to edit the icons used for applications - such as opera mini that I have installed. The icon in the main menu looks all stretched and pixelated, and when I set it as a shortcut on the home screen, same thing. So i'm wondering is there a way to edit these, and if possible, what should the image size be for the main menu and home screen shortcut icons? If anyone has them editted, or formatted to the right size let me know.

[michalack]

yes there is a very simple way! conect ypur phone as a mass storage device, then go to the .system folder (hyden) and search there for the ap replace de image for the one that you want to change! (same format and name) and thats all!
regards!

[torkuhl]

i have done the exchange and noticed that they are stretched and fuzzy.
it seems that there are two sizes in use for
1.small icons in the program-list and shortcuts
2. for the larger thumbnail display.
but what are those 2 different sizes and how to get rid of fuzzy distortion?
how come all the program icons are never as crisp as the ones of the on-board applications?

check out http://www.motorolafans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5035

[yz225684]

Hi guys! i had the same problem and ive been searching across the forum for answers on the pixelated icons, distorted, fuzzy edges(it just ruins the quality look)...

Well, good news guys!!
after a whole day's thinking and trying out to make a new icon with lots of failure and foul language, finally i got to solve the problem.

First the size(to avoid distortion):
68px (width) X 43px (Height) im not sure if this is the default icon size but it sure does work on me.

Second(to avoid fuzzy edges):
You need to take a real close look at the default icons in the menu page or whatever icon thats been created well. Then you will realise that the edges have thin black borders.
So when youre making your own icon, make sure you have those borders so your edges will come out sharp.(see attachment)

Third(replacing):
Go to .system
For java apps:
\java\DownloadApps\MIDletxxxxx-->check where the image file is and copy the filename including extension, and paste it to your new icon. Now you can drop the new icon on the folder replacing the old icon.

For linux apps:
\QTDownLoad\[app folder]-->check where the image file is and copy the filename including extension, and paste it to your new icon. Now you can drop the new icon on the folder replacing the old icon.


Hope this is useful to alot of members..cheers!!

[kiwiguy]

There is also a whole section in the Guide to Modding sticky with instructions on how to change icons.

[yz225684]

o yeah~ didnt realise that it is in the sticky for the Guide to modding E6 & Guide to modding A1200, thanks for the info kiwiguy.

anyways, i kinda figured that the black borders are for the default icons only because the rectangular selection box in the background is also black. whereas for the apps that we installed, it has a white rectangular transparency selection box.

so making the icon border to white with say 60%-90% transparency would be better in avoiding the fuzzy edges.

anyone to chime in?

[aashish2137]

nice inf.
thanks

[msandiej]

Guys...these are gif images...

That means they get halo's around them if used on a background that doesnt match.

Normally, I wouldnt give graphic advice here, but this is useful...

When you make a gif icon, using PS or FW...whatever software you use...set the optimization settings to: Adaptive/Alpha Transparency/and select a matte color that closely resemebles, or IS the color of the background on which it will be sitting.

The matte color is key.

This is how we get rid of those fuzzy edges, known as halos, in graphic design.

This is actually helpful for theme creation, this little tip...but it applies here as well.

[MSmiles]

The Portable Graphics Network format holds anti-aliased edge / transparency information.

I suggest use .PNG format images if you want to get rid of jagged edges

[msandiej]

Using PNG, which would be great is always best...and you can do it...in some cicumstances...

Make sure your file calls a PNG, rather than a GIF. But for themes, you need to use gifs unless you wanna change the whole structure...

Im with Smiles...if you can use a PNG, do...but just for app icons. Dont do it with themes.