As a N1 user who prefers the clean look, I thought I'd post a quick tutorial for achieving invisible icons on your homescreen. I currently use 2 invisible icons on my primary homescreen, one for the camera, and one for a direct dial to my significant other.
After setting up homescreen to my perfect specifications, I realized I wanted quick access to the person I call the most as well as to the camera, without cluttering the screen further. Using BetterCut, I was able to find a solution rather quickly...
Bettercut is a paid app available in Android market, although I am sure there are alternatives for achieving custom icons. This tutorial will focus on BetterCut exclusivly.
*It should be noted I am currently using ADW Launcher, which allows you to remove the labels of icons on your homescreen. This ability is key, and is avaiable in several 3rd party launchers
For Camera or any other App
1. Download a blank .png image.
I've included one in this thread, or you can just google "blank png"
2.Open BetterCut by long-pressing on your homescreen, selecting Shortcuts, then BetterCut.
3. Select Activity, followed by the App which you want to open.
4.Choose the option to Change Icon, and pick the picture of the blank .png in your gallery. The Create.
5. You should recieve notification your shortcut was created, but obviously you shouldn't see anything different on your screen. Move your trackball around to bring up the selector and find your invisible icon. Press and hold, and then drag to the desired location.
DONE!
For a contact (Direct Dial or Direct Message)
1. Download a blank .png image.
I've included one in this thread, or you can just google "blank png"
2.Open BetterCut by long-pressing on your homescreen, selecting Shortcuts, then BetterCut.
3. Choose Other Available Shortcut, then either Direct Dial or Direct Message. Using BetterCut's built in Direct Dial or Direct Message will result in your icon having a white frame with an identifier. Use Android's built in Direct Dial instead.
4. Select your contact's specific entry.
5. Choose the option to Change Icon, and pick the picture of the blank .png in your gallery. The Create.
6. You should recieve notification your shortcut was created, but obviously you shouldn't see anything different on your screen. Move your trackball around to bring up the selector and find your invisible icon. Press and hold, and then drag to the desired location.
That's it. You can now access your chosen App or Contact directly from your homescreen, without cluttering it with more icons! Just remember it's there or this tip will have very limited functionality
Thanks for reading, any feedback would be appreciated.
After setting up homescreen to my perfect specifications, I realized I wanted quick access to the person I call the most as well as to the camera, without cluttering the screen further. Using BetterCut, I was able to find a solution rather quickly...
Bettercut is a paid app available in Android market, although I am sure there are alternatives for achieving custom icons. This tutorial will focus on BetterCut exclusivly.
*It should be noted I am currently using ADW Launcher, which allows you to remove the labels of icons on your homescreen. This ability is key, and is avaiable in several 3rd party launchers
For Camera or any other App
1. Download a blank .png image.
I've included one in this thread, or you can just google "blank png"
2.Open BetterCut by long-pressing on your homescreen, selecting Shortcuts, then BetterCut.
3. Select Activity, followed by the App which you want to open.
4.Choose the option to Change Icon, and pick the picture of the blank .png in your gallery. The Create.
5. You should recieve notification your shortcut was created, but obviously you shouldn't see anything different on your screen. Move your trackball around to bring up the selector and find your invisible icon. Press and hold, and then drag to the desired location.
DONE!
For a contact (Direct Dial or Direct Message)
1. Download a blank .png image.
I've included one in this thread, or you can just google "blank png"
2.Open BetterCut by long-pressing on your homescreen, selecting Shortcuts, then BetterCut.
3. Choose Other Available Shortcut, then either Direct Dial or Direct Message. Using BetterCut's built in Direct Dial or Direct Message will result in your icon having a white frame with an identifier. Use Android's built in Direct Dial instead.
4. Select your contact's specific entry.
5. Choose the option to Change Icon, and pick the picture of the blank .png in your gallery. The Create.
6. You should recieve notification your shortcut was created, but obviously you shouldn't see anything different on your screen. Move your trackball around to bring up the selector and find your invisible icon. Press and hold, and then drag to the desired location.
That's it. You can now access your chosen App or Contact directly from your homescreen, without cluttering it with more icons! Just remember it's there or this tip will have very limited functionality
Thanks for reading, any feedback would be appreciated.
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