I want to make my own zLauncher backgrounds

**Leone** · 07-06-2006, 08:55 PM

Since I am a graphic designer and work in Photoshop CS...I would like to make my own backgrounds for zLauncher...does anyone know how to do that? Thanks!

**kabeyun** · 07-07-2006, 02:24 PM

zLauncher supports this feature. Any picture can be converted within the zLauncher app.

In the manual click on "Setting Background," the 16th bullet under "Usage" (section 5) and it'll take you through it.

The way I do it is to create or choose a .jpg I want as my background (called "backimage" by ZZTechs) and use Photoshop to resize it to 320 x 320 pixels. Then upload it to the Treo (Missing Sync, HotSync, SD card, etc.) and proceed. That way I don't hog memory by asking my Treo to resize the graphic.

-K

**Leone** · 07-10-2006, 08:23 AM

Yes I did check with the manual which says it does support jpeg files. BUT....then it all gets a little fuzzy and unclear...saying it only supports SONYjpeg lib, whatever that means!

In other words, the manual is very evasive...so my question...can't I create jpeg background files in Photoshop CS and download them? Anyone with insight on this?

**kabeyun** · 07-10-2006, 12:52 PM

Yes you can. I'm not sure what this Sony stuff is all about. Jpeglib.prc is a shared Palm resource that lets all necessary apps understand jpeg compression. JPEG is a standardized compression algorithm, so I can't imagine why Sony might have some proprietary version (other than that they're Sony, and screw anyone else).

At any rate, it shouldn't matter. If you don't have jpeglib installed, you can download it here. If you're afraid of installing a 3-year-old library, you dan download GRXView, which I believe comes with an ARM-specific jpeglib file. Then, put whatever jpegs you want on your SD card. I'd recommend the DCIM directory for simplicity's sake. Then, just tap & hold on the jpeg of your choice. A popup menu will apear with a number of options. Tap "BackImage" and you'll have the opportunity to choose to which tab you want the jpeg to apply, including all. Done.

The other way to set up a backimage is to go to Tab > Tab Properties > General, and tap next to BackImage to pick your image. For some reason my Treo crashed whan I try that way, though.

If you don't want to install jpeglib, any I can't think of why not, and you can use Windoze (I'm using Parallel's virtualization and lovin' it!) you might try this handy app that may fit the bill.

There's also an extensive discussion on this topic over at TreoCentral.com.

Cheers.

-K

UPDATE: I just realized that ZLauncher comes bundled with jpeglib! It's in the Plugins folder of the ZLauncher package. Install it and you should be set. -K

**Leone** · 07-10-2006, 09:38 PM

Kabeyun, thanks for the tip...I download the library...I will keep you posted. I really appreciate it. Thanks again!

**mlady_leander** · 07-11-2006, 07:37 PM

Leone, when you sort it out, let us all know... I'm growing tired of the palm trees allready, and would Love to have something a little custom

**Leone** · 07-11-2006, 08:17 PM

Well, I downloaded the jpeglib file...installed it on my Treo and voila...every jpeg is at my disposal as a back image in zLauncher. A tip of the hat to Kabeyun! and many thanks!

So here I am in Photoshop making backgrounds and here at the specs you should follow:

For image size make it 320 pixels wide, 480 pixels high, width should be 4.444 inches and height should be 6.667 with a resolution of 72 dpi. The file should be in RGB mode and saved as a jpeg. And there you go...instant background!

Just download it to your Treo or SD card and you can make it a back image in zLauncher by either holding the stylus on the file name which will bring up a drop menu and you can select back image or go through the theme manager and choose it. Good idea is to save the files on the DCIM folder on your card.

Gee...if I come up with anything good I will let you know and if you play nice...maybe I will share my backgrounds!

Thanks again Kabeyun!

**kabeyun** · 07-12-2006, 11:57 AM

Glad you got it working.

BTW, what happens when you try to set the backimage from the tab properties screen? My Treo crashes every time, and I'm wondering if it's a bug or come corruption I'd have to painstakingly troubleshoot.