Mr_Qianny

What is your favourite singer now?

17.10.09, 11:58

The guy in my avatar

i hope u solve my problem

17.10.09, 11:57

I think you mean describe the problem...

Most beautiful picture in above -4

16.10.09, 13:56

_ Mermaid _

Name goes well with picture

will u fall in love with person above u

16.10.09, 13:55

He said it...

Enchancing your theme

16.10.09, 12:34

Enhancing your theme

This guide was made in assumption that most of the people out there know how to make a decent theme. Hence, any theme language (if used) will not be explained. Also, I have searched the forums, and such a guide does not exists out there to the best of my knowledge.

I've seen many people in Zedge who have very nice themes, or rather, nice pictures for the theme. But, from what I know, the themes give people a hard time reading the words on the phone (hence it's not-so-nice now). So, here are a few simple tips on how to enhance the theme, for theme makers and theme users.


[Sorry for non-Sony Ericsson phone users. I'm gonna use more of SE themes as a reference. But most things can still apply.]





1) Use contrasting colours.

I know this is somewhat basic, but people still do not seem to get it.





In which case was it easier to see the word 'All'? It should be the latter unless you are colour-blind. When having a red background, use colours that are not so close to red, like white. But what about themes that are black and white based? You can use another colour (it's very duh I know), but it might spoil the theme. So... this brings me to the next point.





2) Darken the background.

Darkening (and contrasting) the background to a suitable level helps (black and white themes) most of the time. But it can work fairly well on vibrant coloured themes.

(Sorry 'Beelyana' that I?m using your theme to explain.)







Now here, when is it easier to see the words without destroying your background?
I'm sure it's the second one. Though this may help enhance your theme, you have to be sure that you do not screw your theme like the last picture? For simple darkening, you can use your 'Windows Photo Gallery' (Vista users). Or you can go to www.picnik.com/app (this site is really good).





3) Keep it simple.

A good theme need not be one that has to use a lot of pictures; one has to be careful in not overusing pictures in your themes. Also, don't keep it too simple!







You should all agree that the first picture gives you a good time in reading the highlighted words. Overusing pictures will result in the second picture; you cannot see the words well and in worse cases, the whole highlight blends with the background, making it impossible to see the words. Keeping stuff too simple will result in something like the third one; what is the point of the theme when you cannot see what you highlight?





4) Do not see what you believe

Colours that appear in the theme maker(your computer) can look really different when on phone. Always test it out on your phone before uploading your theme. The words can be very readable in your computer, but it may be screwed when you place it in your phone.





5) Skinning the media player. (SE only)

I shan't elaborate as there is a guide out there:
http://www.zedge.net/forum/t/71166/how-to-add-media-player-skin-to-se/

Skinning the media player gives a whole new feel to the phone. It is much better than facing the same plain, boring interface provided by SE. But, remember the tips that I mentioned above, or you might be having a hard time finding a song...

[Note: Skinning the media player should be the last step. If you skin your media player and edit your theme in any theme maker afterwards, you will lose the skin.]

(If this link is dead, tell me.)





Credits:
-'Beelyana' for her [Music Si Life] theme. (I think she meant Music Is Life)
-Do I have to credit myself for my own theme?
-Photobucket for hosting my images.


Have fun making (proper) themes!

Keep one Drop one

15.10.09, 10:24

rent property ...

A-Z Of Movies

15.10.09, 10:23

Madagascar ...

start the film name with last word.

15.10.09, 10:21

Rush Hour

Most beautiful picture in above -4

15.10.09, 10:19

POVER2

Awesome car there!

start the film name with last word.

15.10.09, 10:12

Ice Age