I have mentioned several times how the current way FD handles the exportation of themes may prove confusing to average users. Me and chiaroscuro have recently been discussing this, but cannot seem to agree on the subject. So, i have made this topic to get input of all the UL community on this issue.

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Lets have a detailed look into the theme features as presented in FD v2.15 Beta 13... WARNING: Some content below may be difficult to understand. Read only if you have patience, and understand atleast some technical details of Fast Dial. The folder structure -------------------- There is a "current" folder in the fast dial themes folder within everyone's profile. (This folder does not exist if you are using FD's default theme) This folder holds the theme that Fast dial is using at that moment. It includes: userstyle.css - current css style style.css - if you are using an imported theme, a modification of one, or a theme that came with FD an image file for a background - if one is in use an image file for back button - if in use -------------------- What else is inside the themes folder? metallic.zip - a theme included with FD by default transparent.zip - another theme included with FD by default a whole bunch of other .zip files - if you have other themes imported. -------------------- The export function What happens when you hit the "Export" button? Fast Dial asks you for a desired filename, takes what is inside the "current" folder, and Zips it up into a file with the filename you have typed in. PROBLEM: Fast Dial makes it seem as though you are about to export the highlighted/selected theme (which is the last theme you used) - when in fact what you are exporting is your current settings..This can become confusing, especially to a user who is using FD for the first time. ------------- What SHOULD happen when you hit the "Export" button? First off, "None" should be renamed to "Default". It is an actual theme.. it is not "empty"! Second, Fast Dial should have an item in the themes listing called "Current Theme", which only appears when you have modified ANY setting of some other theme - whether it be the fd default theme, or any other theme! Third, When you go back to the themes tab after making changes (in the thumbnail or page tabs), this "Current Theme" should not only already be there, but should be highlighted as well! WHY?? Because this way you KNOW that if you hit that export button at ANY time, what is getting exported is the highlighted item (no matter what it is! it can be "current theme"; it can be one of the themes that comes with FD: or it can be a theme you have downloaded and imported!) Remember: what is highlighted.. should be what FD is using at that moment! (and NOT what was last used) NOTE: When "Current Theme" is listed, and you decide to switch to a different theme.. "the "Current Theme" item should disappear! WHY?? Because like i said, "Current Theme" only appears when you have made a change to a theme, or have made your own(basically the same thing, since you had to have started from some other theme!! FD does come with a default theme you know..) And Finally, Fast Dial should prompt not only for a desired filename, but the "Author" , and "Title" of the theme(because this is what someone will see in the list, upon importing your theme!). If It does not prompt for these things, they will only see "filename.zip" in the FD themes listing. ------------

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Please share your thoughts. And, most importantly, let me know if you agree or disagree!!

ULTIMATE SUMMARY IN A FEW SENTENCES!! The Export button does not export the highlighted theme item. It exports what is in the "current" folder. This is not the way it should be. What should be exported is the highlighted item in the themes list. This is why "Current Theme" item is necessary. ------- UPDATE: When using "Current Theme", the user should somehow be presented with an option to save this "Current Theme" as an actual theme to his or her "themes" folder.. Otherwise, without this function, the user must export, then import this "Current Theme" item if he or she wants it listed as a regular theme in the list.