BlackBerry Community Post

[#1]

Due to new methods of production, and digital technology we have come to expect that we should be able to modify anything and everything. From our computer desktop to web sites, and from T-shirts to M&M's® - we want to be able to customize it, personalize it, and essentially make it reflect our own tastes and individuality. So, it will come to you as no surprise that the first thing most of us want to do when we get a new BlackBerry® is to start personalizing it!

Here are the basics to personalizing your home page.  

* Note these instructions are specific to BlackBerry® Bold™. If you have another BlackBerry check out BlackBerry.com/Support for more documentation.

Wallpaper Picture

Your screen will likely have a nice scenic shot as your "wallpaper" or "home" image. While clouds, mountains and placid waterscapes are lovely - you might prefer a photo of your dog, kid, or your favourite Facebook profile picture. I went with my kids because it is easier to brag about them if I can also show off their picture:

Here is how you do this:

Use your BlackBerry camera to take a picture of your favourite pet, kid, place, etc.

From the picture view press the BlackBerry Menu button (this is the button with the BlackBerry logo on the left side of your trackball) This menu will have a choice "Set as Home Screen Image"  - choose this and your new picture will now appear on your screen when you are at the "Home" page!

If you already have an image you want to use:

View Pictures: Media>Pictures>All Pictures

Open the picture you want as your Wallpaper

Press the BlackBerry Menu button (as above) and choose "Set as Home Screen Image"

If your picture isn't already on your BlackBerry,:

Use e-mail to send the image to an address associated with your BlackBerry.

Open the attachment and save it. View Pictures: Media>Pictures>All Pictures (or choose the folder where you saved your image)

Open the picture you want as your Wall Paper.

Press the BlackBerry Menu button (as above) and choose "Set as Home Screen Image"

Note: Reduce the size of you images before e-mailing them, you don't need a picture that is 12" for a BlackBerry screen! Remember data charges may apply.

 Icons

Chances are the Icons on your main page are not set-up the way you would like them. We are all different - so of course you can customize this as well!

• Think about what tasks you do most frequently, or which applications you use most often. These should be the first icons you see when you turn on your BlackBerry. 
• Move the icon by highlighting the icon and clicking the BlackBerry Menu button, and then choose "Move".
• The Icon will now have a frame with arrows around it, use your trackball to move it up, down, left or right. 
• Do this with any other Icons you wish to move until your page is exactly as you want it! 

Get customizing!  What other things have you done to personalize your BlackBerry?

Stay tuned for a post on customizing ring tones!

Message Edited by MichelleK on 04-20-2009 10:24 PM

[#2]

The method for moving icons you described only seems to move them within the same screen, not between folders or pages.

The Home screen is the one that shows up when you turn on the device, isn't it? When I click the menu button it just brings me to a different screen with many more icons. It is only on this second screen that the menu button offers the choice to move things.

And on these lower pages, telling it to move to Home only seems to move it to this secondary page.

This seems at odds with the user manual and your post.

[#3]

@richTNYC The page you see when you open up you Bold shows you the first few Icons on your Home Page. If you want to change what you see when you turn on your BlackBerry make sure the icons that you want there - are one of the first six.

If they are further down - simply click Move (not Move Folder) and you will be able to move them using the trackball up to the top of the page. 

I hope that helps. 

[#4]

Is there an option to add more than just one row ? there is more room available.

[#5]

gmunoz, that is normally theme-controlled, if you are on a BlackBerry Bold device. You need to find another theme for the device you like, and install it.

If it is a Storm, do this: Go to the main full icon homescreen, press Menu (right of the green dial key) and press Options. There you will see a choice "Set Homescreen Layout" where you can make your initial screen as one row, two or three.

[#6]

JSanders, can you explain how to find and install another theme for the Bold? Like gmunoz, I would like three or four rows of icons on my home page instead of one. Thanks!

[#7]

MBK,

There are basically two methods to install a theme... either through you Desktop Manager using Application Loader, or by using your BlackBerry browser to a website with themes to download.

Here is a list of only a few theme developer sites. Some are free, some sell their themes.

http://www.pimpmyberry.com/

http://www.hedonedesign.com/

http://www.vistothemes.com/

m.onthearm.com

http://themeberry.com/

http://www.blacksberry.com/

http://www.eVeek.com

http://www.elecite.com

Enjoy browsing and finding one to your taste.  

On a Bold? The one I really like lately is named BussFast by www.hedonedesign.com

[#8]

I like the Today theme as I have been using a PDA.  I primarily want to see my calendar and more than the next 2 appointments. I would love to take off the phone because you just push call and you can see the same numbers.  I would love to take off the applications because again push one button and you get all the applications.  I would also like to change the color of the cursor showing on the screen.

How do I customize this?  I don't want to take the time to look through lists and lists of downloadable new themes as I should be able to just customize this one.  I just can't figure out how.

[#9]

Hi S Ewing (anon)!

(I remember the (anon)

Look at these custom Today themes, I think your might like them.

You didn't mention your device so I hope they have one for you.

_____________________________________________________

http://www.gadgetbean.com/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=319

Themes by Jason Calhoun.

Thanks,

Bifocals

[#10]

Hi there, I have a problem with my Curve 8900.. I downloaded an application and I noticed that this decreased the speed of my unit so I delete it.  After deleting the application, the icons ( call log,message,email set-up,bluetooth set-up and wife set-up) were all gone from the home page.  How can I have it appeared again in the home screen,  Thanks

[#11]

Hi Abu Rose and welcome to the forums!

On the main screen, press the menu key, select show hidden and see if the Icons come forward.

Make sure you search in all the folders you have.

If that doesn't work :
Go to options advanced options, Host Routing Tables, click to enter. DO NOT click on any listing.
Press menu key, and select register now.
You will get a verification message. Then go to email settings and send service books.
You will get an email per account. Do a battery pull and see if the problem is
resolved.

Battery Pull:

 No data will be lost when doing the following: pull the battery while the device is ON.
Replace after a minute, Let the device reboot 1-3 min, see if the problem is fixed.

Thanks,

Bifocals