Hey everyone, it's definitely been awhile since we've been here, I hope you've all been well! This year's been a wild one, hasn't it?
As soon as I got my new iPhone, and with the iOS 14 upgrade I knew I wanted to try making an aesthetic home screen. After sharing it on Instagram, I receive a number of questions on what apps I use, where I get my icons from so hopefully this post will answer all those! :)
There's quite a number of articles out there already sharing how and what you can do with the new iOS, but here's what I did plus some pros and cons of creating this home screen.
To start off, you'll need to update to the latest iOS 14. Then you'll need to install these apps if you don't already have them: Shortcuts, Widgetsmith, and Color Widgets. Once you have these apps installed, you're pretty much ready to go crazy with whatever designs you like.
⇢ DESIGNING YOUR APP ICONS
To change the way your app icons look, you can download them from flaticon.com (this is also where I get my Instagram stories' highlight icons from) or use any images you like.
After you've gone through their extensive database of free icons, pick the ones you like and add them to a collection before downloading. I recommend using Photoshop or PicMonkey for this part as it is easier. I've just set my image size at 200px by 200px, and played around with the different background colours. As I prefer a peachy pink theme (to be consistent with my Instagram feed), that was the colour palette I stuck with.
⇢ SETTING UP YOUR HOME SCREEN
Here's how to set up your home screen with the new app icons you've just designed.
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the (+) plus icon in the top right corner and select 'Add Action'.
3. Select 'scripting' or search for 'Open App' and select the Open App function.
4. Tap 'Choose' and select the app you want to set up. I personally don't use this function for any apps that shows unread alerts (e,g. messages, emails, Instagram) as this shortcut will hide any badges.
5. Tap the (...) three dots on the upper right corner to name your shortcut (you can name it anything but preferably using the same app name to avoid confusion).
6. Tap 'Add to Home Screen' and you can rename the shortcut to anything you like. This will display on your home screen, so if you wish to customise the text font you may do so! I used a thick serif font by copying and pasting from this website.
7. Next, you'll want to upload your app icon. Whether you've designed your own icons, or using your own photos, just be creative!
8. To complete the set up, just tap 'Add' and it will display on your home screen immediately.
9. To hide the original apps, just tap and hold to move them to app library.
9. To hide the original apps, just tap and hold to move them to app library.
PROS:
- Cute home screen display; I love looking at it!
- Looks organised and less cluttered.
CONS:
- Takes quite a bit of time if you're setting up many apps/icons.
- As mentioned earlier, badges for apps are hidden.
- It takes you to the Shortcuts app before opening the actual app (tales less than a second).
I know it seems like there's more cons than pros, but honestly, I don't mind them at all and I still think it's cute to have and will recommend everyone to give it a shot. I would love to see all of your designs, so please tag me on Instagram if you do try it! :)
⇢ CUSTOMISING WITH WIDGETS
You can further customise your phone's screen with additional widgets like Widgetsmith and Color Widgets. These widgets are free to download from the App Store, but do have in-app purchases for additional features.
1. In Widgetsmith, you can choose to set up multiple widgets of different sizes ranging from small, medium to large. Customise the function of your various widget and pick a colour scheme.
2. To set up the screen you see above, swipe right, tap edit, then the (+) plus icon on the top left corner and select the widget you would like to display.
3. You can always change and edit by holding on the specific widget and choose a different one.
I have one of my favourite quotes by E.E. Cummings displayed using Widgetsmith. You can also use Motivation app to have different quotes refreshed on the page.
You can also add these widgets on the home screen by following the same steps as above. Shift a couple of apps around and that's about it! Now your home screen has a new aesthetically pleasing customised look.
Here are also some other iOS 14 home screen inspiration I found on Pinterest that you might like:
I look forward to seeing all of your home screens and creativity!
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