App Organizer

App Organizer is a Python-based system tray application that lets users load and manage applications from a JSON configuration file. It provides an intuitive interface for launching applications and customizing the tray icon.

Features

• Load and dynamically populate the tray menu with applications from a JSON file.
• Easily update the tray icon using an image file.
• Save and reload configuration settings, including the JSON file and icon path.
• Simple, user-friendly design with options to reload JSON, change the icon, or exit the application.

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Requirements

To run this application, ensure you have the following:

• Python: 3.6 or later
• Required Python packages:
  • pystray
  • Pillow
  • tkinter

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Installation

1. Clone or download the repository.
2. Install the required dependencies by running:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the application:

   python app.py

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Build and use script (Windows instructions)

To make the script into a windows executable use pyinstaller.

1. Install pyinstaller:
   pip install pyinstaller
2. Create a .exe:
   pyinstaller -- onefile --noconsole app.py
   This generates an executable file in the dist/ folder.
   

How to make the script run on start up

1. Create a shortcut for app.exe
2. Add shortcut to startup folder:
   1. Run the command win + r
   2. In the window type shell:startup
   3. Add the app.exe shortcut to the folder that opened

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Usage

Menu Options:

1. 📂 Reload JSON:

   • Opens a file dialog to select a JSON file.
   • Updates the tray menu with the apps listed in the file.

2. 🔄 Change Icon:

   • Opens a file dialog to select an image file (.png or .ico).
   • Updates the tray icon.

3. ❌ Exit:

   • Stops the application.

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JSON Configuration

The JSON file should be structured as follows:

{
  "AppName1": "Path/To/App1.exe",
  "AppName2": "Path/To/App2.exe",
  "AppName3": "Path/To/App3.exe"
}

Tray Icon

If no icon is specified, the app uses a default blue icon. To set a custom icon:

1. Click on 🔄 Change Icon.
2. Select an image file (.png or .ico).

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Configuration File

The application saves configuration settings in config.json. This file includes:

• Path to the JSON file.
• Path to the selected icon.

Example config.json:

{
  "json_path": "path/to/apps.json",
  "icon_path": "path/to/icon.png"
}

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Development

Code Structure

• main(): Initializes the tray application.
• Dynamic Menu Updates: Load apps and settings on the fly.
• Helper Functions:
  • select_json_file(): Opens a dialog to choose the JSON file.
  • select_icon_file(): Opens a dialog to choose an icon.
  • update_menu(): Refreshes the tray menu dynamically.

Contribution

Feel free to fork the project and submit pull requests. Contributions are welcome!

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Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

• JSON Load Error: Ensure the JSON file is properly formatted.
• App Launch Error: Verify the application paths in the JSON file.
• Icon Load Error: Ensure the selected image file exists and is supported.

Debugging:

Run the app with Python to see detailed error messages in the console.

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.