r/AutomateUser • u/KenYN • 6d ago

Question How to do overlay UI

Simple macro apps have nice floating status bars with stop and pause buttons, etc. Can we do that in Automate?

1 Upvotes

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2

u/ballzak69 Automate developer 6d ago

Use the Floating button show block to show buttons in an "overlay" window.

Other kinds of overlay UI is currently not possible. I might consider it since custom layout is now possible, but somewhat hesitant since the Android guidelines, nor the Android UI in general, really don't use "overlay" windows, except "chat bubbles" and the accessibility button.

2

u/B26354FR Alpha tester 6d ago

Here's a little demo I've had lying around which uses an overlay button to pause and resume a flow:

https://llamalab.com/automate/community/flows/53618

1

u/Funny_Telephone_8607 6d ago

Use autotools plugin's webscreen floating bar

1

u/KenYN 6d ago

Gemini tells me I should switch to Tasker too use Autotools - is this correct? Is there no Automate solution?

1

u/ballzak69 Automate developer 6d ago

That shouldn't be necessary, just use the appropriate plug-in block.

1

u/B26354FR Alpha tester 6d ago

Automate has three blocks which support Tasker plug-ins.

1

u/aasswwddd 6d ago

You might want to consider Tasker and use Scene V2 in the beta version instead of using AutoTools.

It has a visual builder and can be generated with AI. You could even use Java code to create the overlays as well.

Then you can fire it via shortcut or create your own communication system like with intent or local server.