Database Develop

[Tutorial] Custom Boot Animation

This tutorial will explain how to make a custom boot animation for your droid eris by replacing the stock verizon wireless animation.
Notes:
- We will be working with .png files so be prepared to convert a video-animation to a series of pngs.
- There are other stock animations such as the HTC one and it may be possible to add another animation onto the end of the verizon wireless one.
1) Create a video animation of 320x480 resolution in Adobe After Effects, another video animating software, or create a series of images for your animation.
2) Convert that video into a series of .png files with the names: 00.png 01.png ... etc ... to 25.png (I have not attempted to use more or less than 25 png files, it may or may not work)
3) Extract the stock bootanimation.zip (provided below) into a working directory, with the following file structure...
- /bootanimation
---- /android -> should contain (00.png -> 03.png) "HTC"
---- /last -> should contain (01.png -> 02.png)
---- /vzw -> should contain (00.png -> 25.png)
---- desc.txt
4) Copy and replace the png files in the vzw folder with the pngs you just created.
5) Choose 2 .png files to be shown after your animation has completed and copy them into your /last directory replacing 01.png and 02.png.
5) Create a new zip file with the folders and desc.txt at root. Make sure to use the Store as the compression method when creating a new zip file. See picture attached to this post.
6) Use adb to send your file to /system/media/bootanimation.zip on your phone.
7) Reboot, and enjoy your fresh boot animation.
I have included my bootanimation.zip as an example. Heres a video of mine:
{Need to be approved by moderator to post youtube link}
youtube -> /watch?v=geghwnIfKS4

This works on the non-rooted eris also

DarthMowzy said:
This works on the non-rooted eris also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?...
I thought you needed it to mount the system to RW and you can't do this until you have Root?
Also anyone willing to convert this animation from the G1 over to the eris? I really don't know anything about Photoshop or anything like that so I would really appreciate if you would convert these two animations for the eris if its possible.
http://www.4shared.com/file/209835047/9ae956d/bootanimation_boing.html
and this one
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CY4DK79B

DarthMowzy said:
This works on the non-rooted eris also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? Don't you need ROOT Acess to gain those folders

You need root to copy the zip here: /system/media/bootanimation.zip
but you dont need root to copy it here: /data/local/bootanimation.zip
Do the same steps but change the zip location and it will work.

What if the boot is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY longer than 25?? What do I do
Like this one: http://www.mediafire.com/?25notzfztgz
Plus, DarthMowzy in data there is no local folder do I make one

iloveandroid said:
What if the boot is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY longer than 25?? What do I do
Like this one: http://www.mediafire.com/?25notzfztgz
Plus, DarthMowzy in data there is no local folder do I make one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try it out, i heard a couple of people getting files with over 200 frames working

i3urn said:
try it out, i heard a couple of people getting files with over 200 frames working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I can vouch that it works I have one that is 250+ and it works fine.

just a tip to help avoid hours of pulling your hair out..not that i did this or anything
zip up the folders within bootanimation folder, not the bootanimation folder and the folders. If you do, you end up with another directory and it won't load.

Please elp me with desc.txt
t2noob said:
Yea I can vouch that it works I have one that is 250+ and it works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you guys are having good luck loading boot animations and I imagine your are not running as choppy as mine. all I did was replace the .png files from the example_bootanimation, and mine looks like crap. Can someone tell me what you used in your desc.txt file?
THanks

iloveandroid said:
What if the boot is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY longer than 25?? What do I do
Like this one: http://www.mediafire.com/?25notzfztgz
Plus, DarthMowzy in data there is no local folder do I make one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When using "adb shell" I can see the local dir. I didnt create it. It was already there.

What cool animations have you guys made
can you guys post some ani,mations you have made that you would not mind sharing. Mine is not that great but I would like to learn. In the mean time I would really like to find something cool to use.

Music Player colors

Ok, so this hasn't really been a problem for me before since I couldn't use the samsung music player at all since it wouldn't sort by artist. However, now that I'm using JM6, it is letting me sort by artist. I really like the widget on the lock screen and on the pull down notification bar, so I'd like to use music player of Mixzing.
The problem is, on both of the widgets the background is an ugly purple color. Why would they do this? Ew. Is there any way to change the background color of these widgets? If I could do that, I would be as close to 100% happy with this phone that I've ever been.
Edit: Nevermind. I got it.

Care to share what you did? I didn't see anything in the settings. My ultimate goal would be to have the widget with a transparent background.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

keredini said:
Care to share what you did? I didn't see anything in the settings. My ultimate goal would be to have the widget with a transparent background.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could do that. The files you need to change are located in the twframework and framework apk's. They are in system/framework, but I just used the twframework file from here. I don't remember the names of the files I changed (sorry). I just searched for music or background or bg in the drawable-hdpi folder of the apk's and when I found the ones I wanted to change, (really the only purple ones) I changed the color to something else. To make it transparent just replace the file (keep the same name) with a transparent .png file.
The twframework file can just be edited and then copied back over the original, but the framework apk caused a lot of force closes on me when I tried that. So I just edited the files inside the circle clock.zip file and then ran the .zip file and it applied the changes for me without any problems.
I also changed the ugly pink icon to something that looks like a real cd in the background with an orange music note on top. Looks a billion times better.
I apologize that I can't be more technical with you, if you have any questions about anything shoot me a pm or post it up here.

dontshakepandas said:
You could do that. The files you need to change are located in the twframework and framework apk's. They are in system/framework, but I just used the twframework file from here. I don't remember the names of the files I changed (sorry). I just searched for music or background or bg in the drawable-hdpi folder of the apk's and when I found the ones I wanted to change, (really the only purple ones) I changed the color to something else. To make it transparent just replace the file (keep the same name) with a transparent .png file.
The twframework file can just be edited and then copied back over the original, but the framework apk caused a lot of force closes on me when I tried that. So I just edited the files inside the circle clock.zip file and then ran the .zip file and it applied the changes for me without any problems.
I also changed the ugly pink icon to something that looks like a real cd in the background with an orange music note on top. Looks a billion times better.
I apologize that I can't be more technical with you, if you have any questions about anything shoot me a pm or post it up here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, I couldn't get this to work...here are the steps i took:
Used adb push to get the twframework-res.apk file to my PC.
Used APK Manager to unzip the APK.
Modified the purple background file (quick_panel_music_bg.9.png) to be transparent.
Used APK Manager to zip the APK using the new PNG file. (I only Zipped the APK, I did not sign it since it was a system APK and did not Zipalign it)
Dropped the APK on the root of my sdcard.
Used Busybox to copy it over the existing APK.
Rebooted.
Any ideas why this wouldn't work? I tried twice, both times the background is still purple.

Hmmm, I went back and looked at the framework-res.apk and noticed i missed a file in there with purple background, so i edited that PNG file, then used APK Manager to zip and then ADB to copy over the original.
Now my phone will boot only to the Galaxy S boot screen, then just goes black. Looks like I will need to adb the backup files back onto the phone. Can you explain how you did this using an update.zip file. That seems like maybe an easier route.

when changing the twframework file I used 7zip to open the archive without ever unzipping the file. I dragged the already edited png files into the correct directory to replace the purple ones.
For the update.zip I downloaded the .zip file for thecircle battery mod. I then put the updated png files that I wanted to replace using 7 zip again. I ran the update.zip file and everything worked.
If you are able to use metamorph (using older su version) you can download the simplistic theme, replace the res files with the ones from the stock apks then apply them in metamorph.

[REQ] Captivate Stock AT&T Theme

I would like to flash a new ROM but i like the stock captivate theme the best.
is there any update.zip packages of the default theme floating around? i want to wait until i know i can do it before i flash. Also, is there any way to "rip" the theme from my ROM? because then i can just do that

I posted a request for this a few weeks back and got really no help.... What I did was unzip the framework.apk's from the theme I wanted and from the JH7_OTA that's floating around here somewhere and compared the images in the drawbale-hdpi folder. I think there are some files in tw-framework.apk that need to be changed if you want to change the pull down menu.
Hope this helps

The themes are mostly inside framework-res.apk, which is very ROM-specific. You can't just install them randomly inside one another.
If you'd like to port a theme, you can either replace the image files using 7-zip, WinRAR, etc. or decompile the .apk using APK Manager for more extensive changes (things like battery mods, etc.).

MikeyMike01 said:
The themes are mostly inside framework-res.apk, which is very ROM-specific. You can't just install them randomly inside one another.
If you'd like to port a theme, you can either replace the image files using 7-zip, WinRAR, etc. or decompile the .apk using APK Manager for more extensive changes (things like battery mods, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what he said ^^^^
but as a beginner's guide, you will need to pull your FRAMEWORK-RES.APK and TWFRAMEWORK-RES.APK from /system/framework folder
For this, you will need to use either ADB or an app like ASTRO or ROOTEXPLORER
when you copy these two apk's to your computer, you will need to open it up (NOT extract it) and simply replace the images inside with those from a stock FRAMEWORK-RES.APK & TWFRAMEWORK-RES.APK
The images you want to change are going to be in res/drawable-hdpi folder
Don't just replace everything, you will need to see which one's are different.. if there is something you want to change and don't know what .png file it is, just post it back up here and I will help you out

[Q] Confused former Windows Phone 6.5 user/themer

Hi Guys,
I'm coming from Windows Mobile 6.5 where theming was a bit different:
When I started with 6.5 I used to think the only way to change the look of my phone interface was to flash a custom rom, but then I realized I could theme individual components (6.5 theme, Taskbar, Icons, Start Menu, ect) and it turned out to be pretty easy.
With Android I'm begining to think the opposite exists, is it basically true that in order for me to change the colors of the taskbar, or menus, taskbar icons - I have to use a custom rom?
I have been reading over these threads for the past three days and I have learned a lot, but I'm still confused...
I used to do M2D themes and change the xml and such, but when I read the Android theming guides ALL of it seems foreign to me...does't seem like I can just swap out pngs for pngs I made in Photoshop Am I making this seem more difficult than it is?
Are there individual themes for my taskbar, dialer, ect (not roms)? And if so can a former Windows Phone user explain them in comparison to installing a cab?
I know I have a ton of questions so any help at all would be appreciated
Thanks
MEGA MAN

There are MANY apps out there that will allow you to make these changes. Do some searches on the market and you'll find them. Do some research into rooting your phone (at your own risk) which will allow even more options.

You do not have to use a custom ROM to theme your phone, but it makes it a lot easier overall. AFAIK, you still have to have your phone rooted to theme more than icons.
To theme images, it really is just swapping out your images for the images already there as long as they contain the same dimensions, format (pretty much always .png), and name.
The .xml files are easiest to edit if you have decompiled the apk with a tool call apktool, because then they are in readable format.
Apktool is also really great for getting .9.png's in decompiled format with the stock guidelines intact.
You can theme various different components with an app called Metamorph or Ninjamorph, otherwise, you're going to have all your different parts together.
I've been theming android for getting close to two years now, so if you would like more help, you can PM/email (david1667jones gmail) me for more specific answers.

megaman - ain't it a trip coming from WM to android? yeah...WM seems such a simpler way. especially CHT2...that is really the best modding system ever.
been experimenting for the past 2-3 weeks and have been successful. (even have a usable CM7 theme that i may post...)
so let's hash this out. maybe teach eacho other a thing or two. if i am being too basic, let me know.
apk - like a cab. tricky thing is that (i believe) if you edit an apk, you replace the entire apk. unlike a cab where you can replace 1 single file. there are theme programs (metamorph - haven't used it, ADW and others that allow replacement with a single file...but they take a little work. nothing easy like cabs for WM.)
to begin you need 7zip (or winrar i hear works.) this will allow you to open apks, replace files and restore them in seconds:
http://www.7-zip.org/
i assume your rom is rooted (i really don't understand the term, but it allows freedom to mod your phone. i am using an HD2 - WM phone - running nand android so by default my phone is rooted.)
let's explore - take any apk and open it with 7zip. you will see 3 files (this is off of memory as i am at work right now.) open them and look around. ((want to find your installed apks and back them up? search market for Astro. (settings> backup and save your apks to your sd card)))
under res you will see drawable folders - this is the jackpot. in there you will see your images. there is a lot of redundancy in apks. the trick is finding the right image. try changing some, etc. this is the most basic of theming.
before moving on to xmls, etc (which there are quite good guides for this) just try the above. when you replace the files move up the folder hierarchy and it will ask you something about saving/restoring - cilck yes. the apk is now modded.
install the apk and see the changes.
however, if you are editing the core apks - system and framework-res, we will need to talk about how to do that (i use clockworkmod flashing...easy to do.)
let me know if this helps.

Thank you guys so much for your knowledge!
I do have my phone rooted and I have bootloader installed
The one reason I thought that I had to download a "ROM" is because I keep reading about having to be deodexed in order to modify...and I was underthe impression that most custom roms provide this deodexing?
on to APK's...I do have 7Zip and I have opened some up and found where the graphics are...now I am actually extracting the apk so I can manually go through each folder and see whats there including graphics...there does seem to be another way of opening the APK with 7Zip and not actually extracting it, but I don't thing I can actually see the image previews this way. >>>so I extract, change my desired images, re-zip and change the file extention back to .apk - BUT then I read about signing APK's? ...and signing zips?
After some researching I found a thread in which someone posted something like they make a copy of there current ROM "theme?" and then copy it in zip form on to their PC where they goe through all of the desired APKs and then Zip it back together and install it from the screen that you get to after holding the power button and home (recovery screen maybe?) <<< Anyway is this possible? This seem most like what we did in windows phone...but again I think where I'm getting caught up is the signing aspect...I've seen auto signers, but I feel like the ones I've seen were only for XP and I have Windows 7.
Woo... ok wrote a lot there - if you have anytime to elaborate on anything, I'd be happy to hear.
...and jsmccabe - that HD2 is one awesome device...I remember everybody asking if Windows 7 would everbe available and now you guys are dual booting with WP7 and Android - AWESOME!!! (if I didnt have Verizon

megaman...sorry it took a bit. "real life" and all that...
megaman 2 said:
The one reason I thought that I had to download a "ROM" is because I keep reading about having to be deodexed in order to modify...and I was underthe impression that most custom roms provide this deodexing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- not sure what deodexed means. is your rom cm7? if so, tmobile themes is an "easy" way to make a theme.
- are you theming to share or for yourself? if the latter just replace the the files in your rom and flashe the rom. if the former, what type of rom?
megaman 2 said:
on to APK's...I do have 7Zip and I have opened some up and found where the graphics are...now I am actually extracting the apk so I can manually go through each folder and see whats there including graphics...there does seem to be another way of opening the APK with 7Zip and not actually extracting it, but I don't thing I can actually see the image previews this way. >>>so I extract, change my desired images, re-zip and change the file extention back to .apk - BUT then I read about signing APK's? ...and signing zips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- you can extract to make life easier. but when you are ready to make the changes just drag the new icons into the original apk. it will update it for you and you can install it and done.
megaman 2 said:
After some researching I found a thread in which someone posted something like they make a copy of there current ROM "theme?" and then copy it in zip form on to their PC where they goe through all of the desired APKs and then Zip it back together and install it from the screen that you get to after holding the power button and home (recovery screen maybe?) <<< Anyway is this possible? This seem most like what we did in windows phone...but again I think where I'm getting caught up is the signing aspect...I've seen auto signers, but I feel like the ones I've seen were only for XP and I have Windows 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM themes are pretty easy to do. i started with this, the problem is it replaces the entire apk to replace 1 image. which if you are modifying systemui or frameworks, may overwrite other things (colors that you didn't want to.) easiest thing to do....find an already established CWM theme and keeping the same structure, replace the images and flash via CWM.
let me know if you want more details...cheers and good luck!

[Q] Newbie Questions!

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but I really appreciate the work you all do and would like to learn how to contribute. However, I do have a few questions about Boot Screens and Themes.
How exactly do you create Boot Screens? and are different boot screens interchangeable with different ROMS
Also are themes interchangeable with different ROMS or are they specifically made ?
Lastly, I'm running Fasty II 1.9, is their a thread with specific bootscreens and themes for it? Thanks!

How exactly do you create Boot Screens? and are different boot screens interchangeable with different ROMS
Easiest way to do this would be to grab the bootanimation.zip out of the /system/media folder in your current rom, unzip it, and take a look inside. It's just two folders (part0 and part1) with .png files in it that play in sequence, and a text file (desc.txt). The desc.txt file tells android how to play those files in the two folders. For your first go around, I'd recommend just trying to swap files (with the same names) with the files in the bootanimation.zip file you grab. Just make sure to use 7zip with no compression (store only mode) when you put the files back together, and that the 3 files (part0,part1, and desc.txt) are on the top level of the zip file.
Also are themes interchangeable with different ROMS or are they specifically made ?
Themes are usually specific to the rom they're made for. Unless a theme specifically calls out "Multi-rom", assume that it's best to stay with themes built for your rom.
Lastly, I'm running Fasty II 1.9, is their a thread with specific bootscreens and themes for it? Thanks!
Ahem. Boom and boom.

Thanks Alot!!

No problem.
Also, I realized I forgot to answer your question about boot animations working between Roms. The answer is: Uh... maybe? If you really like a particular boot animation, I'd suggest backing up whatever you currently have and dropping it in. Worst case scenario is that it doesn't work and you have to restore the backup.
You can also just pull the files from the one you want (in the part0/part1 folders) and drop them in a copy of the one that's currently working for you. Then just put that in the /system/media folder.

I was just getting ready to ask about that. Thanks I figured it out. It's fun actually learning to do it instead of just asking for it