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Hi can anyone suggest an alternative tool for apktool. It just doesn't work for me. Whatever I do either gives compiling errors or just a bootloop. Thanks guys.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Anything past extract optimize and zip is useless for me. I have never had it actually compile an .apk without an error.
I'm having serious problems compiling the framework-res from a CM6.1 based ROM. It decompiles fine, but won't recompile I get hundreds of errors about missing referances.
I only wanna edit a few XML's :sad:
Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk
l0st.prophet said:
I'm having serious problems compiling the framework-res from a CM6.1 based ROM. It decompiles fine, but won't recompile I get hundreds of errors about missing referances. I only wanna edit a few XML's :sad: Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which xmls do you want to edit, and what are you wanting to change?
dean.d said:
Which xmls do you want to edit, and what are you wanting to change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying, but I worked it out. I had some dodgy .9.png's that were breaking the compile, so I just had to remove them before compiling.
For anyone else having trouble, check the logs after you decompile to see if there are any messages about .9.pngs. If there are, remove them from the decompiled folder, compile when you are finished, then just add the .9.png's back in afterwards with WinRAR.
I was tryna change the color of the text and the border in the bottom popup menu for my Gingerbread theme
l0st.prophet said:
Thanks for replying, but I worked it out. I had some dodgy .9.png's that were breaking the compile, so I just had to remove them before compiling.
For anyone else having trouble, check the logs after you decompile to see if there are any messages about .9.pngs. If there are, remove them from the decompiled folder, compile when you are finished, then just add the .9.png's back in afterwards with WinRAR.
I was tryna change the color of the text and the border in the bottom popup menu for my Gingerbread theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason that happens is the original "dev" who themed the framework did not decompile/modify/recompile. He merely dragged and dropped the modified .9.png
Hence when u decompile, apktool cannot find the necessarry data within resources.arsc to decompile the .9.png and hence when u go to recompile, it complains. Ur safest bet is to always decompile an apk as close to stock as possible.
Where do you place your framework-res.apk I placed mine in the platform tools folder but apktool can not find it
so of you have notice and have been asking about this. i decided i would open up my vault and let the secret out for all.
this is brought to you by myself and the rest of ACS.
Me and dreamsforgoten figured this one out together.
Disclaimer: do not decompile a custom framework and expect it to recompile as it will not work and you'll end up with a list of errors. You can not hold me our anyone at ACS for bricking your phone or any damage that may have occurred by doing this
this how-to is written as if you have a half a brain and know what your doing. if you dont know what your doing please read the themeing how to's written by dreamsforgotten.
1. decompile framework-res.apk
2. open up the values folder
3. locate strings.xml and open with notepad++
4. ctrl+f and search for Sprint. it should be under zz_roamingguard_1 or something simliar. make sure just to edit the roaming guard_1 only
5. rename to w/e you would like. this changes the pull down branding, the aosp lock screen branding, and the network in settings
6.recompile apk. if your building a theme make your other xml edits while decompiled
If you use this mod in your custom themes or roms please give me credit
if you feel as you have benefited from this in anyway please buy me a beer in my signature to keep me motivated on finding more tricks, hacks and themes
Not sure if this will work on other phones or carries.
Thanks for posting this. Is there a way to tell if a framework-res is modded already? Or, more specifically, if trying this on dk28, where's the best place to get a "pure" framework to start with?
also, do you use a specific level of compression when compiling your edited framework?
Thk u.
Sent from the future.
decalex said:
Thanks for posting this. Is there a way to tell if a framework-res is modded already? Or, more specifically, if trying this on dk28, where's the best place to get a "pure" framework to start with?
also, do you use a specific level of compression when compiling your edited framework?
Thk u.
Sent from the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I mean a modded framework-res.apk it's one that comes from a theme. They don't compile nicely with the new images added.
I'm personally using the dk28 release from ACS as my framework to modify.
A good way to test is as soon as you de compile the framework re compile it. If it re compiles with no errors you then you can go ahead and use that framework.
I haven't changed my compression when compiling any of my work
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
I know in apk manager 4.9 it saves the file as unsigned_filename.apk but when you chose yes to carry over the signature, it is carried over into the new file in tact. You can skip the last step of resigning the apk after compiling if you choose yes as a system file when you compile. it throws you off being named unsigned but if you open it the meta inf folder is in there.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Ok
Maybe i am in wrong thread but here goes.
I installed acs dk28 fro-yo version when it was first released
I have an app i use called privacy star,it no longer will let me use the app
I called privacy star they say my carrier is iroot the original branding acs used for the ROM since iroot isn't a phone company i cannot pay for the app at all.
tell me why, and any suggestions how i can change my carrier back to sprint branding, i have a build prop if anyone can help me.
about phone says sprint as my carrier and i didnt see anything odd in buildprop
http://pastebin.com/92hCixde
humdrum2009 said:
Maybe i am in wrong thread but here goes.
I installed acs dk28 fro-yo version when it was first released
I have an app i use called privacy star,it no longer will let me use the app
I called privacy star they say my carrier is iroot the original branding acs used for the ROM since iroot isn't a phone company i cannot pay for the app at all.
tell me why, and any suggestions how i can change my carrier back to sprint branding, i have a build prop if anyone can help me.
about phone says sprint as my carrier and i didnt see anything odd in buildprop
http://pastebin.com/92hCixde
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you may basically have to reverse the instructions in the OP. do you understand the instructions? browse the how to theme guides by dreams, you wouldnt be doing all the editing of pngs and compiling in eclipse, but you will need apk manager. basically decompile your framework-res.apk, go to values/strings.xml and change iroot back to Sprint in Notepad++, recompile. you could either drop it in /system/framework with root explorer or replace in the ROM zip and reflash.
Ill get on it right now thanks
Nice post.
Hmm.. I'm curious If that works for you, since you're decompiling and recompiling a "modified" framework.
Sent from the future.
decalex said:
Hmm.. I'm curious If that works for you, since you're decompiling and recompiling a "modified" framework.
Sent from the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunadamente, it won't. You can however, take a stock framework-res.apk and copy over the drawable-hdpi folder. But you will lose the battery % mod as well, so make sure to change the battery images back to stock before you copy it.
Sent from my Xtremely Syndicated and Emotionless Epic 4G
Thread cleaned. If something like this happens again, infractions will be handed out to everyone involved.
If you have a member that is trolling/flamming, just ignore them and report the post. I will take care of it.
By saying something to them you are going to get yourself in trouble and start a large fight in a thread that does not need it.
decalex said:
Hmm.. I'm curious If that works for you, since you're decompiling and recompiling a "modified" framework.
Sent from the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can reverse the order but there will be extra steps involved. when your ready ro re compile you would have to add in all the stock .9.pngs when re compiling.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Thx for your help guys I'll edit this post with results.
Cool-- using both of your recommendations (starting with orig ACS DK28 rom's framework-res.apk, I was able to edit the xml(s), recompile, (delete resources.arsc in the created keep folder), then signed, then dropped in drawable pngs. When you want to do the png edits, do you overwrite All of the folders in your signed framework's res folder? (wouldn't that overwrite the xml edit made)? or just the drawable folders
decalex said:
Cool-- using both of your recommendations (starting with orig ACS DK28 rom's framework-res.apk, I was able to edit the xml(s), recompile, (delete resources.arsc in the created keep folder), then signed, then dropped in drawable pngs. When you want to do the png edits, do you overwrite All of the folders in your signed framework's res folder? (wouldn't that overwrite the xml edit made)? or just the drawable folders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will only loose your xml edits if you replace the xmls
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
hehe.. come on man. gimme a little more credit than that
in compiled state, the strings.xml (for example) is contained in the resources.arsc file (?). Because, decompiled, obviously, the folder structure is different.
so, I could basically just replace the whole res folder, since the resources.arsc is *not* in that folder? I'll play around with it, but I think I'm getting the gist.
decalex said:
hehe.. come on man. gimme a little more credit than that
in compiled state, the strings.xml (for example) is contained in the resources.arsc file (?). Because, decompiled, obviously, the folder structure is different.
so, I could basically just replace the whole res folder, since the resources.arsc is *not* in that folder? I'll play around with it, but I think I'm getting the gist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When editing xmls you delete the xmls you edited in the keep folder. The hidden xmls like strings.xml is not seen when being built. I delete the resources.arcs when ever I edit a xml even if it is a visable xml. You cannot replace the hole res folder cause of the xmls inside. Some xmls makes changes in the public.xml when compiled. The public.xml is also hidden.
Just decompile the custom framework you wanna edit. Make your changes. Replace all the modified .9 images with the stock ones. Recompile the framework. In the keep folder delete resources.arcs and any xml you can see in the build that you edited. Delete the .9s from the keep folder since you replaced them. Once the file is compiled sign it. Open up the old custom framework with 7zip and your newly created framework with 7zip. Drag and drop the .9s.from the custom framework into your framework
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I'm asked all the time how to theme; what's the best way, the best tools, etc. Well, I'm going to compile the best resources that I think will get you up and theming. It's a process, and you'll need to have time and devotion, but these tools and tips will help
A general guide (MOD Info: The document seems to have been removed and there is no possibility to recover it)
This is the best guide that I know of out there for theming; it is comprehensive, and if you use it, you should give a big thanks to the makers of it.
Apktool or apk manager
I find both of these to be great; I have apk manager (windows and linux) on my pc, and apktool (windows, mac, and linux) on my mac. APK manager will likely be best for beginners due to its simplistic and user friendly UI, and it offers some more features then apktool, like zipaligning, optimizing, etc. Both are fantastic, and absolutely a huge help for theming and decompiling apps.
The android SDK
It's always helpful to know how to use the SDK for adb, zipaligning, and other tasks. Remember, even if you have other tools like apk manager to zipalign, it's always good to know how to do it by hand And you'll need tools in it like draw9patch for those pesky .9pngs
Notepad++ or TextWrangler
You will use this all the time. Editing files like decompiled XMLs on this is a breeze
A nice website for Hex colors
You'll use this every time you do XML edits; you'll need these color codes to tell the XMLs what color you want to show up
Photoshop or Gimp or Paint.net
Want to go all out? Go photoshop. Want a great, free tool to theme with? Gimp is the way to go. Either way, you'll want to use one of these tools for png edits when theming. Paint.net is also another good free tool for edits.
Hex Fiend
For you mac users like me, Hex Fiend comes in handy if you ever need to edit binary (non readable or decompiled) XML.
Update Zip creator/modifier
Fabulous tool on windows to create and modify elements of updates zips
ADW Themes
Want to make an ADW theme? This is a great tool to get you started on that
Knowledge
You'll want some general knowledge with terminal or windows cmd prompt. Because you will use it. Also, you'll need to know what to edit in a theme to change aspects of color and such correctly. Well, this is a great tool to find out what you need to edit
I'll be adding to this guide as needed. Please, feel free to ask any questions, and I'll be here to answer them Hope this helps everyone!
In Depth Look: XMLs
For the first in depth look, I'm going to focus on XML edits, as they are a major component to having a complete and thorough theme. Image edits are easy enough, but many don't know where to go when it comes to XMLs. Well, here's where I'll tell you
What is an XML?
Here's is a nice read on XMLs and what they are.
What do XMLs have to do with Android?
XMLs can control many functions in android apps. For the scope of this thread, we'll be changing binary XML into a readable XML file to make our edits, which will usually result in color changes in apps.
How do I edit an XML?
Make sure you have apktool or apk manager correctly set up. They'll make XML edits a breeze. If you need help setting them up, wither ask me or see their manuals.
Take the apk you want to edit, and decompile it with one of those two tools. Make sure if it's dependent on Sense resources or TW ones that you have those set up. (Again, either ask me or see instructions for apktool and apk manager)
Once decompiled, open the XML you'll need/want to edit. See the link I have above under knowledge for finding out what XML you may need to edit
For Windows, use Notepad ++ to edit, and for Mac, use TextWrangler (just suggestions, others work as well)
Use the Hex Color code link I have listed above in the OP to find the suitable code for the color you'll want if you;re making a color change. Remember, the color codes will be 6 digits, but there'll be 2 digits in the XML before the color code. 00 is transparent, and FF is the "regular" color for lack of a better term.
When done with the XML changes, recompile the apk
Sign if needed, and install to see if the changes you've made are worth it
In Depth Look: Using Apktool or Apk Manager.
What are they?
Apktool and Apk Manager allow you to decompile, reengineer, and compile apks after making changes to files in the decompiled apk.
Why would I need them?
These tools allow you to edit XMLs, edit smali files, and change many other aspects of the apk that you wouldn't be able to do without decompiling the apk.
Setting up apktool on a mac
If you have a mac like me, remember that apk manager doesn't work on macs. So, you must use apktool, which is absolutely fine, as in my opinion apktool is better than apk manager. To set up apktool, you must have root mode enabled on your mac. To do that, simply follow these steps:
Open system preferences
Open accounts
Go to login options
Hit join next to network account server
Select open directory utility
Click the lock at the bottom of the window that pops up and enter an admin password
Then, go to the top bar on your mac, hit edit, and select enable root mode
Once you have root mode enabled, you're ready to set up apktool:
From the apktool website, download apktool1.3.2.tar.bz2 and apktool-install-macosx-2.2_r01-1.tar.bz2
Next, open terminal
su
tar -C /usr/local/bin -xvf <zipped file name>
tar -C /usr/local/bin -xvf <zipped file name> (for the second file)
Now to confirm it worked, type "apktool" no quotes
You should get a help menu for apktool
If so, you're good to go!
Now, once you have it set up, you're ready to go! After typing apktool, you'll see the help menu which'll give you the commands available for apktool, but I'll go over the basic ones here.
apktool d "apk path here" will decompile the apk
apktool b "decompiled apk path here" will build an apk from a previously decompiled one
apktool if "framework-res.apk path here" will install a framework res or any app really to allow you to work with dependent apps. For example, if you want to modify an HTC sense apk, you'll need to install the htc.resources.apk first through this method before decompiling the sense apk.
What if I have windows?
The steps will be very similar. See the apktool website I have listed above for a bit more info, but as I said, it's not too far off minus the having to get root access part.
This seems to complex, and I hate using commands! I wish there were another way....
Oh, but there is! *ends cheesy infomercial voice* Apk manager will give you a simplified setup, and all of the same features plus more; all you need is windows or linux.
Great! How do I get that?
Download Apk Manager
Extract the zip
Open up the enclosed script
The rest is pretty self explanatory
Now, even will apk manager, you'll need to make sure you know how to set frameworks up and such, but it makes it much easier with its convenient scripts. If you have any questions, ask them here and I'll certainly do my best to answer them
Helpful Hint!
Remember, once you have an apk decompiled with apktool or apk manager, you have the best chance to correctly edit .9pngs!
If you open the .9png in the decompiled app and edit it with gimp or photoshop while leaving the pre-drawn boarder there, you'll be able to recompile the apk with a properly edited and themed .9png
Advanced Decompiling
Sometimes, you have that pesky app that just won't decompile correctly. Usually, it's an app related to others, like a proprietary system app based off framework-res.apks.
When this happens, you need to ensure that the frameworks are there to have the app's recourse tables properly compile.
For either apktool or apk manager, find a folder on your computer called "apktool."
The should be a folder in here called "framework," and inside that, a 1.apk.
For an app that is dependent on the framework-res.apk in a specific phone/rom, take the framework-res.apk for that rom and rename it 1.apk.
Replace the default one in the folder with yours.
If there's a second one, like the twframework-res.apk for Samsung phones, rename it 2.apk and place it in the "framework" folder.
Now, decompile like normal, and everything should be good
Editing Smali
Right here, thanks to Yorzua
Cool, so what about theming market apps. I mean like changing the icon. I know how to change them individually but what about changing them in bulk. Where would one put them inside of an update.zip?
Sent from sweet G2
smoochiezz24 said:
Cool, so what about theming market apps. I mean like changing the icon. I know how to change them individually but what about changing them in bulk. Where would one put them inside of an update.zip?
Sent from sweet G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing them in bulk would require you to theme each icon you'd like, and then you could do one of a couple things:
Make them your custom icon with ADW or LP (easiest way)
Install them over the apps you have on your phone to get your custom themed app
Make a flashable zip to add the apps to system/app, resulting in a themed set of apps, now in system/app
I should probably add a bit to the guide on making zips, yes?
Added update zip tool to the guide
Section 6. ZipThemer: an alternative theme installer with MetaMorph compatibility and advanced features.
Ken
kellinwood said:
Section 6. ZipThemer: an alternative theme installer with MetaMorph compatibility and advanced features.
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or that'd work too from a phone I'm targeting computer usage, but that's a nice app, well done
Thanks for this resource! *tagged*
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Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!
user7618 said:
Thanks for this resource! *tagged*
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Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! I'll be adding to it as well, and I'll go more in depth to version elements in my reserved posts
Sent from a truly Epic phone!
theimpaler747 said:
No problem! I'll be adding to it as well, and I'll go more in depth to version elements in my reserved posts
Sent from a truly Epic phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good, because I'll probably be getting a new laptop soon, so I will need to download all of this stuff again.
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Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!
user7618 said:
Good, because I'll probably be getting a new laptop soon, so I will need to download all of this stuff again.
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Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yeah, that'll be a pain... good thing I have all the links in one place now!
theimpaler747 said:
Ah yeah, that'll be a pain... good thing I have all the links in one place now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed.
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Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!
Thank you for this. This is just what I was looking for
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Dxblade said:
Thank you for this. This is just what I was looking for
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! Glad you liked it, and check back, as I'll be adding more and going more in depth with XML edits and such
I'm sure many people will find this extremely useful. There are a lot of resources out there, but finding them can be difficult.
Apart from system-level theme creation, there's a great guide to creating ADW.Launcher themes here. I would know - I created the icon naming video haha.
Vazguard said:
I'm sure many people will find this extremely useful. There are a lot of resources out there, but finding them can be difficult.
Apart from system-level theme creation, there's a great guide to creating ADW.Launcher themes here. I would know - I created the icon naming video haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice! I'll add that to the OP for you
Awesome! Hopefully this will inspire more people into creating the themes of their own!
Vazguard said:
Awesome! Hopefully this will inspire more people into creating the themes of their own!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed! I'm looking at publishing ADW themes of my own
I'm just trying a bit of theming myself, found plenty of guides on the topic however I have found one slight problem. No matter how I try to install my modded system apps, it always fails to install or doesn't change the original app at all.
I use APKmodder to do the editing if that affects anything, however the same issues arrise when using NinjaMorph on my NS.
I have tried multiple methods of getting the apps onto my device. Using adb push, creating a custom update.zip (which is all set out properly), NinjaMorph and even just the regular apk install, all of them either don't update the apps or are pushed to /system/apps but are not in the app launcher.
Any ideas? I have searched for hours about this and I haven't found anything to help me. Finally, if it helps I have tried with Launcher2.apk and Camera.apk.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Any ideas at all? I've never had much luck with Modding apps full stop. Could it be my copy of APKmodder?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
is your rom deodexed?
I imagine so, running CM7 and I can't find any odex files in /system. I also read somewhere else that CM6 was deodexed so I figured it would be the same.
What difference would it make if it wasn't deodexed? Would you need to remove the odex or something?
Sent from my Nexus S
Jonathon Grigg said:
I imagine so, running CM7 and I can't find any odex files in /system. I also read somewhere else that CM6 was deodexed so I figured it would be the same.
What difference would it make if it wasn't deodexed? Would you need to remove the odex or something?
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM7 is deoxed. It's probably because you're changing the apk, don't understand why you're playing with it but whatever.
No idea, my recommendation is to not mod it.
I am not familiar with the tools you're using, but I've heard that people have had trouble with them in the past.
The best tool for theming is Apkmanager 4.9 used along with Apktool 1.3.1.
However, if you're simply swapping some images, just do so in WinRAR or 7zip. No deed to decompile, resign anything. Just put your system apps in a Flashable zip in this order: Zip/system/framework/framework-res.apk and Zip/system/app/<your system apps> and drag and drop your images in the right locations.
Also, your zip must have a META-INF folder with the proper update script.
You can use any one of my themes as a template.
Hope this doesn't sound too convoluted.
Cheers.
Thanks for that, some changes are image based but there are also some XML based changes which I require, would the 7zip method work there?
And sorry if I'm being vague, but Im not near my computer now, but how would you use two tools in conjunction? Because I have used apktool before but not the other.
Thanks very much though! I am finally getting somewhere
Edit: thanks for the template offer, I will have a look and see what's different to my tests. Just one final question, is there any difference between an update-script and updater-script?
Double EDIT: For future reference if anyone finds this, there is a difference between update-script and updater-scripts. From Android 1.5 onwards, Google moved to updater-script's, leaving update-script's behind. Make sure you remember this!
Sent from my Nexus S
Jonathon Grigg said:
Thanks for that, some changes are image based but there are also some XML based changes which I require, would the 7zip method work there?
And sorry if I'm being vague, but Im not near my computer now, but how would you use two tools in conjunction? Because I have used apktool before but not the other.
Thanks very much though! I am finally getting somewhere
Edit: thanks for the template offer, I will have a look and see what's different to my tests. Just one final question, is there any difference between an update-script and updater-script?
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For xml changes you have to decompile/recompile the apk. Apkmanager is a GUI for apktool so you don't have to learn/remember the java commands.
If you download Apkmanager, it comes with Apktool 1.3.2, be sure to replace it with 1.3.1. It's way more stable and reliable.
Not sure about the difference between updater and update, maybe one has Amend scripts and one doesn't.
I am not a developer so can't say for sure , but the one person to ask would be ogdobber.
He literally knows everything about everything .
sonnysekhon said:
For xml changes you have to decompile/recompile the apk. Apkmanager is a GUI for apktool so you don't have to learn/remember the java commands.
If you download Apkmanager, it comes with Apktool 1.3.2, be sure to replace it with 1.3.1. It's way more stable and reliable.
Not sure about the difference between updater and update, maybe one has Amend scripts and one doesn't.
I am not a developer so can't say for sure , but the one person to ask would be ogdobber.
He literally knows everything about everything .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thankyou very much for the help once again. I have finished school for the week so I should have time to test these methods out now.
If I need any further help I might drop ogdobber a note then.
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my Nexus S
Looking for some assistance on getting a themed app to behave properly. It's a keyboard (Flext9) I downloaded from the Amazon Market for free as a promotion (normally 5.00). I have NO intention on distributing this at all. It's solely for me, and as a learning experience.
This is my first go round at themeing..so if I don't understand what your telling me..go easy..
With the help of DroidXCon, nitsuj17 (how to write up), Chopperdog, Gunnermike, and google, I figured out how to decompile, edit the xml's, recompile, edit the images in gimp, re-draw the patches with draw9patch for the .9's, re-compile .9's with xUltimate, replace the images with 7zip.
At this point if I sign the apk, it breaks like two or three of the functions and robs the xml edits, and .9 edits. It basicallly screws things up royally. (I have used multiple signing tools and they all do the same thing)
The way I get it to function is to install the stock flext9 keyboard, overwrite the app file in data\app with the themed one, change the permissions and owner using root explorer, and I'm good. It's fully functional and themed appropriately. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21063130/SC20110621-233700.png.
The only thing with this is I get an error message when I try to change a setting in preferences [Amazon Marketplace something..Error with the application. Please re-download from Amazon Marketplace] here's the logcat of that error. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21063130/logcat.txt
It only happens once, then not again.
The REAL problem is when I reboot the phone the app is removed from keyboard and languages in settings, and the option in input method is completely gone. However, the app is still installed. The file is still in data\app and if I try to re-install, it prompts me to overwrite the "installed" app. (There is a already a version of this installed. Do you want to overwrite?). However, the app name has changed in the settings-manage applicatons-All from Flext9 to com.nuance.flext9.input-1.apk.. (the file name in data\app) which is different.
Trying to get this to work... more from a "I want to conquer this thing" than I reallly want this keyboard..haha..
any help would be greatly appreciated..
thanks in advance.
david
Lttlwing16 said:
Looking for some assistance on getting a themed app to behave properly. It's a keyboard (Flext9) I downloaded from the Amazon Market for free as a promotion (normally 5.00). I have NO intention on distributing this at all. It's solely for me, and as a learning experience.
This is my first go round at themeing..so if I don't understand what your telling me..go easy..
With the help of DroidXCon, nitsuj17 (how to write up), Chopperdog, Gunnermike, and google, I figured out how to decompile, edit the xml's, recompile, edit the images in gimp, re-draw the patches with draw9patch for the .9's, re-compile .9's with xUltimate, replace the images with 7zip.
At this point if I sign the apk, it breaks like two or three of the functions and robs the xml edits, and .9 edits. It basicallly screws things up royally. (I have used multiple signing tools and they all do the same thing)
The way I get it to function is to install the stock flext9 keyboard, overwrite the app file in data\app with the themed one, change the permissions and owner using root explorer, and I'm good. It's fully functional and themed appropriately. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21063130/SC20110621-233700.png.
The only thing with this is I get an error message when I try to change a setting in preferences [Amazon Marketplace something..Error with the application. Please re-download from Amazon Marketplace] here's the logcat of that error. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21063130/logcat.txt
It only happens once, then not again.
The REAL problem is when I reboot the phone the app is removed from keyboard and languages in settings, and the option in input method is completely gone. However, the app is still installed. The file is still in data\app and if I try to re-install, it prompts me to overwrite the "installed" app. (There is a already a version of this installed. Do you want to overwrite?). However, the app name has changed in the settings-manage applicatons-All from Flext9 to com.nuance.flext9.input-1.apk.. (the file name in data\app) which is different.
Trying to get this to work... more from a "I want to conquer this thing" than I reallly want this keyboard..haha..
any help would be greatly appreciated..
thanks in advance.
david
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you cant get it signed correctly you could use ninjamorph app to decompile, swap out the stock files with your themed .png and .xml files.
The Good: decompiles, recompiles and swaps out the app for you without having to resign it.
The Bad: You have to swap out files one by one, it can take awhile.
I wouldnt use it to theme anything but it works great for swapping out files you have already modded. I used it on my TW4 launcher. Was really easy to pull my modded files from dropbox to SD and swap em out..
If you have a hard time with it. Check out YouTube.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
GrainOsand said:
If you cant get it signed correctly you could use ninjamorph app to decompile, swap out the stock files with your themed .png and .xml files.
The Good: decompiles, recompiles and swaps out the app for you without having to resign it.
The Bad: You have to swap out files one by one, it can take awhile.
I wouldnt use it to theme anything but it works great for swapping out files you have already modded. I used it on my TW4 launcher. Was really easy to pull my modded files from dropbox to SD and swap em out..
If you have a hard time with it. Check out YouTube.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yo thanks man...I hadn't tried that yet..but I'll give it a go...
I am assuming I would want to swap out the .9's with the themed/re-patched/recompiled .9's I have correct?
Yes.... Especially the .9's! Ninjamorph will give you some options as far a resizing the .png's but as you prob already guesssed dont try it with .9 images. Just swap em out 1 for 1.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
GrainOsand said:
Yes.... Especially the .9's! Ninjamorph will give you some options as far a resizing the .png's but as you prob already guesssed dont try it with .9 images. Just swap em out 1 for 1.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I thought so..thanks..
Yeah..it's locking up...when I try to select the new image to replace with...force closed twice..
Tell me this doctor...why does the 'values' folder with the xml files I edited not show up when you "open archive" with 7zip or when the .apk is extracted with ninjamorph? Hard to change if it ain't there.
Lttlwing16 said:
I thought so..thanks..
Yeah..it's locking up...when I try to select the new image to replace with...force closed twice..
Tell me this doctor...why does the 'values' folder with the xml files I edited not show up when you "open archive" with 7zip or when the .apk is extracted with ninjamorph? Hard to change if it ain't there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps thats the wrong xml to edit?
EDIT: Go around 1..just changing out the .9's = FC sandwich... grrr...this app is like fort knox..
Lttlwing16 said:
perhaps thats the wrong xml to edit?
EDIT: Go around 1..just changing out the .9's = FC sandwich... grrr...this app is like fort knox..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, your gonna make me buy this damn keyboard just for the challenge of theming it....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
GrainOsand said:
Now, your gonna make me buy this damn keyboard just for the challenge of theming it....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
U should got it wen it was free lol...its a nice keyboard I like it better than swype actually its just ugly
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
GrainOsand said:
Now, your gonna make me buy this damn keyboard just for the challenge of theming it....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha..you don't have to man...unless you want too..
com.nuance.flext9.input-1.apk...decompile with apktool...file res\values\colors.xml ---styles.xml--edit..recompile...7zip open archive..same files no where to be found.. where do these go?..do the values get pushed to all the other xml files..?
Maybe this is the problem.
When I sign the apk..it seems like the .9's take, but the xml edits go to hell..and I lose the trace input function (hmmm...I edited the xml for that in the disappearing values\colors.xml file...) and the voice command function is broke as well. (connection error).. HOWEVER, with a davlik wipe, fix permissions in cwm, the app is still there after reboot....(this has been the standard with apk manager opt 16 and autosign tool)
Still unsuccesfull with ninjamorph
if signing is the problem then all you need to do is decompile the apk, make all your edits, and then recompile. Then to bypass the signing just extract the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from the original unthemed apk and add them back into your newly compiled apk.
Bubbadogg14 said:
U should got it wen it was free lol...its a nice keyboard I like it better than swype actually its just ugly
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly...and how I ended up here..: )
Lttlwing16 said:
My thoughts exactly...and how I ended up here..: )
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Click to collapse
Sorry, ive been busy updating my themes. Some apk's like phone.apk, swype.apk and camera.apk are very tempramental when it comes to modding them. I these .apk's you have to drag and drop your modded files into place. Im not sure if that is the problem tho as these .apk's will usually show up in app/drawer and even will launch but will FC upon opening them To be honest im a little stumped on this one. Looks like you did everything right, so im not to sure whats going on there.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Last resort you can try the signapk app in market, its also FREE, I must admit tho it has only worked for me once with the TW Program monitor.......
GrainOsand said:
Last resort you can try the signapk app in market, its also FREE, I must admit tho it has only worked for me once with the TW Program monitor.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks grainosand..
Funkbot got me fixed up in IRC..
Had to place the Android Manifest and META INF in file and push to the system/app
It now sticks on reboot..BUT the voice feature is broke.. grr..
Lttlwing16 said:
Thanks grainosand..
Funkbot got me fixed up in IRC..
Had to place the Android Manifest and META INF in file and push to the system/app
It now sticks on reboot..BUT the voice feature is broke.. grr..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App