[Q] Notification Bar Tweaks via framework-res.apk? - Captivate Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I was gonna post this in the Themes/Apps section, but I figured I'd try here first...
I know people have been doing mods of the notification bar though MetaMorph, which doesn't really work with the newest version(s) of SuperUser. So I'd just been editing files inside the framework-res.apk and pushing the modified file via ADB.
Does anybody know, aside from editing the images inside the /drawable-hdpi/ folder, what other tweaks/changes can be accomplished?
I've tweaked my battery gauge images, but what I would like to do is figure out how to ditch the clock in the notification bar, and/or tweak the AM/PM text so it's smaller, a la Android 2.2.
Plus, learning what can and can't be modified via the framework-res.apk would be cool too. Haha.
Thanks in advance y'all! And sorry for the lenghty post.

Related

Where are these images? APKs broken down!

:::Mods please don't move this thread with the other theme tuts:::
Well i have pretty much finished FadetoBlue and now taking a small break before starting my next theme. I am banging my head trying to remember where the boot image is. I know i have seen them somewhere but can not remember where. So i figured why not ask the forums, but at the same time give info on where the images are located inside the apks. I know a lot of the images are easily figured out by the name, but i want to find and explain the tougher ones that the names don't make as much sense, also things like if you change the dialer in contacts.apk, you should also change the dialer in phone.apk.
Common Image names:
.9.png - These images are used for items that will stretch. These can be difficult to edit.
btn_ - Buttons, there are a lot of different buttons and they have different states. The most common are Normal, Longpress, Disabled(when it is linked to an editbox that has nothing in it yet, Selected(When highlighted and pressed with trackball) and Focused(When scrolling over with trackball)
pressed_application_background_static.png - This image has to do with pressing an app icon on the home screen or in the launcher
focused_application_background_static.png - This image has to do with using the trackball to scroll over app icons on the home screen or in the launcher.
ic_menu - these are all the files you seen when you hit Menu in various apps.
stat_notify - Notification alerts that are found on the top bar.
stat_sys - Icons for Battery, signal strength, wireless, connections. Also on the top bar.
status_bar - These all have to do with the images you see when you drag your finger down from the top of the screen.
title_bar - this is the bar where all of the Notifications pop up on.
Most common changes: Aside from icons.
Framework-res.apk -has the majority of UI images, Notification icons,
Contacts.apk - You see these images when you hit the green call button, press the contacts or phone icons, Has some of the same images as Phone.apk
Launcher.apk - Has the Clock, Folders, wallpapers and some Google Search widget images.
Phone.apk - You see these images, after you dial a number and call them. You should make the same changes here as in Contacts.apk
Icons:
AlarmClock.apk - res\drawable\ic_launcher_alarmclock.png
Browser.apk - res\drawable\ic_launcher_browser.png
Calculator.apk - res\drawable\icon.png
Calendar.apk - res\drawable\app_calendar.png
CalendarProvider.apk -res\drawable\app_icon.png
Camera.apk - res\drawable\ic_launcher_camera.png
com.amazon.mp3.apk - res\drawable\icon_application.png
com.android.term.apk - res\drawable\app_terminal.png
Contacts.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_contacts.png & ic_launcher_phone.png
Email.apk -res\drawable\icon.png
GDataFeedsProvider.apk -res\drawable\app_icon.png
Gmail.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_mail.png
GmailProvider.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_mail.png
GoogleSearch.apk - Has a drawable folder but no icon?
gtalkservice.apk -res\drawable\app_instant_message.png
IM.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_im.png
ImProvider.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_im.png
Launcher.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_alarmclock.png & ic_launcher_gallery.png & ic_launcher_home.png
Maps.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_maps.png
MediaProvider.apk -Has a drawable folder but no icon!
Mms.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_smsmms.png
Music.apk -res\drawable\app_music.png
MyFaves.apk -res\drawable\myfaves_app_icon.png
PackageInstaller.apk -res\drawable\icon.png
Phone.apk -res\drawable\app_voicemail.png & ic_launcher_phone.png
Settings.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_settings.png
SettingsProvider.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_settings.png
SetupWizard.apk -Has a drawable folder but no icons!
SoundRecorder.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_soundrecorder.png
Street.apk -Has a drawable folder but no icon!
Superuser.apk -res\drawable\icon.png
Sync.apk -res\drawable\app_icon.png
SystemUpdater.apk -Has a drawable folder but no icons!
Talk.apk -res\drawable\app_instant_message.png
TelephonyProvider.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_phone.png
TmoImPlugin.apk -res\drawable\ic_im_logo_* This has icons for AIM,Yahoo and MSN. They show in IM list.
Vending.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_androidmarket.png
VoiceDialer.apk -res\drawable\app_voicedialer.png
VoiceSearch.apk -res\drawable\app_voicesearch.png
YouTube.apk -res\drawable\ic_launcher_youtube.png
Reserved...
Just incase =)
cheers for this, very useful to budding theme developers
i think if you look in framework-res and go to assets then images for the boot images
Sorry about the delayed reply, i kind of lost the thread =) thanks Kron!
Woot!
Someone like a mod should sticky this thread.
Thanks for the list.
Great list, I basically found this out all through just going through and looking at the images, but a single post with all the images would be great for all the new theme makers who are starting to come in and contribute. Thanks for posting this!
I second for a sticky.
This would have saved me many many hours when I was just starting out with this theme business. Very useful post!
Thanks for the info.
I tried looking for the pictures icon location but can seem to find them... The one in the launcher.apk was for the wallpaper icon. Any clue?
yellow heel said:
Thanks for the info.
I tried looking for the pictures icon location but can seem to find them... The one in the launcher.apk was for the wallpaper icon. Any clue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delayed reply, I didnt get the question at first so i didn't answer, then forgot about it.
But you will find the ic_launcher_gallery.png in Camera.apk and Launcher.apk. I believe by changing the one in the camera it will change it where you want.
damnitpud said:
Sorry for the delayed reply, I didnt get the question at first so i didn't answer, then forgot about it.
But you will find the ic_launcher_gallery.png in Camera.apk and Launcher.apk. I believe by changing the one in the camera it will change it where you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I will give that a shot.
Quick Question...
After a long time searching,(i didn't want to make a new thread for this if there was one already opened) I have a question...
I want to be able to edit just the launcher.apk or the drawables in framework-res.apk to be able to hold all the default launcher-app icons.
Basically, is there a way to place all the icons for the stock apps in one of those 2 above mentioned files and when opening the app tray, those icons show up as opposed to the ones in the individual .apk's?
any help on this would be nice. i'm tired of searching. lol
temporizer said:
After a long time searching,(i didn't want to make a new thread for this if there was one already opened) I have a question...
I want to be able to edit just the launcher.apk or the drawables in framework-res.apk to be able to hold all the default launcher-app icons.
Basically, is there a way to place all the icons for the stock apps in one of those 2 above mentioned files and when opening the app tray, those icons show up as opposed to the ones in the individual .apk's?
any help on this would be nice. i'm tired of searching. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently, NO there is no way to do this on the way the android files are pulled to and from the system.
However, I believe Cyanogen has an idea to implement an easier way to skin the default system app's icons than the system we have now. This is one of the things he has on his list of 'to-do' for the Experimental builds if I remember correctly.
Until he's able to pull this off, we're stuck editing individual apk's. It sucks since there is a higher probability of something breaking doing this. Hopefully Cyanogen can get something working soon. It'd make my job a lot easier.
Gah again with the double post, mods please delete.
prash said:
Currently, NO there is no way to do this on the way the android files are pulled to and from the system.
However, I believe Cyanogen has an idea to implement an easier way to skin the default system app's icons than the system we have now. This is one of the things he has on his list of 'to-do' for the Experimental builds if I remember correctly.
Until he's able to pull this off, we're stuck editing individual apk's. It sucks since there is a higher probability of something breaking doing this. Hopefully Cyanogen can get something working soon. It'd make my job a lot easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Prash for the response.
That makes sense, and i know that cyanogen is working on implementing the standalone icon feature.
The ONLY reason I ask this is because of a post that stericson made a while ago:
Stericson said:
General Info:
Every .apk contains the images relating to itself. However, every apk has the ability to use the images in framework-res.apk. The images for every apk is located inside of itself. To find these images open up the apk, you can rename it to .zip or open it with an archiver of your choice, winrar, winace, etc. Then after opening the apk open the folder called res and inside of that there are folders that are named Drawable, drawable-land, drawable-port, etc. This is where the images are stored.
Click to expand...
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so, i thought that icons could be pulled from there as well...
thanks for this, i attempted to theme cyans theme template the other day and didn't know where to start. This is going to be very helpful!
DAKIDD236 said:
thanks for this, i attempted to theme cyans theme template the other day and didn't know where to start. This is going to be very helpful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am glad my old posts are still helping people, i just hope this old info is still good. I am tinkering with theme'n again so its possible that i will be updating any changed info, or using the second post of this thread for the new info.
got a question.
i have JACxROM v1.3r2. all i want to do is change the battery icon at the top. i found the image after i change it do i have to do anything else or can i just flash it to my phone
saprano614 said:
i have JACxROM v1.3r2. all i want to do is change the battery icon at the top. i found the image after i change it do i have to do anything else or can i just flash it to my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just resign and you're good to go
jonnybueno said:
just resign and you're good to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do i resign

Stock Deodexed system/framework for VZW Tab

I've looked all across the net and can't find anything...
Does anyone have a deodexed system/framework folder for the VZW Tab that has the STOCK notification bar and everything else?
I'm all deodexed and my notifcation bar is pissing me off. Its whatever Boushh likes, I used his deodex method.
Thanks -Jeff
ill throw in beer money
If you download metamorph from the market and apply THIS with it, you can have a black notification bar. Apply THIS zip, it will make it white. For the default gray I can't help there unfortunately, if someone gives me the stock (odexed) framework I can deodex it though
What file do you need? Framework-res.apk? I can pull it out of my pre-deodexing backup. Also Boushh, don't misunderstand my slightly snotty comment. I have no issue with your taste in notification bar transparency, it just is odd to me. All your work has made my Tab an excellent little device.
EDIT: I guess I don't know how to open the system.img on my Mac.
I got off my lazy unemployed ass and edited the framework myself. Disregard this thread.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab using Tapatalk

Modifying the Notification bar

Ok, somebody please help me out here before i go insane. Ive read countless threads and forums on this and it makes absolutely NO SENSE AT ALL.
im running Darky's newest Rom, rc4. with the Steelblue theme overtop of it.
Right now im trying to further modify the notification bar, more specifically im trying to change the the color of bar that says "On Going" and is circled in Pink.
also want to change the bottom of the pulldown bar also circled in pink.
And if possible i would like to change the background part that is circled in green.
since theres this new post rule its not letting me post a screenshot but the link is below
members.shaw.ca/ignite1/screenshot.png
i have tried editing all the status_bar_XXXXX.png files in the framework-res.apk, but i havnt been able to change the stuff i have circled. Partly because i dont think im even looking at the right files, as in there not in the framework.apk
someone help me out please!
Im pretty sure you are using a samsung
So, those images you wanted to change are in twframework.apk
For Gingerbread roms, those files are in SystemUI.apk
Sent from my pocket using a pen

[Q] Clock Color Change?

Has anyone figured out how to change the clock color in the notification bar yet? UOT doesn't work for this, so we'll have to manually change it in services.jar
I'm think its in systemui if you decompile it you should find it in drawables not 100% sure though.
Read This
Versatile1 said:
I'm think its in systemui if you decompile it you should find it in drawables not 100% sure though.
Read This
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you have to edit XMLs in the SystemUI to change any kind of text color.
You would be right, I believe the xml is located in the location mentioned above
Versatile1 said:
You would be right, I believe the xml is located in the location mentioned above
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't mess with any of that. I just edit PNGs to make my phone LOOK more custom (its fun to show off haha)
For some reason though, on the bionic, when I edit PNGs with something like NinjaMorph, SystemUI FCs on startup.
I'm currently working on editing a flashable theme zip to include my edits, then gonna flash that and see what happens.
Tivo7 said:
Yeah I don't mess with any of that. I just edit PNGs to make my phone LOOK more custom (its fun to show off haha)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much what I do. I started to learn to edit .jar and .xml files when I had my X but then other people released themes with the files I needed and I just kanged them instead. Now there is no base that I can find for liberty with the edits I need so I'm trying to learn it myself which will serve me better in the long run. If anyone knows a good noob friendly tutorial I'd love a link, all the ones I've found are a little over my head.
Don't know how to edit much more than some status bar framework. But a color change for the clock would be nice
Sent from my DROID BIONIC
inkdaddy66 said:
Don't know how to edit much more than some status bar framework. But a color change for the clock would be nice
Sent from my DROID BIONIC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the bionic, status bar framework is in SystemUI, most of the framework is in Framework-res.apk
Tivo7 said:
Yeah I don't mess with any of that. I just edit PNGs to make my phone LOOK more custom (its fun to show off haha)
For some reason though, on the bionic, when I edit PNGs with something like NinjaMorph, SystemUI FCs on startup.
I'm currently working on editing a flashable theme zip to include my edits, then gonna flash that and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reboot after editing systemui and you should be fine
Versatile1 said:
reboot after editing systemui and you should be fine
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Click to collapse
"On startup"
I did reboot.
I also tried editing a theme download and flashing it.
Everything worked but the notification pulldown picture...
Everything in framework-res works and everything in systemUI works EXCEPT that blasted notification pulldown PNG (status_bar_background.9)
Tivo7 said:
Everything worked but the notification pulldown picture
Everything in framework-res works and everything in systemUI works EXCEPT that blasted notification pulldown PNG (status_bar_background.9)
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Click to collapse
That's what I've found as well, I also can't get the shadow under the notification bar to show up.
Does any one know what the pngs are titled that flash while on a call?
I believe those are in blur-res or in the phone/dialer apk's depending on which images you're talking about

Changing statusbar background image

Hi, i need help with changing statusbar background image.
I pulled SystemUI.apk, decompiled, changed images
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\status_bar_background.9.png
and
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\statusbar_background.9.png
but it wont let me compile it again, it gives some errors...am i doing this right?
kristjanp said:
Hi, i need help with changing statusbar background image.
I pulled SystemUI.apk, decompiled, changed images
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\status_bar_background.9.png
and
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\statusbar_background.9.png
but it wont let me compile it again, it gives some errors...am i doing this right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The images are a .9 type. That means there is a black border around the images which you can't mess with. You need to get the original pictures, and do it again, but without touching the borders. So in gimp, that means you should use colorize, or colorfy.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Didn't quite understand that, can anyone do it for me?
I added the SystemUI file and the statusbar file.
Thanks
kristjanp said:
Didn't quite understand that, can anyone do it for me?
I added the SystemUI file and the statusbar file.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use 7-zip for it
wil also work and never gives errors
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium thank me if you think you can thank
I have also wondered about this. If I changed one of those statusbars in a theme that was a .9 png to a standard screen width statusbar image, and renamed the png to statusbar_background.png in the drawable folder and in the XML, would that work? Or would I need to make other changes?
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
So someone can do it for me ?
Didnt work will try again
kcls said:
I have also wondered about this. If I changed one of those statusbars in a theme that was a .9 png to a standard screen width statusbar image, and renamed the png to statusbar_background.png in the drawable folder and in the XML, would that work? Or would I need to make other changes?
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm 99% sure that won't work. I say that because I've modified images and in renaming, I accidentally deleted the ".9" leaving just ".png". My tweaked image did not show up and instead, it still displayed the stock.9.png.
I'm gonna assume that you know how to modify .9's correctly. If not, here is a new tutorial I just saw without even searching. There are several others out there both here and on you tube. I could help as well if need be.
As long as you know how to modify and recompile .9.png's, here is a nice little shortcut for modding any system apk as the OP originally inquired about. Start by decompiling your apk. Modify whatever .9's you want and use one of the MANY tools (one is linked in the tutorial above) to recompile each individual .9.png. Once all of your .9.png's are recompiled, open the COMPILED apk you are modding using 7zip as someone mentioned above. (Left click, go to 7zip, open archive) Then navigate to res/drawable-hdpi/ and just drag your new, modified images in to the folder overwriting the old ones. Close the 7zip window and you are all done. Pretty simple. MAKE A BACK UP (just in case) and then adb push it to your system folder or use root explorer to copy and paste it.
I'd love to go into more detail, but I gotta run. I hope this helps a little. Trust me, I am no computer guy. A year ago, I didn't even know what "root" meant. I've learned everything from reading these forums and having some questions answered by other helpful users. Good luck
kcls said:
I have also wondered about this. If I changed one of those statusbars in a theme that was a .9 png to a standard screen width statusbar image, and renamed the png to statusbar_background.png in the drawable folder and in the XML, would that work? Or would I need to make other changes?
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually just change the Status Bar backdrop in the Mdpi folder, then sign it.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using Tapatalk
Problem is, some statusbars can't use a .9, as they aren't a solid color the whole way through. Excellent writeup by the guy a couple posts above me by the way. But I just wonder what the best way to change the statusbar background from a .9 to a full 320xWhatever (for mdpi) png is. Can it be done? Am I being clear? Because sometimes I don't make much sense
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
kcls said:
Problem is, some statusbars can't use a .9, as they aren't a solid color the whole way through. Excellent writeup by the guy a couple posts above me by the way. But I just wonder what the best way to change the statusbar background from a .9 to a full 320xWhatever (for mdpi) png is. Can it be done? Am I being clear? Because sometimes I don't make much sense
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly can't speak for every rom or every phone, (and maybe this isn't exactly what you are referring to) but this is an old statusbar I made for a MIUI theme that worked just fine as a .9. If turned horizontal, the middle stayed the same size and both of the solid colored sides would stretch. Actually, the sides are a black to grey gradient.
Try this....
Draw9patch is the tool used for creating .9 images, it is included in the android sdk.
1 .Navigate to the tools folder at the dos prompt and type Draw9patch.
2 .Drag and drop the image to be edited into the window that opens up when you hit return.
3. Press press shift and select one pixel at two corners of the image (diagonally opposite)
Then simply save 9 patch image from file menu.
Make sure you name it as-- yourfilename.9.png
It works for me anyway
shanman-2 said:
Draw9patch is the tool used for creating .9 images, it is included in the android sdk.
1 .Navigate to the tools folder at the dos prompt and type Draw9patch.
2 .Drag and drop the image to be edited into the window that opens up when you hit return.
3. Press press shift and select one pixel at two corners of the image (diagonally opposite)
Then simply save 9 patch image from file menu.
Make sure you name it as-- yourfilename.9.png
It works for me anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So with this tool, you can take a full blown statusbar, say the one a few posts above, or one with gradients and such, and make it into a .9? I wish I'd known about that earlier!
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
If u use ninja morph it will work

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