Related
:::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...
Click to collapse
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
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for anything adverse that might happen to your phone as a result of using my files. This is a very low risk operation, but you still perform this at your own risk.
CREDITS:
zach.xtr for his awesome xtrROM
.mak for the Espresso lock screen PNGs pulled from zenEXP
Android SDK (source of vanilla PNG files)
*All PNGs were optimized after pulling them from source*
This guide will give an even more vanilla look to xtrROM for those who like the orange highlights and white notification bar. Additionally, I have included the Espresso lockscreen (refer to screenshot) in a modified com.htc.resources.apk file. The lockscreen will still remain transparent, I just chose to use a wallpaper, so the screenshot doesn't show the transparent one. Most everything will have the highlights changed to the stock orange color, save a few things in the HTC-specific apps.
Before you do anything, make a NAND backup and/or make a backup of the files being pushed in this tutorial before pushing the ones I have provided. I have not tested this on another phone, as I only have the one that I performed this mod on, but I can't think of a reason it shouldn't work on another phone.
This was performed with xtrROM v 4.5.2. This may not work on previous versions.
Perform the following steps using ADB:
1. Push framework-res.apk, services.jar, and com.htc.resources.apk as follows:
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk
adb push services.jar /system/framework/services.jar
adb push com.htc.resources.apk /system/framework/com.htc.resources.apk
NOTE: You *MUST* push the services.jar file if you want the clock to appear black on the white notification bar. Otherwise, it will remain white against a white background. Not very appealing, imo.
2. Your phone will soft reboot - this is normal. If you want, you can just force a hard reboot with:
Code:
adb reboot
YOUR PHONE MAY TAKE A LONG TIME TO BOOT. THIS IS NORMAL. If it takes an exorbitant amount of time (say 7 - 10 mins.), then it's probably safe to call it a failure. As long as your boot animation hasn't restarted or frozen, don't give up hope.
As pointed out by adrenalinerush12 and jadesdan, you must push com.htc.resources.apk if you want all the notification bar icons to appear white, since the stock HTC file overrides them in framework-res.apk. This means you will also get the Espresso lock screen (which, in my personal opinion, is the best-looking lock screen), but if somebody REALLY likes the boring grey "boomerang" bar, I suppose I can cook one up. Let me know.
com.htc.resources.apk Download:
HTML:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IYU0T72P
framework-res.apk Download: Link down - file uploaded to this thread below.
services.jar Download: Link down - file uploaded to this thread below. VERY IMPORTANT: the file is named services.zip at the bottom because XDA doesn't let me upload .jar files , SO make sure to rename it to "services.jar" BEFORE you push the file to your phone.
The reason why I installed 2.1 is so I can have Sense with a black notification bar. Oh well, some people might actually like this. Nice work!
This looks awsome! I love the XTR roms but couldn't stand the black bar.....
The framework and services.jar links are down
EDIT: I should have read the word "temporarily" a little closer.
Freakin SWEET! I love the speed of xtrROM, just didn't like the green highlights and black notification bar. This is perfect for me. Thanks a bunch.
jadesdan said:
This looks awsome! I love the XTR roms but couldn't stand the black bar.....
The framework and services.jar links are down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right, they are down. Damn you, Megaupload!!! I think those two files might be under the XDA 8 MB limit...I'll try and upload them directly.
EDIT: OK, framework-res.apk and services.jar (as services.zip) are uploaded directly to XDA for your downloading pleasure. I don't know what Megaupload's problem is right now. Make sure to rename "services.zip" to "services.jar" - I made a little note of it near the bottom of my OP.
That's odd, because it wasn't down for me. It let me download them just a few minutes ago.
adrenalinerush12 said:
That's odd, because it wasn't down for me. It let me download them just a few minutes ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I don't know why Megaupload does that. I've had it happen a few times before, and it's never consistent. Anyway, let me know how it works out for you. I haven't officially heard whether it has worked for anybody, so I'm excited to hear back!
Okay, when I pushed both framework-res.apk and services.jar, this is what I get:
Don't know what the issue is, but I pushed it twice to make sure. Still does the same thing.
I've tried both with the MegaUpload files and also the ones linked here, but this is what I get. I've even tried wiping Dalvik and all, but this is the best I can do. You can tell that it's taking, but I think there might be some icons missing.
adrenalinerush12 said:
Okay, when I pushed both framework-res.apk and services.jar, this is what I get:
Don't know what the issue is, but I pushed it twice to make sure. Still does the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, actually now I remember that some of the PNGs in framework-res.apk are overridden in the com.htc.resources.apk. I didn't think it was so many, though. Try pushing the com.htc.resources.apk, too. If you don't want the espresso lock screen, I can always change it for you later, but I just want to see if that fixes the notification bar icons.
Yup. That fixed it! I actually deleted HtcLockScreen.apk because I like the stock horizontal slide one anyways. Thanks a bunch man.
adrenalinerush12 said:
Yup. That fixed it! I actually deleted HtcLockScreen.apk because I like the stock horizontal slide one anyways. Thanks a bunch man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell yes! I was worried that I'd screwed something up. I can be a bit absent-minded sometimes. I'll update the tutorial. Thanks to you and jadesdan for testing!
No problem, but it seems that the notification bar clear button is black.. and so is the text, which makes it difficult to read. Not a huge deal, but. And icons such as a new text message with the stock app are still messed up looking. (With black as the background).
adrenalinerush12 said:
No problem, but it seems that the notification bar clear button is black.. and so is the text, which makes it difficult to read. Not a huge deal, but. And icons such as a new text message with the stock app are still messed up looking. (With black as the background).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download and push the new services.jar (services.zip at the bottom of the thread) to fix the black "clear" button. I actually just fixed that last night - took a lot of fishing around to find out how to do it. I know the stock htc apps still have their original look in the noti bar - I didn't want to take the time to change them. Haha, maybe in the future.
Oh, and when my 3G icon changes to 1X to send a text, it goes back to the black icon. Then changes right back to the right 3G one.
i am trying to apply this to xtrSENSE. i've got the white bar working, but the services.jar part is doing nothing. do i have to extract anything or just simply rename it? i have renamed it, but it says not found or something to that effect. i do understand that this may not work due to the fact that this is slightly different than xtrROM with rosie and whatnot.
malpracti said:
i am trying to apply this to xtrSENSE. i've got the white bar working, but the services.jar part is doing nothing. do i have to extract anything or just simply rename it? i have renamed it, but it says not found or something to that effect. i do understand that this may not work due to the fact that this is slightly different than xtrROM with rosie and whatnot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, so framework-res.apk pushed successfully. You shouldn't extract anything from services.zip, just rename it to services.jar and push it. There are modifications to the smali code in services.jar, rather than just swapping out PNGs, so it's somewhat likely that it won't work. It's very picky - one thing out of place, and it doesn't boot. I've learned that the hard way.
May I ask what you are using for the Sense like clock/weather and the icons? They are pretty cool.
jeffgman said:
May I ask what you are using for the Sense like clock/weather and the icons? They are pretty cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure. The clock/weather widget is called "Fancy Widget". It's no longer on the market because the developers received a cease and desist order from HTC (can't imagine why ). Anyway, just google "fancy widget 1.3.0", and I guarantee you'll find it. I wouldn't have a problem uploading it, but some people might take issue since it's now a black market item. Whatev.
By the icons, do you mean the widgets that I have under the weather/clock widget? Those are all by curvefish and free in the market. Just search "curvefish". And if you're referring to the smiley face messaging icon I have, it's because I found a modified vanilla mms apk on a forum (can't stand HTC's slow as hell excuse for a text messaging program). Since that's open source, I've attached it to the post if you want it. Just be sure to delete HTC's mms, or you'll get some weird behavior.
ericFuels999 said:
For sure. The clock/weather widget is called "Fancy Widget". It's no longer on the market because the developers received a cease and desist order from HTC (can't imagine why ). Anyway, just google "fancy widget 1.3.0", and I guarantee you'll find it. I wouldn't have a problem uploading it, but some people might take issue since it's now a black market item. Whatev.
By the icons, do you mean the widgets that I have under the weather/clock widget? Those are all by curvefish and free in the market. Just search "curvefish". And if you're referring to the smiley face messaging icon I have, it's because I found a modified vanilla mms apk on a forum (can't stand HTC's slow as hell excuse for a text messaging program). Since that's open source, I've attached it to the post if you want it. Just be sure to delete HTC's mms, or you'll get some weird behavior.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thank you for the information. I have heard of Fancy Widgets, just never used it. I have purchased Beautiful Widgets and used it a little bit. I have searched for a theme that resembles the Sense one but have not found it yet.
I am currently using xtrSENSE so I have the Sense UI. Once Zach updates xtrROM I am going to install that and go back to launcher pro and beautiful widgets for my homescreen.
I really want to theme my phone, is there any tips to make it easyier
an also theres no meny png files that im not sure what changes what, is there a guide of any sort for that or anything.
I got editing images down but im still gettin lost on changing things
an out of curioisy is there a good themer out there that would be willing to work with me personally so im not gettin mixed results
here ya go..this should get you a start
http://www.google.com/cse?q=how+to+...ub-2900107662879704:fs7umqefhnf&ie=ISO-8859-1
Great resource here
im not sure if im wording this right, but to theme an app u open that apps apk. to theme a widget u open that widgets apk. right?
So what all does framwork control?
still tring to get it togather what png's edit what on my phone
Essentially yes. Most of the app's .png's will be in the respective .apk, although if it's a Sense ROM then a lot is stored in the 'com.htc.resources.apk'
The 'framework-res.apk' holds all the files for like the notification area, the pull down menu, status icons, buttons, tick boxes, radio buttons etc...
The best way to familiarise yourself with it all is just to have a look through the image folders and see what you see.
not much luck, im gettin lost, so ill be back in a cuple days let u knw if i got it yet, if i cant come up with it, ill just make a list of things i want done an see where it goes.
Are you on a Mac or PC?
Keep in mind, you have to sign it to get it to install if you unpack it. After weeks of failed signing attempts (I still cant get them to sign) I found a way around this though...just don't unpack it Use 7zip on PC or I am on a Mac so I use Springy. Replace what you want and you are good to go.
Let me know if you need more help with this method. It isn't the way everyone else does things, but it works for editing things and making it what you want.
@reanger91878 I was just looking into start some theming and was trying to figure out if using a Mac put me at a disadvantage... but I guess since I found you I'll know who to ask if I run into a problem. So I guess I'm gonna get Springy and see what I can figure out. (I've never done this crap before).
:edit: boo it costs money, any free options? or will the non-licensed version work for me?
Alright
heres what i want done
I have NFX Sprint 2.31.651.7 STOCK Odex Update3.
Lock screen bar where its grey i want black
All screens under settings an phone options like device1 pic 1 want there its white to be black an the black letters white with a green boarder.
Device2 pic: want top an bottom where its grey to be black save with bookmark widget an calander app
Device3: white section black an the letter white
Device4: change all screens from white to black an white lettes an the grey buttons at the bottom to green same with clock, messages, music and photos
Device5: i want the ui buttons at the bottom like that but for it to be Phone in the middle app drawer on the left an add to home on the right
Invert all menus uder browser
so if some one would be willing to help with what xml an pic files i edit to do it, or some one helps me put it togather it would be awsome an id be very thankful
BuddahWolf01 said:
@reanger91878 I was just looking into start some theming and was trying to figure out if using a Mac put me at a disadvantage... but I guess since I found you I'll know who to ask if I run into a problem. So I guess I'm gonna get Springy and see what I can figure out. (I've never done this crap before).
:edit: boo it costs money, any free options? or will the non-licensed version work for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a Mac does not put you at a disadvantage per se...kind of, but there are workarounds
You don't have to use Springy, that is just what I use. The key is to find an Mac application that can open up a .zip file without extracting it, because once you extract, you need to resign (no big deal really, but for whatever reason my computer won't properly sign). I think the free version of Springy lets you open up a ROM of a certain size? Can't remember...but if you are editing a theme, they should open, because most are under 15MB. You can also just search around for other Mac apps that handle zip files and find one that does not extract. Let me know what you come up with and what you need help with...I gained much knowledge here, and will gladly pass on what I have gleaned.
DubsideWICKED said:
heres what i want done
I have NFX Sprint 2.31.651.7 STOCK Odex Update3.
Lock screen bar where its grey i want black
All screens under settings an phone options like device1 pic 1 want there its white to be black an the black letters white with a green boarder.
Device2 pic: want top an bottom where its grey to be black save with bookmark widget an calander app
Device3: white section black an the letter white
Device4: change all screens from white to black an white lettes an the grey buttons at the bottom to green same with clock, messages, music and photos
Device5: i want the ui buttons at the bottom like that but for it to be Phone in the middle app drawer on the left an add to home on the right
Invert all menus uder browser
so if some one would be willing to help with what xml an pic files i edit to do it, or some one helps me put it togather it would be awsome an id be very thankful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big tasks Don't know if anyone will actually be able to do it for you, but check the resources above to get an idea where to start. It's the whole "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime" idea.
Open up your ROM and check the framework-res.apk and see what you find...but you are looking to do more than just framework edits...
ranger61878 said:
Big tasks Don't know if anyone will actually be able to do it for you, but check the resources above to get an idea where to start. It's the whole "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime" idea.
Open up your ROM and check the framework-res.apk and see what you find...but you are looking to do more than just framework edits...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of what all i want edited what is controlled by frame work an then would the rest be Apk files in the system app
my biggest problem is im not understanding what xml files change what an some of the pngs idk what they change
edit: I found post that said this, is that a pretty good way to descride it.?
app folder - This folder contains all of the apps that will be installed during an update or wipe. You will need to extract only the apks of the apps you wish to change the icon and graphics for.
-Launcher.apk - This file is in the app folder and contains the menu launcher tab, clock, google search widget, wallpapers and some other things.
framework - This folder contains framework-res.apk, this is where the bulk of your editing will take place.
When you open a apk you will see:
assets - This will contain images, sounds and other content used by the programs. Not always used!
META-INF - This contain the encryption data of the update.zip.
res - This folder contains all of the png and xml files. The xml files are used to format the UI, these can be used to change the locations of things on the screen. The xmls need to be unencrypted first. Depending on the apk there can be a bunch of folders under the res folder but we will only concentrate on the drawable ones.
-drawable - The png files in this folder are displayed wheather the keyboard is open or closed. The majority of the files are here.
-drawable-land - These are the files that will show when the keyboard is open. There won't be as many files in these folders. Most of the time the programmer will re-organize the layout with an xml file.
so basically everything is a picture that i want changed an xml files control text color an placement of where things are or what?,
im try my best to but thoes darn xml files are messing with me lol
To start, don't mess with the XML files. Just make changes to the PNG files. Once you get familiar with changing icons and status bar colors, then you can start messing with XML files. Let's say you want a different alarm icon.
Look in the DeskClock.apk under res/drawable-mdpi. You would find an icon(PNG) you want to substitute with, size it to the same size as ic_launcher_alarmclock.PNG, name it the same name and replace the original in the apk.
Use adb to push the apk back to your phone. I would then reboot and then enjoy your new icon.
Some icons will be in drawable-mdpi and some just in drawable. No need to change hdpi on our phones.
The majority of your status bar icons and base OS icons will be in framework-res.apk.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
poashll said:
To start, don't mess with the XML files. Just make changes to the PNG files. Once you get familiar with changing icons and status bar colors, then you can start messing with XML files. Let's say you want a different alarm icon.
Look in the DeskClock.apk under res/drawable-mdpi. You would find an icon(PNG) you want to substitute with, size it to the same size as ic_launcher_alarmclock.PNG, name it the same name and replace the original in the apk.
Use adb to push the apk back to your phone. I would then reboot and then enjoy your new icon.
Some icons will be in drawable-mdpi and some just in drawable. No need to change hdpi on our phones.
The majority of your status bar icons and base OS icons will be in framework-res.apk.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
You can also do it on your computer...don't extract, just open, replace, close, put on SD and flash (after you nandroid...just in case )
iv been looking an looking, but cant seem to find a black stock theme
with stock htc green when a button is pressed, any one kno off a stock black theme i might be over looking
still havent figured ths out, an im having problems because im odexed?
DubsideWICKED said:
still havent figured ths out, an im having problems because im odexed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes more than likely your only have trouble theme and odexed rom. Try a rom that is deodexed or I heard the have some deodex sripts that will do it.
ASimmons said:
Yes more than likely your only have trouble theme and odexed rom. Try a rom that is deodexed or I heard the have some deodex sripts that will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright is there a performance or memory difference between odex an deodex
Does this same process apply with adw? If so, does that mean theming aosp and cm6 are equally as easy?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Customizing an app with icons of choice:
App considered in example: Settings.apk
Archive software: winrar
Image editor: GIMP Portable
Download and install software needed, if not already present:
An image editor that lets you work on images, a little advanced preferred so the transparency of icons is not lost. I used GIMP portable version since this won't create any registry entries and would be un-intrusive on my system.
Winrar to extract files from the app.
Copy the Settings.apk from /system/app folder to some temp folder, say /sdcard/temp using an app like Root Explorer
Connect the phone to computer and copy this app from temp folder to computer
Download and install winrar on computer
Note: I used winrar, you can use any archive manager of your choice as long as you can open the apk file with it
Open Settings.apk with winrar
Enter the folder "res"
You will find a few folders here. Copy the folder "drawable-hdpi" to desktop.
Open this folder and turn on image previews.
This folder contains the icons used in the app. Select the icons you want to update.
Creative part here: Search for icons that appeal to you, or you feel would appeal to public if you plan to release it public. Don't worry abt the size, but ensure they are atleast 96x96.
Sizes as per my preference:
App icon as seen in app drawer: 96x96
Internal icons in settings: 64x64
The (b) above may not always hold good. You could try with one size, and then try resizing to best fit the app you are working on.
Open the icon you downloaded in GIMP and resize it.
On toolbar: Image --> Scale Image --> Type in the width and height you want (pref in pixels to be accurate) and click "Scale"
Save the file.
Give this file the same name as the icon you want to replace.
Repeat steps 11 through 13 to resize all the icons you want to replace.
Please make sure the icon that is visible in app drawer is atleast 96x96.
Copy these new icons into the "drawable-hdpi" folder overwriting the existing files.
Open Settings.apk with winrar
Enter the folder "res"
Enter the folder "drawable-hdpi"
Drag and drop all the icons in our "drawable-hdpi" on desktop into this folder in winrar
Close winrar (it is auto saved).
Move the "drawable-hdpi" to recycle bin (do not delete it at this point)
Open Settings.apk again in winrar, and extract the "drawable-hdpi" folder to desktop.
Open this folder and make sure all the icons are present in it as per the updating you just did.
Move this file to phone to some location say /sdcard/temp
Open root explorer and move this file to /system/app
You might consider backing up the current Settings.apk file to Settings.bak before copying the new file there (it is always recommended to backup the existing app in case you wanted to revert)
Thats' it. You now have a new look settings app.
*** All standard 'messing with system outcomes' disclaimers apply ***
Word of caution. Non stock apps may not update correctly in the market after doing this.
whiteguypl said:
Word of caution. Non stock apps may not update correctly in the market after doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this could cause an issue 'cos all I am updating here are some images, not any XML or anything.
Edit: I haven't so far tried it on any apps I bought from market so far.
Great write up...
Thanks for doing this...It takes the mystery out of changing things around some.
Mac
I was actually looking into this and am very glad you put up a tutorial. Thanks a lot!
If you simply want to change the app icon on the homescreen as opposed to the app drawer, download Desktop VisualizeR. Great and simple app that allows you to pick and choose icons for different apps. Really fast to do if all you want is home screen and don't care about app drawer.
danrubi said:
I was actually looking into this and am very glad you put up a tutorial. Thanks a lot!
If you simply want to change the app icon on the homescreen as opposed to the app drawer, download Desktop VisualizeR. Great and simple app that allows you to pick and choose icons for different apps. Really fast to do if all you want is home screen and don't care about app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. Changing just the home screen icon can be done even through Launcher Pro shortcuts. This changes the icon whole. This way it gets changed with the new one in the drawer, and retains the new one even when u create a shortcut wherever u want.
nice write up diablo.
this will help people who might want to make a theme, or customize their phone or whatever, but have no idea where to start.
di11igaf said:
nice write up diablo.
this will help people who might want to make a theme, or customize their phone or whatever, but have no idea where to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dilli.
Did u like my settings app customizations? Would it be worth considering to put them into our green and blue themes?
Nice write up but for making only minor changes, such as with swapping out a few images, isn't it much easier and faster to just use ninjamorph?
newter55 said:
Nice write up but for making only minor changes, such as with swapping out a few images, isn't it much easier and faster to just use ninjamorph?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is assuming with no tools. Just the basic editors. And like I said, this is my first step, and I don't even know any tools.
im trying to install these signal bars.
ive tried following these steps but going into framework-res instead of apps for the signal bars, but when i went to paste the folder back into the framework-res / res folder it just made a copy outside of the framework-res and nothing has changed
bignate78 said:
ive tried following these steps but going into framework-res instead of apps for the signal bars, but when i went to paste the folder back into the framework-res / res folder it just made a copy outside of the framework-res and nothing has changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open framework-res.apk in winrar. Browse to the folder u want within winrar. Drag and drop the files there.
If u can wait abt an hour, I can upload my version of customized 3.0 FF ROM. Incidentally I have customized a couple icons in framework-res.apk, and happen to include the same signal icons. U could use my framework apk if u wanted to.
Will this change anything on my phone besides the signal bars?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bignate78 said:
Will this change anything on my phone besides the signal bars?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Only a few more icons here n there like changing some icons to green that were initially with no color. Changed the sync icon. Rest all the same.
Unrar the file and u will get an apk file. Copy this into /system/framework folder on ur phone using an app like root explorer, and reboot immediately (ignore any FCs).
Cause I dnt want to change what's done to my phone besides the signal bars.
And thanks a ton for the help!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bignate78 said:
Cause I dnt want to change what's done to my phone besides the signal bars.
And thanks a ton for the help!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can extract the files from the apk and compare the images between existing and this one. Hardly any changes.
Let me recall:
1. Sync icons
2. Wifi icons
3. Some icons color changed to green, and some error icons to orange (these were colorless earlier)
diablo009 said:
U can extract the files from the apk and compare the images between existing and this one. Hardly any changes.
Let me recall:
1. Sync icons
2. Wifi icons
3. Some icons color changed to green, and some error icons to orange (these were colorless earlier)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok cool let me look at them and if i like them could you possably change the colors?
bignate78 said:
ok cool let me look at them and if i like them could you possably change the colors?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
10char
diablo009 said:
10char
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there anyway i can send my framework and have you change the bars and basically change what would be green in yours to blue in mine?
Hi,
Can anyone explain how one changes the icons in the notification bar?
More specifically, the 3G icon, Signal Strength, and the notification for a new text message?
Also, I know you can change the carrier name to whatever you like with apps like "CCname" and etc. but I've also seen that people have changed it into actual pictures or .png. Any help?
Thanks
I'd like to know more about this too!
The icons are usually found in framework-res.apk/res/drawable*** and begin with "stat". The email notification depends on what app your using but is also found in res/drawable***. You can change them using metamorph.
Hope this helps.
So do you mean I should use a program like APK Manager, and open up the framework apk? What does metamorph have to do with it? Sorry, don't know anything about this.
Unzip the theme you're using, and navigate your way through the SystemUI folder.
If your theme doesn't come with custom icons, download a theme that does (I use Buuf as a base, because it effectively themes /everything/) and see what naming scheme you require for your custom icons.
Replace the icons in the theme you're using, in the correct folder, and rezip as an .mtz.
Not sure if it's the /best/ way to be doing things, but is working well enough for me. I'm finding it rather easy to create a whole custom theme by simply replacing elements from buuf, with my own, and removing those I want as default.
Edit: I too would like to know about carrier icons, however! haha.
Antennas said:
Unzip the theme you're using, and navigate your way through the SystemUI folder.
If your theme doesn't come with custom icons, download a theme that does (I use Buuf as a base, because it effectively themes /everything/) and see what naming scheme you require for your custom icons.
Replace the icons in the theme you're using, in the correct folder, and rezip as an .mtz.
Not sure if it's the /best/ way to be doing things, but is working well enough for me. I'm finding it rather easy to create a whole custom theme by simply replacing elements from buuf, with my own, and removing those I want as default.
Edit: I too would like to know about carrier icons, however! haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is how i was told to do it by another extremely helpful gentleman, the carrier icon i would like to know as well
Does anyone know what a sms notification is called? Can't find it in any of the themes for miui. The closest I find is "chat" and i'm assuming thats for google chat
Easiest thing to do is get your rom zip and unpack all the frameworks and apks in apps using 7zip.
Then do a search for "stat" you'll be presented with the icons that appear in your status bar, then you can highlight them to see what apk they came from and edit as you please.
You don't need to use apk tool/manager as your only doing simple edits.
Metamorph will only replace the images you want so you dont need to flash/push a full apk.
Theres threads how to use metamorph, I think one might be a sticky at the top of this section. Its childs play to use it.
jeffng09 said:
Does anyone know what a sms notification is called? Can't find it in any of the themes for miui. The closest I find is "chat" and i'm assuming thats for google chat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends what app your using for SMS.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
the way i have done it today was to take the theme file and open it with 7zip(i just opened the archive, i didnt extract it) and go to folder systemui>res>drawable hdpi>stat_notify_sms.png or whatever file you want to change, then i would delete the file that i wanted to change and add the renamed file that i wanted to the archive. it has to match the stat_notify_sms.png name, or whatever the image is that your changing, or it will not work. then i just put it into dropbox and dl'd it to my phone and installed it
the only downside for me was that i couldnt change that image to the little ribbon that i wanted to. other than that i was able to change the signal bars, the wifi bars, and the 3g bars, but the sms wouldnt change for me, neither would the gmail.
I'm using the stock sms from miui.
bodybombs said:
the way i have done it today was to take the theme file and open it with 7zip(i just opened the archive, i didnt extract it) and go to folder systemui>res>drawable hdpi>stat_notify_sms.png or whatever file you want to change, then i would delete the file that i wanted to change and add the renamed file that i wanted to the archive. it has to match the stat_notify_sms.png name, or whatever the image is that your changing, or it will not work. then i just put it into dropbox and dl'd it to my phone and installed it
the only downside for me was that i couldnt change that image to the little ribbon that i wanted to. other than that i was able to change the signal bars, the wifi bars, and the 3g bars, but the sms wouldnt change for me, neither would the gmail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Gmail notification you will have to put
stat_notify_email.png here
com.google.android.gm->res->drawable-hdpi
if these folders do not exists create them.
For changing SMS notification icon changing stat_notify_sms.png under
com.android.mms->res->drawable-hdpi
will change SMS notification icon
Hope this helps.
Ok, Just to be clear.
First, I find a pre-made theme, and change the .mtz to .zip so I can open it.
Then I find the icon i want to replace and change it with the exact name.
Then I compress it back to a .zip.
Then I rename the .zip into a .mtz.
Should that work?
jeffng09 said:
Ok, Just to be clear.
First, I find a pre-made theme, and change the .mtz to .zip so I can open it.
Then I find the icon i want to replace and change it with the exact name.
Then I compress it back to a .zip.
Then I rename the .zip into a .mtz.
Should that work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no,
find theme
right click>7zip>open archive
find the icon you want to replace and change it with the exact name
i have to delete the icon im replacing from the archive before i put the new icon in its place first
smokin901 said:
For Gmail notification you will have to put
stat_notify_email.png here
com.google.android.gm->res->drawable-hdpi
if these folders do not exists create them.
For changing SMS notification icon changing stat_notify_sms.png under
com.android.mms->res->drawable-hdpi
will change SMS notification icon
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the gmail still didnt work for me
jeffng09 said:
I'm using the stock sms from miui.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on stock odds are its in the framework, never ran miui so I'm not too sure.
Where can I find the battery icons at? I like in the systemui and framework-res folders and I can't find anything
bodybombs said:
the gmail still didnt work for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried "stat_notify_gmail.png" in the framework?
dully79 said:
Have you tried "stat_notify_gmail.png" in the framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i themed everything i could find relating to gmail lol
SubyWill said:
Where can I find the battery icons at? I like in the systemui and framework-res folders and I can't find anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
systemui>res>raw should be it