Database Develop

[Q] xml edditor

what is a good xml editor

Eclipse
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

aaronpoweruser said:
Eclipse
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im on the site witch one

Eclipse, Notepad++ or gedit

Use apk manager to decompile the apk then notepad++ to edit the XML then recompile the apk.

For editing just use notepad++ if you want an ide to manage a project and also do xml edit go the eclipse route... preferably Myeclipse.

Papa Smurf151 said:
Use apk manager to decompile the apk then notepad++ to edit the XML then recompile the apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this be a way to use an evo's 4g icons in place of my 3g ones? I thought it would be fun to try...
I assume I can't simply unzip framework-res.apk, paste them in and zip it back up and actually expect it to work...
Sent from my HTC Hero with Froyo...

Vandelay007 said:
Would this be a way to use an evo's 4g icons in place of my 3g ones? I thought it would be fun to try...
I assume I can't simply unzip framework-res.apk, paste them in and zip it back up and actually expect it to work...
Sent from my HTC Hero with Froyo...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally don't use apk manager for PNG edits. Never had good luck getting the apk to recompile correctly. I mainly use it to edit XML files, do Smali edits, do resources.arsc(which when decompiled is converted to values folder in the Res folder), and android manifest edits.
Eclipse is to much to confusing for a lot of people to use. I personally can't stand it. Well except to recompile .9 files.
But who am I to tell someone what to use. I've only edited a bunch of XML files and resources.arsc file and Smali edits....etc and put stuff out on the market. So I really have no idea what should be used. Lol
Simply replacing the PNG files should give u the result ur looking for. No need to decompile the apk to do that. Just make sure u change the PNG file name to the file u want to use as a replacement

Papa Smurf151 said:
I personally don't use apk manager for PNG edits. Never had good luck getting the apk to recompile correctly. I mainly use it to edit XML files, do Smali edits, do resources.arsc(which when decompiled is converted to values folder in the Res folder), and android manifest edits.
Eclipse is to much to confusing for a lot of people to use. I personally can't stand it. Well except to recompile .9 files.
But who am I to tell someone what to use. I've only edited a bunch of XML files and resources.arsc file and Smali edits....etc and put stuff out on the market. So I really have no idea what should be used. Lol
Simply replacing the PNG files should give u the result ur looking for. No need to decompile the apk to do that. Just make sure u change the PNG file name to the file u want to use as a replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you totally on Eclipse... I use it on a daily bases and sometimes its easier to just use notepad++ for smaller things.. even tho I love Eclipse.
Smali is annoying to look at and I can't stand the decompiled code... I'd love to contribute to Cyanogens or Darch Repo but I don't have the setup to do it at the moment, I have a nice box but the family would be pissed if I tried to convert them to Linux and I deplore dual boot.
So I'm happy for now with f-ing around in GIMP and doing some stuff I dont get to do in my professional life.

ASimmons said:
I agree with you totally on Eclipse... I use it on a daily bases and sometimes its easier to just use notepad++ for smaller things.. even tho I love Eclipse.
Smali is annoying to look at and I can't stand the decompiled code... I'd love to contribute to Cyanogens or Darch Repo but I don't have the setup to do it at the moment, I have a nice box but the family would be pissed if I tried to convert them to Linux and I deplore dual boot.
So I'm happy for now with f-ing around in GIMP and doing some stuff I dont get to do in my professional life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Eclipse is a pita. That's why I love apk manager. I can almost do everything with that as I can with eclipse without all the excess steps eclipse runs u through.
I have dual boot on my laptop and it works great. I mainly stay on windows but use Linux every once in a blue moon.
I also use Photoshop rather than gimp. Gimp has always seemed very not user friendly.
I hate Smali code but I'm learning how to edit it and create my own as it is the root of the apks and there r just somethings that have to be played around with in there.
The one thing I have learned is that everything is so much easier when decompiled.
I tried to edit bianary XML. I'd almost rather take a bullet in the head. LOL

Papa Smurf151 said:
Agreed. Eclipse is a pita. That's why I love apk manager. I can almost do everything with that as I can with eclipse without all the excess steps eclipse runs u through.
I have dual boot on my laptop and it works great. I mainly stay on windows but use Linux every once in a blue moon.
I also use Photoshop rather than gimp. Gimp has always seemed very not user friendly.
I hate Smali code but I'm learning how to edit it and create my own as it is the root of the apks and there r just somethings that have to be played around with in there.
The one thing I have learned is that everything is so much easier when decompiled.
I tried to edit bianary XML. I'd almost rather take a bullet in the head. LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No blasphemy against Eclipse And I love Gimp its a little flaky on Windows but its free. What APK manager are you using?

ASimmons said:
No blasphemy against Eclipse And I love Gimp its a little flaky on Windows but its free. What APK manager are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a program call apk manager. U can find it on xda for free. Or u can download my everything android zip in the dev section. I put it in there. It let's u decompile Apks. Recompile apks. Sign apks optimize apks and zip align apks. All in one program. Its great.

I use apk manager 4. Something that has a script in it. Thought maybe you were using something else. Thanks for the info.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

ASimmons said:
I use apk manager 4. Something that has a script in it. Thought maybe you were using something else. Thanks for the info.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah same program I'm using. 4.8 is the newest version. I swear by it

[Q] How to mod framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk

Hi guys,
Wondering if someone can give me some clear directions how to add battery icons (knowing that the resource IDs of the images are not stored in public.xml - it doesn't exist in samsung's framework-res.apk) and how can I change text colors (basically replace black with white and vice versa) and where should I change these values.
Thanks a lot!

Common themers, I know you know, you just don't wanna share
Joking I would really like to start themeing as well and these are the only 2 issues that I have at the moment.

icezar1 said:
Common themers, I know you know, you just don't wanna share
Joking I would really like to start themeing as well and these are the only 2 issues that I have at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=724778
Get apk manger.I'm trying to do this too.

Hm, I did, I de-compiled the apk but did not want to compile back. Probably the images are not Draw 9-patch-ed. However, I still need to find out how to change the text color...

icezar1 said:
Hm, I did, I de-compiled the apk but did not want to compile back. Probably the images are not Draw 9-patch-ed. However, I still need to find out how to change the text color...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
find you find out before keep me updated, and i'll do the same.

icezar1 said:
Hi guys,
Wondering if someone can give me some clear directions how to add battery icons (knowing that the resource IDs of the images are not stored in public.xml - it doesn't exist in samsung's framework-res.apk) and how can I change text colors (basically replace black with white and vice versa) and where should I change these values.
Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change the battery icons in the framework-res.apk [look in the res/drawable hdpi/stat_sys_battery_x.png
and to change the text color: I was trying to figure that one out last week....From what I figured out you need to modify:
res/layout/status_bar_latest_event_content.xml
Which is found in your framework-res.apk aswell....Decomplie-edit-recomplie....
Good luck

what program are you using to edit your xml's?

chaosjh said:
what program are you using to edit your xml's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
apk_manager_4.9 to decomplie-recomplie. Then use notepad to edit

i change icons and stuff in framework by just using 7zip. No need to decompile or sign, or any of that. Super easy. Not sure about changing text color, tho.

If your just wanting to do simple changes (no .xml edits)
You can use WinRar to open the framework-res.apk and find the *.png's you want to replace.
Then copy/paste the new images over the old ones inside of WinRar.
Close.. and install.
But thats for quick and dirty changes. For more intricate stuff - animations etc. that require *.xml edits - do what the above folks say

No way..
OK, just decompiled-added icons from other decompiled framework-recompiled, no xml edits-installed. Look is changed, battery icons now displaying fine but... force closes and restarts the shell in less than 20 secs...

yup try the winrar method - there is no decompiling.. just copies the images into the *.apk
And shouldn't have any FC's if you try that method.

avgjoegeek said:
If your just wanting to do simple changes (no .xml edits)
You can use WinRar to open the framework-res.apk and find the *.png's you want to replace.
Then copy/paste the new images over the old ones inside of WinRar.
Close.. and install.
But thats for quick and dirty changes. For more intricate stuff - animations etc. that require *.xml edits - do what the above folks say
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i changed icon with winRar, and all kinds of crazy stuff happed. Loop boots,and Fc

Have you guys figured out the text color yet? If you haven't let me know what text you're trying to change and I'll write something up in a few hours when I get off work.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

fritzgerald said:
Have you guys figured out the text color yet? If you haven't let me know what text you're trying to change and I'll write something up in a few hours when I get off work.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tried for to days now to get these android faces icon for the battery.I've use winRar and it worked good for a few hours, but when i used cwm to backup my system on reboot it boot loop. I got apk manger and everytime I try to compile the apk there is a error.Oh changing the text color would be cool too!

dfuse06 said:
i have tried for to days now to get these android faces icon for the battery.I've use winRar and it worked good for a few hours, but when i used cwm to backup my system on reboot it boot loop. I got apk manger and everytime I try to compile the apk there is a error.Oh changing the text color would be cool too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot me a link to the icons you're trying to use. What ROM are you using(name & version). What text are you looking to change? There's not one global change to make all the text different I'll need to know what specifically you're trying to change.

I use the uot kitchen you get the icon on perception 7,but im on 8 now. I'm running perception 7 darknees 2.3 theme, and that is what i'm trying to get the icons on its the battery icon of the android smiley faces it is version j with white numbers. i'm going to look for a link for them.i have the framwork-res.apk with them in it.

When you recompile with APK Manager, a couple of things are very important to do:
1. Hit yes to "system app".
2. Hit yes to restoring the files:
-Open the "keep" folder and delete resources.arsc. Then delete anything you changed (if it's there).
3. Do NOT sign it.
It should work.

PuffinNugz said:
i change icons and stuff in framework by just using 7zip. No need to decompile or sign, or any of that. Super easy. Not sure about changing text color, tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you just individually edit each icon? Cause I can't find a way to copy in a folder. I'm pulling the icons from the 2.3 framework, but i just want to copy over the drawable folders for now.

TheEscapist said:
Do you just individually edit each icon? Cause I can't find a way to copy in a folder. I'm pulling the icons from the 2.3 framework, but i just want to copy over the drawable folders for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just dragged the images from a particular themes framework and dropped them to the new one all within 7zip.

[ACS][HOW-TO]Remove Sprint branding

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

[Q] System font color

Does anyone know how to change system font color? It would be awsome if someone could figure it out or knew how to already. Im on Fasty 2.5 if that means anything lol.

you need apk manager to decompile framework-res.apk to get to the
the xmls and you will need notepad++ to edit them.
they are located here: framework-res.apk/res/color/
zzz_tw_primary_text_dark
zzz_tw_primary_text_light
zzz_tw_secondary_text_sub

Thanks i was able to decompile the framework apk. Lest say i wanted to change the color of the font to red. How might i go about doin that. PS ive looked at the do it your self theming stickys and posts but its a little complicated. Thank you so much for taking the time to help.

studacris said:
you need apk manager to decompile framework-res.apk to get to the
the xmls and you will need notepad++ to edit them.
they are located here: framework-res.apk/res/color/
zzz_tw_primary_text_dark
zzz_tw_primary_text_light
zzz_tw_secondary_text_sub
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to decompile the xmls but with notepad++ I am still getting nothing. I am using Windows 7.

[Q] OnOffTools background ?

I've decompiled OnOffTools.apk but I don't find the png image of the widgets background in drawable-xhdpi...
Any idea where I can fing this png ?
Thanks in advance.

how does your /res/...folders look?
there should be the pngs...hdpi,mdpi,xhdpi folder and more
i tried it out,i see them
i see there pngs like minimised_plate.png, plate.png, plate_pressed.png and all the icon.png's
see my png file,thats in drawable-xhdpi folder
is it, what you ask for?
edit:
i saw you asked the same in the honami home thread? so i guess you mean the onofftools.apk from that honami.zip?
i decompiled, and there isnt plate.png's...you are right.
is it transparent?

immerblind said:
how does your /res/...folders look?
there should be the pngs...hdpi,mdpi,xhdpi folder and more
i tried it out,i see them
i see there pngs like minimised_plate.png, plate.png, plate_pressed.png and all the icon.png's
see my png file,thats in drawable-xhdpi folder
is it, what you ask for?
edit:
i saw you asked the same in the honami home thread? so i guess you mean the onofftools.apk from that honami.zip?
i decompiled, and there isnt plate.png's...you are right.
is it transparent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I use the honami onofftools.apk. The widget backgroung is white. There's plate.9.png in /res/drawable/nodpi. I hope it's the good one.
Thanks.

OnOffTools.apk\res\drawable-nodpi\plate.9.png

dully79 said:
OnOffTools.apk\res\drawable-nodpi\plate.9.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I've modified plate.9.png (just applied negative filter on the white part), refashed OnOffTools.apk, but Xperia home FC when I try to add the widgets.
However, since it is a 9 patch png, I've left the image border unchanged...

When you saved the image did you save it as a .9.png and not a standard .png?
It works fine in my UFT zip

dully79 said:
When you saved the image did you save it as a .9.png and not a standard .png?
It works fine in my UFT zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I use Gimp 2.8 or PaintShop Pro and they don't propose saving as .9.png...

nreuge said:
No. I use Gimp 2.8 or PaintShop Pro and they don't propose saving as .9.png...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of the time photoshop doesn't.
I usually copy out the images im editing to another folder, make my edits and then when saving double click the image in the new folder to pick up the full name including .9
I use a USB stick as my workbench so i can drag and drop without moving and overwriting things unless i want to.

dully79 said:
A lot of the time photoshop doesn't.
I usually copy out the images im editing to another folder, make my edits and then when saving double click the image in the new folder to pick up the full name including .9
I use a USB stick as my workbench so i can drag and drop without moving and overwriting things unless i want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've renamed my new image with .9.png extention and I'm really think that my new .9.png is good. Then, I've use Winrar to replace the png in OnOffTools.apk. Actually, Xperia home FC because my new OnOffTools.apk does not want to install...
I'll try to recompile OnOffTools.apk instead of using Winrar.

oh you not use apktool for decompile and recompile?
i recommend using it. its quiet easy after you setup everything
i normally open the 9.png with photoshop,then i edit and keep the black borders like it was, i not touch frame.just change color or whatever.then i just save it. (same file) its the best to edit the stock files. i think better than replace with others. just my experience
(for example open stock.9.png in drawable folder, then edit it, and override/save the file same place...)
oii,im not sure, was that understandable english?
also at beginning i got errors, only while i painted wrong accidentally some pixels in 9.png files. you sure you not touch the borders?
edit: i read u tried recompiling? have some errors while recompiling?
more edit: i remember something, after recompiling you put META-INF and AndroidManifest.xml from the stock OnOffTools.apk inside your new compiled apk?

nreuge said:
Yes, I've renamed my new image with .9.png extention and I'm really think that my new .9.png is good. Then, I've use Winrar to replace the png in OnOffTools.apk. Actually, Xperia home FC because my new OnOffTools.apk does not want to install...
I'll try to recompile OnOffTools.apk instead of using Winrar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont bother messing with apks, use UFT.zip, you can find a link and details in my thread in the theme section(basic theming guide).

immerblind said:
oh you not use apktool for decompile and recompile?
i recommend using it. its quiet easy after you setup everything
i normally open the 9.png with photoshop,then i edit and keep the black borders like it was, i not touch frame.just change color or whatever.then i just save it. (same file) its the best to edit the stock files. i think better than replace with others. just my experience
(for example open stock.9.png in drawable folder, then edit it, and override/save the file same place...)
oii,im not sure, was that understandable english?
also at beginning i got errors, only while i painted wrong accidentally some pixels in 9.png files. you sure you not touch the borders?
edit: i read u tried recompiling? have some errors while recompiling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sucess!!
Firstly, I didn't succeed in recompliling because my 9.png was wrong. Now, the recompiling is working so the 9.png is ok.
The Winrar method don't seem to work all the time because I've use it with the good 9.png and then after fashing Xperia home FC.
Thanks for your help.

I would also suggest using apkmanager or multitool as they provide an log to check for errors.