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?
Hello - trying to search, but only getting search down error. I have the captivate with root and am trying to locate where the icons are kept. I would like to keep the 4 programs on the bottom dock, but want to change the icon. I wanted to go into Photoshop, but I can't find where the icons are kept. Any help or advice would be great. I prefer not to use another launcher to change icons as I like the screen the way it is.
vtmorp said:
Hello - trying to search, but only getting search down error. I have the captivate with root and am trying to locate where the icons are kept. I would like to keep the 4 programs on the bottom dock, but want to change the icon. I wanted to go into Photoshop, but I can't find where the icons are kept. Any help or advice would be great. I prefer not to use another launcher to change icons as I like the screen the way it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's an app called apk editor. Its on the i9000 themes and apps forum I believe.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Thanks! Going to check it out now.
OK, I'll admit it - I have no idea what I am doing. I do not know how to use the edit apk or apk manager. Is there any way to mount my phone, open photoshop, find an icon and edit it? I really am most wanting to edit the app icon on the dock. Does any one know where to find this icon? Also, where are the other icons - are they in each individual program? Thanks. Peace. Michele
vtmorp said:
OK, I'll admit it - I have no idea what I am doing. I do not know how to use the edit apk or apk manager. Is there any way to mount my phone, open photoshop, find an icon and edit it? I really am most wanting to edit the app icon on the dock. Does any one know where to find this icon? Also, where are the other icons - are they in each individual program? Thanks. Peace. Michele
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. extract the app with root explorer to the sd card,
2. put it on your computer and change it to a .zip file
3. extract the res folder and go into the drawable-hdpi
4. replace the current icon with the icon that you want (should be named something similar to "homescreen_icon_musicplayer.png" which is the stock music player icon) it shouldnt be to hard to figure out which one it is. just make sure the names are the same when you replace it.
5. replace the original res folder inside the zip file with the modified version
6. cange the zip back into a .apk and put it back onto the sd card
7. Finally using root explorer replace the old apk with the new one from the sd card.
vtmorp said:
OK, I'll admit it - I have no idea what I am doing. I do not know how to use the edit apk or apk manager. Is there any way to mount my phone, open photoshop, find an icon and edit it? I really am most wanting to edit the app icon on the dock. Does any one know where to find this icon? Also, where are the other icons - are they in each individual program? Thanks. Peace. Michele
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes each app icon is built into the app. If all you really want to do is change the bar icon on your main screen then I would grab Launcher pro or another launcher that allows for custom Icons and use that or you will be editing each app one by one
I've been playing around alot with my nook simple touch and one of my biggest issue is that there isn't a complete theme that i like... I've never been very good at making them apk.
You'll need to use astro or titanium backup to back the apps up so you can download them to your computer.
Then the simple solution to the problem if found... Use APK Edit to change the icon in the apk file. Now i realize that this is not permanent solution because when you update to a newer version of the app it will erase the new icon.
One positive this does have over using a theme is when you customize the quick menu that pops up when you press the N button your new icon will show up.
The app will also let you change the displayed name of the app. so if you have a long app name you can shorten it.
You can also open the APK file with a program like Winzip or 7z replace the any of the images and then re-sign the apk with App Manager.
I've used this app to replace all the image files with ones I've make b/w with photoshop so they are nice an crisp on the e-ink display.
once you replace all the files you want to change you place your Apk in the folder called place-apk-here-for-signing
run script.bat and enter option 16
give it a few seconds and its resigned..
Once you've made your changes just sideload your new apps and install.
Hope this helps others make there Nook Simple Touch more theirs.
Think you post is a bit misnamed.
You can change the name and icon of the app in nearly any launcher. Even hide the name. You can achieve your goal much quicker than tearing up the apk...
ace7196 said:
Think you post is a bit misnamed.
You can change the name and icon of the app in nearly any launcher. Even hide the name. You can achieve your goal much quicker than tearing up the apk...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only the name and icon but you can also change any of the images that the app uses once your in it. You can change the background image to a white one or make the buttons a more contrasting black and white.
Plus if you add any app to the quickmenu it uses the default name and app icon regardless of what you have changed it to.Changing it in the laucnher only changes the in name of the app and the icon in the launcher and the quickmenu is complete separate and the launcher has influence on it.
So I changed the statusbar background to a transparent png and the status bar does become transparent upon reboot. however it becomes dark again after I open an app or turn the screen on and off.
I also changed the png to show an extra bar of signal, but it still shows one bar for some reason. Can some one please help me here.
I am on Arhd 11.0, and my systemui.apk file is https://www.dropbox.com/s/0n8o1pkvt8f3q0u/SystemUI.apk
Can some one please help me here
Thnx
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium HD app
In which folder did you changed the png?
And did you do it with VTS or apktool?
Drawable xhdpi and drawable xxhdpi.
I used 7 zip
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
EnIXmA said:
Drawable xhdpi and drawable xxhdpi.
I used 7 zip
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umh, you know that you have to sign the apk after some change?
EnIXmA said:
So I changed the statusbar background to a transparent png and the status bar does become transparent upon reboot. however it becomes dark again after I open an app or turn the screen on and off.
I also changed the png to show an extra bar of signal, but it still shows one bar for some reason. Can some one please help me here.
I am on Arhd 11.0, and my systemui.apk file is https://www.dropbox.com/s/0n8o1pkvt8f3q0u/SystemUI.apk
Can some one please help me here
Thnx
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really appreciate you for trying to figure it out on your own how to do this stuff, instead of just asking someone else to do it Well First off, you can't edit the signal bars to show more signal. it's gonna show what the network provides. Next the statusbar background. you edited the right image, but you didn't add it's 9 patch back after you edited it to transparent. So I edited the image correctly for you. Just so you know inside the tools folder in your android sdk you will see draw 9 tool use that to add the 9patch back into your image before you compile it back. Also I should note that the statusbar will appear solid in most HTC apps like blinkfeed,appdrawer, etc. htc draws the statusbar from the background images in lots of it's apks. Anyways attached is your apk. It should be what your looking for.
rayford85 said:
I really appreciate you for trying to figure it out on your own how to do this stuff, instead of just asking someone else to do it Well First off, you can't edit the signal bars to show more signal. it's gonna show what the network provides. Next the statusbar background. you edited the right image, but you didn't add it's 9 patch back after you edited it to transparent. So I edited the image correctly for you. Just so you know inside the tools folder in your android sdk you will see draw 9 tool use that to add the 9patch back into your image before you compile it back. Also I should note that the statusbar will appear solid in most HTC apps like blinkfeed,appdrawer, etc. htc draws the statusbar from the background images in lots of it's apks. Anyways attached is your apk. It should be what your looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My status bar disappeared after I reboot.
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium HD app
so i am trying to make my htc one feel like my own android with my touches to its design and i was wondering where on the htc one are the images for the icons located because i want to change my dock design with a theme .zip from themes and apps but i just want some of the theme not all of it. would you say it is best to extract the files delete what i dont want then compress the files back into a zip and i should be good?