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Hello All:
I am interested in learning how to make flash-able themes for my Nexus One (preferably for CM ROMs). I am very proficient with Photoshop and designing UI's and am looking to fill in some blanks here.
I am new to the world of android programming (java in general, for that matter) and am looking for help and resources to get me going. I am familiar with the android SDK and am just getting my hands dirty using Eclipse. I am a quick learner and I work very well with others. I also share a passion for design and implementation with all sorts of multimedia.
If anyone would be interested in helping me learn the ropes - I am more than willing to utilize my knowledge to contribute to this great community. I have many ideas and feel that if I could properly grasp the development concepts for android I could even become an asset here like many others who have helped out so much.
Sorry for the long post - any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
-TC
So, as expected I've scrounged up as much information as I could find and have what I think is a working theme for CM6 RC3.
Perhaps someone could offer some insight as my questions are now more specific.
I've downloaded a fresh version of CM65 RC3 and edited the files accordingly. From what I gathered I don't need an entire ROMs worth of files just to make a flash-able theme. My first question is now how to I re-sign, say, just the framework-res.apk?
Once again any help would be greatly appreciated.
typica1cat said:
... My first question is now how to I re-sign, say, just the framework-res.apk?
Once again any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take this tool (auto-sign.zip)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5887818&postcount=2
http://tinyurl.com/34rcfav
If the official Android guide, which is the 1st result, will seem too messy - look into the next couple of them.
Thanks VERY much to both of you for the quick responses. I've got the tool - I guess to be more specific, does my .apk HAVE to included any certain files? Or if it just has the files I edited will they be flashed into the ROM without and problems?
Also, I am somewhat familiar with Eclipse - could someone point me in the right direction as to how i can test my theme in the emulator?
are you talking about flashing themes, like a black status bar? or are you talking about actual flashable zip files that you install from recovey mode, like you do when flashing a brand new full ROM?
themes are easy, just use metamorph, zip file with xml file inside along with all your images (png files) you want to change (that was the short version).
to make flashable ROM files, that i dont know.
Well, in the past I've always been partial to themes that have been applied via recovery. I am familiar with MetaMorph but always felt I had better luck using themes with flash-able files.
Hence, why I am attempting to learn this particular method.
My intent is to ultimately customize:
Notificaion Bar + Icons
Custom App Icons
And eventually Apps themselves:
Phone
Contacts
etc...
I came across these two great threads for the X10 and the Epic 4G and thought that it might be good for the fascinate themers/prospective themers to have a kind of community repository for theme help/links edits/how tos...while these 2 (and many others) are great resources for themes...i felt that actual edits/knowledge specifically for our phone would be a help.
i guess just based on the amount of themes i port i tend to get a ton of pms across xda/androidforums/irc on how to get started, what programs to use, how to make what edits, etc
i really dont know a whole lot relative to "real" themers from other phones and most of what i know i either picked up from reading endless links or begging for help.
whether this catches on and proves useful, or it goes down in flames like others things ive tried...i figured its worth a shot
rather than post endless links that dont always pertain directly to our phone, perhaps a good format would be me maintaining the op with small write ups of whatever edits/how tos and linking the the original. ill gradually start putting up the edits i know of that work with touchwiz and aosp (over the next few days)...but would GREATLY appreciate it if some smarter people would help out and post edits im mssing....also feel free to ask questions of how to edit what, where something is, and if i dont know/can't find out, then hopefully someone else can
Post away.........
***If anyone is interested in writing up brief tutorials on whatever or contribute links/edits, it would help out a lot***
Fascinate Contributors (directly or indirectly through posts or help along the way in some form):
dtachtd
thatdudebutch
sbrissen
andmer
retrokid223
adiliyo
oldmanjames
tiger4life
adrynalyne
s44
Credit to these threads/posts/links for much of the info
Want To Learn To Theme?
How to Theme Your Droid
Theme Help Tutorial
Installing the Android SDK (especially for adb) is mentioned below..however (imo): DO NOT BOTHER THINKING ABOUT GETTING INTO THEMING WITHOUT FIRST INSTALLING AND HAVING SOME BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ADB. Far too many people that have issues doing theme related stuff (mostly irc) do not even have adb installed or know what it is. To me this is appalling! /end rant
Getting Started (much of this info grabbed from DtatchD http://androidforums.com/android-themes/174669-how-theme-apks.html)
What do I need (tools) to theme with?
-Umm obviously you need to be rooted
-Have the Android SDK installed
*If you've never done this before, follow Adrynalyne's awesome ADB Tutorial/Workshop
-Some form of editing software
*if you have photoshop, great...if you want a free (and imo awesome) program, then gimp is the way to go!
*another free alternative (some prefer to gimp) is paint.net
-Something akin to winzip
*or my preference (again free) 7-Zip
-Tools for editing/decompiling xml (also for cheating on .9's..but more on that later)
*look no further than either apktool, or apkmanager (automated version of apkt)
*i personally use notepad ++ to edit the decompiled xml files
-a program to *deal* with .9 images
*if you follow any how-to guide, its going to tell you that you have to patch the images in the Draw-9 Patch tool in the SDK, and then compile the images in eclipse. I'm going to tell you its a lot easier than that. Make sure you have apk(tool, manager) and then get the super awesome Draw9 Patch tool from xeudoxus here (might as well grab the full xultimate as well to deodex with)
-something to edit the service.jar with
*2 ways to go about this. one is installing smali/backsmali in your sdk (if you plan on removing things like the clock from the status bar, you need this as well) or another ridiculously awesome program Ohsaka's colorchanger program
-other REALLY important tools/programs
*Theme Kitchen (ever wonder where most of us get all those battery images/data + signal icons?)
*RGB Color Picker (one of many resources to get color codes, or you can do it in gimp from color picker too)
Drop by IRC Freenode: #fascinate-themers for help/discussion
*3.31.11*
Ok, I have the tools...now what???
I. Working with regular images in your framework-res (and in a TW Rom, tw-framework-res)
A. Where do I get a stock framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk?
-a few options here...in an "ideal" scenario a dev or someone else has put out a stock but deodexed rom that you can just unzip and remove the frameworks/system apps/jars from...ie i generally grab mine out of something like jt1134's super clean roms or the equivalent. if a new os/update is out and that hasnt happened yet then move onto:
B. How do I deodex my framework so I can theme it?
have you downloaded xultimate
-I'm not going to further update this, as xultimate is kinda self explanatory and virtually all of our releases are predeodexed. 3.18.11
C. Where are most of the images in a theme located??? (touchwiz-based roms)
-For some stupid reason, Samsung thought it would be a good idea to split the framework-res.apk into 2 files: framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk (in all fairness htc kinda does this with htc.resources.apk and now gingerbread does this with systemui.apk). Therefore there are *2* places that the framework images are generally located.
II. Working with the magical/infamous .9's
A. What is a .9 image exactly?
-Well heres google's explanation
-My less technical breakdown: basically .9 images are ones that are used either more than once in an .apk. If android had to define every single thing with a unique image, there would be a whole lot more going on in the framework and quite repetitive (it already is cluttered enough). By making an image that can be used in several places and stretched/resized in more than one way, it solves that issue.
1.
{
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
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2.
1=Image with defined "patches" telling where to stretch/resize
2=stock/compiled .9 image
In example 1 we see a png image that is "patched" (but not compiled) the black lines on the very outside of the frame are telling android where it is allowed to stretch the image to make it fit where its needed. General rule of the thumb is a line all along the bottom of the frame where the image is and all along the right side, with a single dot in the top middle and the middle left of the frame. This differs depending on the shape. If you are patching in draw 9, on the right side of the screen it will show you the possible shapes the image can be stretched based upon your patches.
***Most of the force close problems people report when first getting into theming are a direct result of not understanding .9s. They simply try and edit the compiled 9 and then replace it in the framework, not understanding that when you edit the image in gimp/ps/whatever it strips the patches from the image and make it a standard png image, which does not tell the os the information it needs.
B. Now that I know what .9s are (hopefully) how do i work with them?
-Well there are a few ways of going about this. For simplicity sake, I'm going to outline the method that I personally use. At some point if someone who does things the other way(s) wants to do a write up, I'll include that as an addendum.
1. Editing pre-existing pngs.
a. You've opened up your framework/apk and taken a look at the images in there...you see a bunch that you want to change the color of or edit in some manner but you release that many of them have the .9 honor. best way to deal with these suckers is to decompile the framework with the images.
-put the apk in apkmanager...decompile it (see my write up on using apkmanager..coming soon)...and go into projects...navigate to the folder with the images and you ll notice that they now have their 9 patches showing....
feel free to now edit these images accordingly while preserving the patches. however...depending on your image software changing transparency levels will change the black patches as well.
*example* here is an .9 image that was decompiled (notice the black patches already there). in this instance ive used the rectangle tool in gimp to select the area inside of the 9 patches to colorize/color change to fit my theme. this is one way to edit .9s without using draw9 patch.
C. Now that I've edited my .9 pngs (either cheating them or patching them) How Do I compile them?
1. The previously accepted method required using eclipse....but thanks to xeudoxus we have the awesome xUltimate Draw9Patch Compiler !
a. Download the program....and unpack it somewhere that you'll remember where it is (if you have adb/java in your PATH it doesn't have to be in the SDK-tools folder).
b. You will see examples (1, 2, and music) on how how to work with the program. Basically (after getting rid of the examples, but not the folders there in) put the .9s in one of the folders..(I use example1 generally, but it doesn't matter)..then run the program
3.12.11
Wait...So not everything I have to change in a theme is an image???
III. Editing the Framework(s) XML for text and progress bar *color* changes
*note, some edits can be made in multiple ways, ie both through service.jar and framework edits*
A. Why would I want to screw around with xml files at all? Looks complicated!
-I'll admit I put off working with the xml a lot longer than I should have when I got into this stuff. I think i released 2/3 themes without any edits whatsoever...and frankly theres no comparison between a theme that has been properly edited, and a theme that is just using the stock settings. This is especially true in touchwiz, as samsung went with that absolutely hideous aqua color as its secondary text.
B. How To Decompile Frameworks to Make Edits (APKM/APKTOOL). *3.12.11*
1. First things first: if you havent downloaded both APKMANAGER and APKTOOL...do so now, ya really need both....also, apktool 1.3.2 will not work right for everything (you will need it for working with gmail though if you theme that). Here is apktoo1 1.3.1 (replace apktool.jar in "other" folder in apkm).
-For apkmanager you can really unzip/set it up anywhere (I keep it on the desktop, and I have a 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 version set up)
-For apktool unzip "windows installer" and place apktool.jar in your /tools folder in the sdk
-by default an aosp framework-res.apk is installed in your directory...this is fine for *most* edits...however to work with certain apks that call on the system (contacts, dialer, etc)..this is a problem...so once everything is installed...we will want to then install our twframework-res.apk and framework-res.apk from a stock deodexed rom.
Code:
cd your tools folder
apktool if framework-res.apk
apktool if twframework-res.apk
***Tbc
IV. Ya know, I'd really like to have accurate battery and reboot options in my theme!
*tbc*
V. Working with the service.jar
A. Why would I want to mod the services.jar?
-Well theres a few reasons: remapping the status bar images and removing the status bar clock are big....and changing carrier/date/notifications title colors
B. How would i do it?
1. Well you can *cheat* and use our friend apkmanager *2.25.11*
a. rename the service.jar to service.apk
b. insert the renamed file into your "for modding" folder in apkmanager
c. open the script and select 9 to decompile
d. navigate to your "projects" folder and find the file to edit (again I use notepad ++)
e. when done, reopen the apkm script and compile with 11 (if any errors come up, you did something wrong)
-yes to system.apk, no to copy over
f. in your "for modding" folder you now have a file named "unsignedservice.apk"
g. rename this to service.jar and you are gtg
2. you can smali/backsmali it (my prefered method for dealing with classes.dex) *2.25.11*
***Thatdudebutch put together a zip with instructions for using smali (and the commands) as well as the most up to date backsmali/smali (download an unzip to see example..ill post another example below)
a. How to backsmali (decompile) the service.jar
*(i rename smali-1.2.6.jar and backsmali-1.2.6.jar to just smali.jar and backsmali.jar for simplicity in terminal use):
-use 7zip/winzip to extract the classes.dex file from the .jar...and extract it to the folder where smali/backsmali is (again i assume you would want to put it in your sdk-tools folder)
-cd your sdk-tools folder (or wherever smali/backsmali is located, but ideally thats where you put it) then:
Code:
java -Xmx512M -jar baksmali.jar -o classes/ classes.dex
-you now will have created a "classes" folder inside your sdk-tools (might as well leave your terminal open and set to your tools folder for the later steps)
-navigate inside this folder to whatever file you want to edit (i use notepad ++ to edit)
-once those edits and saved and done:
b. How to smali (compile)
Code:
java -Xmx512M -jar smali.jar -o classes.dex classes/
-you now have a new classes.dex file
-use 7zip to open up your service.jar and delete the old classes.dex in there and copy the new one in. close 7zip
-you now have a new service.jar....insert it into your theme and you *should* be good to go (assuming something didnt go wrong )
3. if you just want to change colors (not remove clock or anything..or for that matter change clock color on touchwiz {sammy fail on clock location}), then you can use the super awesome clockchanger program I mentioned above.
*info originally from this wonderful post on androidforums)
*2.22.11*
1. locate the services.jar you are planning to edit (pull with adb from your phone or rip out of a rom)
2. make a folder called framework and move services.jar into that folder
3. create a zip file of the framework folder and call it theme.zip
4. move your "theme.zip" file into your android sdk tools folder
5. open up a terminal (cmd/powershell/whatever)
6. navigate to your tools directory
6a.*example*
Code:
cd c:\android-sdk-windows\tools
7. what needs to be entered to edit the service.jar: (plus whatever you want to edit) (aarrggbb color code)
Code:
java -Xmx512M -jar colorChangev3.jar theme.zip
7a. example of changing date color, carrier color, notificatons, etc
Code:
java -Xmx512M -jar colorChangev3.jar theme.zip date=FF000000 ongoing=FF00000000 network=FF000000 latest=FF000000 none=FF000000 roam=FF000000 clear=FF000000
8. hit enter and let program run (see below)
9. you will now have a "theme-new.zip" file in your tools folder
10. use 7zip to extract the service.jar from it and and insert it into your theme
3.4.11
FAQs
Q: Is theming AOSP-based roms different than TW-based roms?
A: Significantly different in some aspects...The same in others. Obviously many images are going to have different names, and certain images/features are different. Biggest difference is one framework, versus two in TW. Many of the xml edits are different as well.
Q: Is there any etiquette to theming?
A. Umm, yeah there really is .
1. for porting themes: always credit the original creator of the theme in your op, preferably with a link to their post (or donate link if they have one). its cool if you check with the original themer ahead of time before porting, but generally speaking (unless specified by the themer) as long as you aren't claiming it as your own or they now own the device you have (and could possibly be bringing it over on their own) its cool. IMO, simply saying its a port isn't good enough, a link to the original or the website of the creator must be included.
-also credit everything else you don't do on your own (apps/mods) to the people responsible
-example of a themer who *doesn't want anyone working on/porting his themes*: http://www.droidforums.net/forum/928droid/69199-theme-928droid-black-glass-x-droid-x.html#post723150
2. for making your own themes: if you use anything at all from someone else, you have to credit it. and BE HONEST about it (big problem in the android world imo)
-example: if you are using 5 lockscreen mod/reboot options/accurate battery for an EB01 theme you plan to release, credit that to sbrissen. even if you used someone else's theme as a "base" (ie kanged their framework with those built in) you can't simply credit the themer you got it from, you must credit those behind the mods they use.
-example 2: if you are using dialers/apps/images from someone else's theme, credit them for specifically what you are using (best practice would be: google search widget and dialer from bendbowden for example)
Q: What about donations?!?!
A: Yeah this is a tricky one...but let me share *my personal* thoughts on it: let me start out by saying I dont accept donations for porting themes or even making quasi-original ones (gb themes). i dont feel right accepting money from people ...that being said i probably wouldnt accept donations even for a completely original work i did from scratch. anyway....i think that themers that make an original theme from scratch or do something almost completely original are entitled to have a donate button...and if someone wants to donate a few bucks, then have at it ....
i think soliciting donations for straight theme ports (even if they take a lot of time) or just modifying/merging/doing mashups of others themes isn't really kosher so to speak. again this is my *own* opinion and not gospel obviously, but i think that far too many people feel the need to release slightly modified themes with a rebranded name and then accept money for it. really, unless you are changing a significant portion of a theme (imo at least a few hundred pngs) then it really doesnt warrant its own thread and name. if (for example) you modified JAMT's status bar, then best practice would be just to post it in the original thread as a post like "heres my own modification to jamt with an alternate status bar and icons, that i thought some might like"...not "Phoenix Unleashed" or something.
again just *my* take
***tbc***
Useful Links
Finding Colors for a Theme
How to Black Menus
Quickpanel Text Colors (credit andmer) *new 2.17.11*
How to Theme the Android Market *4.12.11
I think this will open up a lot of ideas for people to try it! Nice post nit. I was gonna ask how you get started themeing.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Bob-o said:
I think this will open up a lot of ideas for people to try it! Nice post nit. I was gonna ask how you get started themeing.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. I have been trying to learn a bit through reading and whatnot. I have all the tools and am teaching myself how to use them. This guide will be EXTREMELY helpful compared to bouncing between all the pages I currently have bookmarked.
nitsuj17 said:
I. Working with regular images in your framework-res (and in a TW Rom, tw-framework-res)
A. Where do I get a stock framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Such an important point. You must work from a stock (or as close to stock as possible) deodexed framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk when making xml edits (although I realize this section is dealing with image editing). You can't use one already themed because when you recompile stupid **** will happen. I had to figure this out the hard way (and had to dig to do so).
BTW: awesome guide, nitsuj17! If the ***tbc*** 's are as detailed as what you have already done, this guide will be one of the best and most comprehensive/non-technical guides out there. Keep up the good work!
You sir, are the man! Been looking for exactly this!
sorry ive been neglecting this the last few days...its gonna be a wip/add as i go thing for awhile
I liked you for porting matted blue.. now I love you for making this lol. Was looking for a guide and stumbled on this.
THANK YOU for starting this guide!
I realize I could have searched endlessly to learn this stuff, but in reality I have more skills than time and learning yet another thing the hard way isn't in the cards.
I'm impatiently waiting for more on the TW framework specific section, as I have no idea what edits work for what in each.
Also, some real work examples would be excellent.
e.g.: The required xml file edits for changing all text to #5555FF.
An image reference would be awesome, as well.
e.g.: The most commonly themed images and what their framework.res names are.
I find myself trying to make a theme and giving up simply because 50% of the images look very similar, and I don't have the time to edit an image, flash it, boot the phone, figure out what changed, then move to the next random-looking image.
Also, is there a faster method to test theme changes?
Booting the phone, copying the theme over, rebooting to CWM, flashing the theme, then booting to see the changes is extremely time consuming, especially when you're not even sure where the change will occur and find yourself randomly pulling up menus and dropdowns trying to see what your change affected.
Cheers for the help.
You really did fill a deep void and I thank you bunches for the help. You will also see a beer or two coming your way for the effort. Community support like this really does get rewarded, in more than just new themers making themes.
Ill be getting to more and more in depth answers and faqs as I go along....dl30 kinda dropped in the middle of my work on this and theres a lot of themes to do. ....but thank you for specific questions id like to see more from everyone so I know what are some more commonly asked questions and what people are looking to do.
lowkee said:
An image reference would be awesome, as well.
e.g.: The most commonly themed images and what their framework.res names are.
I find myself trying to make a theme and giving up simply because 50% of the images look very similar, and I don't have the time to edit an image, flash it, boot the phone, figure out what changed, then move to the next random-looking image..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a really good idea, I talked about making one a while back but never really got around to it. Maybe I can talk to some of the guys and we can throw something together.
lowkee said:
Also, is there a faster method to test theme changes?
Booting the phone, copying the theme over, rebooting to CWM, flashing the theme, then booting to see the changes is extremely time consuming, especially when you're not even sure where the change will occur and find yourself randomly pulling up menus and dropdowns trying to see what your change affected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB is probably the quickest and least painful way to test a theme. When you have completed it adb push <path/to/file/locally> <destination/on/phone>. Then adb reboot.
e.g.: adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework/
N00b here with theme question for Fascinate
I apologize if I am posting in the wrong place also if this has been asked before. I have searched the web and also the forum and I was looking for step by step instructions on how to install a theme ( like myst v3.3) because prior to downloading DL30 I was running supah clean and tried installing dark-myst ( on DL09- Samsung Fascinate) and I placed it on the SD card ( yes clockword is installed) and I went to update.zip then to install zip from sd card and loacted it. it installed, cleared the cache and then it went to the SAMSUNG screen and I had to restore the phone in order to get it functioning again. I am hoping that someone can provide step by step instructions on installing a theme onto Samsung Fascinate with DL30? Thank you !!!!!
tennisjunkie said:
I apologize if I am posting in the wrong place also if this has been asked before. I have searched the web and also the forum and I was looking for step by step instructions on how to install a theme ( like myst v3.3) because prior to downloading DL30 I was running supah clean and tried installing dark-myst ( on DL09- Samsung Fascinate) and I placed it on the SD card ( yes clockword is installed) and I went to update.zip then to install zip from sd card and loacted it. it installed, cleared the cache and then it went to the SAMSUNG screen and I had to restore the phone in order to get it functioning again. I am hoping that someone can provide step by step instructions on installing a theme onto Samsung Fascinate with DL30? Thank you !!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying it got stuck on the "SAMSUNG" screen? If you used a DJ05 theme on a DL09 rom, you have to apply the DL09 theme fix otherwise your phone will get stuck on "SAMSUNG".
DL09 Theme Fix: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17566514/DL09 Theme Fix.zip
Edit:
Install DL30: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=937499
Flash only DL30 themes after installing DL30! Here's a list: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=922455
Installing a DL30 theme is the same as on a DL09 but you need the new CWM to do it.
Sorry for all the info. I hope somewhere in there you got an answer to your question.
DtatchD said:
This is a really good idea, I talked about making one a while back but never really got around to it. Maybe I can talk to some of the guys and we can throw something together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a totally new at this but if I can help do some legwork on it I'd be willing to try. I was just thinking about looking for a list like this...
Samsung Fascinate DL30 and installing themes
letmehearucaw said:
Are you saying it got stuck on the "SAMSUNG" screen? If you used a DJ05 theme on a DL09 rom, you have to apply the DL09 theme fix otherwise your phone will get stuck on "SAMSUNG".
DL09 Theme Fix: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17566514/DL09 Theme Fix.zip
Edit:
Install DL30: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=937499
Flash only DL30 themes after installing DL30! Here's a list: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=922455
Installing a DL30 theme is the same as on a DL09 but you need the new CWM to do it.
Sorry for all the info. I hope somewhere in there you got an answer to your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to all my scattered questions. So to install a theme I put it on my SD card then flash through ROM Manager, then boot into recovery and apply theme from SD card? DO I need to backup and clear data? I dont want to uninstall the ROM. I ended up installing Rubiks DL30 ROM. It is pretty nice looking.
tennisjunkie said:
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to all my scattered questions. So to install a theme I put it on my SD card then flash through ROM Manager, then boot into recovery and apply theme from SD card? DO I need to backup and clear data? I dont want to uninstall the ROM. I ended up installing Rubiks DL30 ROM. It is pretty nice looking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Place the theme you want (should be .zip file) onto your SD card. So if you already have the rom installed, then you reboot into CWM recovery (when I upgraded to DL30, I never even used Rom Manager).
I've read on a couple of forum that its good to clear data and wipe caches (I've done it and not done it without noticing any difference). From there, you flash the theme ("apply .zip from SD card" is the actual command in CWM) and then reboot the phone (this is an option in CWM).
Personal preference, I always make a backup (I use Titanium Backup, but I hear nandroid is good too) before I re-theme.
Samsung Fascinate DL30 and installing themes
Ok. I apologize for all the questions. I tried to do exactly as you described above and it places me at the "Samsung" screen where it has installed the package then looks as if it is going to boot up but does not boot so I have to start back at stock again. I am trying to use DL30 Midnight V1.1 - (midnight for 2.2) as my theme and my ROM is 2.2 Roms
RubikS 0.3 DL30
Is it possible it is not compatible, any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks again.
Hello Devs,
I'm interested in making a few very minor modifications to the overall theme for my phone. I'm currently using FireFly, and although I like it for the most part, I'm not very fond of the current animation used to display dialogs.
I currently develop for Android, so I'm familiar with aspects of applying styles and themes to my own app as well as using styles from within the android.jar. I've read a few things about doing this, but I'm hoping there's a way to clear up some loose ends.
1. If I were to just open up and modify the main FireFly zip package, paricularly the files under /system/framework/framework-res.apk, would it be possible to to zip it back up, flash back to stock and then follow the usual procedure to install the Rom?
2. Is it possible to modify that .apk and just upload it directly to the my current rom?
3. Do I need to be concerned with apk signing?
Thanks to everyone in advance,
Jeremiah
Im not a moderator but I believe this should be in themes section or Q&A. =/
From what Ive done. You can modify the zip packages. Best results I'v had is using 7zip to modify them internally. Ive only modified images in them, and my little experience you have to keep the same amount of images it had from the beginning. Im not sure if that is changed by modifying the xml's or something else.
prbassplayer said:
Im not a moderator but I believe this should be in themes section or Q&A. =/
From what Ive done. You can modify the zip packages. Best results I'v had is using 7zip to modify them internally. Ive only modified images in them, and my little experience you have to keep the same amount of images it had from the beginning. Im not sure if that is changed by modifying the xml's or something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn it... I had a feeling I missed a section this would be belong more in, my eyes glazed right past the words Theme in the App/Theme section. A mod is more than welcome to move it, sorry for the mistake.
Thanks for the advice though
I haven't done any themeing myself mainly because I'm too lazy, but from what I understand based off what other people who do theme have said to modify the number of images you need to edit the corresponding xml file.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1227179
Might help alleviate some of your worries about signed apks and what not.
Many of the colors are handles by XML. You will need to decomplie apks to modify xml files and then recompile them again.
You can use APK Manager to decomplie and recomple the APK packages.
Also, go through this thread.
PS: Request mods to move this thread to Q&A section.
Takes time to do it. I used to do a lot of themeing to roms but had to hang it up. You have to know what picture files to change and then what each line is in each .XML.
IlluminatedOne said:
Many of the colors are handles by XML. You will need to decomplie apks to modify xml files and then recompile them again.
You can use APK Manager to decomplie and recomple the APK packages.
Also, go through this thread.
PS: Request mods to move this thread to Q&A section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks so much for this, exactly the information I was looking for.
HOW-TO port he`stheone64 Themes
Since my new Galaxy Nexus arrives next week, I just wanted to say goodbye to a fantastic community right in time and offer the opportunity to keep my DHD Themes alive and updated by fellow users, while I`m "retired"
My Themes have been ported to a lot of other HTC devices during the last months, which makes me very proud. Anyway most of you will still use the DHD for about a year and some Themes like Honey HD, Revolution or Ice HD have a really large and loyal user base, who would surely appreciate using their favorite Theme until they switch to a new device.
I will post a HOW-TO in this Thread and would also like to appoint 1 guy responsible for each Theme (Elegant Blues, Code Red and Indian Summer will not be continued, let`s just focus on Themes, which are ready for Sense 3.5), who will then maintain a Theme of their choice. Since the main job is done, it`s not very compilcated to update them going forward (especially if focusing on only one), at least until ICS arrives (if...). Guys who are interested should at least know how to compile and have a little modding experience.
This will NOT be a general theming guide, it`s strictly limited to the tools and processes you need to port my themes to a new platform. Good news - this will help you porting Themes from other devices to DHD and add a little learning experience for some (future) Themers and modders
I also restrict this to the essentials, since really complex stuff like inverting Facebook, Google+ or invert menu`s would just be way to much coding, been there, done that...
Themes
REVOLUTION - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884888
HONEY HD - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1028813
ICE HD - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1339007
Credits:
The entire DHD community and especially ARHD & RCMix Team, who deliver fantastic ROM`s for us (also all other ROM dev´s)
My fellow Themers - we all had a steady communication channel and I was pleased to help and also grateful, when I got help
daneshm for Theme Porter & apkmanager
brut for apktool
pendo for compiling latest apktool
Tools:
apkmanager and / or apktool for decompiling apk`s and jar files
Theme Porter for batch updating pngs
SDK incl. tools
Photoshop and / or Gimp
PNGGauntlet in case you want to compress pngs
Winmerge to compare individual files
Kdiff3 to compare full ROM`s
multiupload.com - since it`s easy to download for users and you can track downloads
zipalign batch script - comes in very handy when updating full Themes
Preparation:
Copy latest apktool compiled by fernando (1.43) in OTHER folder of apkmanager or use it to directly compile. It´s compiled with latest SDK 14 and smali / baksmali sources and will work better with Sense 3.5 (and ICS) files as official version. Do the same also with latest aapt.exe and zipalign.exe from SDK.
Modded ICS apktool.jar - http://minus.com/mIA3OFkYq/17
zipalign batch script - http://minus.com/mIA3OFkYq/10
Unpack Theme porter to a location of your choice - http://minus.com/mIA3OFkYq/9
Unpack zipalign script and you may update the zipalign.exe with latest version from SDK
Download Winmerge and KDiff3 and install
Comparing ROM`s
Download current ROM and new ROM update
Extract both ROM`s
Open KDiff3 and select both folders (not file) and compare
KDiff3 will show you all files, that have been changed since latest update
Now you know which files you need to update (worst case ALL )
Tools
In this folder you find some of the tools I use frequently:
http://minus.com/mIA3OFkYq/
Files to port:
ALL which are part of my current Themes
Download my latest Theme and copy (don`t move - you need the themed png`s later to push them back to edited files) all apps in NEW app folder of THEME PORTER and framework files in NEW framework folder of THEME PORTER.
Now copy the same files of stock ROM in OLD folders of app and framework of THEME PORTER and hit the .bat. This will transfer stock pngs to the Theme and ensure, you don`t get compile errors later.
Now decompile only the following apk and do the same with apk`s from THE SAME stock ROM.
Then diff the apk`s I posted here in Winmerge (focus on xml I post here, also see "comparing files") and you`ll see all my edits.
Now edit all xml accordingly inside Winmerge. When you are ready delete all saved .bak files and compile.
Now use THEME PORTER to push the pngs from my old Theme to the new compiled apk´s and all other Theme apk´s.
Zipalign all apk`s and pack zipaligned stuff in my empty update.zip (which you can rename) and flash - zipalign script, just unpack zip, put all apk`s in this folder and hit the .bat
Comparing files
Decompile old and new changed file
Open Winmerge and select both decompiled folders and compare
Winmerge will show you all edits, that have been changed since latest update
Now you can edit inside Winmerge and update Code changes from Theme to the new file and compile
Once you`re done with all new files, follow the guide above
IMPORTANT: HTC does change a lot for nearly every base, so in 99% of the cases you will then need to trouble shoot since some layout files or styles do lead to other pngs then before, so you need to check carefully and then find out what you need to adjust.
Files to decompile and compare:
FRAMEWORK-RES NOTE: You need to add new custom png BEFORE you compile plus all new batttery icons
drawable folder:
progress_horizontal.xml
list_highlight_active.xml
stat_sys_battery.xml
stat_sys_battery_charge.xml
zzz_stat_sys_battery_1.xml
layout folder:
status_bar_latest_event_content.xml
values-hdpi folder:
styles.xml
BROWSER
BrowserSettings.smali
CALENDAR (only for 3.0 ROM`s)
values folder:
colors.xml
DOWNLOADPROVIDER
layout folder:
status_bar_ongoing_event_progress_bar.xml
CALENDAR PROVIDER
values folder:
colors.xml
COM.HTC.RESOURCES (not very important in Sense 3.5)
values folder:
colors.xml
HTC DIALER (Dark Dialer)
values-hdpi folder:
styles.xml
PHONE (Dark Dialer - not necessary for Sense 3.5)
values-hdpi folder:
styles.xml
ROSIE NOTE: You need to add new custom png BEFORE you compile (most stuff not necessary for RCMix due to tweaks)
layout folder:
all_apps_view.xml
application_boxed.xml
values folder:
colors.xml
dimens.xml
integers.xml
values-hdpi folder:
colors.xml
dimens.xml
integers.xml
values-port folder:
integers.xml
values-port-hdpi folder:
dimens.xml
SETTINGS
AndroidManifest.xml
SYSTEMUI - NOTE: You need to add 2 new custom pngs BEFORE you compile
layout folder:
quick_settings.xml
status_bar_expanded.xml
status_bar_latest_event.xml
status_bar_preference.xml
status_bar_tracking.xml
quick_settings_config.xml
status_bar_tracking_trans.xml
values folder:
drawables.xml
colors.xml
smali folders:
StatusBarService.smali
TWITTER
layout-port folder:
widget_large_view.xml
widget_small_view.xml
layout-land folder:
widget_large_view.xml
widget_small_view.xml
FACEBOOK
layout-port folder
widget_view.xml
layout-land folder
widget_view.xml
HTC LAPUTA WIDGET (dark Widget) - I`ve done this only in old Themes
drawable-folder:
list_text_color.xml
layout folder:
location_widget_view_4x4.xml
location_widget_item_4x4.xml
layout-hdpi folder:
location_widget_view_4x4.xml
location_widget_item_4x4.xml
values folder:
colors.xml
Thank you so much for your awesome work, I learned a lot from you in the past months! Have fun with your new phone
nooooooooooo a good member in this DHD forum will go... :'(((
wish u all the best
We will really miss you!
So if you're moving to Galaxy Nexus, I will have motivation to start learning about android a bit more .
I wish you next great themes .
Hate to see you go. But thanks for all the help you have given me. And all the knowledge you have shared with this community.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
so there will be no ice hd theme for sense3.0? =(
Massive thanks for all you have done for us mate and good luck with your new device.
You will be sorely missed though hopefully you have now taught us enough that we can keep our phones looking so classy .
a sad day
many thanks for your work, without your modifying our DHD will no longer be the same
godspeed and have fun with new Galaxy Nexus
Sad news, though not really a surprise after your recent posts. But it says everything that, even when you're planning to move to a new device, you take the time to help others carry on your themes and update them to new ROM versions. Thank you so much for this guide, and of course for all of your beautiful themes, hard work and especially your patience with our questions. I learnt a lot, and I'm sure many others did too.
I hope you enjoy your new phone as much as we've enjoyed having your themes on our DHDs. And that you're inspired to improve it and create something equally amazing on it to share with others.
Laters, honey hd...by far the greatest theme on dhd
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
thanks for your great themes!! You're the best! Much fun with the Nexus.
Will you develop the Phone too or only 'use' it?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Cheers for the stunning themes, and wish you luck.
Regards
sad that you won't be around here, you're the theme master for everyone. we learned a lot from you certainly!! Kudos and good luck
thx for the flowers guys (and XDA for 5 thx limit...), but most important reasons of this Thread is helping members of this Forum to maintain and carry on these Themes. Also give new modders some insight, so they see how they can manage their stuff in an environment of fast changing ROM's. First PM's arrived, but you can still feel free to contact me. I will ensure, you will not be alone with your questions and will still have an eye on the threads.
I'm sure I will also see some of you over there at the Nexus forum, like I already met good guys like Mike1986 or Whiskey there.
Man, my heart just sank a bit, My DHD looks awesome due to guys like you. DHD community will miss you a lot. Many thanks for your awesome work and wish you all the fun with your Galaxy Nexus.
What do you do?
You can´t leave the DHD!
Everyone need´s your Themes!
I hope you don´t rebuy your DHD, so you can make a Theme for ICS when it is come out.
Thank you for everything what you do for the DHD.
You are a great Themer, stoney.
he_stheone64 said:
thx for the flowers guys (and XDA for 5 thx limit...), but most important reasons of this Thread is helping members of this Forum to maintain and carry on these Themes. Also give new modders some insight, so they see how they can manage their stuff in an environment of fast changing ROM's. First PM's arrived, but you can still feel free to contact me. I will ensure, you will not be alone with your questions and will still have an eye on the threads.
I'm sure I will also see some of you over there at the Nexus forum, like I already met good guys like Mike1986 or Whiskey there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude... you're supposed to be be quiet now... I'm mourning your passing...
maybe now someone will create a ICS theme for Afiinity like you did for Runny
Thanks for all your help...!!!
Will lose you in this part... a great LosT....!!!!
Even when you're leaving you're still thinking on helping , man you are the best , again :thanks a ton n'd enjoy your new phone.
greetings,
newbie just want to learn, i dont know if this is in the right place ...
i am former users of G-FIT CM 7 by tj_style, and now switched to Lenovo S890 which have Mediatek MT6577 chipset. many variants of the chipset, and the source code is not released by vendors, so few developers really developing this phone. and now I missed the CM look and feel.
my question:
1. can stock rom (or lewa os) modified to look like CM?
2. I've tried to use UOT Kitchen to theming SystemUI, but didnt give any different, only change icon.
(I uploaded the framework-res.apk, lenovosystemui.apk, lenovo-res.apk (to replace twframework)
targets / objectives :
1. change the look of the stock-rom / lewa rom (only two of these are available) to look like CM.
2. add reboot, recovery when the power button is pressed (see some tutorials to change framework-res.apk, but stuck in the "where to put this, where to put that, because the tutorial that I found almost entirely specific to a particular device, and I do not understand patterns / rules in android)
3. use some CM applications (calendar, dialer, etc.), for this, if it could be done with just replace /system/framework and /system/app from CM to Stock Rom?
information relating to the above matters are expected (links, info, guide, hopefully someone will give direct way of how to accomplish my objectives above).
thank you,
jacknb1ack
UP UP
please anyone ?
jacknb1ack said:
2. add reboot, recovery when the power button is pressed (see some tutorials to change framework-res.apk, but stuck in the "where to put this, where to put that, because the tutorial that I found almost entirely specific to a particular device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At lot of guides are so unless you can find one specific to your device you need to try and figure it out, but most apks are similar in regards to how you edit them so just decompile a few and examine them and you'll get a general idea. My SystemUI.apk and yours for example will be different, but certain xmls from each are going to be quite similar. Lot's of info and links here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2069287
XperienceD said:
At lot of guides are so unless you can find one specific to your device you need to try and figure it out, but most apks are similar in regards to how you edit them so just decompile a few and examine them and you'll get a general idea. My SystemUI.apk and yours for example will be different, but certain xmls from each are going to be quite similar. Lot's of info and links here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2069287
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks ... 1 more question, if i want to learn by comparing two systemUI.apk from different rom, is it okay to install both framework-res.apk in apktools ?
ex : i want to try comparing Lewa systemUI and stock SystemUI, i need to install framework-res.apk first to decompile systemui.apk (am i right in this or it is actually not needed ? )
thanks,
jacknb1ack
You can, but it will overwrite the first one, install you're own first and just use that, if you have an issue trying to decompile another from another Phone then you know you need to install the resources. This is why I love Virtuous Ten, as you can install multiple resources.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
wow, i didnt know there is tools like that, thanks again master... i will try, lewa os just released new stable version, will try messing this one xD.
once again, thanks a lot
Sent from my Lenovo S890 using Tapatalk 2