Database Develop

Help with editing apk files on MAC osX!

As the title says can someone show me how to do this strictly on a mac!
I have failed miserably at it!
All the tools are for windows..
I have the sdk for mac all set up and I can push an pull files!
but everything I edit on the mac and push to the phone crashes the phone with force closes and stuff...
-kitt050383

I came across this in a google search for the same thing. Can someone post a how-to step by step for modding .apk files with adb commands to push to the phone? Thanks in Advance.

Me as well please, been searching for a good 30 minutes now and cant find any tools to do this on a MAC, especially to edit the .9.png's

I just pull the apk and open it with BetterZip. APKs are pretty much like zip files. Then after I'm done, I sign it and push it back to the phone.

ajones7279 said:
I just pull the apk and open it with BetterZip. APKs are pretty much like zip files. Then after I'm done, I sign it and push it back to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, i change the extension to .zip double click and it unzips it. Open the folder, edit the files... and then i just switch the extension back to .apk?
I dont get what you are saying.

If you're using the default archiver, you may have to change it to .zip. Since I use betterzip, I just associated the .apk extension with BetterZip so it automatically opens it like an archive. Now, extract the contents of the apk, make whatever changes you please, put the contents back into the archive, sign the apk, then push it back to the phone. I'm typing this from my Hero so I'll try to make a more detailed post when I get off.

ajones7279 said:
If you're using the default archiver, you may have to change it to .zip. Since I use betterzip, I just associated the .apk extension with BetterZip so it automatically opens it like an archive. Now, extract the contents of the apk, make whatever changes you please, put the contents back into the archive, sign the apk, then push it back to the phone. I'm typing this from my Hero so I'll try to make a more detailed post when I get off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip! I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

Didn't know Betterzip was out there. I'll give it a try later tonight as well.

almost there...
ok i can transform an apk to a zip and unzip for editing, but how do i change it back? i just did a bunch of editing work, and now i am stuck. please help me....

So pretty much we all want to know the same thing...
Once we get the apk open... and we change files around how do we get it back to an apk file.
anyone gonna help?

ipeench said:
So pretty much we all want to know the same thing...
Once we get the apk open... and we change files around how do we get it back to an apk file.
anyone gonna help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
someone did.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5849463&postcount=6

Better Zip works great for this. Now, if there was a way to do zero compression like the APK Manager. Without that, the sounds for lock/unlock won't work.

Me too have the same problem. I think installing windows on your mac will work fine with all .exe tools. if you don't wanna do anything o your osx then you can run a virtualbox and run windows without affecting os x.

NO WAY
ajones7279 said:
I just pull the apk and open it with BetterZip. APKs are pretty much like zip files. Then after I'm done, I sign it and push it back to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have tried to extract the APK with BetterZip.
I can extract files. But, XML file are like unable to open.
The image files are quite OK.
My purpose is to check out Manifest File and other XML Files.
So, if you can actually do those things after extracting with BetterZip, do let me know.
Thanks in advance.

The most useful way is install Windows via Bootcamp or Virtual Machine...

While I don't have a Mac, I should be able to help. First, rename the extension from .apk to .zip so it can be viewed and extracted from whatever archive manager you use. Doing this won't decompile the apk but it will at least let you modify the images. If you want to modify the xml's in the apk file. You can use Apktool which will decompile and recompile apk's, and sign the apk if it's a non-system app. You will also need to have JDK installed to do this.
JDK: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html
Apktool: https://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/downloads/list

Help. Turn Framework Folders into APK Files.

I'd hate to be that guy who starts a whole thread for something...but I've looked everywhere and can't find the answer.
I'm working on my first theme, and I unzipped the framework recourse apk files, made the changes to the files inside, and now I want to turn them back into apk format so I can make everything into a flashable update.
I can't figure out how to turn these framework recourse folders into framework recourse apk files! Can anyone help me!? Thanks! If all goes well, I'll have a new theme out for you guys by tonight.
Thanks in advance!

alexthearmo said:
I'd hate to be that guy who starts a whole thread for something...but I've looked everywhere and can't find the answer.
I'm working on my first theme, and I unzipped the framework recourse apk files, made the changes to the files inside, and now I want to turn them back into apk format so I can make everything into a flashable update.
I can't figure out how to turn these framework recourse folders into framework recourse apk files! Can anyone help me!? Thanks! If all goes well, I'll have a new theme out for you guys by tonight.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.4shared.com/file/1LIk07D5/Avabox.html
download for windows. it has auto sign. as for changing back to apk just change extension back to .apk

so...do i use that program to zip up the file, then just change the extension?

........................

alexthearmo said:
so...do i use that program to zip up the file, then just change the extension?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Zip up file, change .zip to .apk.

What? You dont need to resign .apk's. In fact, you're making too much work for yourself. Im sure you extracted the .apk to a folder. All you need to do is reopen that .apk with 7zip. Drag and drop your changes into the .apk and you're done. No need to resign or anything.

VinceOB said:
What? You dont need to resign .apk's. In fact, you're making too much work for yourself. Im sure you extracted the .apk to a folder. All you need to do is reopen that .apk with 7zip. Drag and drop your changes into the .apk and you're done. No need to resign or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help guys. I ran into some trouble with all this, and even realized that I mistakenly used some of the wrong files (from a theme that I actually didn't want to use)...so I'm gonna have to spend more time working on this. Hopefully I can get it finished and uploaded tomorrow. But thank you for your help. Right now I got homework to do. bleh.

Thanks for the post. I've been looking all over for this answer.

sweet...........

Editing APK's w/ Mac and Betterzip?

Ok so i've been easing into learning how to edit apk's, theming I guess you can call it. I'm in the exploratory early stages, here's my question. I use BetterZip on my Mac to edit the apk's (zips). So I copied the facebook.apk from Super D 1.10.3 (built in?) and move the apk to my sdcard and renamed it with a .zip extension. Edit some png's, save it. Return to Root Explorer and rename with the .apk extension again, and install. Install comes back successful but my image changes do not show up? I havent gotten creative with it because I want to know the steps first before getting creative. So i just turned random icons black and such and they remain the same. It "overwrites" the FB app that is installed initially in system/app, should there not be two apk's around? prob not right? If someone could just briefly tell me their steps, and obviously you'd have to have a mac to help. Thanks.
And for the record, i've checked out other threads about editing apk's on a mac and its just too difficult it seems, creating keystores and whatnot? I feel like my method is pretty close, I'm just missing something.

joe.kerwin said:
Ok so i've been easing into learning how to edit apk's, theming I guess you can call it. I'm in the exploratory early stages, here's my question. I use BetterZip on my Mac to edit the apk's (zips). So I copied the facebook.apk from Super D 1.10.3 (built in?) and move the apk to my sdcard and renamed it with a .zip extension. Edit some png's, save it. Return to Root Explorer and rename with the .apk extension again, and install. Install comes back successful but my image changes do not show up? I havent gotten creative with it because I want to know the steps first before getting creative. So i just turned random icons black and such and they remain the same. It "overwrites" the FB app that is installed initially in system/app, should there not be two apk's around? prob not right? If someone could just briefly tell me their steps, and obviously you'd have to have a mac to help. Thanks.
And for the record, i've checked out other threads about editing apk's on a mac and its just too difficult it seems, creating keystores and whatnot? I feel like my method is pretty close, I'm just missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know much about mac's but I'm pretty good at theming. How are you signing your modified .apk files? If you don't sign them then they will fail to install.

Double post - sorry

Have you seen this thread - it's a droplet for your mac to sign apks.....maybe it will help?

yeah I have that droplet app to sign apps. Maybe it's just a bad apk to start with? I used the FB apk and edited it, signed it, and tried installing it on a fresh install of Superfast (facebook isn't included in system apps) and it still says "This program will overwrite a system blah blah blah" So maybe i'm just messing with the wrong apk? I haven't tried anything else, I just really wanted to tweak the FB widget, haha. Any advice?

Fascinate Live Wallpapers Leaked

This is great news! Currently you have to flash them, but I'm sure some of you on here would know how to make them downloadable on this forum for us or straight from the android market itself.
You can read all about the article here
Also, download the files to be flashed right here
Anyone think they can make these downloadable instead of having to flash them to have them?
ATTENTION!
Some people are having problems flashing this. Luckily Xfactor520 created another method.
"update.zip method didnt work neither did installing .apk ...i got them working on my captivate by copying lib to system/lib and the apks to data/app with root explorer.
then they work fine."

I tried flashing these, but nothing happened. Is there a trick to getting them to show up?

Aphex13 said:
I tried flashing these, but nothing happened. Is there a trick to getting them to show up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there is a lot of little stuff you need to be careful of.
for instance "unplug the USB cable during this step, as some users are reporting problems flashing recovery while plugged in"
Its pretty straight forward as I can tell, its like flashing anything else.
Just follow every step precisely and you will get the result you are looking for. It took me a few tries to do it right. I got a little frustrated and didn't give up, but now I have these wonderful new live backgrounds
Read through the comments on the guide's website, there were a lot of questions asked and they were answered, maybe it will help you

Aphex13 said:
I tried flashing these, but nothing happened. Is there a trick to getting them to show up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
update.zip method didnt work neither did installing .apk ...i got them working on my captivate by copying lib to system/lib and the apks to data/app with root explorer.
then they work fine.

xfactor520 said:
update.zip method didnt work neither did installing .apk ...i got them working on my captivate by copying lib to system/lib and the apks to data/app with root explorer.
then they work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that your method works, and I would say yours is the best! Good find

xfactor520 said:
update.zip method didnt work neither did installing .apk ...i got them working on my captivate by copying lib to system/lib and the apks to data/app with root explorer.
then they work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This way worked for me. Thx.

xfactor520 said:
update.zip method didnt work neither did installing .apk ...i got them working on my captivate by copying lib to system/lib and the apks to data/app with root explorer.
then they work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you just do this WITHOUT flashing, correct?

Aftashok said:
so you just do this WITHOUT flashing, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes sir. Just unpack the .zip and put the folder on your sd card and copy the lib into system/lib and copy the apks into data/app

xfactor520 said:
yes sir. Just unpack the .zip and put the folder on your sd card and copy the lib into system/lib and copy the apks into data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this works great....

I installed these with root explorer like you all are doing. They appear in the live wallpaper list but when I open them they give me force closes. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
edit: nevermind, apparently the lib file didnt copy right. working great

[Q] Kitchen - problem flashing

i have tried to modify the froyobylaszlo by removing a couple of system/app
and put my own apps
after that i tried to flash it but i had some errors im not familiar with
hope someone could help me out
im attaching the recovery.log files
EDIT: btw im a complete idiot hahaha... im just starting out

marchking said:
i have tried to modify the froyobylaszlo by removing a couple of system/app
and put my own apps
after that i tried to flash it but i had some errors im not familiar with
hope someone could help me out
im attaching the recovery.log files
EDIT: btw im a complete idiot hahaha... im just starting out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which apps did u place in system apps?
did u remove the apps fromm data/app as well?

maximo360 said:
which apps did u place in system apps?
did u remove the apps fromm data/app as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i think only 1 app is there in data/app = gallery i think i removed that thinking that it was the gallery3d
i changed the launcher and a couple of things in the system/app
are there limitations of which apps that i could put there...
btw is it ok if i change the updater-script to update-script?
or i shouldnt have change that... the kitchen was requesting to change it

hey if you are only removing some apk's you dont need kitchen.. just unzip file.. take out what you want than re-zip and than Sign it! should be able to flash no problem

marchking said:
yeah i think only 1 app is there in data/app = gallery i think i removed that thinking that it was the gallery3d
i changed the launcher and a couple of things in the system/app
are there limitations of which apps that i could put there...
btw is it ok if i change the updater-script to update-script?
or i shouldnt have change that... the kitchen was requesting to change it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should just do what LDrifta said if your still having problems.
OH and regarding the update-script, heres your answer straight from the op of the kitchen:
QUESTION: Why do I need to convert the ROM's updater-script to an update-script when using the kitchen?
The kitchen can only perform operations on an update-script. UpdateR-scripts are too complicated to check because there are so many combinations of parameters for every command and for different devices; plus they can be written in different formatting styles. Thus the kitchen converts them to update-script so that there is one universal method to modify any device's configuration. If we didn't convert the updater-script then it would take months of work to overhaul the dozens of scripts (plus doubling my work) to accept updater-scripts, which would really NOT make a difference in the end anyway and would likely slow down the kitchen due to extra checks made in the updater-script. So please do not request this again and again, there is no gain in doing it (I also don't have that much free time ...).
When you build the ROM you have the option of converting it back to an updater-script, or the kitchen will convert it automatically if it decides it's necessary. The conversion back to the original updater-script is near-perfect, as I have already spent months on the implementation to get it right.
QUESTION: I have converted my update-script to an updater-script, but after flashing I still have the original ROM on the device.
That means your updater-script did not have the proper mount points defined for the system (and/or data) partition. Refer to this post for more info.
QUESTION: My device only supports ROMs with the updater-script/update-binary files but not the update-script
If you extract a ROM that contains an updater-script, then the kitchen will ask you if it should convert it to an update-script. You *must* use an update-script while customizing the ROM, as the kitchen is not capable of modifying updater-scripts. When you are ready to build the ROM, though, you will need to convert it back to an updater-script if the device requires it. Use the option in the Advanced menu to convert update-script to updater-script, or else the kitchen will ask you to convert it while building the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ldrifta said:
hey if you are only removing some apk's you dont need kitchen.. just unzip file.. take out what you want than re-zip and than Sign it! should be able to flash no problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok... so im also adding a few apks at the system/app what you suggested will that still work?
btw
just to clarify, i unzip, then remove the apks
then zip it again
then i put it in the kitchen to get signed?

marchking said:
ok... so im also adding a few apks at the system/app what you suggested will that still work?
btw
just to clarify, i unzip, then remove the apks
then zip it again
then i put it in the kitchen to get signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok well depending on what apk's you are putting in.. if they are system required like a sense app.. it wont work on a froyo base rom.. but if its something like superuser or mail or something and is compatible with your rom than put it in system/app folder.. if its something that you want the choice to uninstall later on like a 'task killer' apk or something, place it in data/app folder..
and to sign it you dont need kitchen, you can download an auto-sign.zip file for windows here on xda.. all you do is unzip it directly to C: drive, place zip file in filder rename it to 'update.zip' than run the 'sign.bat' and it will sign the zip file. than you can flash it

marchking said:
ok... so im also adding a few apks at the system/app what you suggested will that still work?
btw
just to clarify, i unzip, then remove the apks
then zip it again
then i put it in the kitchen to get signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did u do this on Kitchen?
If you want to add Market or non-stock apps (*.apk) to your ROM (which can be uninstalled or updated from your device later) then select the kitchen's menu option that adds "/data/app functionality". Afterwards you can copy these .apk files to the new /data/app folder of your working folder.
EDIT; After your done adding/deleting all the apps, dont forget to use the sign apk command to sign.

maximo360 said:
did u do this on Kitchen?
If you want to add Market or non-stock apps (*.apk) to your ROM (which can be uninstalled or updated from your device later) then select the kitchen's menu option that adds "/data/app functionality". Afterwards you can copy these .apk files to the new /data/app folder of your working folder.
EDIT; After your done adding/deleting all the apps, dont forget to use the sign apk command to sign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would apps from a 2.2 hero would work? they have a mdpi format???
or do you think i will encounter lots of problems? ^_^

marchking said:
would apps from a 2.2 hero would work? they have a mdpi format???
or do you think i will encounter lots of problems? ^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which kind of apps? Like sense apps? I guess they might work, try it out, make a nand backup first tho.
Sent from my COS-DS using XDA App

maximo360 said:
Which kind of apps? Like sense apps? I guess they might work, try it out, make a nand backup first tho.
Sent from my COS-DS using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its actually system/app from miui ported to mdpi...
i was able to flash it but its going into a bootloop...
im not sure how to gather logcat... i dont use adb hahaha...
i only use droid explorer... anyways
i checked the logcat console while it was on the bootloop
it appears to me that the apps that i used is not signed...
any suggestions?

marchking said:
its actually system/app from miui ported to mdpi...
i was able to flash it but its going into a bootloop...
im not sure how to gather logcat... i dont use adb hahaha...
i only use droid explorer... anyways
i checked the logcat console while it was on the bootloop
it appears to me that the apps that i used is not signed...
any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sign them using the sign apk/zip command in the kitchen

maximo360 said:
sign them using the sign apk/zip command in the kitchen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i signed them that seemed to be one problem... based on what im seeing on the logcat it seems now its having lots of problems while installing... FYI im trying to make a miui ported from nexus 1 to hero... trying to make it run on froyo by laszlo... i think there is much more complications here not as easy as i think it would be... but i like challenges ^_^ do you have any idea how we could do this maximo? try checking this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858935

marchking said:
i signed them that seemed to be one problem... based on what im seeing on the logcat it seems now its having lots of problems while installing... FYI im trying to make a miui ported from nexus 1 to hero... trying to make it run on froyo by laszlo... i think there is much more complications here not as easy as i think it would be... but i like challenges ^_^ do you have any idea how we could do this maximo? try checking this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858935
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the thread, and he said he dropped some of the phones he was porting miui for, he was still doing the eris/hero. So seems to me he maybe dropped the g1, not sure tho. I guess you're gonna have to wait til either delsa is done porting it to the g1 or drakko.
Sent from my COS-DS using XDA App