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I'm trying to theme android.
I know that I can extract the APK's and edit the images, but what do I do after that?
how do I pack them back into APK files?
Learn to use either metamorph or ninjamorph. Their both apps by stereicson that let you change every image from an apk from within the phone.
what I meant was how would I create my own theme.
I'm not trying to apply themes that were already made, I'm trying to create a new theme.
but I've found that ubuntu lets me edit the images without extracting the apk
swee08315 said:
what I meant was how would I create my own theme.
I'm not trying to apply themes that were already made, I'm trying to create a new theme.
but I've found that ubuntu lets me edit the images without extracting the apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
creating your own theme is very really easy. but it can be very time consuming depending on what you are trying to accomplish and edit.
After you edited your .png file (NOT .9.ping because that requires a much more advance and complicated method) simply sign the apk file, create the update-script to place in the /META-INF/com/google/android directory and then sign the update.zip file. You will need to use the search feature to lookup.
"update-script"
"signing tool"
Good luck
mejorguille said:
Learn to use either metamorph or ninjamorph. Their both apps by stereicson that let you change every image from an apk from within the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest the metamorph as well instead of flashing. Flashing seems like it would just take too much time.
Also, Android Commander and Droid Explorer (maybe a few others) offer easy signing tools/transferring the apk without the need of any metamorph or flashing.
Thank you Binary100100
that's exactly what I needed
and also to r3s-rt:
I need to create an update .zip for this task.
swee08315 said:
Thank you Binary100100
that's exactly what I needed
and also to r3s-rt:
I need to create an update .zip for this task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For ANY themeing, you don't need an update.zip. I'm just saying look into metamorph a bit; it really is easier than flashing and reflashing if it doesn't come out right. If updates are easier for you, though, go for it. =]
thanks again.
but where exactly would I look to modify the widgets?
specifically the music and clock widgets?
swee08315 said:
thanks again.
but where exactly would I look to modify the widgets?
specifically the music and clock widgets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Music widget is in Music.apk. Clock widget is in DeskClock.apk.
Though metamorph is convenient, in my opinion it is a better tool to test parts of a theme. Learn how to sign update.zip files (with ubuntu it is as simple as a right click), there will be less errors this way (and you can theme the market,....).
p.s. Do learn metamorph also, it is great.
thanks, but where is the search widget?
and yes, I will learn
swee08315 said:
thanks, but where is the search widget?
and yes, I will learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
launcher.apk
creating a black softkey menu pop up with white text.
Hello everyone! I posted something like this and got no real answers. I'm not trying to create a full theme just edit what I already have. I'm trying to change the stock cyanogenmod softkey menu pop up. If gotten my images in place and got the background and icons the way I want them but I don't know which values XML file I need to edit in order to change the text color. Does anyone have any insight on which file I need in order to edit the menus text to white? Already decompiled the framework-res.apk.
Thanks
This is awesome, I'm just trying to get started with customizing android and theming seemed like the logical starting point. Thanks for the input guys/gals.
Clicking the wiki just now gave me a 404 error and the sticky is a bit long and just a bit outdated in terms of the links.
What programs, apps, vids, etc do I need in order to make themes?
I have been flashing themes left and right and each have their goods and bads. The biggest bad is there doesn't seem to be a well done red theme which I would like to do. I have tried enamored but the notification icons kill it for me.
So again, are there any up to date tutorials on making themes? Thanks in advance for any help.
+1 to that
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
A quic and dirty how to
lovethyEVO said:
Clicking the wiki just now gave me a 404 error and the sticky is a bit long and just a bit outdated in terms of the links.
What programs, apps, vids, etc do I need in order to make themes?
I have been flashing themes left and right and each have their goods and bads. The biggest bad is there doesn't seem to be a well done red theme which I would like to do. I have tried enamored but the notification icons kill it for me.
So again, are there any up to date tutorials on making themes? Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shanesol said:
+1 to that
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heres the How to
An apk is really just a zip file... apk stands for android package (if i remember correctly). So treat it like a standard zip file.
Youll need a pint program to make changes I use gimp its free so get it here
TIP: Your first theme should really just be a mixing and matching of other themes to get use to the process.
TIP: d/l and look at other themes and see what the have done, using the same process below you can port and mash themes. To see what is themed go to the res/drawable-xxx folders and sorte the png's in there to newest at the top and you'll see what they have changed.
TIP: system/app/xxx.apk are where most apps that are themed are contained in these apks you'll find a res folder and in there you have a bunch of folders. you really on need to look in the drawable-xxx ones mdpi, no-dpi, land and so forth. these pngs make up the apps look and feel changing them will theme the app.
You'll need apk manager this will allow you to sign zips which makes them flashable. get that here
Now get your favorite Rom and make a folder. In that folder make 2 folders one called packed the other called packed. Take your rom and unzip it in the unpacked folder. and then take the original zip and move it to the packed folder.
Next go into the unpacked folder and nav to system/framework.framework-res.apk (this holds the bulk of the android png that make up all the stuff most people change to make a theme) take this apk and unzip it in this folder and then make a copy of the apk and move the copy to the packed folder.
Now when you want to make a change to the framework-res.apk use the unpacked as a reference. us the packed as the change dir, you do this by opening but not unzipping the apk you want to change and just dragging the files you are replacing into the apk, this will replace them. You might want to make a a 3rd folder sorta of a master copy if you ever mess up the packed roms. Remember that in all three of the dirs created you want to keep the dir structure the way you extracted it from the rom and theme.
Now that you have an altered framework-res.apk you can just push it to system/framework folder (i think) and reboot and your changes are in. I never do this since flashable is easier to manage I make a flashable.
A flashable is like a rom but allot smaller, so d/l one of my themes and take the zip file and place in in a folder next to the packed and unpacked folder call it something like staging. now unzip apk manager into the top dir next to 4 other folders you just made.
Now my theme zip can be renamed to whatever you want, your going to use it as a place holder for signing flashable zips. go into the theme zip and delete ever thing in the system folder except the framework folder then go into the frame work folder and delete everything, if you have apps your theming just make the system/app.
Your flashable zip folder should only have a a meta-inf folder and a system folder, the system folder should only have a framework and or app folders. Now drag your altered framework-res.apk into the flashable zip system/framework folder you just cleaned out.
Ok now you have to sign it, copy that flashable zip to the place-apk-here-for-signing folder, this should have shown up when you unzipped apk manager into the folder the also contains unpacked and packed folders.
Now click on the script.bat and you'll see a bunch of option you can do option 16 to sign your zip. it takes a second or two and the date should get updated on the flashable.zip file in the place-apk-here-for-signing folder.
Now you have your new them ready to install. if your changing something else find the apk and replace framework-res.apk in these instruction and it works the same. note that most app reside in system/app so you next to take that into account.
Keep the questions reasonable and I'll answer then.
Thanks simmons. For the most part I have been doing the open apk without extracting and replacing png files. The one thing that I cant seem to get is changing the battery icon...it never sticks. Anyways, do the themes always have to be signed? I know amon 1.8 can flash unsigned zips but do the themes have to be signed always? I will be taking my laptop to work tonight to practice what you outlined. Thanks again.
EDIT: I noticed some themes have com.htc.resources.apk alongside framework res and some have services.jar. What are these for?
No they don't have to be signed but people will complain cause most people don't have the eng spl, it all so protects you from flashing bad stuff. If your only changing the standard 5 battery icons thus method always works.
The services.jar usually room specific and changes things like lock screen behavior mixes These with other roms will cause boot loops be careful.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Simmons thanks for answering so far.
My last question is to theme the entire phone is it basically the resources, framework, and services.jar files that need to be edited? I understand the apps would be themed themselves and then just included as part of the zip file right?
lovethyEVO said:
Simmons thanks for answering so far.
My last question is to theme the entire phone is it basically the resources, framework, and services.jar files that need to be edited? I understand the apps would be themed themselves and then just included as part of the zip file right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well the service.jar is compiled and therefore can't necessarily be themed you can't hack it or mod it by decompling it or you can change it by compiling changes you made from source but for the sake of normal themes its not needed.
as for the resources I assume your referring to the resources.arsc which is basically a set of compiled xml files. In here it where you can change stuff like how many pngs are associated with the battery status icons (think of circle batter mod which has one icon per percentage instead of the 0 10 20 40 60 80 100 ? icons in the normal aosp rom) changing this can be done with the apk manage by decompiling the framework-res.zpk, making the change and compiling back. but I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner.
The problem with the above is you take the chance of the theme not be cross-rom compatible. For you normal theme all you need to change are the pngs in the res folder of the framework-apk, however somethings like the launcher or the dialer still reside in the app folder and have there own apk.
Oh and I have no question limit.
ASimmons said:
well the service.jar is compiled and therefore can't necessarily be themed you can't hack it or mod it by decompling it or you can change it by compiling changes you made from source but for the sake of normal themes its not needed.
as for the resources I assume your referring to the resources.arsc which is basically a set of compiled xml files. In here it where you can change stuff like how many pngs are associated with the battery status icons (think of circle batter mod which has one icon per percentage instead of the 0 10 20 40 60 80 100 ? icons in the normal aosp rom) changing this can be done with the apk manage by decompiling the framework-res.zpk, making the change and compiling back. but I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner.
The problem with the above is you take the chance of the theme not be cross-rom compatible. For you normal theme all you need to change are the pngs in the res folder of the framework-apk, however somethings like the launcher or the dialer still reside in the app folder and have there own apk.
Oh and I have no question limit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simmons, thank you very much. Every answer you give is clearing things up more and more for me. I have decompiled a frameworkres before when I was trying to get the circle batt mod onto the odex stock rom so I am not too unawares there. What I want to do is theme the colors on anything and everything along with making the transparent windows such as when you confirm actions and the transparent notification pull down. Are these really accomplished with simply changing the pngs or do I have to edit the xml files? If I must edit the xml files, are there key files to edit or would editing one xml affect another?
lovethyEVO said:
Simmons, thank you very much. Every answer you give is clearing things up more and more for me. I have decompiled a frameworkres before when I was trying to get the circle batt mod onto the odex stock rom so I am not too unawares there. What I want to do is theme the colors on anything and everything along with making the transparent windows such as when you confirm actions and the transparent notification pull down. Are these really accomplished with simply changing the pngs or do I have to edit the xml files? If I must edit the xml files, are there key files to edit or would editing one xml affect another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The xml files really just hold names for the pngs. So for example the pngs for the battery have there names store in the xml (cant remember off hand which one of the decompiled xml from the resource.arsc.. strings??) file and then as the value value next to that filename for what percent to show that specific png at.
But 95% of your theming only involves changing the png files. So to have a clear notification back ground look in the framework-res.apk/res/drawable-mdpi/status_bar_background.png or you want to change the button to unlock your phone framework-res.apk/res/ic_jog_dial_unlock.png or to change the status bar framework-res.apk/res/statusbar_background.9.png
TIP: if you see a png with 9 in the name like xxxx.9.png its basically a stretchable png where the side that you want stechable has a one pixel wide line running the length of the png as a border this tells android that the png should stretch that side until it fills the screen.
9 patch explanation
So aside from editing the xmls for the battery percent everything is just replacong pngs? Thats awesome.
When it comes to apps like the internet browser for example, where would I find the apk? I'm assuming theming the apps is just like themeing the phone in that I just replace the .pngs right? Again your answers are very much appreciated and definitely making things seem easier. Thanks.
Hiya all.
I'm a noob at this too and I want to change the icons of some of the apps installed on my phone and theme a couple of widgets that am using. I have two questions:
1) In the system/app folder of the phone almost all the apps have a xxx.apk and a xxx.odex file. In order to change the png files in the apk does something need to be done with the odex file too?
2) Can I change the png files in the apk files in data/app the way you described above?
Sorry if the questions are noobish
From my Galaxy S loonie-phone
lovethyEVO said:
So aside from editing the xmls for the battery percent everything is just replacong pngs? Thats awesome.
When it comes to apps like the internet browser for example, where would I find the apk? I'm assuming theming the apps is just like themeing the phone in that I just replace the .pngs right? Again your answers are very much appreciated and definitely making things seem easier. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To theme the browser you can alter the Browser.apk in the system/app and using the direction I posted it works the same way.
And if you make a theme pm me so I can check it out.
Fireloon said:
Hiya all.
I'm a noob at this too and I want to change the icons of some of the apps installed on my phone and theme a couple of widgets that am using. I have two questions:
1) In the system/app folder of the phone almost all the apps have a xxx.apk and a xxx.odex file. In order to change the png files in the apk does something need to be done with the odex file too?
2) Can I change the png files in the apk files in data/app the way you described above?
Sorry if the questions are noobish
From my Galaxy S loonie-phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. My theming expertise is more with AOSP roms but its my understanding that you should be able to theme a sense rom in the same way by de-odexing a rom. And yes any and all apps are themable if it has a png files in it you can unpack it alter the png's and put them back in the original apk, which overwrites the original png's and resign it and then flash or reinstall it.
2. Yes you can. any and all apks can be themed in the manner I described. for odexed roms search the forum for de-odexing techniques.
Thx for the answer. I'll search about deodexing
From my Galaxy S loonie-phone
Thanks for all the great tips I just got finished porting a theme thanks to all the help!
shanesol said:
Thanks for all the great tips I just got finished porting a theme thanks to all the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome pm some screenies or the op here I'd like to check it out.
ASimmons said:
awesome pm some screenies or the op here I'd like to check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a simple black/white matte theme called Invertnito. It was made for Sapphire but I like CM too much to give it up lol
ASimmons said:
awesome pm some screenies or the op here I'd like to check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking to have some sort of base by this weekend. I have just been mix/matching pngs I like from other themes as well as trying to make my own pngs and figuring out the transparency/borders effect. Taking my time but still want to come out with something for critique.
shanesol said:
It's a simple black/white matte theme called Invertnito. It was made for Sapphire but I like CM too much to give it up lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice Job.
lovethyEVO said:
Looking to have some sort of base by this weekend. I have just been mix/matching pngs I like from other themes as well as trying to make my own pngs and figuring out the transparency/borders effect. Taking my time but still want to come out with something for critique.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm not much of a critiquer since most of the themeing stuff I've done doesn't go over so well around here (I dont like dark colors, black, dark blue blah blah) really its up to what you like, I made a couple of themes based on what I liked and left it at that. But I'll be glad to look at it and dont forget to make sure that if you use some elses stuff you give them there props in your ops and pm them a warning you going to use it, unless they specify different this is all you should need to do..
ASimmons said:
Nice Job.
Well I'm not much of a critiquer since most of the themeing stuff I've done doesn't go over so well around here (I dont like dark colors, black, dark blue blah blah) really its up to what you like, I made a couple of themes based on what I liked and left it at that. But I'll be glad to look at it and dont forget to make sure that if you use some elses stuff you give them there props in your ops and pm them a warning you going to use it, unless they specify different this is all you should need to do..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definately making note of whose work I use. Though it's kind of hard because my favorite notification icons I have seen in two diff themes and neither one of them mention who was the artist for them. But still keeping at it. And like you I dont care about dark colors unless its used to contrast the main theme color. I'm working on a red theme and there will be some parts that will have a darkish background to help the red border colors and/or text pop more. In time though. Your first post here was definitely a great shove in the right direction.
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.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
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.
I'm just trying a bit of theming myself, found plenty of guides on the topic however I have found one slight problem. No matter how I try to install my modded system apps, it always fails to install or doesn't change the original app at all.
I use APKmodder to do the editing if that affects anything, however the same issues arrise when using NinjaMorph on my NS.
I have tried multiple methods of getting the apps onto my device. Using adb push, creating a custom update.zip (which is all set out properly), NinjaMorph and even just the regular apk install, all of them either don't update the apps or are pushed to /system/apps but are not in the app launcher.
Any ideas? I have searched for hours about this and I haven't found anything to help me. Finally, if it helps I have tried with Launcher2.apk and Camera.apk.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Any ideas at all? I've never had much luck with Modding apps full stop. Could it be my copy of APKmodder?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
is your rom deodexed?
I imagine so, running CM7 and I can't find any odex files in /system. I also read somewhere else that CM6 was deodexed so I figured it would be the same.
What difference would it make if it wasn't deodexed? Would you need to remove the odex or something?
Sent from my Nexus S
Jonathon Grigg said:
I imagine so, running CM7 and I can't find any odex files in /system. I also read somewhere else that CM6 was deodexed so I figured it would be the same.
What difference would it make if it wasn't deodexed? Would you need to remove the odex or something?
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM7 is deoxed. It's probably because you're changing the apk, don't understand why you're playing with it but whatever.
No idea, my recommendation is to not mod it.
I am not familiar with the tools you're using, but I've heard that people have had trouble with them in the past.
The best tool for theming is Apkmanager 4.9 used along with Apktool 1.3.1.
However, if you're simply swapping some images, just do so in WinRAR or 7zip. No deed to decompile, resign anything. Just put your system apps in a Flashable zip in this order: Zip/system/framework/framework-res.apk and Zip/system/app/<your system apps> and drag and drop your images in the right locations.
Also, your zip must have a META-INF folder with the proper update script.
You can use any one of my themes as a template.
Hope this doesn't sound too convoluted.
Cheers.
Thanks for that, some changes are image based but there are also some XML based changes which I require, would the 7zip method work there?
And sorry if I'm being vague, but Im not near my computer now, but how would you use two tools in conjunction? Because I have used apktool before but not the other.
Thanks very much though! I am finally getting somewhere
Edit: thanks for the template offer, I will have a look and see what's different to my tests. Just one final question, is there any difference between an update-script and updater-script?
Double EDIT: For future reference if anyone finds this, there is a difference between update-script and updater-scripts. From Android 1.5 onwards, Google moved to updater-script's, leaving update-script's behind. Make sure you remember this!
Sent from my Nexus S
Jonathon Grigg said:
Thanks for that, some changes are image based but there are also some XML based changes which I require, would the 7zip method work there?
And sorry if I'm being vague, but Im not near my computer now, but how would you use two tools in conjunction? Because I have used apktool before but not the other.
Thanks very much though! I am finally getting somewhere
Edit: thanks for the template offer, I will have a look and see what's different to my tests. Just one final question, is there any difference between an update-script and updater-script?
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For xml changes you have to decompile/recompile the apk. Apkmanager is a GUI for apktool so you don't have to learn/remember the java commands.
If you download Apkmanager, it comes with Apktool 1.3.2, be sure to replace it with 1.3.1. It's way more stable and reliable.
Not sure about the difference between updater and update, maybe one has Amend scripts and one doesn't.
I am not a developer so can't say for sure , but the one person to ask would be ogdobber.
He literally knows everything about everything .
sonnysekhon said:
For xml changes you have to decompile/recompile the apk. Apkmanager is a GUI for apktool so you don't have to learn/remember the java commands.
If you download Apkmanager, it comes with Apktool 1.3.2, be sure to replace it with 1.3.1. It's way more stable and reliable.
Not sure about the difference between updater and update, maybe one has Amend scripts and one doesn't.
I am not a developer so can't say for sure , but the one person to ask would be ogdobber.
He literally knows everything about everything .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thankyou very much for the help once again. I have finished school for the week so I should have time to test these methods out now.
If I need any further help I might drop ogdobber a note then.
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my Nexus S
I made a thread in the Android General section, but it must not be getting attention from anyone capable of deodexing an apk, or just nobody wants to do it.
I probably should have created the thread here, so I'm linking to it here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1504082
Thanks all
bizzump
+10char
There's a few things we need to know first. Why only one apk? Why not deodex your whole ROM? Or if you have a copy of the whole ROM could your send it to me…..I can't deodex just the SystemUI when it has dependencies on the other functions within the ROM i.e. Framework.jar.
Or if you could explain maybe what your hoping to achieve I could probably sort somethingout for you a much simpler way.
What phone do you have and what apks are you using now? If you want to theme or want some sort of function from an apk that’s not yours but is odex version there may be a way of breaking it down to its classes (if I knew what ROM it was from and you had the entire framework folder from the ROM along with the odex file) and then I can decompile the apk you use (I think that’s what your trying to achieve correct?) from your ROM, then bring the classes and/or pngs across, rebuild, re-optimise (not odex btw) and send it back to you maintaining the signature for your apks in your ROM.
The phone and rom it is running are in my sig. I only want the SystemUI deodexed so that I can make the status bar transparent and still enjoy the slightly improved performance of an odex'ed rom, because this is a low-end phone so anything to increase performance helps. I have also tried using the AutoDeo Tool, but I don't know how to figure out what the correct custom bootclass path line input should be.
I asked for some help in that thread this morning and feel that I'm getting closer to having a deodexed SystemUI. I hate having posts in so many places about the same problem, but it seems like not a whole lot of people know how to do it, and even fewer want to explain such a complex process.
Hopefully I'll be able to deodex my entire rom.zip and just replace the systemui that's on my phone with the deodexed one and delete the .odex file and everything will be ok.
Sent from my SGH-T499 using XDA App