Related
To get started, read the posts below by tsachi.
Then give this a glance - Do it yourself guide for theme editing
More Resources:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=982300
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcdxIJRSH9ypZGZzc2pxNDlfMjdnazk4OHNxZA&hl=en
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
Info on how to edit the items in notification bar:
+ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11158662&postcount=3
All credit belongs to the original authors. I am simply gathering all this information to make it easier.
For any help or support, post in this thread and we will try to help you the best we can.
Expanded Information
Introduction
The link in OP gives you instructions on how to replace images, but it lacks information for the inexperienced themer. Here is some background information and some more details on the steps before and after you insert new images in your framework.
System Icons and background images sit in two main files: framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk. Within these files there is a res directory, and under that you have the folders containing data. Google has guidelines on icon design, although themers usually ignore those in order to get a different from stock look. One thing you would notice is that there are a lot of repeated icons. For example, framework-res.apk has both drawable-hdpi and drawable-hdpi-v4. The first is there for compatibility with older APIs (anroid 1.6 or older) so I am not sure why it is still there, but if you remove it your phone will not like it.
Each application has its own res folder where the launcher icon and other visuals are kept. There are, however, a lot of applications that reference the framework.apk for visuals. An example is the dialer that calls on some background images from both framework-res and twframework-res.
There are 2 types of images that you would encounter. Normal icons and images are non-scalable. They take a certain amount of real estate on the phone, and that’s it. Example of these are the battery levels and notification icons. The other type is the .9 images. These are images that are going to be stretched to fit whatever space is needed. An example of that are the menu backgrounds. The .9 images have a special format. The one pixel border around them defines how they stretch and how content is displayed in them. It is highly recommended to follow the standards in order to get repeatable and consistent look. Android SDK has a tool to help with .9 file design: draw9patch.bat.
Important note: The .9 files show the borders ONLY when de-compiled. If you grab a file from the framework directly you will not see that line. It is therefore required to compile the .9 files after you make them. You can use apk manager or ThemePro-JAVA to recompile the framework apk after modifying the files.
Definitions for which image is used where sit in the xml files under the drawable folder. These are compiled xml files, you can’t edit them with a text editor. For this introduction I will not go into modifying xml files. Each apk also has a resources file that describes what is in there. If you add, remove, or rename files in the apk you will have discrepancy with the resource file and the theme will not work (more likely you will be stuck in an infinite bootup loop)
Before you start:
Warning: frameworks are highly linked with other files. You can’t just take a framework from one ROM and put it in another. Always keep a backup of the original files ready to be installed (see below), otherwise you may need to re-flash the ROM. Frameworks are also sensitive to compression. DO NOT use winzip to handle the files, it can cause problems with the final apk file.
There are several things you would need before you start
A rooted phone
SDK installed on the computer
A zip handling software other than winzip (winRAR and 7-zip are both good options)
Auto-sign (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=471634) or signing tool (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=473580)
Create a backup
Grab the framewor
k-res.apk and twframework-res.apk from your phone. They are located in the system/framework folder. You would need them as a starting point for your modification and you need them for a backup
Create a clockwork installation file of the original files (see post below)
Name the installation framework-original.zip, or something else that would be easily recognized in
case of trouble, and then copy it to your internal sd card.
After you are done modifying files
Create an installation file (see post below)
Give the file a name that is easy to recognize and copy it to your internal sd card
Reboot into recovery
Select install zip from card -> choose zip from sdcard
Select the installation of the new framework and confirm the installation
Reboot
If you are stuck in an infinite boot-up cycle
Take the battery out
Using 3-key combination boot into recovery (up-down volume + power. Hold until the AT&T screen cycles back, then release)
Install your original framework backup and reboot
Creating clockwork installation
After you have finished modifying the files, the best way to get them to the phone is through clockwork installation. Make sure that you have the original update.zip file on the sdcard. If you have a rooted phone, you probably have that already, but if not you can install ROM manager from the market and run it to get the update in place.
To create the installation file follow these steps:
Create a folder \framework
Place your modified framework files in that folder
Back in the main folder, create the following folder tree: \META-INF\com\google\android
In the android folder create a text file named update-script
WARNING: Do not name your framework file "update.zip"! You need both the original update.zip and the framework one for the installation.
Note: Although copying of the framework files may be possible, it is highly risky. In my experience installation from clockwork is the easiest
Puzzle Lock Screen Mod
Here is information for people who want to modify the look of the puzzle lock screen. It is only the list of images to replace, not the coding to change functionality.
The files sit in framework-res.apk under res\drawable-hdpi. The files are zzz_unlock_puzzle...
puzzle pieces
zzz_unlock_puzzle_noti_icon_call.png : Missed call piece in the floating state
zzz_unlock_puzzle_noti_icon_call_fit.png : Missed call when it gets to the unlock spot
zzz_unlock_puzzle_noti_icon_unlock.png : General unlock floating
zzz_unlock_puzzle_noti_icon_unlock_fit.png : General unlock at the unlock spot
Same for messages and voicemail.
Background
zzz_unlock_puzzle_bg.png : The image that shows on the lock screen. This should be semi-transparent if you want to show the regular screen background
zzz_unlock_puzzle_bg_pressed.png : Image that shows while dragging the puzzle pieces. Usually a slight modification of the regular background
zzz_unlock_puzzle_bg_land.png : The landscape version
Music player
zzz_unlock_disk... and zzz_unlock_ctr_pr... are the files related to the player.
zzz_unlock_ctr_bg.9.png is the background for the music controls
Text background
Overlaying the unlock image is text. That text can have background that is more opaque than the rest of the unlock screen.
The attached image shows the three regions. These regions also apply to the glass unlock.
Note: These are .9 files and should be done right to ensure correct stretching and text boundries.
Other files
There are some extra background files in the frameworks but I haven't been able to find where they go. There are also some files to control the clock numbers zzz_unlock_clock_...
Working with APK manager
What is APK manager?
APK manager is a tool for decompiling / recompiling apk files. If you want to change anything other than images, it is a must have.
The basics
The basic flow when using APK manager is
Place apk file in place-apk-here-for-modding folder
run the Script.bat file
Type 22 and select the file you want to work with
Type 9 and wait for it to finish decompiling
Modify the items you want modified (they will be in the projects folder)
type 11 to recompile
Sounds easy? It is, and it isn't. There are several places where things can go wrong. Here are a few of the things to watch for:
Bad starting file
This is mostly true for framework files that went through several cycles of modifications. The framework is forgiving to having extra items, or having bad .9 images (see post above about .9 images). Some people may have replaced images without recompiling the framework in a way that breaks internal links. If this happens you will very likely see error messages during the decompile stage. If that happens check the log file and correct things. One of the most common errors is .9 files replaced with regular images. See this post for how to solve this.
Things may not always be "fixable", so the best approach is to get the original framework that is the base for the one you need. Having a clean start can save a lot of headaches later on.
Overwriting your changes
When you recompile, assuming everything worked ok, you are prompted if this is a system file. Most likely you want to say yes. This ensures that the original signature is copied over. You will also be prompted if you want to copy some files over from the original. BE CAREFUL!. There are people who say you reduce the risk of errors if you copy things that didn't change. Personally, if I changed anything that required recompilation (mostly added new images or modified xml files) I always choose not to copy extra files. If you do choose to copy some files over, pay attention to the next step. Do not hit any key until you remove the modified files. You will need to go to the newly created "keep" folder (in the top apk manager directory) and remove any image that you changed and any xml that you modified. Also, if you modified xml files to add new images you need to delete "resources.arsc".
Failed rebuild
APK manager is trying to minimize work by only compiling newly changed items. If you built an apk and realized you have an error, or want to add more changes, I recommend removing the cached build. Go to the projects folder and delete the "build" folder. I've had cases where the new items didn't catch.
Removed items
I highly recommend to leave icons that you do not need. I've had occasions where I removed things that I thought had no more reference, but then ended with endless boot-loops. For example, if you modify the xml to only show 6 out of the 101 battery charge animations, leave the remaining icons in your project.
If you're stuck
Look at the log file. That would usually give you an answer. Also, if you are working on a recent GB ROM you probably need to get the beta 5 version. Version 4.9 will have problems compiling the newer files.
Thanks for the info!!! I have been wanting to play with themes for a while. Now I gots the knowledge.
sent from my Cap using the app.
Thanks for this post...I'll be looking into this for sure.
tsachi said:
After you have finished modifying the files, the best way to get them to the phone is through clockwork installation. Make sure that you have the original update.zip file on the sdcard. If you have a rooted phone, you probably have that already, but if not you can install ROM manager from the market and run it to get the update in place.
To create the installation file follow these steps:
Create a folder \framework
Place your modified framework files in that folder
Back in the main folder, create the following folder tree: \META-INF\com\google\android
In the android folder create a text file named update-script
WARNING: Do not name your framework file "update.zip"! You need both the original update.zip and the framework one for the installation.
Note: Although copying of the framework files may be possible, it is highly risky. In my experience installation from clockwork is the easiest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this.. Question In #4 above the text file in the android folder. Is that an empty file? no extension? Thanks for your help.
TorqueWrench001 said:
Thanks for this.. Question In #4 above the text file in the android folder. Is that an empty file? no extension? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file has no extension but it isn't empty. It contains the installation instructions. Typical instructions would be:
copy_dir PACKAGE:framework SYSTEM:framework
which copies everything in the frameworks folder in the zip file to the system/framework folder on the phone
Sent from a captivate running phoenix using XDA app
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcdxIJRSH9ypZGZzc2pxNDlfMjdnazk4OHNxZA&hl=en
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
Good info
Thanks, been wanting to play with themes for a while now!!!!!
This needs a bump for all those requesting themes to be made.
This needs to be a sticky. I detailed guide is just what was needed. I been wanting to play around with themes but always end up doing something stupid so it never works. Now I have some more knowledge and hopefully can avoid that mistake.
Thank you, one of the links has the info I need to fix my text color issue in my notification/menu window!
Sent from a phone using an app.
Why it's not pinned it's beyond me. We have a thread pinned for must have apps that aren't even must have apps, but not this.
That was do to some how me missing this thread for the post few months. It is corrected now. Stuck
Since the thread is getting more life, I just added info on lock screen (fourth post)
Sent from my captivate running the latest firefly
Resorce dump
Well now that this is not going to fall to the depths of page 500, ill unload some rubbish into it.
http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blade-themes-and-design-customisation/328510/guide-theme-editing-and-related-things/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9066440&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=593932
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8105110&postcount=2
http://developerlife.com/tutorials/?p=309
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/team-inversion-conversion/116419-so-you-want-edit-xmls-more-adb-apk-manager-how-basics.html
http://www.colorschemer.com/online.html
http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp
Edit: I purposefully did not include descriptions in the links. If you dont know what your doing reading all but the last two links in there entirety will help get you on your way.
whiteguypl said:
Well now that this is not going to fall to the depths of page 500, ill unload some rubbish into it.
http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blade-themes-and-design-customisation/328510/guide-theme-editing-and-related-things/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9066440&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=593932
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8105110&postcount=2
http://developerlife.com/tutorials/?p=309
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/team-inversion-conversion/116419-so-you-want-edit-xmls-more-adb-apk-manager-how-basics.html
http://www.colorschemer.com/online.html
http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp
Edit: I purposefully did not include descriptions in the links. If you dont know what your doing reading all but the last two links in there entirety will help get you on your way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice, I will add these to OP with details about each link.
I'm quite happy that this has been pinned finally. Now to get to work. I haven't decided on which ROM I want to do, or even if I wanna port another theme or make my own. SO MANY CHOICES!!
We've all seen/have/tried the Honeycomb Music Player apk. Now, for some of us, the cloud sync is working, and I'm suddenly really impressed by the player. But man, the widget it hideous. I know themers can't add album art support to the widget, but what about just matching it the honeycomb theme? The black with blue trim thing...
I've tried to ninjamorph, and I've a different way which used to work when theming the old widgetlocker, but every time the installation won't succeed. It seems that it's as simple as opening the files of the apk and changed "app_widget_bg", but it doens't work.
I attached the honeycomb dock that I wish to make the widget theme. I would just need to quickly add the trim all around it rather then just the edges, but, still, this would help so much.
Any help would greatly appreciated!
irish22022 said:
We've all seen/have/tried the Honeycomb Music Player apk. Now, for some of us, the cloud sync is working, and I'm suddenly really impressed by the player. But man, the widget it hideous. I know themers can't add album art support to the widget, but what about just matching it the honeycomb theme? The black with blue trim thing...
I've tried to ninjamorph, and I've a different way which used to work when theming the old widgetlocker, but every time the installation won't succeed. It seems that it's as simple as opening the files of the apk and changed "app_widget_bg", but it doens't work.
I attached the honeycomb dock that I wish to make the widget theme. I would just need to quickly add the trim all around it rather then just the edges, but, still, this would help so much.
Any help would greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you have to do is edit /replace the pngs in the apk then resign it. That was why it didn't install, you didn't resign. To resign:
1) Download the attached zip
2) extract it and you should get folder called SignApk
3) rename your honeycomb musik player.apk to "app.apk" (after modifying it ofcourse)
4) put it into the SignAPK folder
5) run "sign.bat"
6) an apk called app-signed should have been created
You can then rename this app if you want (it wont make a difference) and install it normally.
If you modify the image in the APK and then push to /system/app/, no installation should be necessary, nor resigning.
hettbeans said:
If you modify the image in the APK and then push to /system/app/, no installation should be necessary, nor resigning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Push meaning ADB? I don't know how use that monster yet. I'm on a mac, and I've found that apkmanager or really any desktop version of android is much more difficult to find and run on macs.
If I get the modded .apk onto my SD card, then move it using root explorer to system/app , what does that do? Will it just automatically appear in my app drawer without being installed?
joeshmoe08 said:
All you have to do is edit /replace the pngs in the apk then resign it. That was why it didn't install, you didn't resign. To resign:
1) Download the attached zip
2) extract it and you should get folder called SignApk
3) rename your honeycomb musik player.apk to "app.apk" (after modifying it ofcourse)
4) put it into the SignAPK folder
5) run "sign.bat"
6) an apk called app-signed should have been created
You can then rename this app if you want (it wont make a difference) and install it normally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this different then using zipsigner on the phone? I put the modded folder onto my SD card, zip it up, rename it .apk, sign it using zip signer ... still no good.
Do I do your method from my computer or my phone?
So I tried to do it via the attached the zip, and it didn't work. I couldn't even run sign.bat to begin with (on either my phone of my computer).
I also modded the image using ninjamorph then put it in my system/app - and nothing happened.
Surely theming a simple widget is easy enough. Does anyone on here know the easiest way?
I am making my first theme for the CM7 chooser and I'm doing a total conversion so I have a few questions..
1. Is it possible to load a theme into the Android emulator in the SDK so I don't have to keep loading them to my phone?
1a. Can I even get CM7 onto the emulator?
2. I want to change *everything*. Is the only way to do this to extract the image files from an already created theme, repaint them by hand, and then resign them?
3. Is there any kind of templates that show how each image file goes together? For instance, is there a template I can paint on and then have it extract to the correct images?
4. What about icon sets? How do I get an icon set I use (or create) to go into a theme I make?
5. How do I make an icon set?
6. If I choose a custom clock, etc, how do I get that to stick into the theme?
7. How do I theme things like swype that a user may or may not have installed?
Thanks
no one? the message I entered is too short
another bump. i dont know where to go for help if it's not here
Bumping this thread.
1. No it isnt possible. The emulator is basically a bare version of android. As far as I know you can't change anything about it. Only install/test applications.
1.a. no
2. Pretty much. Or you can change the color via xml
3. no
4/7. After you decompile a theme go to the apps folder and then open one of the apks in that folder. Edit it, then repack it. Same thing applies for swype
5. Making an icon set is basically making icons for the things on the phone. Its pretty straight forward. Use gimp or photoshop or whatever to make an icon. Make it 72x72 pixels then save it as png.
6. its in the framework/res/drawable folder. edit and save
After you do everything build and sign then youre good to go.. look for tutorials
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=964391
Hi. This thread will deal with the idea of reducing the size of a CM7 theme.
CM7 themes installed on SD card don't work properly ( say when phone is connected to PC for USB storage, phone may restart, or when phone is turned on theme on SD card is not applied properly.
This will allow you to install more themes, and save internal memory.
Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for any damage to your phone. Do it at your own risk
Make sure you have nandroid backup, although this process may not damage your phone
It is very easy, just follow these steps:
1) Download a CM7 theme (.apk file)
2) Double-Click on the .apk file, Windows will ask for program to open it. Select 'Use installed Programs' and then browse to your Winrar.exe, and click OK. So from now on you will be able to open any .apk file with Winrar
3) Once you open it, go one level up and extract the .apk'
4) Now close winrar, and go inside the extracted folders. Now you'll see many icons, for various apps, for theming.
5) Delete the icons of apps which you don't have on your phone and probably will not install in future.
6) Cut the theme Wallpapers and move them outside of the apk folder. Delete Wallpaper small images. Transfer the images to sd card and you can use them as normal images
7) Now make a zip of the extracted .apk theme folder, and transfer to your phone's SD card. Make sure you make a .zip and not .rar
8) OR just transfer the folder directly to your phone's SD card without zipping. Use Rootexplorer, long press on the folder, select 'zip this folder', and then Go to zip folder.
9) Now from either step 6 or step 7, long press the zip, and rename, now just change the extension from .zip to .apk
10) Install this .apk as any other .apk
11) Apply the theme. Go to manage applications, see the size of your theme, it will be 30% to 50% size of original .apk
12) So you have reduced the size of CM7 theme
Be Careful:
1) This method may not work on some .apk themes. If modified theme does not install, and is installed but doesn't work properly, it means you've deleted some system icons. Uninstall the theme. Modify again to make it working
2) If you have LDPI phone, you may not want HDPI icons, so you can delete entire 'drawable-hdpi' but only some theme will work. Some LDPI themes do require HDPI icons
3) I've uploaded one reduced size CM7 themes with wallpapes. Open them and see which icons I've deleted, so your can get some idea of how this method works.
Original Red_Remix theme is 8MB, the attached Red_Remix theme is only 4.5MB, 44% reduction
Thanks:
Big thanks to UpwardSpiral for his awesome themes. I used your themes just to demonstrate the idea of reducing the size of any CM7 theme. If you don't want me to use your theme for demonstration of the idea, then do let me know.
Here is the XDA thread for UpwardSpiral themes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11768348#post11768348
Download UpwardSpiral themes from Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=UpwardSpiral
A really nice idea...
But most (if not all) cm7 users have a sufficiently big sd partition...
Sent from my g-fit using xda premium
very nice. so I can use this method to create new theme, right?
crzfish said:
very nice. so I can use this method to create new theme, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you may be able to create new themes, as you wish.
I use these 50 screensavers for my NST. I've deleted original ones and copied mine in system/media/screensaver/authors, with right permissions (I used Super Manager to give them rw-r--r permissions in batch mode, however seems working also by simply copying them). Or you can copy them in /media partition.
I've attached the zipfile with all 50 screensavers, the 4 previews are included in the file.
All pictures are PNG 600x800 16 greyscale exact NST palette. No way to optimize more.
I spent over 3 hours to select them from Google, cut, resize, palette and optimize. So enjoy them.
You can also flash my framework-res from clockworkmod recovery; it only changes low battery and poweroff images, in-charge battery icon, progressbar, usb mode and sd card icon when inserted/removed. It's zipaligned (optimized), and previews are attached.
Please comment if you like
EDIT: 9 more screensavers for everyone!
Wow, this is really awesome. and it change the off screen that easily.
more great packs like this one would be appreciated.
btw, something is wrong with the last rabbids new.zip, cant download it, it shows a 554Byte file.
drmxmyt said:
Wow, this is really awesome. and it change the off screen that easily.
more great packs like this one would be appreciated.
btw, something is wrong with the last rabbids new.zip, cant download it, it shows a 554Byte file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed
how can i access to system/media/screensaver/authors? i did not see system folder when i connected it to pc.
cutrich said:
how can i access to system/media/screensaver/authors? i did not see system folder when i connected it to pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously you can't see it from PC, it's the internal system partition.
You can use "Super Manager" app, included in rooting procedure, with enabled root permissions. Copy images in SD card, where you want, then use "Super Manager" to select all and make a cut-paste in system/media/screensaver/authors folder
hey! i borked up the original authors and nature screensavers!
do you have a backup copy of it? i obviously don't.
can you upload it for me?
Thank you