Database Develop

[Guide] Simple guide to theming ANY ROM

A lot of people have asked in various threads lately about getting this theme on x rom, or can someone port this theme for me, etc. It really isn't that hard. It actually is pretty much a simple matter of copying and pasting. This will work on any ROM, and it only takes a few minutes, easy enough for an amateur to do it.
1. First, download the ROM that has the theme that you want on your current ROM.
2. Extract framework-res.apk from /system/framework and rename it to framework-res-old.zip and then right click it, and click extract all. Just extract them to currentdirectory\framework-res-old, which should be the default option anyway.
3. Take your current ROM, and extract framework-res.apk from /system/framework, and repeat step 2 except name it framework-res-new.zip.
4. Browse to the framework-res-old\res folder and select all of the folders starting with "drawable", such as "drawable-mdpi"
5. Browse to the framework-res-new\res folder and paste those folders, it should prompt you to merge and replace files and all that jazz, just click yes and do for the next x conflicts. It will copy and replace all of the image files.
6. Go back to the root of your framework-res-new folder, highlight all of the contents, right click, Send to > Compressed (zipped) archive
7. Windows will re-zip framework-res-new. When it finishes, rename the new zip file to framework-res.apk and push it to /system/framework. If you haven't gotten s-off on your phone, you have to do this while in clockwork recovery (make sure you mount /system in the partitions menu, or if you are s-off and booted, type adb shell mount -o rw,remount /system if it gives you memory errors)
For other operating systems, the steps are similar. If you use a linux distro, I'm going to assume you are smart enough to figure out the compression tools and menu items to unzip and rezip the apk files.
NOTE: You don't actually have to change the extensions to .zip, in fact, you won't be able to unless you unchecked hide known file extensions in the windows folder options in control panel. I just thought it would be easier. If you don't want to unhide extensions, just use a tool like 7-zip or winrar to open and extract the APK. In simple terms, all you are doing is replacing the res folder of your new framework-res.apk with the one from the theme you want. Not very hard.
ANOTHER Note: Sense roms are a bit more difficult to theme, since all of the HTC apps are themed from images in com.htc.resources.apk in /system/framework. But if you are on a sense ROM, you probably can just use a MyModes theme. If you do however choose to try this on a sense ROM, it will only theme user and non-HTC apps. This guide will technically work for any ROM but it works best for AOSP based ROMs, like CyanogenMod or ArayrayMod. The only thing is that if there is a change in the color of text, then you have to decompile both framework-res APKs and copy styles.xml from the old one to your new one and recompile it. APKtool or APK Manager both work great for that.
DO A NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE PUSHING THE NEW FRAMEWORK! Sometimes you can get boot loops from screwing with other files in framework-res, or if it is not signed properly. But you shouldn't get boot loops as long as you stay away from XMLs.

how do i extract an apk? it shows up as an apk and when i click extract it does nothing

Sometimes pushing new frameworks cause boot loops fyi..

Happened to me twice :/
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

purple1 said:
how do i extract an apk? it shows up as an apk and when i click extract it does nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try renaming it to framework-res.zip rather than .apk? If you have 7-zip or winrar you can also right click, open with, and choose 7-zip or winrar from the choose default program option.
arayray said:
Sometimes pushing new frameworks cause boot loops fyi..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you screw with the non-drawable folders. If you leave the XMLs intact and only change the images it boots fine. The boot loops are caused by incompatible or conflicting XML files, which happens when you just push a random framework-res from another ROM, you have to just move the images over.

I use apkmanager for linux and its immensely helpful. Also you can loop one even without modifying the xmls. Least I have that's why the most important part of theming is knowing how to backup/restore or flash sbf or w/e.

Only if you screw with the non-drawable folders. If you leave the XMLs intact and only change the images it boots fine. The boot loops are caused by incompatible or conflicting XML files, which happens when you just push a random framework-res from another ROM, you have to just move the images over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should state that in the OP

Added a note at the bottom, thanks

Changing boot image/animation

Hey guys,
Been doing lots of reading online and haven't been able to figure out how to change my boot image/animations.
I'm running a Canadian captivate I896 and I have flashed it with the Odin 1-click gingerbread flash tool found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1127249
I also rooted it with the stuff in that thread.
I would like to be able to just drop a bootanimation.zip into a system folder but it appears that I have the .qmg files in the System/Media folder. Everything in there also appears with a shield on the icon and I can't rename, delete or put any other files in that folder.
I am using Root Explorer and I have it in R/W mode.
What do I have to do? Is there another thread I should read? I have done lots of searches but can't find anything.
Thanks

Depending on the version of Android you're running, the filename of the animation is different. For Froyo(2.2), bootanimation.zip. For Gingerbread(and Ice Cream Sandwich, presumably, 2.3/2.4), sanim.zip. /system/media is usually where you would put the file, but some kernels read it from /data/local.
The qmg files are the original Samsung boot animation. You can usually leave them there.
If Root Explorer won't let you write, even after hitting the R/O-R/W button a few times, it sounds like the rooting didn't work.

ugoff said:
Depending on the version of Android you're running, the filename of the animation is different. For Froyo(2.2), bootanimation.zip. For Gingerbread(and Ice Cream Sandwich, presumably, 2.3/2.4), sanim.zip. /system/media is usually where you would put the file, but some kernels read it from /data/local.
The qmg files are the original Samsung boot animation. You can usually leave them there.
If Root Explorer won't let you write, even after hitting the R/O-R/W button a few times, it sounds like the rooting didn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the reply.
I just flashed to the Illuminance 3.0 rom with the Samurai 1.4.2 Kernel.
Root Checker says I have root access.
Still can't write anything to the system/media folder.
Good to know that I need to rename the .zip file though.
Any further info you could offer on the read/write issue or where the .zip needs to go would be greatly appreciated.

Ha! Threw the .zip in the data/local file and the animation works great THanks. Now I just need to figure out how to get rid of the stupid AT&T image.

wallybanger said:
Ha! Threw the .zip in the data/local file and the animation works great THanks. Now I just need to figure out how to get rid of the stupid AT&T image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first image you see is from the bootloader. The AT&T bootloader can be hacked to replace the image. Alternatively, installing bootloaders from the i9000 will replace this with the stock Galaxy S image. Check out the Android Development section for bootloader info.

When I try to move the .zip file I get the error "Java.io.FileNotFoundException" why?

If your device is rooted, you can run the app called "root tools" and change your boot animation, it comes with a few good animations. the only thing is you have to pay for it. google root tools.apk and you'll be able to find it

sickspider1 said:
If your device is rooted, you can run the app called "root tools" and change your boot animation, it comes with a few good animations. the only thing is you have to pay for it. google root tools.apk and you'll be able to find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a much better, simpler, and safer way to change your boot animations.
1. Make a copy of the zip file that your rom installer came with.
2. Using a program like 7zip, open the zip file and clean out all directories except everything in META-INF, and /system/media.
3. Go into the /system/media folder and remove everything except bootanimation.zip and sanim.zip.
4. Copy over the bootanimation.zip and sanim.zip (if they're both there - if not, just copy over the one that's there) with your own versions of these files. MAKE SURE THAT THE FILE YOU PUT IN WAS ZIPPED WITH NO COMPRESSION. (You can specify compression in 7zip - it will be the "store" option).
5. Close the zipped file.
6. Save the zipped file (with whatever name you want) to your internal SD card.
7. Reboot into CWM recovery and flash.
This will replace your boot animations with your modded ones. If something goes haywire, worst case scenario will be you don't see a boot animation before the rom boots. If that happens, just use the same steps above, but don't replace the boot animations. Flash that "revert" version.

sickspider1 said:
If your device is rooted, you can run the app called "root tools" and change your boot animation, it comes with a few good animations. the only thing is you have to pay for it. google root tools.apk and you'll be able to find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea im rooted running illuminance 3.0.1 with the latest corn kernal...
Edit...fixed it, had to grant the program superuser permissions...

[BOOT] Eclipse METAL Boot Animation (12.14.11)

Eclipse METAL Boot Animation
Annnnnd another alternative for Eclipse ROM. As usual, thanks to nitroglycerin33 for the awesome job on his Eclipse ROM
YOUTUBE Video:
Eclipse BLUE METAL
Eclipse RED METAL
AS ALWAYS...
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PHONE AS A RESULT OF USING THIS CONTENT, JUST AS IT IS NO ONE ELSES FAULT FOR ANY DAMAGE I MIGHT DO TO MINE. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE RISKS INVOLVED, YA MIGHT JUST BE BETTER OFF STICKING WITH STOCK. It's not that complicated, just do a little research. Plenty of knowledge floating around XDA...
Simple enough:
1:: download the .zip
2:: rename it (using ES File Explorer or Astro or any ROOT EXPLORER that will allow you to MOUNT SYSTEM AS WRITABLE) by simply cutting out the description so that it is just bootanimation.zip
3:: copy or cut the bootanimation.zip and paste it in the system/media folder
4:: you will be warned that the merge will overwrite the existing file and that the world will end (not really, just accept the merge)
REBOOT
UPDATE: 12.14.11
- Added RED METAL edition
UPDATE: 12.8.11
- Added flashable .zip version, below...PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT FLASH THE WRONG ONE...if you do, refer to the disclaimer above
...don't be afraid to use the "THANKS" button...

NEW Eclipse RED METAL version added to OP

Setting a custom Bootanimation

Hey folks,
just a quick one for those who are interested. You can set a custom Bootup Animation. Most/All Animations you find online will work. Mind though, with the Mate 7 you won't be able to use provided flushable Zip files. So here's a short how-to
1. Download the Animation you want
1.1 Determine if the zip is a flashable file or the Animation itself (both are zip files)
If you don't now, unpack the file. If its folders named "Part1, Part2,..." You have the Animation. If you see a "System" folder, it's flashable.
1.2 in case of flushable: Browse to "\System\Media" and save the zip file on your PC
2. Push the Zip File to your Phone (Anywhere you are able to find it again )
3. Use a Root Explorer on your Phone (i like ES Explorer) and mount your "root" as RW (google the exact steps for your chosen Explorer)
4. Copy the "boot animation.zip" to "\cust\preinstalled\pubilc\media"
5. Reboot and Enjoy
Just for you, i'll add the Stock Android L Bootanimation:
Android L Bootanimation - OneDrive
If you have any Questions, or something doesn't work, let me know.

[Guide] How to extract bootanimation.zip from apk (CM theme engine)

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Hello People,
Today i am going to show you how to extract bootanimation.zip from apk. So lets begin,
You would want to apply custom boot animation like the CM theme engine but as the animations in cyanogenmod are in apk format, you cannnot apply them on other Roms. But now don't worry now i have got a way to apply them to non-cyanogenmod devices.
Requirements :
Boot animation apk. I will use the one given below.
File explorer (I would use Es file explorer)
Steps :
Navigate to the downloaded apk and long press it.
Under the 3 dot menu select extract to and extract the apk.*
Now you will find the bootanimatio.zip file in assets folder.*
Now*go to the root folder and navigate through system>media.**Once there locate your current bootanimation.zip file
Long-press your current bootanimation.zip file, and click copy, as we'll want to have a backup just in case. Paste it wherever convenient for you OR simply change the extension from .zip to .bak
Once your new bootanimation.zip has been selected for moving, navigate back to system > media and paste it there. You'll have to overwrite your current animation zip, but that's fine since you have a backup in case something goes wrong. Go for it.
For many of you, the previous step will be the last step. But, if for any reason you're still stuck with you old animation, you can try aligning the permissions of your newly-copied bootanimation.zip file with the permissions in the system/media folder. In our case, those were rw-r-r. Just long-press your new bootanimation.zip file and click Permissions and change them until they fit. The logic behind these abbreviations goes like this: Owner - Group - Other. Read for 'r', Write for 'w', and Execute for 'x'. Save the changes and restart...
Done, Show this awesome boot animation to your friends.*
Note :
You are choosing to make these modifications, and dont point the finger at me for messing up your device.
Watchdogs bootanimation download :
Mega - http://goo.gl/KGMS9i
Drive - http://goo.gl/FfvY8a
Hit the thanks button if you found this helpful :good: