Related
Reading the next couple of paragraphs will help you to yourself create a Transparent Statusbar for CM7 based and also most other ROMs. I feel that despite some good programs available for doing this, for example the excellent patcher from ZduneX25, users face quite a bit of difficulty in creating their own transparent statusbars. So here is a detaild guide based on my experience. I have prepared status bars at least for 20 different ROMs using this process with zero fails. Hope it helps people out here.
Prerequisites:
Properly configured Apktool - http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/
7-zip - http://www.7-zip.org/
Framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk of the ROM for which you wish to create the statusbar
SystemUI.apk from an existing ROM or theme having transparent statusbar from which you want to copy the transparent images. I have attached the one I am using currently. Use it if you want.
Steps to create the statusbar:
Step 1 – Edit the SystemUI.apk to enable transparency
Open command prompt and go to the directory where you have installed Apktool
Install Framework-res.apk
Code:
apktool if Framework-res.apk
Decompile SystemUI.apk
Code:
apktool d /path/to/SystemUI.apk /path/to/decompiled_files
Now in the decompiled_files folder, open the following file ina a text editor
Code:
/path/to/decompiled_files/smali/com/android/systemui/statusbar/StatusBarService.smali
Search and Find the following string:
Code:
new-instance v0, Landroid/view/WindowManager$LayoutParams;
Three or four lines below this string you will find the following:
Code:
const/4 v5, 0x2
Replace it with
Code:
const/4 v5, -0x3
Now open the following file in a text editor
Code:
/path/to/decompiled_files/res/layout/status_bar.xml
You will find the following code at the end of the file
Code:
<com.android.systemui.statusbar.DateView android:textAppearance="@android:style/TextAppearance.StatusBar.Icon" android:gravity="left|center" android:id="@id/date" android:background="@drawable/statusbar_background" android:paddingLeft="6.0px" android:paddingRight="6.0px" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="fill_parent" android:singleLine="true" />
Replace it with
Code:
<com.android.systemui.statusbar.DateView android:textAppearance="@android:style/TextAppearance.StatusBar.Icon" android:gravity="center|center" android:id="@id/date" android:background="@drawable/statusbar_background2" android:paddingLeft="6.0px" android:paddingRight="6.0px" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:layout_height="fill_parent" android:singleLine="true" />
Save and close the file
Browse to
Code:
/path/to/decompiled_files/drawable-mdpi or drawable-hdpi
Copy
Code:
statusbar_background.9.png
and paste it again as
Code:
statusbar_background2.9.png
in the same folder. You can also copy-paste and rename the file.
Recompile the SystemUI.apk
Code:
apktool b /path/to/decompiled_files
The new SystemUI.apk is saved to
Code:
/path/to/decompiled_files/dist/SystemUI.apk
Step 2 – Add the transparent images
Open the new SystemUI.apk in 7-zip and browse to the following locations depending on your device resolution
Code:
\res\drawable-mdpi\ or \res\drawable-hdpi\
Open the other SystemUI.apk (no. 4 in the prerequisites above) also in 7-zip and browse to the same folder,
Code:
\res\drawable-mdpi\ or \res\drawable-hdpi\
depending on your device resolution. Select the following files
statusbar_background.9.png
statusbar_background2.9.png
shade_bg.png (if you want a transparent pull down as well. Make sure the shade_bg.png is a transparent image.)
Drag and drop these files over to the other open 7-zip window containing your new SystemUI.apk. 7-zip will ask for confirmation, click OK.
Step 3 – Sign SystemUI.apk
You can use a number of signing tools to sign your files but in my experience it results in error many times, specially on Windows. The alternative way is use the signed files of the original apk.
Open the new SystemUI.apk in 7-zip
Open the original SystemUI.apk in 7-zip. This is the original SystemUI.apk from the ROM for which you want to create the statusbar, the one you decompiled.
Drag and drop the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml file from the original to the new SystemUI.apk.
Close all files. That’s it. You just signed your APK with zero chances of any error.
Now push this final SystemUI.apk to /system/app on you phone and reboot.
Of course the risk is your own here. If something bad happens just push your original SystemUI.apk to the phone and you should be good.
Also in case you find any error here, please inform me and I will try to correct it.
Click the Thanks button if this writeup helped you.
wow !! gonna try it dude
can you make another guide on changing font colors,for example the font color in the settings menu screen?
dyetheskin said:
can you make another guide on changing font colors,for example the font color in the settings menu screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will have a go at it next time.
Awesome thanx for explaining it so nicely
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda premium
Very nice tutorial up there, but is there any solution for overlapping date when there are many notification icon on dropped down status bar?
@Cortiis
i tried but failed many times..so will u plzzz do it for me...here are the files..the 1st two are from the rom in which i want trans s.bar...3rd one(renamed) is from the rom which already has trans s.bar..
btw all the files here are not from my phone but from respective rom zips in my comp..
This worked for me but only on the lockscreen and when I have holo launcher running. Samsung home (touchwiz i presume) still has black status bar. search for solution to that with no success... anyone know what else needs to be modded for the transparent status bar in touchwiz? btw thanks to ccgh for pointing me to this thread
Will it work with 4.1?
(Cm10)
Sent from my Slim Jelly phone
I wrote this tutorial that explains how to port Jelly Bean transition animations on EVERY ROM & especially on EVERY PHONE!!!.
1) First of all, you need to download and install APK MANAGER:
http://apkmultitool.com/?q=node/5
2) Extract with WinRAR, from the ROM you want to modify, the file framework-res.apk, that you can find in the directory \System\framework\.
3) Go to the apk manager folder and place the framework-res.apk file in the folder "place-apk-here-for-modding".
4) In the apk manager folder, double click on the file "Script". A cmd window will open.
5) Where it says "Please make your decision", write "22" (Set current project) and enter. Then enter "1" (to choose the first apk) and enter. Then enter "9" (Decompile apk) and enter.
The script will decompile the framework-res.apk.
6) Now go to your apk manager folder, go to projects\framework-res\res\anim\.
In this folder there are the animations of your rom. They consist in some .xml files decompiled.
7) Download this:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?8u5y88ais0awj1r
8) Copy the files from the folder "anim" of the zip downloaded into the anim folder and you are asked to replace the files; choose yes.
9) Now go to your apk manager folder, go to projects\framework-res\res\values\. Edit the file integers.xml.
Modify the values in those lines:
Code:
<integer name="config_shortAnimTime">150</integer>
<integer name="config_mediumAnimTime">300</integer>
<integer name="config_longAnimTime">400</integer>
to:
Code:
<integer name="config_shortAnimTime">200</integer>
<integer name="config_mediumAnimTime">400</integer>
<integer name="config_longAnimTime">500</integer>
and add these just below:
Code:
<integer name="config_activityShortDur">150</integer>
<integer name="config_activityDefaultDur">220</integer>
Save.
10) Return to Script. Enter "11" (Compile apk) and enter.
The script will rebuild the framework-res.apk.
11) You are asked if this is a system application. Enter "n" and enter.
12) Go to the folder "place-apk-here-for-modding" delete the file "unsignedframework-res.apk", click with the right mouse button on "framework-res.apk" and select "7zip > Open file", delete the folder "res" and "resource.arsc", go to the folder "projects\framework-res\build\apk\" select the folder "res" and the "resource.arsc", drag to zip and close.
13) Ready, now just replace.
CONGRATRULATIONS!!! YOU ARE DONE!!!
And if you think this tutorial is useful, CLICK THANKS!!!
P.S.: If you think that this post can help or interest people of other forums (with other devices), please share this post
Credits: Dinhodroid
Thanks nice guide and animations
Sent from my HTC Explorer A310e using xda premium
Thanks a lot
Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2
Good work. This is being used on my custom rom called ICS Redux for the Sidekick 4G! :good:
AW: [GUIDE]Port Jelly Bean transition animations on EVERY ROM & EVERY PHONE
Does that also work for gingerbread ??
I scratch that. I keep getting an error when recompiling.
KageBeast said:
I scratch that. I keep getting an error when recompiling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that has nothing to do with this.
mv_style said:
that has nothing to do with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So me trying to put the animations on my phone and getting error when recompiling the framework-res has nothing to do with this? I believe you are wrong sir.
KageBeast said:
So me trying to put the animations on my phone and getting error when recompiling the framework-res has nothing to do with this? I believe you are wrong sir.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u compile and recompile other apps?
hey OP have u taken the original modders permissions to port here ?
mv_style said:
Can u compile and recompile other apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I can but i got this work. I had issues compiling the first time because i was also editing another xml but it worked the 2nd time.
I have been trying to change the motoblur launcher to remove the useless search bar, and reclaim that space to have 5 rows on the homescreen. So far, no success.
Here is what I have modified in deodexed Homescreen.apk:
res/layout-port.xml, modified value from 4 to 5:
Code:
launcher:cellCountY="5"
res/layout-port.xml, deleted following 2 lines:
Code:
<include android:id="@id/qsb_bar" layout="@layout/qsb_bar" />
<com.motorola.homescreen.DrawableStateProxyView android:layout_gravity="top|right|center" android:id="@id/voice_button_proxy" android:clickable="true" android:layout_width="80.0dip" android:layout_height="@dimen/qsb_bar_height" android:onClick="onClickVoiceButton" launcher:sourceViewId="@id/voice_button" />
res/layout-land.xml, modified value from 4 to 5:
Code:
launcher:cellCountX="5"
res/layout-land.xml, deleted following 2 lines:
Code:
<include android:id="@id/qsb_bar" layout="@layout/qsb_bar" />
<com.motorola.homescreen.DrawableStateProxyView android:layout_gravity="bottom|left|center" android:id="@id/voice_button_proxy" android:clickable="true" android:layout_width="@dimen/qsb_bar_height" android:layout_height="@dimen/app_icon_size" android:onClick="onClickVoiceButton" launcher:sourceViewId="@id/voice_button" />
res/values/dimens.xml, modified values from 34 to 0, and 40 to 0:
Code:
<dimen name="qsb_bar_height_inset">0.0dip</dimen>
<dimen name="qsb_bar_height">0.0dip</dimen>
res/values-port/dimens.xml, modified values from 37 to 0, and 43 to 0:
Code:
<dimen name="qsb_bar_height_inset">0.0dip</dimen>
<dimen name="qsb_bar_height">0.0dip</dimen>
Anyone knows why it is not working, and what else do I need to do? I had a look at smali code, but have not got a clue where I should start modifying the code.
I think I have it all finally worked out. I have made changes to the XML and SMALI code to remove the search bar, enable 5 rows on the homescreen, and 20 items (instead of 16) with 5 rows in the folders.
The Homescreen.apk compiles fine, signed, zipaligned, but it FC on the phone...
I am kind of giving up now, as to be honest I do not care that much, since I do not use the launcher. But I thought it would be nice for people who use it. So, if anyone wants to take over, here are my changes (only modified .xml and .smali files): View attachment Motoblur_launcher_5_rows_(xml+smali).zip
arman68 said:
The Homescreen.apk compiles fine, signed, zipaligned, but it FC on the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You MUST NOT sign this, you should compile as a system apk!
shaftenberg said:
You MUST NOT sign this, you should compile as a system apk!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. How do I do that? Normally, I use apktool with the following command:
Code:
java.exe -jar apktool.jar b <package> <package_NEW.apk>
Well, I don't use apktool via command line. I use the ApkManager, there is an option for creating unsigned (system) apps.
The apktool reference is here:
http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/wiki/ApktoolOptions
Honestly I can't help the way you work
shaftenberg said:
Well, I don't use apktool via command line. I use the ApkManager, there is an option for creating unsigned (system) apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have had a look at what the ApkManager tool does for compiling system apps, and it is similar to what I do manually: build apk with apktool, and then inject original META-INF folder. So I do not think that is the issue. Besides, I tried with the bare apk build, then zipaligned, then signed and zipaligned.
I suspect I might need to recompile HomeConfig.apk as well, or maybe (remembering an old thread on xda), make only the smali changes first, compile, decompile the apk with smali changes, and only then do the xml changes (it does not make sense to me, but I will try).
I have got it working!
My mistake was to completely remove the search bar sections from the launcher xml. This is what cause the FC.
I am now using a different approach, which is to set the search bar dimension to 0; this prevents FC in the launcher, and any other application which assumes the search bar exists. I am now busy testing and refining the settings, and will soon have something to post...
[Advice/Reference/Guide] The Definitive APK Modding & Theming Thread... {06/07/13}
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XperienceD said:
This is why I love Virtuous Ten, as you can install multiple resources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jacknb1ack said:
wow, i didnt know there is tools like that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After reading jacknb1ack's comment I felt compelled to re-write this whole thread to accommodate for the various PC Programs that you use to do all of your apk modding which can and do make things a hell of a lot quicker. I've wrote this as something I would have liked to have come across when I first joined because I know there is a lot to take in, and hearing you need to decompile, edit this or that xml, recompile, sign etc etc etc can be off putting for some especially if you struggle to get a program or apktool setup to begin with.
Knowing how to use command prompts will be beneficial in the long run so I've wrote a detailed guide below which covers it from start to finish along with how to Sign and Zipalign your apks, pulling them from the computer and so on. I've also covered some Theming basics with links to everything you're ever going to need, which will be extra handy if you're just getting started.
Minimum Requirements:
A Rooted Phone.
Java SE Runtime Environment
Java SE Development Kit
Any of the apk modifying methods below.
7-Zip or WinRar
Theming Requirements:
Notepad++
Photoshop, GIMP or any other image editing software.
Patience. :silly:
To avoid any java not found issues you need to set up the PATH for it in Environment Variables, you can find a short Guide on how to HERE. This is how mine looks...
Code:
[B]C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin;[/B]
I would advise that you also install the Android SDK but if you don't want to you can download this APK_Mod.zip that you can extract to a folder and place it anywhere you want on your Computer (I recommend C:\APK_Mod) and run any adb, apktool, zipalign or signing command prompts from it. You can find a more detailed guide for this method below.
But first off all here are some of the most common Programs that you can use to modify and theme your apks, and I'll start with one of the best...
Virtuous Ten Studio (VTS)
Virtuous Ten Studio (VTS) is the ultimate solution for the modification of android applications.
This program allows you to manage entire Android projects within an easy to use and familiar environment.
The intended group of users covers anyone from a themer over ROM devs up to the smali gods known for their awesome mods of existing apks.
The modifcation of smali code is one of the biggest features in VTS. You can easily decompile, edit and recompile any apk or jar file.
However, the application is not limited to smali files. You can edit almost any file found inside an apk or jar.
Virtuous Ten Studio is also the official successor to the highly important M10Tools released last year by the Virtuous Team.
You can easily edit any m10 file from Sense apps in order to resize or change them.
Additionally VTS brings support for un- and repacking of boot images (boot.img), a job that previously required a cygwin installation with the dsixda kitchen.
Since VTS' own implementation is a native windows solution, which means you don't need dsixda or cygwin anymore.
VTS has been designed to run on Windows, has been in development for nearly two years and has gone through many stages of testing.
Today VTS is a highly respected full blown Android IDE (Integrated Develoment Environment) suited for all your reverse engineering tasks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- www.virtuous-ten-studio.com
AndroidSuite 2013
AndroidSuite 2013 what it does
Decodes and encodes Dex files
Decodes and encodes APK files (Previously bugged in APKManager)
Gives a console output
Flash boot.img (fastboot)
Flash update.zip (fastboot)
reboot/reboot fastboot mode
Sign unsigned apks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- (App) Androidsuite 2013 v117 (01/04/2013) Jelly Bean Support!
Tickle My Android 5.4
Tickle My Android, or TMA for short, is a command line tool for Windows that uses apktool to help you pull and decompile files from your Android phone or tablet.
But it can also:
change the battery icon,
change the WiFi icon,
change the signal icon,
change the emoticons,
change the notification toggles,
change the transparency of the statusbar (if the rom allows it),
add Ice-Cream Sandwich-style transitions
zipalign apk files,
sign new apk files,
sign recompiled apk files in the same way as the original,
deodex apk and jar files,
backup personal data and transfer to a brand new device,
resize and change boot animations,
change fonts,
add sounds from other devices,
create backup-generating flashable zip files
..and now comes in Portuguese and French!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- [TOOL]Tickle My Android 5.4 - DE/RECOMPILE APPS, CHANGE ICONS...AND MORE!!!!
ApkManager V6.1
1. Based on ApkManager 4.9 by Daneshm90 (Big thanks to him)
2. Updated Apktool V1.5.2 by iBotPeaches & Brut.Alll
3. Updated Aapt v0.2
4. Default compression level set to “0?
5. 512Mo as default allowed heap size
6. 3 ready for use fake frameworks : “other\wanam1.apk”… (for Lidroid framework editing)
7. Add a “Decompile all files” feature (option 25)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- wanamlite.com
Command Prompt Editing
Basically this is just manually doing what all of the programs above need to do in order to decompile, recompile, sign and zipalign apks so it's worth knowing how to modify apks this way for occasions when the above programs for whatever reason gives you issues.
Use Linux or a Mac?
See the following threads for more information on using apktool on other Operating Systems...
APK Manager for Mac OS X
[Linux][UTILITY][TOOL] APK Multi-Tool
[tutorial] decompiling,recompiling and signing in linux (27-01-2013)
How to install and use Apktool with Ubuntu
Getting APKs To Your PC
You have two options here...
1. Use a file manager on your Phone to copy and paste files to your SD, then connect to your PC and use Windows Explorer to copy and paste to your desired location.
2. ADB. Open a command prompt window in the ADB folder (see below) and type/copy the following command...
Code:
adb pull /system/app/ Original_apps
...which will pull the whole app folder to your computer and create a new folder called Original_apps, which you can then simply copy apps to the main folder ready to be modified (keep the Original_apps folder as a backup). Then do the same for your framework folder...
Code:
adb pull /system/framework/ Original_framework
...want to pull your Phones whole system...
Code:
adb pull /system/ Xperia_Z_System
...you can rename "Xperia_Z_System" to whatever you want.
Further Information: [WINDOWS][TUT]ADB tutorial, setting up ADB, usefull commands, collecting debug info.
This is a zip of the apktool folder I currently use - APK_Mod.zip - which as said above also contains the ADB files needed to pull and push apps from your Phone, or you can check out the following links...
[Tool] ADB Fileexplorer
[TOOL][WINDOWS] Android Apktool
Installing Resources
For apktool to work you need to install the resources needed by your apks for de and recompiling, and those resources are other apks, the first apk regardless of your Phones manufacturer is going to be your framework-res.apk. The second apk you need is dependent on the manufacturer so you need to check your framework folder for another apk such as twframework.apk or SemcGenericUXpres.apk, in some cases it might even be the SystemUI.apk but you would need to check if you have issues with the other two. Put those two apks in the APK_Mod folder to begin with then open a command prompt window. The easiest way for me is holding the shift key then right clicking the mouse and selecting Open command window here, but if you're not able to do that then click your Start button and search for Command Prompt, then open it. You then need to point it to the relevant folder, so type cd then copy and paste the location of the folder (cd C:\APK_Mod) and hit enter.
The install commands are...
Code:
[B]apktool if[/B] framework-res.apk
...and for the second...
Code:
[B]apktool if[/B] SemcGenericUXpres.apk
Decompiling
The command for decompiling is...
Code:
[B]apktool d[/B] framework-res.apk
...and so on for each individual apk you want to modify. A new folder will be created that is named after the apk you are modding, then you can edit xmls, smali files and .9png images. You'll notice that there are a lot more folders when you decompile an apk, that's normal as those folders are from the resources.arsc and where you'll find the xml files you may need to edit to make the changes you want.
Recompiling
When you've done editing it's time to recompile, using the command...
Code:
[B]apktool b[/B] -insert folder name-
...and if you've edited your files correctly then it should compile with no errors and create a folder named dist in the decompiled folder along with a new apk.
Signing
Before using the new apk you will need to sign it, to do this you need to extract (open the apk and simply drag and drop them to the dist folder) from the original apk the resources.arsc (only if you haven't changed anything in the values folder, the AndroidManifest.xml and META-INF folder (if it exists), then copy them into the new apk. In WinRar it will give you the option to choose the compression method, and it's vital that you choose Store as the compression method because if you don't then you WILL BOOT LOOP after restarting your Phone!
NOTE: If you have edited anything in the values folder then extract the resources.arsc from the new apk and copy (drag and drop) it back in the same manner described above.
Alternatively you can use the following command...
Code:
[B]java -jar signapk.jar testkey.x509.pem testkey.pk8[/B] framework-res.apk.apk framework-resS.apk
...notice the extra "S", the output name has to differ from the input name otherwise it will give an error, if done right it will create a new apk called framework-resS.apk, just remember to rename it back to the original before using it on your Phone.
Zipaligning
DISADVANTAGES OF UNALIGNED APKs
Quite understandably, situation would be reserved for unaligned application packages. Resource reading would be slow and memory usage would be on the higher end of the spectrum. It would also depend on how many unaligned applications are present. For example, if less number of applications with an unaligned home application, you’d see slower application launch times. This is the best case scenario. For a worst case scenario, having a number of unaligned applications will result in the system repeatedly starting and killing processes, struggling with lags and huge battery drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- SOURCE
The command for zipaligning is...
Code:
[B]zipalign -v 4[/B] framework-res.apk ZAframework-res.apk
...notice the "ZA", again that can be anything you want so long as it differs from the original name, I use ZA for an obvious reason, and again don't forget to rename it before using on your Phone.
Getting apks back to your Phone
It's just a reversal of how you got them off your Phone to begin with, use a file explorer and put your apk on your SD Card, then move it to the Phones System folder and change it's permissions to rw-rw-r, then move and replace it with the original. Most apps should continue to work but if you change your framework-res or SystemUI you will most likely need to reboot. Or you can use adb to push and install them. Check the previous link for the commands.
If all the above has worked correctly you should now have your modified apk installed with the changes you've made displayed on your Phone.
Theming & Modifying
This is where the fun begins, once you've got setup to decompile your apks then obviously you're going to want to mod them, so here's a few pointers to clear up what seems like a daunting process to new comers...
To start with you'll probably just want to start with replacing images, so if that's all you want to do for now then here's a quick tip, you DON'T need to decompile or sign your apks!, simply edit and rename your replacment images on you computer, preferably using the same or similar dimensions then drag and drop them back into the right folders in the apk, always using Store as the compression method, but PLEASE NOTE; .9 pngs can be replaced in the same way, but if you want to edit them in Photoshop for example then you need DO need to decompile them.
A few things to note...
Smali code is real Developer territory, it's Matrix code to me , thankfully there's usually a guide to follow so you can simply copy and paste code without having to fully understand how it works, so don't fret about this.
.9pngs are simply png images with a 1 pixel border. You can edit anything within that border but anything on or over will give errors when building. Unless you're creating an image from scratch then you can leave the border as it is, it's that simple! Sure there's a bit more to .9png editing but you can find a few links below that go into more detail about .9s and how they work.
xmls are relatively simple and edited with Notepad++, much simpler to understand than smali and again, there's usually a guide to be found for most mods you may want to make yourself, but if you're feeling brave you can experiment with it when you have a basic understanding of how it works.
Restoring modified files if you mess up is easier and quicker with a CWM.zip, especially if you're modifying any framework apks! Just because an apk might build with no errors doesn't mean it won't give you any when installed to the Phone.
.9png Editing
I hope after reading this explanation you're left wondering what all the fuss is about, as it really is quite simple. I'll use the following two images, btn_default_pressed_holo.9 & status_bar_close_off.9 to illustrate the basic point of the borders...
Decompiled .9pngs:
Recompiled .9pngs:
Those borders control which part of the image is stretched, and we'll use Draw 9-patch which is for editing the borders of decompiled .9pngs and lets you see how the image, when stretched, will be displayed on the Phone. Notice that the borders are different sizes, well that's because I only want/need a certain part of the image to stretch to get the desired look on the Phone.
...in the image below the left side shows the stretched image and desired effect should look on the Phone and the right side shows how it would look if I had edited the borders incorrectly or used none at all...
You can get away by not using a border but you would need to edit your image to specific dimensions to accommodate for the stretching, for example it might look fine for a simple OK button but it might not look right if you used the same .9png for a screen press which stretches the whole length of the screen, so you're better off just using them to begin with, plus you'll more than likely get errors down the line while decompiling or recompiling your apk.
The use of the border is made even more clear when you add text to an image. For my status_bar_close_off.9 I've filled all four sides of the image (except for an empty pixel in all four corners as that is the max amount of border you can use) as I need it to stretch the image just how I've edited it...
...but if I used the same sized left side border as the btn_default_pressed_holo.9 then this is how it would look on the Phone...
...which is obviously not the look I'm trying to achieve, as the left side border is causing the image to stretch incorrectly.
So that's basically it, depending on the image you're editing you can usually leave the borders alone but if you create one from scratch then you might need to play about with them if your images doesn't look quite right when used on the Phone. Here's a few links that will assist you further, especially the batch editing...
How to edit .9.pngs
[TUTO] Create your 9.png !
[UTILITY][TOOL] 9patchPngSuite [Windows&Linux]
How to draw NinePatch images with Photoshop - .9.PNG
[TOOL][Multi-Platform][.9.png][ALL DPIs] Android Resizer Tool
[Tutorial][Commentary] How To Batch Edit .9PNG/PNG Images
Xposed Framework
rovo89 said:
In this thread, I'm presenting a framework which gives you the possibility to modify your ROM - without modifying any APK (developers) or flashing (users)!
...
Advantages:
No need to modify any APKs. This means:
No need to decompile, change things in smali, compile, sign, ...
It will work for odexed and deodexed ROMs.
Your mod is not bound to a specific version of the ROM. Unless there is a major change in the methods called for a certain functionality, your mod will continue to work even when you upgrade your ROM. Hell, it will probably even work with different ROMs.
Multiple mods can be installed at the same time, even if they change the same package. So you can use these battery icons and those quick toggles. Even hooking the same method twice is possible. Of course, this only works properly if the mods are not trying to do incompatible things.
It does its magic at runtime. That means you can implement options to let the user decide if they prefer the bikeshed to be painted in red or blue. Or you can have some extra logic for certain ROMs without building different mod versions.
It can be disabled easily without having to reflash.
It's open source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- [FRAMEWORK ONLY!] Xposed - ROM modding without modifying APKs
[Guide] Porting XTheme themes
[Guide] Xposed Framework/TabletUI (Noob-Friendly)
[INDEX][WiP] List of APPs & MODs that use XPOSED Module
[MOD][XPOSED][4.0+] XThemeEngine beta5 - Theme engine for any rooted phone
And that's pretty much it, the only way you're really going to learn is by reading then putting into practice what you've read and picking stuff up along the way, fortunately this far into the history of Android there are numerous guides for numerous mods and tools to help with a variety of tasks and the following links are going to be a big help...
U.I Modding
Text Color Guide
Tutorial :- Changing App Icons
[TUTORIAL]How to Theme Your MMS
[How-to] Edit the "About Phone" display
[GUIDE][REF]Changing System Text Settings
[TUTORIAL] How to add various framework/Settings mods
[TUTORIAL] Where to find the colors for making a theme
Some Extra Theming and Moving the Power Widget Down
[HOWTO] Integrating/Adding applications to the settings menu
[TUT][JB] HOW TO THEME SystemUI.apk for TOTALLY newbie!
[GUIDE][MOD][SYSTEMUI] How to add 0.0K/s meter on statusbar ICS/JB
[GUIDE] How to get Transparent App Drawer [Launcher2.apk or Trebuchet.apk]
[TUT] How To Center The Clock On The Statusbar..And Move Other Icons As Well!
[How-To]Removing Battery Percentage, Adding Toggles,Battery Circles to Statusbar
[GUIDE][Mods][All Devices]How to add/ Change Clocks to Analog/ Digital with Seconds
Various Tools...
[TOOL][BETA]Miui Theme Converter/Convert apk Themes!!!
[TOOL][JAVA]"The Rom Fumbler" aka "The Battery Icon Creator"[V29.0]
[TOOL]Boot Animation Factory-Create,Preview and Manage Boot Animations
Useful Links
findicons.com
colorschemer.com
[GUIDE] Tips for themers
Ultimate Online Theme Kitchen
[GUIDE] Want to learn how to theme?
General Questions about Themes GO HERE!!!!!
[Guide] How to port themes to T-Mobile Theme Chooser
[Collection] ICON SETS | Over *750* different Icon Packs
[DEV/GUIDE]Creating APKs for use with TMobile Theme engine
[GUIDE] T-mobile theme engine for the faint at heart (non-linux users)
[TEMPLATE] Icon Packs/Themes for Apex, Nova, Holo, ADW, and more!!
[INFO] Custom framework-res.apk resources.arsc using vendor overlays
If you feel something more should be added to this thread please feel free to suggest it.
Credits & Thanks:
@_calum_
@Diamondback
@ebs512
@Rizal Lovins
@Ticklefish
@wanam
@rovo89
And not forgetting @iBotPeaches and @Brut.all for making it possible with - [UTIL][Feb 02 2013] Apktool v1.5.2 - a tool for reverse engineering apk files
ClockworkMod Recovery...
Flashable Clockwork Mod (CWM) zip
ClockworkMod Recovery zips are used for flashing individual files to whole ROMS and can be a life saver if you push a badly edited apk to your Phone that results in a bootloop. There's also a few programs that can assist you with that too, but if all you're doing is replacing a few files all you really need is a template, then it's just a matter of creating the Phones folder setup in the zip which is simply creating folders: system\app - system\media\audio etc then dragging and dropping your files into it. A basic understanding of the updater script is essential, a ROM.zip will more than likely wipe your Phone whereas a Theme.zip may just replace files but it might delete some also.
See below for a CWM.zip Template but first some helpful links...
[Tool]easy flasher v4 (ur own update.zip)
[TUT] [for NOOB] editing updater-script for noobs!
[TUTORIAL] Making Flashable ZIPs, EDIFY Script, ZIP Signing & Key Creation
[Utility-Tool][DEVandThemers]CWMflashpack.zipCreatorV1{TheCollective}w/EdifyScripting
This is my Theme_CMW_Template.zip which is set up so you can add your own files to the framework and apps folders in the main system location, but you can easily add other folders to it if you want to add things like fonts, tones or anything else, just remember to add folders within folders if that's where the files you want to include are such as tones, media\audio\alarms for example.
If you navigate to META-INF\com\google\android you will find the updater-script which controls how the zip works and the text you see when you run it in CWM. As this zip is just for basically over writing files you don't need to edit anything except for a few lines...
...this is how I've edited it for my Ice Green ResMods theme...
...so just edit it using Notepad++ to your liking.
When adding files to your zip add them using Normal as the Compression Method...
...and that's pretty much it. Remember to remove the text files I've added otherwise they will be flashed to your folders too.
[How To] AOSP Lockscreen...
[MOD][4.2.2][Z] AOSP Lockscreen
1. Decompile your framework-res.apk.
2. Go to your layout folder and open keyguard_screen_tab_unlock.xml then find and change the following lines...
Code:
<com.android.internal.widget.DigitalClock android:layout_gravity="right" android:id="@id/time" android:layout_marginTop="@dimen/keyguard_lockscreen_status_line_clockfont_top_margin" android:layout_marginRight="@dimen/keyguard_lockscreen_status_line_font_right_margin" android:layout_marginBottom="12.0dip">
...to...
Code:
<com.android.internal.widget.DigitalClock android:id="@id/time" android:layout_gravity="center_horizontal" android:layout_marginTop="100.dip" android:layout_marginBottom="3.0dip">
...then change this...
Code:
<LinearLayout android:layout_gravity="right" android:orientation="horizontal" android:layout_marginRight="@dimen/keyguard_lockscreen_status_line_font_right_margin">
...to this...
Code:
<LinearLayout android:layout_gravity="center_horizontal" android:orientation="horizontal" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_marginBottom="6.0dip">
...also change this...
Code:
<Button android:layout_gravity="right" android:id="@id/emergencyCallButton" android:visibility="gone" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_marginTop="4.0dip" android:layout_marginRight="16.0dip" android:text="@string/lockscreen_emergency_call" android:drawableLeft="@drawable/lockscreen_emergency_button" android:drawablePadding="4.0dip" style="?android:attr/buttonBarButtonStyle" />
...to this...
Code:
<Button android:layout_gravity="center_horizontal" android:id="@id/emergencyCallButton" android:visibility="gone" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_marginTop="4.0dip" android:text="@string/lockscreen_emergency_call" android:drawableLeft="@drawable/lockscreen_emergency_button" android:drawablePadding="4.0dip" style="?android:attr/buttonBarButtonStyle" />
...then change this...
Code:
<LinearLayout android:gravity="center" android:orientation="horizontal" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:weightSum="2.0" style="?android:attr/buttonBarStyle">
...to this...
Code:
<LinearLayout android:gravity="center" android:visibility="gone" android:orientation="horizontal" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:weightSum="2.0" style="?android:attr/buttonBarStyle">
3. Recompile and sign your framework-res.apk
4. Go to system/app and either delete, rename or remove all permissions for UxpNxtLockScreen.apk.
5. Replace your framework-res.apk on your Phone with the new one, reboot, done....
To also remove the operator logo as I have change this line...
Code:
<TextView android:textAppearance="?textAppearanceMedium" android:textSize="@dimen/keyguard_lockscreen_status_line_font_size" android:textColor="?textColorSecondary" android:ellipsize="marquee" android:gravity="center_horizontal" android:id="@id/carrier" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_marginBottom="12.0dip" android:singleLine="true" android:layout_alignParentBottom="true" />
...to...
Code:
<TextView android:textAppearance="?textAppearanceMedium" [B][COLOR="Red"]android:visibility="gone"[/COLOR][/B] android:textSize="@dimen/keyguard_lockscreen_status_line_font_size" android:textColor="?textColorSecondary" android:ellipsize="marquee" android:gravity="center_horizontal" android:id="@id/carrier" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_marginBottom="12.0dip" android:singleLine="true" android:layout_alignParentBottom="true" />
Deodexing...
philos64 said:
The differences between Odex and Deodex Files...
In Android file system, applications come in packages with the extension .apk. These application packages, or APKs contain certain .odex files whose supposed function is to save space The odexed file structure works well as an optimization tool. Since these .odex files contain preliminary load information about each system app, the OS knows what to expect when it’s booting up, and consequently, loads all these apps faster.
On the other hand, it also makes hacking those applications difficult because a part of the coding has already been extracted to another location before execution.
For instance, on a non-rooted device you’ll find
system/app/Phone.apk ===> as well as ===> system/app/Phone.odex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- [GUIDE] - The differences between Odex and Deodex Files
[TOOL][WINDOWS]Universal Deodexer[ALL DEVICES!!]
abcdjdj said:
Hi everyone,
Alokbina and I have created a tool which allows users to very easily deodex apks from a rom. This tool is very useful for Rom developers too. For now only windows is supported but we will try our best to make the same tool for linux too and make the tool as user friendly as possible. And, please don't forget to thank alokbina too.
Requirements:-
--->Java installed on your PC
--->system/framework folder from your rom
--->apks from that SAME ROM with the respective .odex file
--->Patience and a calm head (common sense included)
You can watch this video for setting up and using the tool -
- [FIXED][UPDATE - V3][TOOL][WINDOWS]Universal Deodexer[ALL DEVICES!!]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[GUIDE] How to DEODEX stock ODEXED ROM using dsixda's kitchen
Random Stuff...
edangel said:
Solution For 70 limit stock SMS Characters...
Well...for people who can't sent 160 sms characters on stock sms messaging app and they are limited to sent 70 characters here is the solution...
Simple...root needed!
with root explorer etc...
go to: /data/data/com.sonyericsson.conversations/shared_prefs
and open the file com.sonyericsson.conversations_preferences.xml.
find the line which says "semc_pref_key_character_conversion"value=false
and set it true..!
save the file and reboot your phone...and happy texting!
if i helped press thanks button!
:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XperienceD said:
cickii said:
can someone please tell me which xml is responsible for the blue / gray colors in the picture below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally sussed it. It's LinearColorBar.smali found at Settings\smali\com\android\settings\applications, search for 0x99cc and -0xff6634 and change them for your own colours...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XperienceD said:
Hi all.
Just a short write up as a follow on from THIS thread as this is relatively quite simple.
So you want to change your notification background from the plain dark color to something a bit more your style...
...well all you need to do is decompile your SystemUI.apk and navigate to the values folder and open up your drawables.xml and you should see something like this...
Code:
<resources>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_number_text_color">#ffffffff</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_color">#ff111111</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_color_pressed">#ff257390</item>
<item type="drawable" name="ticker_background_color">#ff1d1d1d</item>
<item type="drawable" name="status_bar_background">#ff000000</item>
<item type="drawable" name="status_bar_recents_background_solid">#e5000000</item>
<item type="drawable" name="status_bar_recents_app_thumbnail_background">#88000000</item>
<item type="drawable" name="status_bar_notification_row_background_color">#ff090909</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_header_bg">#ff000000</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_tracking_bg">#e5000000</item>
<item type="drawable" name="recents_callout_line">#99ffffff</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_legacy_color">#ffaaaaaa</item>
</resources>
Simply change these two lines...
Code:
[B]<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_color">#ff111111</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_color_pressed">#ff257390</item>[/B]
to...
Code:
[B]<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_color">[COLOR="Red"]@drawable/status_bar_item_background_normal[/COLOR]</item>
<item type="drawable" name="notification_item_background_color_pressed">[COLOR="Red"]@drawable/status_bar_item_background_pressed[/COLOR]</item>[/B]
...then add two .9 png images of the same name, status_bar_item_background_normal and status_bar_item_background_pressed to your drawable-hdpi folder, recompile, zipalign, push to your Phone, done.
Quick Tip: If you can't create a .9 from scratch just edit the first two in drawable_hdpi which in my folder is alert_bar_background_normal.9 and alert_bar_background_pressed.9, just remember not edit over the .9 borders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell man no posts from anyone??
Excellent excellent thread man.
dhirend_6d said:
Hell man no posts from anyone??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With 1500+ views hopefully it's because it's written that well People don't need to ask anything. :silly:
dhirend_6d said:
Excellent excellent thread man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Thanks for this!
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
Can you make a tutorial
1. How to port magnify glass to ics devices/mdpi
2.how to port small app to ics devices/mdpi
3. How to add internet speedo meter In pull down menu not in status bar for ics
A million thanks if you make it ......
Sent from my ST21i2 using xda app-developers app
Hi all !
Today, I'll show you how to resize Android .9.png (NinePatch PNG) file.
Little Information :
-------------------------
NinePatch PNG (.9.png) is a complex PNG which have resolution scaling ability. NinePatch PNG basically a PNG, but with a black 1 pixel borders around it, these borders are used to resize the PNG, so removing these borders will remove the resolution scaling and making them normal PNG.
So, don't resize the border, don't remove the border, or you'll lose the NinePatch PNG and turning it to normal PNG.
Requirements :
-----------------------
1.) Java JRE [Windows, Mac] / OpenJDK [Supported Linux distros]
2.) A .9.png file or a full framework containing .9.png file
Let's Start !
Steps :
-----------------------
Windows User :
1.) Installing Java JRE
1.) Download Java JRE (if you don't have one) > Here
2.) Install the .exe
3.) Restart your browser
2.) Download 9-patch-resizer
1.) Click Here
3.) Running 9-patch-resizer
1.) Open CMD window, this can be done by pressing [Windows Key + R], then type cmd.exe
2.) Navigate to 9-patch-resizer folder, navigating can be done by typing :
Code:
cd %directory%
Example
cd C:\Program Files
3.) On 9-patch-resizer folder, type :
Code:
java -jar Resizer_1.3.1.jar
4.) Resizing the .9.png
1.) Find a .9.png file, if you already have, skip this step
2.) Select your input density, this input density is the density of .9.png, press the button below the 'Input Density' text.
3.) Select your output density, output density is the screen size / density of your phone. Check your density and make the other density unchecked.
4.) Drag then drop the .9.png in 9-patch-resizer window (at the huge, arrow icon)
5.) Your resized image is located at drawable-yourdensity (example : drawable-hdpi)
-----------------
Linux User :
1.) Installing OpenJDK
1.) Find openjdk package in your package manager, or search on Google.
2.) Download 9-patch-resizer
1.) Click Here
3.) Installing 9-patch-resizer
1.) Download the 9patch-resizer_depencies_all.zip from attachment
2.) Run your file manager as root
3.) Navigate to downloaded 9patch-resizer_depencies_all.zip, open it
4.) Extract the zip file in /usr/local/bin
5.) Put the Resizer_1.3.1.jar in the same folder (/usr/local/bin)
4.) Running 9-patch-resizer
1.) Simply type "resizer" (without quotes) on terminal emulator
5.) Resizing the .9.png
1.) Find a .9.png file, if you already have, skip this step
2.) Select your input density, this input density is the density of .9.png, press the button below the 'Input Density' text.
3.) Select your output density, output density is the screen size / density of your phone. Check your density and make the other density unchecked.
4.) Drag then drop the .9.png in 9-patch-resizer window (at the huge, arrow icon)
5.) Your resized image is located at drawable-yourdensity (example : drawable-hdpi)
--------------------
Mac User > Soon, no tutorial available now ^_^
--------------------
[EXTRA-TUTORIAL] Knowing your density :
-----------------------------------
1.) Download the com.MTMDevelopers.ScreenSpecs apk from attachment (app courtesy of MTM Developers, LLC)
2.) Open it on your phone
3.) You'll see three text, Screen Resolution, Scale and Pixel / Inch.
4.) Focus on the Pixel / Inch text, find out your density by comparing with this :
Code:
120 / larger = LDPI
160 / larger = MDPI
240 / larger = HDPI
320 / larger = XHDPI
480 = XXHDPI
Enjoy ! Happy Resizing !
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