This is a tutorial to Change the name of an app as it appears in the app drawer/ Settings >Manage Apps.
Essentially, it will change the name of the app as it is installed.
For example, I would like the OI File Manager App to appear simply as File Manager In my phone.
Changing the name of the file will do nothing. When the app is installed, it'll still have the same name (file name of the APK doesn't matter at all).
It really is easy.
Use this GUI Program to Browse for the Original APK file, and click Decompile.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33815550
{
"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"
}
Next, Click the "Navigate to Decompiled Directory", and it will open a folder containing the decompiled files.
open the AndroidManifest.xml file using Notepad++.
Its free, get it here: http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v6.2.3.html
look for something like the following (in this example, I am using a manifest from Canabalt):
Code:
<application android:label="@string/app_name" android:icon="@drawable/icon" android:name=".CanabaltApplication" android:debuggable="false">
Sometimes it will say something like android:label="Canabalt HD", in which case you'd just change it to what you want, and then rebuild it, but in this case there is an @ at the start of the name, which means that the name is stored in another file. As it is "@string/app_name", this means that the name is stored in the file "res\values\strings.xml" and has the name "app_name", so go into the folder "res", and then within that the folder "values" [if you use another language on your phone than the app's default language, go into the relevant folder e.g. for Spanish, you would go into "values-es" instead] and then within that open the file "strings.xml". Then you would look for something like this:
Code:
<string name="app_name">Canabalt HD</string>
Change this, save the file and then rebuild the APK. Afterwards, you'll need to sign the APK.
Use the GUI program or zipsigner 2.
Also note that if there is an @ in the AndroidManifest.xml, you can still just edit the title in that file without finding the relevant entry in another file. In my above example, if I wanted to change the name to "Canabalt MOD", I'd change it to the following:
Code:
<application android:label="Canabalt MOD" android:icon="@drawable/icon" android:name=".CanabaltApplication" android:debuggable="false">
The difference is basically doing it this way, it won't change for other languages, it will ALWAYS be "Canabalt MOD", regardless of the language of the phone. If you're just doing this for yourself, that probably doesn't matter, so it's simpler to just change it in AndroidManifest.xml.
Install the app and youre done!
Credits to SifJar
btw This is how i modified my first app
why did you create too many thread about this apk editing?
Sent from my LG-P970 using xda premium
This is the second. Just sharing what I found. And both of them are on different topics.
Sent from my LG-P970 using Tapatalk 2
ykumar00 said:
This is the second. Just sharing what I found. And both of them are on different topics.
Sent from my LG-P970 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use it but thanks for sharing keep up the good work
Sent from my LG-P970 using xda premium
You're welcome
Sent from my LG-P970 using Tapatalk 2
tyfor the tut, i've been looking this for a while
@ykumar, cheers yaar.
The posts created by you is very very informative and useful....
THANKS
srikanth_kande said:
@ykumar, cheers yaar.
The posts created by you is very very informative and useful....
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome
hard to understand. I don't see how this is really easy.
GetPatriotized said:
hard to understand. I don't see how this is really easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me what part is hard to understand and I'll try to explain
thanks :good::good:
Thanks
Wenn ich dir helfen konnte, lass doch ein Danke bei mir da
Does this prevent the app for updates? Also, I've changed an app's name and now it's refusing to install...
eXtremeDevil said:
Does this prevent the app for updates? Also, I've changed an app's name and now it's refusing to install...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you will not be able to update the app if you do this. And in will not install if you do not sign it. Just sign it and it will install.
Will the system even tell me that there is an update?
I signed it (after compiling) and still not working...
No the system will not tell you. You will have to manually update the app. And I think the signing part of the program is broken. Use zipsigner 2 to sign it.
Is there a way to rename apps and still tell if there is an update available?
eXtremeDevil said:
Is there a way to rename apps and still tell if there is an update available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app links to the original play store page even after renaming. You can manually compare the version numbers, or use the app "App Update Notifier" to notify you. This works even if you rename.
ykumar00 said:
This is a tutorial to Change the name of an app as it appears in the app drawer/ Settings >Manage Apps.
Essentially, it will change the name of the app as it is installed.
For example, I would like the OI File Manager App to appear simply as File Manager In my phone.
Changing the name of the file will do nothing. When the app is installed, it'll still have the same name (file name of the APK doesn't matter at all).
It really is easy.
Use this GUI Program to Browse for the Original APK file, and click Decompile.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33815550
Next, Click the "Navigate to Decompiled Directory", and it will open a folder containing the decompiled files.
open the AndroidManifest.xml file using Notepad++.
Its free, get it here: http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v6.2.3.html
look for something like the following (in this example, I am using a manifest from Canabalt):
Code:
<application android:label="@string/app_name" android:icon="@drawable/icon" android:name=".CanabaltApplication" android:debuggable="false">
Sometimes it will say something like android:label="Canabalt HD", in which case you'd just change it to what you want, and then rebuild it, but in this case there is an @ at the start of the name, which means that the name is stored in another file. As it is "@string/app_name", this means that the name is stored in the file "res\values\strings.xml" and has the name "app_name", so go into the folder "res", and then within that the folder "values" [if you use another language on your phone than the app's default language, go into the relevant folder e.g. for Spanish, you would go into "values-es" instead] and then within that open the file "strings.xml". Then you would look for something like this:
Code:
<string name="app_name">Canabalt HD</string>
Change this, save the file and then rebuild the APK. Afterwards, you'll need to sign the APK.
Use the GUI program or zipsigner 2.
Also note that if there is an @ in the AndroidManifest.xml, you can still just edit the title in that file without finding the relevant entry in another file. In my above example, if I wanted to change the name to "Canabalt MOD", I'd change it to the following:
Code:
<application android:label="Canabalt MOD" android:icon="@drawable/icon" android:name=".CanabaltApplication" android:debuggable="false">
The difference is basically doing it this way, it won't change for other languages, it will ALWAYS be "Canabalt MOD", regardless of the language of the phone. If you're just doing this for yourself, that probably doesn't matter, so it's simpler to just change it in AndroidManifest.xml.
Install the app and youre done!
Credits to SifJar
btw This is how i modified my first app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude i cannot rename Camera JB+ to Camera properly, as in that apk, both Camera JB+ and Gallery JB+ are stored. can you rename that for me, to Camera and Gallery respectively?
here is the apk inside the zip file...
View attachment camerajb.zip
Sharing paid apps is against the rules. Remove the link, I cannot do it for you.
Related
Saint's Color Editor v1.1
I developed this tool to easily edit android colors in decompiled xml files. I'm sharing it here to help other themers because personally I found changing colors in xml files as the most painful part of theming.
{
"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"
}
Download ColorEditor.zip (v1.1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change Log
Version 1.1
* Looks up and loads named colors like @color/black from the same xml file and also interprets standard named colors
* Improved error handling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to install and use?
Pretty simple..
- Unzip ColorEditor.exe anywhere you like and run..
- You must have Microsoft .NET Framework 4 installed on your pc
- Open any android xml file that contains colors
- Click on colors you want to change and choose alternate color from the color dialog that pops up (the app will automatically identify the hex code)
- When you are done, hit File/Save or Saveas..... as simple as that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember to thank me if I made your life easy.. Cheers..
thankz dude..
i'll try ur tool
but i wanna asking before..
does this tool can editing xml file on apk?
i wanna edit an apk file,extract them using winRar > replacing icons > resign (it work),but if i'm editing xml file there,can i used this method?
This looks interesting. I will try it out tomorrow from main desktop.
Great, must have
very nice thanks ^^
hmm weird
it cant open
zz_tw_secondary_text_sub.xml
it says that it doesn contain hex color codes
but it has hex codes in it -_-
ian_ajah said:
thankz dude..
i'll try ur tool
but i wanna asking before..
does this tool can editing xml file on apk?
i wanna edit an apk file,extract them using winRar > replacing icons > resign (it work),but if i'm editing xml file there,can i used this method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xml's in apk's are compiled in binary form.. You can't directly edit them.. You need to first decode the apk using apktool, edit whatever you want and recompile the apk again..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Color editor is primarily meant to edit colors.xml file because it contains many colors in some apk's.. if you open colors.xml in NotePad you will notice that it contains color tags in a certain xml notation.. Color editor can only open files which contain color tags in such notation.. Other files, although it may contain color hex codes do not follow this notation because there are several other attributes that color editor does not decode at the moment.. Not many colors are also found in the other files.. So it would be simple to create a sample file in colors.xml format with the hex codes you want to edit, change them and then replace those hex codes in the original file.. That's what I do.. Or you can just use Paint.NET color window to input the hex code and change them.. Hope you get it?
spacecaker said:
hmm weird
it cant open
zz_tw_secondary_text_sub.xml
it says that it doesn contain hex color codes
but it has hex codes in it -_-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
can you give an link to paint.NET ?
or is it just preinstalled paint ?
ok will try to look good in it and mess a bit around
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
spacecaker said:
can you give an link to paint.NET ?
or is it just preinstalled paint ?
ok will try to look good in it and mess a bit around
Search google for paint.net
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
PsychicSaint said:
xml's in apk's are compiled in binary form.. You can't directly edit them.. You need to first decode the apk using apktool, edit whatever you want and recompile the apk again..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i've decompiled an xml file..but when it opened by ur tool,it say " no colour..bla..bla.."
why?
Thanks a lot for this tool; it's great. One request: could you implement the ability for us to use our own hex codes instead of just using a color picker?
Thanks again!
version problem
dear PsychicSaint
great job
when I try to download the 1.1 version I allways get the 1.0 version.. Is it possible to get the 1.1 version ?
thanks in advance
jergud said:
dear PsychicSaint
great job
when I try to download the 1.1 version I allways get the 1.0 version.. Is it possible to get the 1.1 version ?
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, the download is actually 1.1... Just that I have forgotten to update the version in About window..
Thank you for this!
I have yet to "use" it, but I did play around a bit.
Thank you.
Thanks
Just found by accident cool Idea works great.
Thanks
Cool
Howdy. Trying to edit my colors.xml file. I go to open the file and about 30 "Sorry Something Went Wrong" error boxes pop up. I click OK on all of them and then some of the color strings load, but not all of them. I hoping you can tell me what I'm doing wrong. I zipped the file so you can see if it's just me. I know it's this color.xml file because I tested on another color.xml file (the one from touchwiz) and it opened and edited fine.
Time to update this
Older data on howto change manually is in the spoiler below
Hi all, this is a copy of my thread for galaxy s2
This guide is split into two parts as of now , part 1 is for changing the settings menu background and part 2 is for changing the backgground for dialer and contacts.
Part -1
may be this method is known to few but im posting this to people who dont know how to change the background image of the settings menu and other few.
Sample screenshots
{
"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"
}
Like it?
here is the method to do this.
Software needed :
1.7zip (to replace the image)
2.android sdk(to use adb commands to push/pull the files)
How it works:
We are modifying/replacing an image called "background_holo_dark.png" in the "framework-res.apk" which is responsible for displaying background images in menu.
Step 1:
Use the following adb command below to pull the "framework-res.apk" from your mobile to pc.
Code:
adb pull system/framework/framework-res.apk
Step 2:
Open the framework-res.apk via 7zip and navigate to the following directory
"framework-res.apk\res\drawable-nodpi\", you will see a file called "background_holo_dark.png". Delete the image and dont close the 7zip.
Preparing your own image:
Now use any png image you want to set as background , resize it to 512 x 512 via mspaint or any other image editing software and rename the file to "background_holo_dark.png".
Drag the newly created image file back to 7zip(to the same directory where the old file is deleted) and close the 7 zip .
Step 3:
Now its time to push the file back to mobile, type the following command in the same command prompt
Code:
adb remount
now type the following
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk system/framework
Step 4:
Now reboot your mobile, you will have the new background image enabled
Part-2
Wanna change the background of the dialer and contacts?? well read below,
Step 1:
Use the adb command (or u can use root explorer) to pull the "Contacts.apk" from your mobile to pc.
Step 2:
Open the Contacts.apk via 7zip and navigate to the following directory
"Contacts.apk\res\drawable-nodpi\", you will see a file called "background_dial_holo_dark.png". Delete the image and dont close the 7zip.
Drag the image (similar to the one created in part 1 of the guide) file back to 7zip(to the same directory where the old file is deleted) and close the 7 zip .
Step 3:
Now its time to push/copy back the file back to mobile. Copy back the file to the same directory from where it is copied.
Step 4:
Now reboot your mobile, you will have the new background image enabled
Your dialer and contacts shortcut may be missing from your launcher, just drag it back to the homescreen from the app drawer.
Step:5
This step is optional!!! If you do not get those shortcuts, enter cwm and wipe cache and dalvik cache.
Sample screenshots.
Note:
For users who know how to use root explorer can use the same to copy/paste the framework-res.apk before and after editing.
Sample images are taken with 160 dpi, this mod will work with all dpi.
Instructions:
1. Download the zip from the download section below and open it in 7zip.
2. Navigate to the following directory "\mode\system\framework\framework-res.apk\res\drawable-nodpi\".(Sample images on post 2)
3. Change the images "background_holo_dark.png" and "background_holo_dark.png" as per your wish.
4. Flash it
Sample screenshots from aosp rom:
Downloads:
bg mod
credit:
vertimus (thanks to him , he helped finding the right image to replace)
you can find some ready to use backgrounds in this post ... will be updating this post when i find something beautiful for a background
Thanks man, you make my setting look cool
Thanks mate, you're a real champ.
Thread updated with "how to change background for contacts and phone dialer"
Hi sir, what is the image you used to replace?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using XDA
ax3911 said:
Hi sir, what is the image you used to replace?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be replacing the stock background image with the new one you like, there are some sample backgrounds in second post
#*posted on the move *#
If i were you, i will go for the harder way... Which is:
Compile those apk...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
DaXmax said:
If i were you, i will go for the harder way... Which is:
Compile those apk...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
though i can compile/decompile Harder way dosent suits everyone
This sounds like an Awesome guide but I do have one question, will this work on CM7 as cm9 is not out yet for my T-989 SG2? I have looked for the background_holo_dark.png and I'm not seeing it in the frameworks. I've used 7zip and then decompiled but haven't found it. If not, would you happen to have any other guides for cm7 that may do the same thing?..
Thanks,
Derek
bala_gamer said:
though i can compile/decompile Harder way dosent suits everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then, make a morph. Or a Universal Flasher. That will make everyone at ease...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
DaXmax said:
Then, make a morph. Or a Universal Flasher. That will make everyone at ease...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya sure, will do it soon
Thanks for the "how to" !
Do you think it is possible to set a transparent image ?
I mean 50% transparent, just to keep a correct visibility.
Thanks man
It was just the thing I was looking for :thumbup:
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
NICE ! now i can edit my crappy background, hmm. Do you mind uploading the png. file on sample pictures that you shown us?
RomelStyle said:
NICE ! now i can edit my crappy background, hmm. Do you mind uploading the png. file on sample pictures that you shown us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those pictures are already there on second post
#*posted on the move *#
thx for the tutorial ..i have tried it but only change apex setting background, system setting background still the same with before, am i mistake some way?
jojoku said:
thx for the tutorial ..i have tried it but only change apex setting background, system setting background still the same with before, am i mistake some way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you are doing some mistake in the process. try wiping cache if you are sure you have followed all the steps correctly
bala_gamer said:
yes you are doing some mistake in the process. try wiping cache if you are sure you have followed all the steps correctly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx..try again
wow sir good tutorials but after replacing framework-res.apk using root explorer my phone is boot looping
So friends, here is a quick and easy guide for changing the status bar icons of your Gingerbread(Actually any phone )
For those who don't know how to do it(for anyone actually :highfive
Theory
Android is the awesome platform which is easily configurable and is able of being edited very easily
The icons used in every app and Android framework are located as png images in apk of those respective apps in location:-
*.apk/res/drawable-ldpi (in my case, as our phone is ldpi)
So, we can change any icon of our status bar like battery, signal, (not clock[clock is to be configures in SystemUI.apk{will post how to change it shortly}]), etc by editing png's in framework-res.apk
Not even that, you can edit images of any app as I told you
There are several ways to decompile and compile apk in which we have made change
If we want full access of apk and want to change every thing like the xml's in it and smali content in jar files, then we would have to do it on computer by apktool or apkmanager
But, we are here to only change image, so we would not go in detail of apktool or apkmanager. For changing images, that can be very easily done even on the phone by an app NinjaMorph that is made for developers by our senior head and DEVELOPING LEGEND Stephen(Stericson)
But be careful as backing up the original file if you do something wrong
And as you all know any developer or even a newbie posting something interesting that you want to try WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for your mobile blowing up, resting in peace, sleeping like a dead, behaving like a non-living BRICK, or anything whatsoever that may or may not happen to phone in this universe or any other universe known or unknown
What to do if anything happened to my mobile
We have had a backup of your original file so we can restore it
But if while editing the system files like framework-res.apk
If you deleted some un-backed up apk's
Well you can always have backup of your ROM and that is why Koushik Datta has made clockworkmod Recovery
You can restore your ROM from there
Pre-Requisites
Patience
Mind
A Android (A spare one if you brick your phone, just kidding)
Root access(to change the apk)
NinjaMorph(http://bit.ly/ninjamorph)
Root Explorer(Optional)(http://bit.ly/stericson)
GUIDE
So Let's Start
Download NinjaMorph. Install it and give it root access. It will prompt for starting checks. Click on start checks.
Now you would have three options, namely, New Project, Finish Project, Existing Project
Click on new project. Go to system/framework/ and click on framework-res.apk. It will start extracting files
Once it has extracted all the files, it will open to show you what is inside framework-res.apk.
Exit it and go to your file explorer.
Go to /sdcard/AndroidThemes/workspace/framework-resapk
This is what is inside apk. Go to res/drawable-ldpi folder
There you will see hundreds of icons of your menu, lockscreen, battery, signal, and everything
You can edit them and replace them as you want. But the name of the file you are replacing and size and dimension must be equal to the file you are replacing with(I recommend Googling and finding icons of battery, signal, and other things)[I have even used hdpi icons, there was no problem]
If you download a theme file which is to be flashed in recovery that is not for your phone, no problem, extract the zip and place its framework-res.apk in your sdcard and extract the apk with Ninjamorph. Replace your icons with its icons and TADA
After you have done replacing the icons and you are satisfied(I am never)
Go to NinjaMorph. Click on Fininsh Projects. Click on framework-resapk. It will recompile and ask to replace the original apk with modded one. Click OK
Then it will ask if you want to remove the completed project, Say No(As you would need it if something gets wrong)
Reboot your phone
Maximum chances are that your icons will be replaced. Rare cases have their status bar gone or no change, if so:-
Download(Buy) Root Explorer. Go to /sdcard/AndroidThemes/workspace,
There you will see framework-res.apk. Copy it and go to /system/framework
Mount as R/W
Paste the apk. If it asks that file already exists, overwrite it.
SET PERMISSIONS
Long click on framework-res.apk and click on permissions
You will see three columns
Read Write Execute
You have to set them in the following way
x means you have to tick it
blank means uncheck
Read Write Execute
.....x........x.................
.....x...........................
.....x...........................
Click OK
You will see it as rw-r--r--
Reboot
Do it over again if nothing happens
Enjoy
This way you can edit not only framework-res.apk but any apk
Treat
This section is different from the thread topic
I: Faking Up
Want to make your device show Jelly Bean in About Phone
Go to Root Explorer
Go to /system
Long click on build.prop
Click on Open in a Text Editor
Change the files as
ro.build.display.id=Jelly Bean
ro.build.version.release=4.1.4
Save Changes
Reboot
II: Easter Egg
You all must know that an image of GingerBread Zombie comes up when you repeatedly click on Android Version in Setting>About Phone
Wanna change it to look like Jelly Bean?
{
"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"
}
Extract framework-res.apk
Go to res/drawable-nodpi
You will see platlogo.jpg
Replace it with the file in attachment
Recompile
Reboot
Troubleshooting
Will find and update it
Tell me what problems are you having
Ninjamorph extracts apks . Is there any app which can decompile
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda premium
arpitkh96 said:
Ninjamorph extracts apks . Is there any app which can decompile
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't think so...
arpitkh96 said:
Ninjamorph extracts apks . Is there any app which can decompile
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no app on mobile that can do it
As you need Java environment and some applets for back smali and smali extraction
Good guide :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda app-developers app
very good guide, will surely test........ thanks
to bad thats on jena thats dont work so soon and easy
luki2411 said:
to bad thats on jena thats dont work so soon and easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please use English
BUMP
how can i make my drawer background and status toolbar transparent i turned back my galaxy mini to 2.3.6 i cant figure out how i tried to examine framework-res.apk ,systemui.apk and touchwiz30launcher.apk but nothing happens, please help me...
Disclaimer
Code:
You are using this tutorial by yourself and i'm in no way responsible if your mobile is damaged due to it. I will help you in best way possible to get you out of the worse situation but I can't guarantee anybody. ThankYou!
How to build apps icon pack:
Things you require:
-Base VRTheme-Here!(Don't worry there are no trojans)
-You will find a lot of icons on XDA.
-Required apps from the ROM which you want to modify.
-Notepad++ for changing updater-script.
-Any good photo editing tool.(Even the one that comes with MS-Office will do)
-A brain to avoid mistakes and bother me with stupid questions.
-Kindness to press the THANKS button below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steps:
1. Download all the things required.
2. Open your ROM and copy all the apps and move them to a seperate folder. Here we will take only 3 apps-Browser, Messaging and Calculator.
{
"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"
}
3. Now extract these apps using 7zip or winrar.
4. Now open the app folder, go to res and find the location where the icon of the app is present. These are generally present in mipmap-hdpi/mdpi/xhdpi/ldpi/xxhdpi or drawable-hdpi/mdpi/xhdpi/ldpi/xxhdpi . For e.g. in my case Browser app it's present in mipmap-hdpi named as ic_launcher_browser.png:
5. Now extract the VRTheme base folder and go to vrtheme->system->app and make a new folder their with named as appname.apk(Here appname refers to the name of the app). For e.g. Browser.apk in my case.
6. Now make res folder in it. And under res folder make another folder which contains app icon. For e.g res->mipmap-hdpi in my case:
7. Now place your modified icon in it and rename it to the original icon name. For e.g. ic_launcher_browser.png in my case. And resize it according to your DPI.
Try resizing by percentage if possible.
Also I don't recommend resizing from a lower DPI to a Higher DPI or the icons may seem blur.
8. Do the same for other apps. In my case calculator and messaging.
9. Now give this icon pack your name. Go to META-INF->com->google->android and open updater-script with notepad++ and in second line replace alokbina with your name. You can practically change almost everything under ui_print in updater-script but remember that it should be in the format ui_print("ABCD"); . Here replace ABCD with whatever you like.
10. Now you will be having 4 folders- data, META-INF, system, vrtheme and an image named as preview. Zip all these and rename it to whatever you like and flash it with CWM and you're done! Enjoy your own icon pack Feel free to THANK me :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Important Tip:-Note the size of the original icon and modify the new icon accordingly or else you may not get any icon or smaller icon. For e.g. sometimes the icon present in the app is of size 96X96 though it is hdpi app. But still change the other icon size also to 96X96 to get best result.
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Click to collapse
Credits:
Abhinav2
Sandy7
Add your name if I missed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reserved for systemui and framework etc...vrtheming
Press THANKS if I helped,
Best Regards,
AJ
alokbina is now Abhinav2
Just a doubt, when I downloaded the zip, I didnt any signing (signature whatever) files, so shouldn't the zip be signed before flashing??
Simple to the point and yet thorough. Thank you for this. I'm shocked this thread doesn't have more action!:thumbup:
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
http://mycolorscreen.com/Shaftamle/
Cool Thanks for this. Just what i have been looking for
Now i will create the best Icon pack known to man :victory:
how about 9.png ?? is it okay to use vrtheme?
Diaz1999 said:
how about 9.png ?? is it okay to use vrtheme?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much anything in the apk can be flashed into it using a vrtheme script.
Any png/.9.png, fonts, resources.arcs, classes.dex whatever.
The main thing is the name and folder location must match exactly!
There is even some edits to the scripts to automatically create a "restore" zip of the apps before they get modified so if something doesn't look right or you get force close issues you can simply flash the restore.zip in recovery and get back to normal quickly.
Thanks to @Spannaa for the awesome idea and base script! I've been using it for years.
Good luck friend and happy flashing!
stangdriver44 said:
Pretty much anything in the apk can be flashed into it using a vrtheme script.
Any png/.9.png, fonts, resources.arcs, classes.dex whatever.
The main thing is the name and folder location must match exactly!
There is even some edits to the scripts to automatically create a "restore" zip of the apps before they get modified so if something doesn't look right or you get force close issues you can simply flash the restore.zip in recovery and get back to normal quickly.
Thanks to @Spannaa for the awesome idea and base script! I've been using it for years.
Good luck friend and happy flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ikr I mean how about 9.png? is it using its black border or not? because usually if we extracted 9.png from an APK it'll be without borders, while in compile-decompile process it has to be bordered
Verstuurd vanaf mijn HTCONE met Tapatalk
Diaz1999 said:
ikr I mean how about 9.png? is it using its black border or not? because usually if we extracted 9.png from an APK it'll be without borders, while in compile-decompile process it has to be bordered
Verstuurd vanaf mijn HTCONE met Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm know all about patch 9 pngs and vrtheme requires ANY file, rather it be 9.pngs, xml, classes.dex etc to be compiled.
Again, any file you want to push to an apk in recovery using a vrtheme script MUST BE COMPILED!
Pushing a regular png renamed to 9.png can have serious negative results causing the corrupt image to block a button, create force close issues when that image is being call for or even cause a boot loop. Just saying be careful. That's why I use a version that creates a restore.zip that i can flash in case something does happen.
It's a great tool and has many great uses. Just like any time you mod and apk, make sure you understand unexpected things can happen ad be prepared for them if they do.
Good luck and hope this gives you a little info you can use.
{
"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"
}
Hello everyone, I'm back once again from my cave and providing this active community with something beneficial. Lately I wanted to get back into Theming, this time for CM12 but the guides out there aren't what I'm looking for. They have potential and is a great way to start but for me... It just wasn't working out. I'm going to keep this tutorial simple and on point whilst proving useful information as well, however this time I will NOT be explaining how to theme. That is something you're going to have to learn yourself. But you may ask me or other users on how to theme certain content and if you need help. Don't hesitate to ask us, we're here to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this guide will help you with -
- Creating and coding a simple Theme base from scratch. - Creating resource folders and needed .xml's for the theme to register correctly. - How to harness the power of Kryptonite. - Provided code and resources.
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Click to collapse
- A good image editing software, I use Photoshop(Paid) and Paint.NET(Free). Gimp is also another good software. - Android Studio or Eclipse. (Eclipse preferred) - And your special Iron Man underwear.
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Click to collapse
Section One
0. Create an Icon for your theme (512px x 512px) then convert it to different DPI's here. 1. Open your preferred IDE and create a new Android Project. 2. Name your App (Theme Name) and give it an appropriate packagename (com.yourname.appname). 3. Skip the icon and use API 21 as target and compiler. 4. Finish creating your project.
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Click to collapse
Section Two
1. Navigate to your workspace folder. 2. Open your project folder and delete the following. - Res folder - The folder inside src folder (Should be labeled as package name) - Your Manifest file.
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Section Three
1. Download my theme_package. 2. Extract the folder and move everything into your workspace directory. 3. Overwrite assets folder when prompted. 4. Go back to your IDE and refresh your project folder to apply changes.
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Click to collapse
Section Four
1. Open your AndroidManifest.xml file and delete everything. 2. Go here and copy the code and replace it with yours. 3. Apply all the changes stated in the code. (Package Name) 4. Save everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Section Five
To theme create a folder in the /assets/overlays folder. Give the folder the packagename of the app you're theming (com.android.whatever). remember the structure of theming is exactly the same contained in the app you're theming. For example, if you theme ic_launcher.png (icon) from /res/drawable-xxhdpi then create a folder inside of com.android.whatever called res then create a folder inside res called drawable-xxhdpi. Then drop in your themed image into the folder and you're done. The same goes for any asset file or .xml code. Note you cannot modify the code within the application as there is no way to do so, so please don't ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you think this guide helped. Then hit the thanks button!
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If you would like to load a template instead manually making one, you can download a pre-made template by me.
Download from http://thearcproject.tk/ make sure to click on the Projects tab and select the third project.
Thanks
hi i cant find the res folder could u pls help me out thanks.
What to do to change only the green-esque colors? (sliders, some texts & icons)
Google for 'Theme DIY'
How to test the theme
TheArc said:
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Click to collapse
After completion of process how can I test the first theme that was created by me by following the instructions of yours. Please help
syed sajid said:
After completion of process how can I test the first theme that was created by me by following the instructions of yours. Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Export the .apk and install it on your device or run the "Build" or "Run" function in your IDE.
What if I'm using Android Studio 1.2. The package you provide in section three is pretty different.
Using Android Studio, I navigate to assets > overlays and right click and select New > Directory and create com.android.settings. I select the folder I just created and right click and select New > Directory and create res. Android Studio creates res in two places, assets and com.android.settings. What am I doing wrong?
I want to edit the status bar icons spacing. Both system and notification icons. Is it possible?
Hello,
I did what you said, Android Studio exported the APK successfully... but after installed on my phone, CM just doesn't recognize it :/
Here is my APK: drive.google.com/file/d/0B7ix-E7JPJ2iX0E4UDBhRFhuY3c/view?usp=sharing
Could you please have a look at the file and tell me what I done wrong?
Thank you!
Nice guide sir, but anyone got their theme working on cm12.1/13 here with this base ?