Database Develop

How To Make A Theme??

Im new to the whole idea of having a rooted phone. Just let me say its pretty cool! Ive messed around with some rom cooking but nothing serious. Can anyone point me in the direction of creating a theme for my eris?
Thanks
-paperweight

sure, but ur gonna need the following first:
1. photoshop skills
2. linux
3. patience
4. an idea
one u have all of those, ill show u the thousands of pngs u need to edit

I got the skills to pay the bills... Time is what Im lacking, My family takes up most of my time. Maybe fathers day I can sit down and dink around.
Thanks for your help
-paperweight

SoCalSpecialist said:
sure, but ur gonna need the following first:
1. photoshop skills
2. linux
3. patience
4. an idea
one u have all of those, ill show u the thousands of pngs u need to edit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup not to mention hex editing etc...I am working on a theme now and let me tell you after being a 8 year Blackberry user its a whole different thing...dont get me wrong creating and editing svg's and layering theme for blackberry wasnt the easiest thing to learn this is just "different".
So not to be long winded any noobs or anyone for that matter interested in starting a theme there are some fantastic tutorials and loads of helpful fellows over in the heroc forum. Hopefully in the not so distant future we as the Eris community will have our own talented group of themers instead of just porting or simply being able to flash a hero theme. Good Luck and be patient.

sure, but ur gonna need the following first:
1. photoshop skills
2. linux
3. patience
4. an idea
one u have all of those, ill show u the thou
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup not to mention hex editing etc...I am working on a theme now and let me tell you after being a 8 year Blackberry user its a whole different thing...dont get me wrong creating and editing svg's and layering theme for blackberry wasnt the easiest thing to learn this is just "different".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So!? Have you thought about cooking up a blackberry-esque or bbstorm-esque theme theme. That, would be such a wonderful idea! :-D (i was a former bb storm user btw)
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

what are some of the other files to edit png's in other than framework-res.apk and com.htc.resources.apk? the wifi, gps, etc. on and off widget/icon and the dialer keypad in particular. using the leakbase rom jcase posted if it matters. thanks.

iflip : a blackberry theme already exists via marketplace for GDE
magnum : the way i started was via windows. i was grab each apk .. edit the extension to .zip extract it and dive in the MDPI folder ( thats the folder ur gonna want to get into to edit themes.)
if ur using linux just jump in the apk and check out the icon_launcher's. thats gonna be a great starting point..since at least 22 icons need to be changed for a theme LOL
i kno i kno..its a p.i.a. but u asked ...

SoCalSpecialist said:
magnum : the way i started was via windows. i was grab each apk .. edit the extension to .zip extract it and dive in the MDPI folder ( thats the folder ur gonna want to get into to edit themes.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, yea i'm on windows, takes a little time going through all the png's lol.

HtcDialer.apk and Phone.apk will contain the png's to change the phone dialer.

I was looking into making a theme or at least just changing some things around in the one ROM I'm running now. The two questions I have is how do I re-zip the ROM and how do I sign it so it will work? I'm running snow leopard on a macbook pro just as an fyi.

Need help porting theme.

If anyone can help, please take this zip and make it compatible for the Hero. right now it's for the Droid running Cm6. http://www.multiupload.com/BHME414DUC
Thanks

abu_noah said:
If anyone can help, please take this zip and make it compatible for the Hero. right now it's for the Droid running Cm6. http://www.multiupload.com/BHME414DUC
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not something you do in a few minutes.

He's been working on it for a bit, think he needs help with the finishing touches
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

MrSpradlen said:
He's been working on it for a bit, think he needs help with the finishing touches
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been working on this for a bit, but this is just the Full on flashable zip, made for the Droid. I got three kids and not alot of time to resize every image to mdpi. plus this is coming from the a droid theme, so I'm not sure what to do with the drawable-nodpi images and other if any nopi images. anyway, i'm just asking for help, not for "I can't help you" or "Alot of work" answers. I know it's alot of work as i have driving myself crazy on how to do it. Thanks.

I tried using the theme porter to save time but it will not recognize 9.pngs and I'm pretty sure that's why it's not porting.

abu_noah said:
I tried using the theme porter to save time but it will not recognize 9.pngs and I'm pretty sure that's why it's not porting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What errors are you getting, what issues are you having? sorry to be so coarse.

ASimmons said:
What errors are you getting, what issues are you having? sorry to be so coarse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have converted the hdpi to mdpi now I think. before I used the theme porter, but it kept saying system file cannot be specified. well i got the pngs converted and the folders renamed, but I don't have a hero to test it on. I use my wife's when she's here. Don't know if this will work or not.

I also need to know if the images in the framework-res are the only thing I need to change, and then I can flash that same package that was meant for the droid or if I need to transfer those over to the Hero's framework-res?

abu_noah said:
I have converted the hdpi to mdpi now I think. before I used the theme porter, but it kept saying system file cannot be specified. well i got the pngs converted and the folders renamed, but I don't have a hero to test it on. I use my wife's when she's here. Don't know if this will work or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost positive you cant just rename folders like drawable-hdpi to draw-mdpi as theres more in the apk that specifies that the apk is built for an hdpi phone.
This is how I do it (short version cause I'm working out kinks). basically just copy over the pngs from the hdpi folders to the mdpi folders. Basically the difference in size from hdpi to mdpi is about 66% the size of an hdpi png so in the process of copying them I also shrink them. 9 patch pngs are a alot harder to get right and I currently working through some ways to port those now, but for a basic port you can just leave them as is. If you wanted to fix the 9 patch you basically have to decompile the apk and then use the 9patchDrawable tool in the android sdk and gimp to shrink them and then redraw the patch borders.
Your problem is most likely trying to rename the file folder. The port should only bring over the pngs and maybe ( i never do) some minor xml tweaks and put those in the rom your porting to you can't use anything from the ported rom except the pngs unless you want a buncha headaches.

Themed System Apps not Working

I'm just trying a bit of theming myself, found plenty of guides on the topic however I have found one slight problem. No matter how I try to install my modded system apps, it always fails to install or doesn't change the original app at all.
I use APKmodder to do the editing if that affects anything, however the same issues arrise when using NinjaMorph on my NS.
I have tried multiple methods of getting the apps onto my device. Using adb push, creating a custom update.zip (which is all set out properly), NinjaMorph and even just the regular apk install, all of them either don't update the apps or are pushed to /system/apps but are not in the app launcher.
Any ideas? I have searched for hours about this and I haven't found anything to help me. Finally, if it helps I have tried with Launcher2.apk and Camera.apk.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Any ideas at all? I've never had much luck with Modding apps full stop. Could it be my copy of APKmodder?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

is your rom deodexed?

I imagine so, running CM7 and I can't find any odex files in /system. I also read somewhere else that CM6 was deodexed so I figured it would be the same.
What difference would it make if it wasn't deodexed? Would you need to remove the odex or something?
Sent from my Nexus S

Jonathon Grigg said:
I imagine so, running CM7 and I can't find any odex files in /system. I also read somewhere else that CM6 was deodexed so I figured it would be the same.
What difference would it make if it wasn't deodexed? Would you need to remove the odex or something?
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM7 is deoxed. It's probably because you're changing the apk, don't understand why you're playing with it but whatever.
No idea, my recommendation is to not mod it.

I am not familiar with the tools you're using, but I've heard that people have had trouble with them in the past.
The best tool for theming is Apkmanager 4.9 used along with Apktool 1.3.1.
However, if you're simply swapping some images, just do so in WinRAR or 7zip. No deed to decompile, resign anything. Just put your system apps in a Flashable zip in this order: Zip/system/framework/framework-res.apk and Zip/system/app/<your system apps> and drag and drop your images in the right locations.
Also, your zip must have a META-INF folder with the proper update script.
You can use any one of my themes as a template.
Hope this doesn't sound too convoluted.
Cheers.

Thanks for that, some changes are image based but there are also some XML based changes which I require, would the 7zip method work there?
And sorry if I'm being vague, but Im not near my computer now, but how would you use two tools in conjunction? Because I have used apktool before but not the other.
Thanks very much though! I am finally getting somewhere
Edit: thanks for the template offer, I will have a look and see what's different to my tests. Just one final question, is there any difference between an update-script and updater-script?
Double EDIT: For future reference if anyone finds this, there is a difference between update-script and updater-scripts. From Android 1.5 onwards, Google moved to updater-script's, leaving update-script's behind. Make sure you remember this!
Sent from my Nexus S

Jonathon Grigg said:
Thanks for that, some changes are image based but there are also some XML based changes which I require, would the 7zip method work there?
And sorry if I'm being vague, but Im not near my computer now, but how would you use two tools in conjunction? Because I have used apktool before but not the other.
Thanks very much though! I am finally getting somewhere
Edit: thanks for the template offer, I will have a look and see what's different to my tests. Just one final question, is there any difference between an update-script and updater-script?
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For xml changes you have to decompile/recompile the apk. Apkmanager is a GUI for apktool so you don't have to learn/remember the java commands.
If you download Apkmanager, it comes with Apktool 1.3.2, be sure to replace it with 1.3.1. It's way more stable and reliable.
Not sure about the difference between updater and update, maybe one has Amend scripts and one doesn't.
I am not a developer so can't say for sure , but the one person to ask would be ogdobber.
He literally knows everything about everything .

sonnysekhon said:
For xml changes you have to decompile/recompile the apk. Apkmanager is a GUI for apktool so you don't have to learn/remember the java commands.
If you download Apkmanager, it comes with Apktool 1.3.2, be sure to replace it with 1.3.1. It's way more stable and reliable.
Not sure about the difference between updater and update, maybe one has Amend scripts and one doesn't.
I am not a developer so can't say for sure , but the one person to ask would be ogdobber.
He literally knows everything about everything .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thankyou very much for the help once again. I have finished school for the week so I should have time to test these methods out now.
If I need any further help I might drop ogdobber a note then.
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my Nexus S

How to mod a Rom without programming...???

HEY guys i just want to know to mod a rom i.e.,
add custom home screen launcher
how to change the background of settings and phone screen....plz tell....i guess there are a lot who want to learn...if there is no way plz tell me....

binhari said:
HEY guys i just want to know to mod a rom i.e.,
add custom home screen launcher
how to change the background of settings and phone screen....plz tell....i guess there are a lot who want to learn...if there is no way plz tell me....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you can install new launchers by searching the market for them and installing them directly. Then you can set the new ones as the default as you see fit.
But I think what you're looking for is something like this website. There, you can just click together simple mods and build a ROM. I'm not sure if this will work for your phone, as I've only tried with a different model but it should jive with several Android models. Check out their XDA link to learn more.

binhari said:
HEY guys i just want to know to mod a rom i.e.,
add custom home screen launcher
how to change the background of settings and phone screen....plz tell....i guess there are a lot who want to learn...if there is no way plz tell me....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try apk manager to decompile an apk you wish to mod.
navigate to the res/drawable-mdpi and mod the pictures of your wish.
if the file an .9.png so you have to hold the 1 px transparent border. this is very tricky with the *.9.png files.
after you mod at your wish compile your apk back with apk manager and sign it.
have fun

ok i have tried apk manager,autoapktool and apk tool bit non of them compiles the modded apk....i have java sdk and android sdk installed.....help guys plzz.....

binhari said:
HEY guys i just want to know to mod a rom i.e.,
add custom home screen launcher
how to change the background of settings and phone screen....plz tell....i guess there are a lot who want to learn...if there is no way plz tell me....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, well i use linux, so i have linux terminal comprendo?
I use APKtool through terminal- wait, you said no programming, bummer, thats what im best at, programming! never mind
sean is here. said:
Well, you can install new launchers by searching the market for them and installing them directly. Then you can set the new ones as the default as you see fit.
But I think what you're looking for is something like this website. There, you can just click together simple mods and build a ROM. I'm not sure if this will work for your phone, as I've only tried with a different model but it should jive with several Android models. Check out their XDA link to learn more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Launchers? how is that gonna mod the ROM? that just gives it different homescreens!
safix8 said:
try apk manager to decompile an apk you wish to mod.
navigate to the res/drawable-mdpi and mod the pictures of your wish.
if the file an .9.png so you have to hold the 1 px transparent border. this is very tricky with the *.9.png files.
after you mod at your wish compile your apk back with apk manager and sign it.
have fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bugger, thats what i said, but if he runs windows, i guess you dont need programming, i dont know, i dont run windows (i hate windows)
binhari said:
ok i have tried apk manager,autoapktool and apk tool bit non of them compiles the modded apk....i have java sdk and android sdk installed.....help guys plzz.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF you said no programming, SDK and JAVA IS programming, what do you want? programming or not?
If you want programming, then i can help, if not, im not sure, i do all my ROM building through Linux terminal

Well?.......
Sent from my X8 using XDA

binhari said:
HEY guys i just want to know to mod a rom i.e.,
add custom home screen launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unpack the update ZIP of the ROM you want to mod to your likings and slap the APK of the launcher you want into /system/app - rename the standard one to <whatever>.apk.backup (just in case the ROM hates your launcher and keeps on force closing upon boot).
binhari said:
how to change the background of settings and phone screen....plz tell....i guess there are a lot who want to learn...if there is no way plz tell me....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Decompile the /system/framework files and have a lot of fun in editing stuff in SMALI - it can be done, but it's definitely easier to edit the source and compile the ROM. Once you did your changes create the JARs and put them back into /system/framework.
ZIP up the ROM, flash it, hope for the best.
If you soft-bricked the phone with your mods make sure you have Flashtool and the Stock ROM FTF standing by.
Given the nature of your question I rather suggest you simply forget about your plan, because it doesn't sound like as if you know about the stuff - you already fail to post a question in the Q&A board.

ok hey i know c++ and i have basic knowledge of java....now can u help me....

wilbso said:
OK, well i use linux, so i have linux terminal comprendo?
I use APKtool through terminal- wait, you said no programming, bummer, thats what im best at, programming! never mind
Launchers? how is that gonna mod the ROM? that just gives it different homescreens!
bugger, thats what i said, but if he runs windows, i guess you dont need programming, i dont know, i dont run windows (i hate windows)
WTF you said no programming, SDK and JAVA IS programming, what do you want? programming or not?
If you want programming, then i can help, if not, im not sure, i do all my ROM building through Linux terminal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain using terminal in linux compile a rom? im use it to

For starters i would suggest putting a QUESTION under Q&A not under ACCESSORIES
and now it's in the right area, please get familiar with this
thanks

You can't make a ROM without programming knowledge. You can't even make a simple app without programming knowledge. The least you could do is mod some drawables and stuff.

Chris95X8 said:
You can't make a ROM without programming knowledge. You can't even make a simple app without programming knowledge. The least you could do is mod some drawables and stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1415661

ElmirBuljubasic said:
Wrong
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1415661
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just a compiler with user interface. So what?
In my opinion, real programming is writing code yourself, not a GUI doing it for you without having any idea of what is going on (not talking about the compiler here).
Sent from my X8 using XDA

hey sorry guys but i am learning java now....thax

Theming and Customising

Might as well start this off as many of us would love to customise our roms even further by creating and modding our roms but dont know where and how to start , hopefully this can be a general guide to de-compiling apk's /re-compiling modifying customising colours etc on most devices .
Website i use for changing and finding out HTML colour codes to change the basic colours in roms here great help especially when you cant find the correct colour code and name or need to use when theming .
I also use this website to re-size my PNG's etc to the sizes i need when modding or replacing pictures.
Android APK tool is a great start for most to learn and figure things out, link to site here
Hopefully this thread can be useful for ALL as with so many devices and different ways to theme mod and customise each individual device we can collectively help each other with the simple and basic stuff to get everyone learning and heading in the right direction .
:good:

Apktool is the only one I have been able to get working with 4.2 framework so it is a very helpful tool and dose have support on how to install and use but I wish there was some way to have a brake down of what is what with the .XML files like what to change and where to change backgrounds and text colors
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app

Hi.
I've already started a thread on theming. [Guide/Tools] Simple APK Modding - Basic Android Theming

I still use APK MANAGER, what you have to do is replace some files in the OTHER folder. I'll make it sinple for everyone to use.
I'll upload my version for people to use in link below.
This works for 4.2.1 apks
APK MANAGER 5.0.2

Annex1 said:
I still use APK MANAGER, what you have to do is replace some files in the OTHER folder. I'll make it sinple for everyone to use.
I'll upload my version for people to use in link below.
This works for 4.2.1 apks
APK MANAGER 5.0.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, I'll add a link to this post if that's alright?

XperienceD said:
Thanks for that, I'll add a link to this post if that's alright?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you can.

Which is better for theming GB apk ? Apktool or apkmanager ?
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-S6500D

EvolutionHybrid said:
Which is better for theming GB apk ? Apktool or apkmanager ?
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-S6500D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Preference really, I prefer apktool for what I do although been a while since I was working on GB .

charlescaz said:
Preference really, I prefer apktool for what I do although been a while since I was working on GB .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. I'll try.. :beer:
Sent from my GT-S6500D

EvolutionHybrid said:
Which is better for theming GB apk ? Apktool or apkmanager ?
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-S6500D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apkmanager uses apktool so..lol
Sent Using XDA Premium..
Have you Tickled Your Android lately?
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