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Hello All:
I am interested in learning how to make flash-able themes for my Nexus One (preferably for CM ROMs). I am very proficient with Photoshop and designing UI's and am looking to fill in some blanks here.
I am new to the world of android programming (java in general, for that matter) and am looking for help and resources to get me going. I am familiar with the android SDK and am just getting my hands dirty using Eclipse. I am a quick learner and I work very well with others. I also share a passion for design and implementation with all sorts of multimedia.
If anyone would be interested in helping me learn the ropes - I am more than willing to utilize my knowledge to contribute to this great community. I have many ideas and feel that if I could properly grasp the development concepts for android I could even become an asset here like many others who have helped out so much.
Sorry for the long post - any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
-TC
So, as expected I've scrounged up as much information as I could find and have what I think is a working theme for CM6 RC3.
Perhaps someone could offer some insight as my questions are now more specific.
I've downloaded a fresh version of CM65 RC3 and edited the files accordingly. From what I gathered I don't need an entire ROMs worth of files just to make a flash-able theme. My first question is now how to I re-sign, say, just the framework-res.apk?
Once again any help would be greatly appreciated.
typica1cat said:
... My first question is now how to I re-sign, say, just the framework-res.apk?
Once again any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take this tool (auto-sign.zip)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5887818&postcount=2
http://tinyurl.com/34rcfav
If the official Android guide, which is the 1st result, will seem too messy - look into the next couple of them.
Thanks VERY much to both of you for the quick responses. I've got the tool - I guess to be more specific, does my .apk HAVE to included any certain files? Or if it just has the files I edited will they be flashed into the ROM without and problems?
Also, I am somewhat familiar with Eclipse - could someone point me in the right direction as to how i can test my theme in the emulator?
are you talking about flashing themes, like a black status bar? or are you talking about actual flashable zip files that you install from recovey mode, like you do when flashing a brand new full ROM?
themes are easy, just use metamorph, zip file with xml file inside along with all your images (png files) you want to change (that was the short version).
to make flashable ROM files, that i dont know.
Well, in the past I've always been partial to themes that have been applied via recovery. I am familiar with MetaMorph but always felt I had better luck using themes with flash-able files.
Hence, why I am attempting to learn this particular method.
My intent is to ultimately customize:
Notificaion Bar + Icons
Custom App Icons
And eventually Apps themselves:
Phone
Contacts
etc...
I haven't been able to find the latest version of facebook with working transparent widget mod, anyone know how to do it or where to find it?
You mean with MetaMorph ?
Marvlesz said:
You mean with MetaMorph ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
metamorph has not been working with my facebook, it acts like it does, then it's still not transparent, so what I've done is asked (and gotten) someone better with APK modifying to just upload a modded APK that I push to system/app which works, but I'm now on a pretty old version and can't find the newest one.
I'm on a CM7 2.3.5 ROM, you gotten any metamorph mods to work on the latest facebook?
hey orangekid.
my theme has a transparent widget (partly i guess with white on the bottom, dark on top.) anyways...my point is with cm7 is pretty easy. though you need to decompile apks to get the .9.pngs to work again - that may be what you are running into. if you just drage them and edit them and copy back to the apk things never worked for me.
to be honest, it seems from your questions of late, you need your own theme! can you compile/decompile?
(and btw, my latest version will be out later tonight...)
jsmccabe78 said:
hey orangekid.
my theme has a transparent widget (partly i guess with white on the bottom, dark on top.) anyways...my point is with cm7 is pretty easy. though you need to decompile apks to get the .9.pngs to work again - that may be what you are running into. if you just drage them and edit them and copy back to the apk things never worked for me.
to be honest, it seems from your questions of late, you need your own theme! can you compile/decompile?
(and btw, my latest version will be out later tonight...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, so true! Because now I'm trying to get a version of your theme but with different icons for contacts and stuff.
I have not compiled/decompiled APKs before but if there's a decent tutorial out there I learn very fast, do you know of one? Can't be too hard.
I'd love to make my own theme instead of continuing to ask other devs to do it, lol.
*Before you try his theme (I know you will either way ), I've spent a few minutes trying to modify it. Try the apk attached and tell me what happens.
*Edit3:
*to have a fully working widget, just uninstall any previous version (even if you have the latest) of facebook and install the apk normally without pushing.
Marvlesz said:
Before you try his theme (I know you will either way ), I've spent a few minutes trying to modify it. Try the apk attached and tell me what happens.
P.S. (you need to push the app to "data/app/" and not install it normally.
P.S. (Backup yours first, because you may not like it )
Edit:
I just tried it on my phone, it's true that the background has gone transparent but some side effects have arisen:
1- hitting the "What's on your mind?" Forces close Facebook, also hitting the share button does so too.
If you want the widget only to view status updates and go left and right, it is good for doing so. Otherwise try his theme (I know you already did )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will do thx!
Bump, if I only edited the post you won't notice. Read the post to fix the force close .
cyan facebook 1.5 works like a charm,install via cwm,reboot,then copy to system app,works perfectly,ad it for 5 months,never 1 prob or force close
Sent from my HTC Pyramid using XDA Premium App
Ty5982 said:
cyan facebook 1.5 works like a charm,install via cwm,reboot,then copy to system app,works perfectly,ad it for 5 months,never 1 prob or force close
Sent from my HTC Pyramid using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But is it always the updated app? Seems like you couldn't update it.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
try this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=877510
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1142596
just download the apk n run
orangekid said:
lol, so true! Because now I'm trying to get a version of your theme but with different icons for contacts and stuff.
I have not compiled/decompiled APKs before but if there's a decent tutorial out there I learn very fast, do you know of one? Can't be too hard.
I'd love to make my own theme instead of continuing to ask other devs to do it, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to answer your other questions - if you install an edited apk, once it upgrades you will lose the edits. and will have to start over. which is fine, but just so you know. tis why i like cm7 and themechooser.
you asked for links, here they be. now, i am a complete novice at using terminals, etc. i learned from reading and asking questions and found a system that works for me.
two tools - apktool and apkmanager:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=640592
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
a very easy way to install apktool:
http://www.miui-au.com/add-ons/apktool/
i used this set up. it works flawlessly.
the bible of CM7 theming:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=964391
read the above. it is a must. really everything is laid out there.
my system (convoluted, but again i figured out a way and am sticking to it)
1- i decompile using apktool (cmd prompt --- apktool d ***.apk )
2- edit things. note: use photoshop for .9.pngs (only program that will work - paint.net, etc will not compile properly). or you can use 9editor with the sdk, but that thing is frickin' annoying
3- compile my theme (cmd prompt --- apktool b *** ) notice no ".apk"
4- then i move it to apkmanager and sign it
i guess you could do the above with apkmanager, but again, i figured out a system over days via trial and error and i am sticking to it.
now if you want to publish to the market, there is a bit more to do. let me know, and i guarantee if i figured it out (read: help from many people) anyone can.
cheers.
jsmccabe78 said:
to answer your other questions - if you install an edited apk, once it upgrades you will lose the edits. and will have to start over. which is fine, but just so you know. tis why i like cm7 and themechooser.
you asked for links, here they be. now, i am a complete novice at using terminals, etc. i learned from reading and asking questions and found a system that works for me.
two tools - apktool and apkmanager:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=640592
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
a very easy way to install apktool:
http://www.miui-au.com/add-ons/apktool/
i used this set up. it works flawlessly.
the bible of CM7 theming:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=964391
read the above. it is a must. really everything is laid out there.
my system (convoluted, but again i figured out a way and am sticking to it)
1- i decompile using apktool (cmd prompt --- apktool d ***.apk )
2- edit things. note: use photoshop for .9.pngs (only program that will work - paint.net, etc will not compile properly). or you can use 9editor with the sdk, but that thing is frickin' annoying
3- compile my theme (cmd prompt --- apktool b *** ) notice no ".apk"
4- then i move it to apkmanager and sign it
i guess you could do the above with apkmanager, but again, i figured out a system over days via trial and error and i am sticking to it.
now if you want to publish to the market, there is a bit more to do. let me know, and i guarantee if i figured it out (read: help from many people) anyone can.
cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much. I've got reading to do.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Hello ive been here on xda since i had my htc hero and have moved to a sony xperia x10 and now a samsung captivate and i pretty much masterd the art of flashing and modding with great understanding!! now i want to start building roms and themes and just wanted to get a little advice from the pros on where to start cause i know i can be good at this!! Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated. any negitive comments keep them to yourself. thanks
Easy place to start...do you have adb, and a way to decompile/recompile apks and jars. Apkmanager only handles apks, but is the only thing that can sign (which isn't needed every time, just on user apps or when you edit the androidmanifest.xml) apktool handles both apks and jars but does not sign.
do you want to make an I9000 port, or a build from one of the native leaks?
Grab the stock firmware package of whichever you choose and let the fun begin
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
Somehow iam not able to move or delete this post so excuse me when i am asking a question and break some forum rules by that.
If someone is willing me to help anyway it would be very nice.
Hi community,
I am new to Theming.
Using the Android SDK with all necessary components.
i try to mod the hexo theme.
decompiled it and got it finally into eclipse.
when i export my theme the first time i can install it on my phone; no problem.
when i update my theme local on my pc with eclipse
export the theme again as an apk (like the first time)
my phone refuses the install. it abborts.
what am i doing wrong?
do i need to do something with the androidmanifest for every update?
I tried to keep the names of packages author theme name etc.
I tried to change the names of packages author theme name etc.
Nothing helped...
what is it?