Making this thread in effort to keep things a little less cluttered in the forum/threads
Post your inquiries here and I'll try my best to answer your questions when time permits... this is a community so hopefully the other experienced senior members will chime in to help.
Overground: can we get a sticky?
reserved for faq
Alrite just a couple questions about theming and customization.
I would like to apply your red sense theme.
-Do I have to use a rom or can I just apply it on my rooted phone?
-If I have to use a rom which do you suggest so I can still use the original internet app that came with the phone?
Thx for all your help!
Sent you a PM about this actually.
Whats the trick to enable transparency? Particularly the notification pull-down. I have already modified framework-res.apk to include the transparent images, however they are not displaying transparent when applied to the phone. I read a few things about hexing, and even found a 'transparency patcher' program from droid-forums. This patcher apparently, does the hex work for you on services.jar. However, it did not do the trick. What am I missing here?
I'm running my own fully deodexed custom rom based on the 2.2 sense leak.
I'm working on Transparency as well...I contacted Xeudoxus at droidforums...hopefully he can help.
I would just like to know how to manually change my icons and or folders on my home screen and in my app drawer. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
I too would like to find out how to change the "Folders" icon from the plain manila to obviously something else.
Tyler 3 said:
Alrite just a couple questions about theming and customization.
I would like to apply your red sense theme.
-Do I have to use a rom or can I just apply it on my rooted phone?
-If I have to use a rom which do you suggest so I can still use the original internet app that came with the phone?
Thx for all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All root themes will usually only work for the rom they are made for. Sometimes there are big changes to the firmware, sometimes little... a good rule of thumb is to always make a nandroid backup if your an early adopter. So long story short:
1. yes
2. whatever rom i made the theme for... you can only use the original browser app with sense
deficitism said:
Sent you a PM about this actually.
Whats the trick to enable transparency? Particularly the notification pull-down. I have already modified framework-res.apk to include the transparent images, however they are not displaying transparent when applied to the phone. I read a few things about hexing, and even found a 'transparency patcher' program from droid-forums. This patcher apparently, does the hex work for you on services.jar. However, it did not do the trick. What am I missing here?
I'm running my own fully deodexed custom rom based on the 2.2 sense leak.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SoCalMiles said:
I'm working on Transparency as well...I contacted Xeudoxus at droidforums...hopefully he can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea... If you guys get ahold of Xeadoxus then let me know how its done. I have a feeling he'll tell you to download xUltimate though.
emplox said:
I would just like to know how to manually change my icons and or folders on my home screen and in my app drawer. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KGBxxx said:
I too would like to find out how to change the "Folders" icon from the plain manila to obviously something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing folder icons/app icons: you're gonna have to theme the rom you're using
basic ingredients in no particular order:
1. update.zip- just download one of themes and the update script in there (META-INF) or make your own if you feel like learning the syntax
2. resigning tool http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3175518&postcount=2
3. 7zip for extracting apks
4. Android SDK
5. Lots of time
Start extracting apks and viewing the contents of res/drawable-hdpi---where you'll find icons
Most icons are named ic_launcher_XXXX.png, some are named app_icon, others are just simply icon... you'll have to look around to find them as there is no easy way to change them. Once you find the icon you want to replace, drop your new icon (with exactly the same name) into the same directory (preferably using 7zip since you don't have to have the directory extracted to replace it) and resign the entire zip file... flash zip and win!
So how much time do you think I would need if I was to do this? Just kidding looks like a pain in the ass. However, doable. Thanks for the link to signing the zip. Thought it just might be a bit easier. Hopefully soon I can change the plain folders to a picture of my girlfriend or something.
Sent from my noob rooted dinc.
Signal Bars
I have seemed to try everything to change the signal bar(s) colors. I have changed all of the icons to a red theme and the only way I can think thats left is that it has to be hex coded. Important fact is I am running skyraider 2.0.1. Has anyone had any luck changing these?
I'm running the Fresh 3.1.0.2 ROM on my EVO and today installed the Manup theme, as well as his alternate font. I decided I like the theme but don't really care for the font, now I can't figure out how to change it back to the regular theme font.
I tried reflashing the Manup theme file over and over with no success. What should I do?
creyc said:
I'm running the Fresh 3.1.0.2 ROM on my EVO and today installed the Manup theme, as well as his alternate font. I decided I like the theme but don't really care for the font, now I can't figure out how to change it back to the regular theme font.
I tried reflashing the Manup theme file over and over with no success. What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android stores it's fonts in /system/fonts/. You could take the files from this directory from an un-themed backup or ROM and replace the themed files with them using ADB or a root file manager.
Thanks for the reply. I've found the fonts folder, but I can't seem to replace the files. (probably because they're in use) I've tried Android Mate, ES file explorer and Astro, no luck.
I don't know how to use adb.
creyc said:
I don't know how to use adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is going to come off mean, but learn.
All spelling errors thanks to xt9 on my Evo!
You might not know what to put to push and pull the files but I'm sure there is a topic about it and if not ask for help with what to put. I do remember searching the forum and ran across a post with this info. I use xda app so I would look for you and post the link but ill let you look first. Just takes awhile for me to find stuff I'm looking for on the app. Wish there was an option so you can choose just the evolution forum to search through or a phone forum of your choose. Would help with searches alot.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Hi,
Asking a noob question today, but I am really happy with my jvr theme and want to make a cwm file to back it up. It's actually a combination of 9 different mod files and I'd really like to condense to a single file.
So, I'd be really grateful if someone would be kind enough to tell me:
1. How do you make a CWM file?
2. What files do I need to make a CWM theme file?
Thanks in advance.
This will guide you through making a theming template.
Why: it was requested
What is it for: This is the base in which you start your custome theming. If you have read through Dreamsforgotten thread on theming, you will see that he refers to a theming template to start with.
Be advised, This is not a rom. It is just a template that some dev/themers use as a base for their custome themes or to return to a stock deodex theme. Also, this assumes that you are on a stock rooted system
The Difference you ask:
Theming templates : do not have a modem or kernel, They do have a system folder with and App, font, and framework folder.
Rom: has everything needed to run the OS. Modem (sometimes), kernel, and a full system folder
This is how I do it. That is not to say it is right or wrong, but it works for me. There may be other/easier way developed by other devs.
EI22 Theme Template
Tools:
Rom kitchen form here ( follow the thread and set it up )
7zip from here
Notepad++ from here
Rooted device: if you are not rooted look in the dev section of your device for the instructions on that
Clockwork mod: if you don’t know what this is or don’t have it go to the dev section and research.
Instructions:
1: get a copy of the STOCK system folder. It really does not matter how you get it. JUST GET IT
HINT: if you are rooted already, use root explorer or equivlant and copy it to the sdcard….
Depending on how you got it, you may need to copy it to your computer desktop ( do so now)
2: now you will need to make a zip file (by now you should have 7zip installed)
r-click on system folder that you just copied to your desktop
choose 7zip > add to archive.
under archive change name to (build#).zip ( replace (build#) with the build you are using i.e ec05, ei22 ect….)
At this point you will need the rom kitchen. So, if it is not set up, DO SO!!!!!!!
3: copy to the zip folder to kitchen > original_update. Then open the kitchen.
Choose option 1, answer the next few questions as you need to. For me, I just hit enter at the 4 questions. You should be back at the main screen now
option 0 (enter) > option 11 (enter) > option b (enter) > enter ( best so that if there are errors you can troubleshoot) ( this takes a while: 20 min) assuming all went well, you should get
0 *.odex in system/app
0 *.odex in system/framework
Hit the enter key
option 99 > option 2
At this point, there should be a new folder named “output_zip” with your rom in it. (enter) you should be back to the mail menu. We are done with the kitchen so you can close that.
BUT your not done yet.
4: go to the above mentioned folder. In the folder there will be a zip file.
r-click on it and rename theme_template_(build#) ( replace (build#) with the build you are using i.e ec05, ei22 ect….)
r-click> 7zip> open archive - There you will see two folders and a boot image.
delete the boot.img file
go into the system folder and delete everything except app, framework, and font folders
back out one level and go into meta-inf >com > google >android
Now delete the updater-script (leave 7zip open)
Now we need to write the updater-script for CMW to read
5: open notepad++
BE ADVISED, this portion is for the EPIC 4G and the updater-script may change formats based on your device. So do some research first. I tend to look at other script for my devices to see how it should be formatted.
You can copy and past this in or type it yourself:
show_progress(0.1, 0);
delete_recursive("/system/framework");
delete_recursive("/system/app");
delete_recursive("/system/fonts");
mount("MTD", "system", "/system");
package_extract_dir("system", "/system");
delete_recursive("/data/dalvik-cache");
show_progress(0.1, 10);
unmount("/system");
Or use this: updater-script
file >save as
Name file: updater-script
File type: chose all types (*.*) you may need to scroll up or down to find it.
save to desktop
drag and drop the updater-script into the 7zip screen. ( you will be prompted with a ?. just hit yes.)
You should now have 3 files on the 7zip screen
Updater-script, update-binary, update-script.orig
close 7zip.
Connect phone via USB
Copy file to sdcard
Disconnect phone
Reboot to CMW
Choose: backup and restore >backup (when its finished you will have a nandroid to restore if you F.U.B.A.R. your phone.
Choose: install zip from sdcard and install your theming template.
Reboot.
Now use your favorite file explorer and go to system/framework and make sure it has been deodexed. If so, the flash was successful and your theme template works.
Congradulations you built your first theme. All be it a stock one. lol
mine for the thank you's
dreams - for all of his tuts
dsixda - for the kitchen.
Finally
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Zeinzu said:
Finally
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your welcome.... lol
Download doesn't work. Just downloads and empty zip.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Zeinzu said:
Download doesn't work. Just downloads and empty zip.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looking into it.
just dl'ed - worked fine for me.
Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tend to agree. but a noob has to have someplace to start. I wish there was the help i needed when i started doing these things a yr ago. I've learned alot throught the guids that i've found, but yes learning to do them by hand is great to.
Z..
what are you tring to dl. the template "worked fine for me" or the updater-script?
Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely agree, doing it by hand gives you a more broad understanding of how the xml code works. This allows you to perform other modifications as well, and like Paul said it is rewarding and also exciting.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the guide! Perhaps you could divide it into a noob section and a more involved section.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
thomasskull666 said:
I definitely agree, doing it by hand gives you a more broad understanding of how the xml code works. This allows you to perform other modifications as well, and like Paul said it is rewarding and also exciting.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the guide! Perhaps you could divide it into a noob section and a more involved section.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you are asking for. There is no XML editing involved here. If you are talking about the deodexing process, sure i can write out the long way to do it by hand. But there are alomost 200 odex files btween the apps folder and the framework folder to deodex. This process would take you all day to do if it wasnt for the kitchen.
spdwiz18 said:
Not sure what you are asking for. There is no XML editing involved here. If you are talking about the deodexing process, sure i can write out the long way to do it by hand. But there are alomost 200 odex files btween the apps folder and the framework folder to deodex. This process would take you all day to do if it wasnt for the kitchen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe some are misunderstanding the guide? I'm a little confused also lol. The way I read it...it comes across as just how to deodex your ROM? No actual themeing? Just to get a base template to start themeing...
Is that right?
Further clarification would be appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
Paul627g said:
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I will admit so did I lol, the xml portion is in reference to theme porting, not deodexing.
Carry on >_>
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Paul627g said:
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thomasskull666 said:
Ya I will admit so did I lol, the xml portion is in reference to theme porting, not deodexing.
Carry on >_>
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is why im not in the field that i went to school for. lol (cysco networking) i got to the last class and they told me i had to document everything. I just dont have the skills to do that. I am going to edit the OP to better clarify what i was tring to do.
No worries to everyone. your opinions are wellcome. I am not all knowing, but i love to learn and share what i do know.
I've been looking everywhere to find where themes go when we download them from the market. I've looked in data/apps but no theme engine themes go there. Looked in System apps no themes go there. I want to modify one for myself. Could any genius out there please tell me where the market installs them? Thanks community
Edit. I think mnt/asec? If this isn't it I'm lost... Please to all you theme geniuses please chime in?
mike216 said:
I've been looking everywhere to find where themes go when we download them from the market. I've looked in data/apps but no theme engine themes go there. Looked in System apps no themes go there. I want to modify one for myself. Could any genius out there please tell me where the market installs them? Thanks community
Edit. I think mnt/asec? If this isn't it I'm lost... Please to all you theme geniuses please chime in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always seen them inside /data/app directory. You sure you didn't over look it? Remember it's using something like com.android.theme or something like that.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
why not go to /data/apps, find the apk for the theme, copy and paste on your pc? then you could open the apk up and mod it from there...