I would like to slowly step into learning how to code. I would like to start with turning widgets of applications and icons.
unfortunately, I have no idea where to start. I would like to take an original facebook and a themed one, study the changes and make my own. What program, that is readily available and easy to use, should I use to unpack an apk? Are they even like zips? Can I use a word or notepad?
Thanks in advance. Everyone starts somewhere.
Swyped from my Cyanogen Evo
Here is a link for zipping and unzipping the apk. They ate basically just zip files http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701 most of the changes well just ne changing png files not a lot of coding. Here is a link gig marketing themes http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=471586
Sent from my unrEVOked using xda app
First off, I take no credit in doing this, this is meant to help people if they want to try it. And I am only making thread at request of others members.
If you break your phone I am not responsible, if you have questions though I am more than willing to help as much as I can but this was the first project I did.
There may be easier ways to do this but this is how I did it. If there is, feel free to comment the other ways!
I would like to say thanks to maddoggin and illinois08 for there help in getting mine figured out!
Requirements:
winrar (this is what I prefer but you can use any of your choice)
Original Swype.apk (included in thread and swype needs to be already installed)
image editing software (I personally used gimp and coreldraw) and experience in them.
common sense
What you are actually changing:
To change the look of swype is fairly simple, meaning all you are changing is some .png files in the apk itself to whatever you want them to be.
The only downside is trying to make sure the letter spacing is correct. That is the reason I used coreldraw first to do the spacing and then the background with my flames was in gimp.
First Step:
Using winrar (7zip, etc) open up Swype.apk (I placed on desktop for easier use).
The first folder should say assets. Open up assets. After you open assets, there should be a folder named keyboards. Drag the keyboards folder to desktop.
Once you open the keyboards folder, you will see multiple image files. You have found the files we need to edit! Make sure every png stays in there even if you decided not to edit one of them.
Files SwypeRef_LS_Blue_Shifted_WVGA.png (LS is landscape keyboard) through SwypeRef_PT_Standard_wBlue_VGA.png (PT is portrait, most important for me)
I only edited 4 of the images because these are the main 4 I use and don't use landscape. If you wish you can edit all of them or just 1 .
Second Step:
Using Gimp/or CorelDRAW, you will need to make new images that are 480x320 pixels. At this point, it is totally up to you to get the placements correct and make the image how you want it displayed.
I personally imported the images I was editing to Corel, and basically started a fresh one on top of it so I could get the letter placements correct. You need to make sure when you are done that the image is still 480x320 with the letters not being the end of the size. I made an outline that was 480x320 and placed the letters inside and exported the image that way so it stayed the right size. I would also try to keep the images around 50 kb because mine are around 90 and you noticed some lag when it switched between pngs...
As you are exporting your images, make sure to name them their appropriate names (shifted, capitals, lower case, etc.) which makes it easier to rename them after wards.
Third Step
Once you have all of your images done how you want, I would place them all in their own separate folder.
Now, you will need to open the keyboards folder from earlier and match the images you edited to where they go in "keyboards" and rename your files to the appropriate name and delete its' counter part. Meaning make sure only your image is in keyboards with it renamed to what mode your png represents. And make sure the folder contains every png it did before. They all serve a purpose.
After you have removed all the old pngs and replaced with your renamed images, you will need to open Swype.apk back up and go to assets-> and delete the original keyboards folder. After deleting, move your keyboards folder with your images under assets.
Swype is now edited with your keyboards how you want them!!
Fourth Step:
The only thing left is either adb push Swype.apk to system/app or place on sd card and install with astro,ez,etc.
Another way that is very easy and the way I do it. If you are using a theme, open up on your desktop with winrar. Go to folder system/app and place Swype.apk in app folder. Now flash from recovery and your new and improved swype is ready for action.
I have attached what I made mine look like. Some people may not like how basic it looks and how some of the things are not sized or off correctly but I like it and it works!!
I also added a picture of my custom dropdown which I made in Gimp. If you would like to know how to do one like this send me a PM.
And if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I may not be the best at explaining things thoroughly !
I have been getting a lot of PM asking how to edit swype ...
Are my instructions to complicated? If so, let me know and I will try to revise them a bit and sorry!
Nah it's cool man. I mean i get it. idk about everyone else. I haven't got around to trying it yet but this lets me know what to expect.
Ok well that is good! Thanks for the reply...
I hope that post didn't come off as rude, if you sent me a PM I more than willing to help everyone! I just wanted to make sure it wasn't bad instructions ...
Dude this is really nice, I like how you changed the letters to diferent font. Nice job! You should make some more!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Thanks man! Like I said since this was my personal one I didn't go all out and it was kind of sloppy but it suits me fine.
I was thinking about it but not sure what people would want! If some people gave me some ideas of what kind of background or font, I would have no problem making it for them.
Now that I know how to do it (with your help) it won't be as painful as before, just time consuming.
I'm not a user of Swype but I certainly commend the effort that you put into this. It came out great.
stir fry a lot said:
I'm not a user of Swype but I certainly commend the effort that you put into this. It came out great.
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Thank you!
This is GREAT!! Thank you for putting this together.
Your are welcome! Let me know if you have any questions!
Just so everyone is clear, the Swype.apk attached to post is the original swype, not my customized one . Because that is what you have to edit.
Just so no one gets confused.
Thank you for this help. I've wanted to be able to change the way mine looked but have been stuck trying to find someone else's work that suited. I've just started modifying mine and what I've got looks awful but that's because I need to learn how to utilize the imaging programs better. I'm sure I can get it and thank you again for the starter.
ficjay said:
Thank you for this help. I've wanted to be able to change the way mine looked but have been stuck trying to find someone else's work that suited. I've just started modifying mine and what I've got looks awful but that's because I need to learn how to utilize the imaging programs better. I'm sure I can get it and thank you again for the starter.
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Awesome! Im glad it helped you! Im sure you will and hope you share with us the finished product!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
jkrough0728 said:
First off, I take no credit in doing this, this is meant to help people if they want to try it. And I am only making thread at request of others members.
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Im thinkin that pull needs a lil animation......
D
jkrough0728 said:
I have been getting a lot of PM asking how to edit swype ...
Are my instructions to complicated? If so, let me know and I will try to revise them a bit and sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried yetyet but I get It fine... great job
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Worked great on my3VO thanks.
Anyone have a link to the nexus s4g version
I want to edit my swype to look like that
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
I forgot all about this thread lol
I just edited my 3D's swype today because of you guys posting on it and it made me think to do that so thank you
jkrough0728 said:
I forgot all about this thread lol
I just edited my 3D's swype today because of you guys posting on it and it made me think to do that so thank you
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I just themed one today. HOLY CRAP IT'S NOT EASY!
shane6374 said:
I just themed one today. HOLY CRAP IT'S NOT EASY!
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I know it can be a pain sometimes... Really depends if you want different font that is the hardest thing ever lol
sent from my Evo 3D from xda app
Not sure if this belongs here or in the Android Development Forum. I want to modify the SGS2 Digital Clock widget by adding an "onClickpendingIntent"?? (I think that's what its called. Basically I when I tap on the widget I want it to open up a specific app (clockpackage.apk) so that I can access my alarms easily. Currently I am using Weather and Toggle Widget and it has this option built in. I have googled the subject and found a page on how to do it, but I am not a programmer nor a developer so this is way over my head. I know how to open an apk to modify the hdpi images it contains but that's about it. Here is the site that explain(somewhat) how to do it. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3589741/how-to-open-a-application-from-widget-in-android
If someone could give me more info on what xml file I need to create or modify within the apk (and how to create or modify it). I imagine I might only need to insert the specific code into one of the xml files and then insert clock package.apk into the code somewhere and resign the apk, but I want to be sure. Any advice would be appreciated.
radugb out
radugb said:
Not sure if this belongs here or in the Android Development Forum. I want to modify the SGS2 Digital Clock widget by adding an "onClickpendingIntent"?? (I think that's what its called. Basically I when I tap on the widget I want it to open up a specific app (clockpackage.apk) so that I can access my alarms easily. Currently I am using Weather and Toggle Widget and it has this option built in. I have googled the subject and found a page on how to do it, but I am not a programmer nor a developer so this is way over my head. I know how to open an apk to modify the hdpi images it contains but that's about it. Here is the site that explain(somewhat) how to do it. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3589741/how-to-open-a-application-from-widget-in-android
If someone could give me more info on what xml file I need to create or modify within the apk (and how to create or modify it). I imagine I might only need to insert the specific code into one of the xml files and then insert clock package.apk into the code somewhere and resign the apk, but I want to be sure. Any advice would be appreciated.
radugb out
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Aren't you the same user who asked this in the apps section? I see you're still after it. Except this time with a much thorough study on what you want. I still say an xml edit won't suffice. I could be wrong though. I just thought most things that do with how an app runs require programming. Deccompiling, and recompiling.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Yup, that's me. I tend to be an absolute pest when I'm trying to figure these things out. In my research I found that this modification is possible if you edit the widget.xml file. Only thing is there are two of those in the res folder. Also, what program would I use to edit the xml file. I already have the Java Development Kit installed. To add to that, where in the xml file would I add the lines of code and where in that code where do I add the app name. The site I found doesn't give any of that info.
radugb said:
Yup, that's me. I tend to be an absolute pest when I'm trying to figure these things out. In my research I found that this modification is possible if you edit the widget.xml file. Only thing is there are two of those in the res folder. Also, what program would I use to edit the xml file. I already have the Java Development Kit installed. To add to that, where in the xml file would I add the lines of code and where in that code where do I add the app name. The site I found doesn't give any of that info.
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Click to collapse
I'm hoping someone can give you some kind of answer, as I'm looking to do some editing of an .Apk that doesn't release its source code.
Sent from my Samsung Legen-wait for it-dary! 4g
Depends on the modifications you want to make. The person who I emailed about this stated that because its a widget, and said widget has no click to open function already programmed into it, adding an onClickpendingIntent won't interfere with the functionality of the clock, and therefore doesn't require the source code. It might be different in your case depending on what you want to add/change.
Bumping my question. Maybe someone might know a different forum I can post in where I might get someone who can help?
radugb out
How do I replace the image (png) of an apk?
Thanks in advance.
- Skorpion
Extract it.
Dont ask how, google and the search function is ur friend
M&S
I'll sometimes use Metamorph to make theme changes (including images within an apk), but it seems to be a lot more glitchy with the gs2 than it was on the vibrant. Still, it works now and again for me, so it's something you could look into.
Like M&S said, just do a Google search and you'll see it's not that hard to unpack an apk, modify it, then repack and sign it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
UPDATE - thanks to kwerdenker pointing me in the right direction I stumbled upon this post which is amazingly helpful for anyone else interested!
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LutzLinke/posts/TNhQ4ypuurw
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I'm trying to add a custom iconset I made to a paid theme of mine. As posted by a couple other people there are apparently some issues with this that no one can figure out. Well I am making this post to hopefully find people who are willing to help me squash this. As an independent themer with limited time this frustrates the piss out of me. I also have Go Locker themes that no one can every help me with my issues and it drives me crazy... anyway back to Zooper. This is my post from G+
having problems with my apk when I build it since I added my custom iconset. can anyone give me any insight on this?
currently it's in
assets/iconset/whatever/whatever/config.xml.jet with the font in there also whatever.ttf.jet
this is how it's exported in the apk templete from the app itself though and thats the only thing not working, is the iconset.
so to recap, the app install, loads, and works minus my icons from the custom iconset.
I'm lost.
I also tried removing all the .jet extensions like someone suggested and it didn't fix it...
the name of the iconset shows up and everything. just no preview image. it was like that when it was .jet too.
tried taking away all the .jet extensions everywhere too... no luck
trying to build using Android Studio if that matters
so far I tried taking out one of the folders so it was just
/assets/iconsets/whatever/config.xml & the font and that got letters to show up at least, just not from my font.
I also tried putting the zip file in there so it was
/assets/iconsets/whatever.zip
no luck either way... anyone else care to chime in or have any other ideas?
AntwonJenkins said:
I'm trying to add a custom iconset I made to a paid theme of mine. As posted by a couple other people there are apparently some issues with this that no one can figure out. Well I am making this post to hopefully find people who are willing to help me squash this. As an independent themer with limited time this frustrates the piss out of me. I also have Go Locker themes that no one can every help me with my issues and it drives me crazy... anyway back to Zooper. This is my post from G+
having problems with my apk when I build it since I added my custom iconset. can anyone give me any insight on this?
currently it's in
assets/iconset/whatever/whatever/config.xml.jet with the font in there also whatever.ttf.jet
this is how it's exported in the apk templete from the app itself though and thats the only thing not working, is the iconset.
so to recap, the app install, loads, and works minus my icons from the custom iconset.
I'm lost.
I also tried removing all the .jet extensions like someone suggested and it didn't fix it...
the name of the iconset shows up and everything. just no preview image. it was like that when it was .jet too.
tried taking away all the .jet extensions everywhere too... no luck
trying to build using Android Studio if that matters
so far I tried taking out one of the folders so it was just
/assets/iconsets/whatever/config.xml & the font and that got letters to show up at least, just not from my font.
I also tried putting the zip file in there so it was
/assets/iconsets/whatever.zip
no luck either way... anyone else care to chime in or have any other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Font-based icon sets are broken in Zooper APKs. This has been a known problem for a long time and there have been some attempts to fix this issue but those were by users most of the time (here is one good example: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106201536507820539535/posts/dY1vras522H). The devs haven't responded to this for a while now. Might be they are working on it, might also be that theme APKs are not a priority anymore since the buyout through Themer. Hard to tell since the communication with the developers has stopped almost entirely.
kwerdenker said:
Font-based icon sets are broken in Zooper APKs. This has been a known problem for a long time and there have been some attempts to fix this issue but those were by users most of the time (here is one good example: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106201536507820539535/posts/dY1vras522H). The devs haven't responded to this for a while now. Might be they are working on it, might also be that theme APKs are not a priority anymore since the buyout through Themer. Hard to tell since the communication with the developers has stopped almost entirely.
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for this information. It's sad to see one of the best customization apps on Android lose support like that but not surprising. So... are we able to create Themer themes? I can't imagine them being much different than their Zooper counterpart.