I unzipped a apk file to change some of the images in the drawable-hdpi folder, how do I zip it back into an apk file to reinstall it on my phone. Or can I flash the zip file? I dunno how that would work...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Can you get another copy of the apk?
If you can then the best thing to do is use winRAR or 7zip to open/explore the apk just like with a .zip file. That way you never unzip it and don't run into that issue. Using those allows you to delete and add files. You can also do the same thing on your phone using root explorer or something similar.
As far as correcting what you've done already (assuming you can't get a copy of that apk) I've completely forgotten since I never have to do it. I know if you look on the android sdk's site you can find the answer though.
adamtheindien said:
I unzipped a apk file to change some of the images in the drawable-hdpi folder, how do I zip it back into an apk file to reinstall it on my phone. Or can I flash the zip file? I dunno how that would work...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An apk is just a zip file with the apk extension, once you zip it up change it from a .zip to a .apk
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
i changed what i wanted and rezipped, changed the extension, tried to install it, says problem parsing the package?
adamtheindien said:
i changed what i wanted and rezipped, changed the extension, tried to install it, says problem parsing the package?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can also depend on which APK (system vs non-system) and which images (.9 images can be tricky to replace if you don't know what you are doing). Sometimes, you also need to re-sign the APK, depending on what you modified (there are tools to re-sign in the SDK or you can use something like APK Manager).
You should try the opening the APK directly in WinRAR/7-zip and replacing the images method. In my experience, if you are just replacing simple images, you usually don't have to re-sign when doing this (it leaves the existing signature intact).
ok i mainly just replaced images and and edited a couple. i dont know how to use all that adbsdkwhatever stuff.... -_- i know i should but im too lazy. so i dunno how to re sign it...
all im trying to do is edit the quick search bar images. maybe i dont have to do this if there is somewhere to find themed search bars?
If you can then the best thing to do is use winRAR or 7zip to open/explore the apk just like with a .zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your using winRAR click and drag stuff works if its one or two files.
If its a lot of images or a large file like framework-res.apk (I'm thinking your search bar might be in there if I'm not mistaken) then you'll want to make a new ZIP archive with "store" compression (uncompressed pretty much).
(also you shouldn't need to resign the framework-res.apk)
I haven't tested 7zips click and drag but the same principals apply. If its bigger files being recompiled Winrar tends to compress it a bit and sometimes it causes bootloops.
That being said, don't forget to nandroid
82_Z28 said:
If your using winRAR click and drag stuff works if its one or two files.
If its a lot of images or a large file like framework-res.apk (I'm thinking your search bar might be in there if I'm not mistaken) then you'll want to make a new ZIP archive with "store" compression (uncompressed pretty much).
(also you shouldn't need to resign the framework-res.apk)
I haven't tested 7zips click and drag but the same principals apply. If its bigger files being recompiled Winrar tends to compress it a bit and sometimes it causes bootloops.
That being said, don't forget to nandroid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well from my experience, 7zip handles the task like a champ. I've taken every image out and put others back in with no issues. The downside is that some apps set certain dependencies in the .xml files so if you delete the wrong things it won't install and if it does, all you get is a fc all day. In that case it helps to know how to convert the xml binary to something readable (unless you're a king a hex editing).
Related
i love the modaco custom rom but would like to add the lockscreen from drizzys custom rom. (or any plain android looking lockscreen)
is there a way to extract the files i need and simply replacing them in the MRC? i guess its just an html file or something like that to replace, right?
I guess this is the HTCLockScreen.apk and .odex but since it's a system app, it cannot be installed or unistalled, and overwirting the apk in the system/app folder doesn't do anything.
If someone knows how to do it I will be very interested too.
im not sure if it will work but you can download my rom go to
system/framework
grab com.htc.resource.apk
now adb push com.htc.framework.apk /system/framework/
then reboot!
steps:
adb remount
adb push com.htc.framework.apk /system/framework/
adb shell
reboot
then if your phone loops then it didnt work, but if you go straight to you home screen then it should be fine!
good luck
"im not responsible for any wipes that you will have to do if you phone loops"
piflechien said:
I guess this is the HTCLockScreen.apk and .odex but since it's a system app, it cannot be installed or unistalled, and overwirting the apk in the system/app folder doesn't do anything.
If someone knows how to do it I will be very interested too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not in the lockscreen!
its in the framework!
Or you could do what I did, pull com.htc.resources.apk from the phone, extract it with 7zip edit the .png files in res/drawable-land-480x320/ and res/drawable-port-480x320/ then zipped it and built the apk using apkbuilder.
Then push it to the phone, as usual make backups.
soulehmoo said:
Or you could do what I did, pull com.htc.resources.apk from the phone, extract it with 7zip edit the .png files in res/drawable-land-480x320/ and res/drawable-port-480x320/ then zipped it and built the apk using apkbuilder.
Then push it to the phone, as usual make backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much.
It works perfectly.
BR. Simemu
Thx it worked perfectly
I just pushed com.htc.resources.apk into the /system/framework folder.
Now is it also possible to change the notification bar with a similar method ?
I love the one from your Rom Drizzy Drake Rogers.
They are in framework-res.apk
A few jpg and png named status* in res/drawable-480x320/
Same method should apply.
As usual, would be smart to back up.
Edit: When I get some time off I may have a day messing with these files see about some different coloured UI's etc.
for me this does not work
what ive done is:
1. get the com.htc.resources.apk
2. extract it with rar
3. changed the mentioned png files
4. then i put them back into the archive (apk file, renamed as a zip file)
5. renamed the zip back to its original name
6. put the file as mentioned to the correct folder
there is no change.. is it a MUST to use apk builder, if yes, how to use that bat?
felikz said:
for me this does not work
what ive done is:
1. get the com.htc.resources.apk
2. extract it with rar
3. changed the mentioned png files
4. then i put them back into the archive (apk file, renamed as a zip file)
5. renamed the zip back to its original name
6. put the file as mentioned to the correct folder
there is no change.. is it a MUST to use apk builder, if yes, how to use that bat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reboot and see if that works!
yes i did that, its not the case..
did you guys do it my way, or did you use adk builder?
Yeah use apk builder. Should work.
Edit: you sure its named right and in the right place?? It should have overwritten your old one.
and how to use apk builder??
okay, i signed the new apk with this http://www.anddev.org/signing_your_apk-application_for_release_keytooljarsigner-t3069.html
but that didnt work (the sign process worked, but then the hero looped)..
can anyone please tell how to sign the apk with apkbuilder??
Did you sign the .apk or the .png ????
Sorry...but i didn´t got a solution...i´m standing in front of the same problem like you
easier method here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=536271
no need to bother with apk builder with this method.
boomshaker said:
Did you sign the .apk or the .png ????
Sorry...but i didn´t got a solution...i´m standing in front of the same problem like you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
signed the apk
soulehmoo said:
easier method here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=536271
no need to bother with apk builder with this method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also this does not work for me --> phone loop
any idea, what i could do wrong? i am using windows paint (windows 7) to edit the files.. then i put the edited png files back into archive (thus, overwrite the files there) and push that apk file again back to its path.. after phone reboot the phone goes into endless loop
soulehmoo said:
Or you could do what I did, pull com.htc.resources.apk from the phone, extract it with 7zip edit the .png files in res/drawable-land-480x320/ and res/drawable-port-480x320/ then zipped it and built the apk using apkbuilder.
Then push it to the phone, as usual make backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to change my lockscreen, it all seems to make sense apart from editing the .png files..
What am I supposed to be changing in the files? Maybe I missed something, but that doesn't seem to have been explained
pookie1 said:
I want to change my lockscreen, it all seems to make sense apart from editing the .png files..
What am I supposed to be changing in the files? Maybe I missed something, but that doesn't seem to have been explained
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tha background image of your lockscreen can be changed easily in the phone settings, but if you wanna change the other parts of the lockscreen, then you need to do it like told here ;-)
felikz said:
also this does not work for me --> phone loop
any idea, what i could do wrong? i am using windows paint (windows 7) to edit the files.. then i put the edited png files back into archive (thus, overwrite the files there) and push that apk file again back to its path.. after phone reboot the phone goes into endless loop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
common guys, just a feedback!
Noob to theme'ing.
Do I have to make an update zip to theme or can I modify the framework apk and just push that to /system/app?
You can just modify and push framework-res.apk to system/framework/
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Oddity said:
You can just modify and push framework-res.apk to system/framework/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
system/framework/
sorry i've been at this computer too long lol
My replacement keeps giving me boot loops.
All I changed was: I duplicated the green lockslider and its components and renamed them to replace the other gray locksliders.
then I compressed the framework-res to a zip (using built in mac zip compression, mac user so i can't use winrar) and change zip to apk. adb push to system/framework/
any ideas what is going wrong?
cupcakera said:
My replacement keeps giving me boot loops.
All I changed was: I duplicated the green lockslider and its components and renamed them to replace the other gray locksliders.
then I compressed the framework-res to a zip (using built in mac zip compression, mac user so i can't use winrar) and change zip to apk. adb push to system/framework/
any ideas what is going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried installing it via a update.zip?
cupcakera said:
My replacement keeps giving me boot loops.
All I changed was: I duplicated the green lockslider and its components and renamed them to replace the other gray locksliders.
then I compressed the framework-res to a zip (using built in mac zip compression, mac user so i can't use winrar) and change zip to apk. adb push to system/framework/
any ideas what is going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this gets to be a bit confusing. I will say what i know hopefully others can help out too.
APKs are just zip containers that are signed, that means there is no compression. In your zip program look for a setting under compression labeled store. You would then have to sign that bad boy in order for your phone to work. You can not use the testsign certificate.
With that being said here is a guide...
Modifying?
PNG's -> open the apk up in the zip program, navigate to the res/whatever_folder_had_the_original and drop your files in.
9.PNGs and XML more complicated. You will have to decompile the apk [apktool] then modify them [look for articles on that, i cant get too indepth here]. Compile the apk. Drag the now compiled xml and 9.pngs to the respective folder open in your zip program.
Really the object is not to mess up the signing that comes with the apk. opening up the apk in a zip program, allows you to view, and replace files with not destroying the signature.
This method will not work with all applications. I have still not figured why some programs work with being signed with a testcert and others are not. I have a hunch that all userspace programs can be test signed and all system files need their own [htc?] key.
Also to note is that for some reason the phone when looking at framework-res, services.jar and others does not seem to mind the differences in CRC of the files stored in it, with what is in the manifest. I still can figure out the phones reasoning to allow this to happen on some but not all apps.
I hope this was not very confusing. I am working on video toturials of this same subject. Stay tuned!
That really helps a lot. Thanks.
I'll try that out tonight. Any recommendations for zip programs with a store feature for mac?
cupcakera said:
That really helps a lot. Thanks.
I'll try that out tonight. Any recommendations for zip programs with a store feature for mac?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use BetterZip on my mac..........open the apk with Betterzip, then extract the res folder to your desktop (or wherever you want). Edit the .png files you want.......steer clear ( unless you know how) of editing the 9.png files. Delete the original res folder from the framework folder and insert the res folder you just edited. Then save the framework-res.apk and push back to where it belongs.
I like 7zip better, but this works okay, since there is no 7zip for a mac.
Betterzip worked perfectly! Thanks again.
Alright, so, I've made a large number of themed HD wallpapers I'd like package up and put on the market.
Problem is, I have no idea how to lol.
Any help at all on how to do this is greatly appreciated!
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Anybody?
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
You should probably apply to be a Google App Inventor.
Wow what s great response
I am also looking to put together an .APK, so that I can keep my wall paper together and not just in a file on my SD.
I was looking at some of the APK's that are in cooked versions (CM6.1) and the file looks like a renamed .ZIP
I tried to add images to an existing file, then create a new .zip, then change the name to .apk.
When I tried to install, I got an error that the installer could not parse the file.
I don't even know what that means.
Good luck,
CharlesG70 said:
I am also looking to put together an .APK, so that I can keep my wall paper together and not just in a file on my SD.
I was looking at some of the APK's that are in cooked versions (CM6.1) and the file looks like a renamed .ZIP
I tried to add images to an existing file, then create a new .zip, then change the name to .apk.
When I tried to install, I got an error that the installer could not parse the file.
I don't even know what that means.
Good luck,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use 7zip, it's the business when it comes to that. Let's say I am looking to replace icons in framework-res.apk. I would just right click and say Open Archive, browse to the res\drawable-hdpi folder where the icons are, and just drag the icons in there.
As long as what you are replacing has the same name as existing files, you shouldn't have an issue. If you are trying to put something in that doesn't have that filename, it won't work. You don't have to worry about resigning the apk or change it to a zip to unzip it.
Less than an hour ago I decided to skin my statusbar. What I do is open SystemUI.apk with 7zip, extract everything from drawable folders and modify them. Now, I've got a question. Is it enough to replace png files in apk with modded ones, or I should somehow sign the apk file?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from nowhere
tajimura said:
Less than an hour ago I decided to skin my statusbar. What I do is open SystemUI.apk with 7zip, extract everything from drawable folders and modify them. Now, I've got a question. Is it enough to replace png files in apk with modded ones, or I should somehow sign the apk file?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from nowhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question! I'm also interested in this.
Can't remember well whether it will work without resigning but I always sign the system apk / user apk after doing any modification.
Unsign apk normally get installed when it is placed at system/app but will not work when put it at sd-ext/app_s.
ckpv5 said:
Can't remember well whether it will work without resigning but I always sign the system apk / user apk after doing any modification.
Unsign apk normally get installed when it is placed at system/app but will not work when put it at sd-ext/app_s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. One more question - which tool do you use for signing?
Sent from nowhere
tajimura said:
Got it. One more question - which tool do you use for signing?
Sent from nowhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Auto-sign for signing on PC and Signapktic (from Market) for signing on the phone.
ckpv5 said:
Auto-sign for signing on PC and Signapktic (from Market) for signing on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers, now going to try that all
Sent from nowhere
Search for "apk tool" here on xda and you'll have what you need for theming and signing and more.
via xda app
System apps are NEVER signed.
If you don't extract (just open in 7zip or winrar) you can just drag new images in. If prompted for compression level, Choose "store". When finished, simply close the file with the x.
Only if you want to change xml files, need you decompile
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
rootSU said:
System apps are NEVER signed.
If you don't extract (just open in 7zip or winrar) you can just drag new images in. If prompted for compression level, Choose "store". When finished, simply close the file with the x.
Only if you want to change xml files, need you decompile
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, I thought that I have to sign it with "platform" key...
BTW, which PNG is responsible for statusbar background? The closest one I found is "statusbar_bg_tile", 1x1 black image. I want to use gradient background, and have created one full background image and one 9-patch, but dunno what to do - simply replace statusbar_bg_tile with statusbar_bg/statusbar_bg.9 or also modify some xml? In statusbar.xml I can't find any reference to statusbar_bg_tile PNG.
Sent from nowhere
I am looking to modify my phone.apk to change the color of a few buttons and the android guy that shows up when in a call. I have done this in the past and it seemed like then it was as simple as deleting the files in 7-zip and replacing with the file I wanted. Am I missing something or is it not that simple. Every time I try to move a file or delete it its says "not Implimented" or un supported compression method. I know how to push and pull files through adb so if I could just get the .png images where I want them then I would be all set. I have looked everywhere but cant seem to come up with a solution.
Thanks Jason
PS. the files are from another rom I am simply trying to use them in my current rom so the .png file should not be corrupt or broken.
You can't edit apk's with any zip extractors
Sent from my Incredible using xda premium
Albinoman said:
You can't edit apk's with any zip extractors
Sent from my Incredible using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, regular image files can (should) be able to be draged out, edited, and droped back in an apk using 7-zip.
nighthawklude99 said:
I am looking to modify my phone.apk to change the color of a few buttons and the android guy that shows up when in a call. I have done this in the past and it seemed like then it was as simple as deleting the files in 7-zip and replacing with the file I wanted. Am I missing something or is it not that simple. Every time I try to move a file or delete it its says "not Implimented" or un supported compression method. I know how to push and pull files through adb so if I could just get the .png images where I want them then I would be all set. I have looked everywhere but cant seem to come up with a solution.
Thanks Jason
PS. the files are from another rom I am simply trying to use them in my current rom so the .png file should not be corrupt or broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess would be that the apk was decompiled at some point before, but not recompiled right, or with the right program. Which phone.apk are you having issues with, the one on your phone or the one your pulling the pngs from?
I am having problems with the phone.apk I pull from my phone with adb, with the phone.apk that is in the original rom, and the phone.apk that is in a nanadroid back up. The rom I am running is anthem 3.3. I am starting to think that there is a problem with 7-zip on my computer. Is there a setting I need to change? I have even ran 7-zip as administrator to see if that helped.
nighthawklude99 said:
I am having problems with the phone.apk I pull from my phone with adb, with the phone.apk that is in the original rom, and the phone.apk that is in a nanadroid back up. The rom I am running is anthem 3.3. I am starting to think that there is a problem with 7-zip on my computer. Is there a setting I need to change? I have even ran 7-zip as administrator to see if that helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like your install of 7z may be messed up. I just tried it to make sure something didnt change in an update and it works fine for me still with default configuration.