Develop Bugs

[TUT] Custom frameworks for Gen 8

So, it seems that more people are taking an interest in making custom frameworks. This isn't really a full tutorial, but I thought it would be helpful to just post some tips on how to go about making your own framework-res.apk, save others a bit of time retreading old ground, since the methods are scattered around the site a bit!
Thanks to wdl1908 for prompting me to do this - should really have done this sooner!
Okay, so basic requirements:
Rooted Gen 8 (Uruk or chulri method)
Original Archos framework-res.apk
zip editor
image editing software
.png's to replace the stock ones with
That's about it! I've been using GIMP on Ubuntu for the image editing, and Phatch for batch resizing, but Photoshop will work just as well on Windows.
Edit: Thanks to wdl1908, have found that Gwenview gives much better results when resizing, compared to Phatch or GIMP. Works on both Ubuntu and KDE.
Use your preferred zip editor to unzip the contents of framework-res.apk to your chosen folder. The main folder of interest is "drawable-mdpi".
The Gen 8's use MDPI resolution images (well, A70 and A101 to at any rate. I think someone mentioned the A32 or A43 used HDPI images). Depending on your .png source, you may need to resize the images. I took my images from themes made for the Desire, which is an HDPI device, so I used GIMP/Phatch to resize them.
In terms of resizing, I compared the size of each new png with the original one, and resized. I know p0rkburn just resizes the images to 66%, but I've had problems with some images not coming out the right size that way. The other thing to watch out for is that not all the images need resizing. Also, some of the textfield and tab_select images are different proportions to their phone equivalents, so again watch out for that.
Once you've replaced the images you want to, they need to be put back into the .apk. I used to copy and paste into the framework-res.apk, but that doesn't work for 9patch files. Also, wdl1908's FrameWorkBuilder makes the compile process so ridiculously easy, there is no reason not to use that instead.
To put the new framework-res.apk on the device, I use this method via ADB wireless, which works fine.
Happy theming!
EDIT: 9patch files
These can be a PITA, until you understand how they work. I used the following two sources to finally crack it :
http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/draw9patch.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=580351
If you are changing 9patch files, you have to decompile and recompile using the FrameWorkBuilder.
I prefer using the draw9patch tool, as it lets you check that the 9patch works as expected.
Spent enough time bashing my head against a brick wall trying to sort out 9patch files, so if I can spare anyone else that, feel free to post/PM..

I'll leave this post here for my recommendations that will be more complex when you need to modify xml files.
In short the procedure is a follows (this needs to be expanded)
unpack the apk to framework-res-UNPACKED dir
decompile the apk to framework-res-DECOMPILED (with apktools)
copy framework-res-MOD to framework-res-DECOMPILED
compile framework-res-COMPILED (with apktools)
unpack the compiled apk to framework-res-COMPILED (with 7za)
remove all the files that are present in framework-res-MOD from the framework-res-UNPACKED dir
remove the file resources.arsc from framework-res-UNPACKED
copy all files from framework-res-UNPACKED to framework-res-COMPILED
zip all files in framework-res-COMPILED to the new framework-res.apk
remove the resources.arsc from that apk file
readd the resources.arsc file without compression to the new apk file
Done
The reason this is so complex is that their are bugs in apktools and the signature needs to be preserved.
FrameWorkBuilder v0.3
README.txt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Place the script FrameWorkBuilder.sh in a directory and execute.
The script will download all the needed tools.
Place framework-res.apk in the dir framework-res-STOCK
Place mods in framework-res-MOD follow the usual directory structure.
Example:
framework-res-MOD
framework-res-MOD/res
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable-hdpi
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable-mdpi
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable
Execute FrameWorkBuilder.sh to apply the mod.
Modded framework-res.apk will be stored in the directory framework-res-MODDED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changelog
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v0.3 Added xml png duplication check to avoid that animations don't work. .9.png support
v0.2 Added mod checks Added compile failure test
v0.1a BUGFIX cp dirs
v0.1 Initial version
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have fun modding.

wdl1908 said:
I'll leave this post here for my recommendations that will be more complex when you need to modify xml files.
If you don't mind we'll make it a joined tutorial. I have no time now it's time I got some sleep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea about editing XML files, but that was the next thing on my "To learn" list. I would be very happy for you to add your knowledge to this thread.
Also, if anyone has info to add/corrections to make, please feel free.

Good stuff, guys. At the very least we can make this a three man party.

The more the merrier!
Guys, can I ask what device you're both using?

fisha21 said:
Guys, can I ask what device you're both using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A101IT with archangel root
A70IT with chulri's root

fisha21 said:
The more the merrier!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, if i can do something, i'm here ;-)

wdl1908 said:
A101IT with archangel root
A70IT with chulri's root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks. Also, can I ask how you're viewing the XML files? Every program I've tried won't open them - keep getting error messages about invalid character content.
woti23 said:
well, if i can do something, i'm here ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome...

fisha21 said:
Cool, thanks. Also, can I ask how you're viewing the XML files? Every program I've tried won't open them - keep getting error messages about invalid character content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to decompile the framework-res.apk with the apktools then all is revealed.

I have an A43it, and I find it to use a mixture of the hdpi and mdpi drawables, it is quite odd how they have it. I am drawing this conclusion because I only changed the hdpi drawables, and some things (status bar pull down for one) stayed original. I am going to work some more on it later today and will update here. My method for pushing to the device uses adb like such:
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk /sdcard/framework-res.apk
adb shell
su
stop
cp /sdcard/framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk
chmod 644 /system/framework/framework-res.apk (only needs to be done the first time, as the permissions will adopt those when replacing in the future)
start
This causes the device to do a little soft-reboot (does not perform a proper full shutdown/reboot) that is pretty quick, and avoids any f/c situations you may encounter replacing the file while the system is live.
Edit 2 - ok, I just plain old missed the drawables earlier, they are all in hdpi for the A43. Posting screenshots of what I have put together shortly.

daveid said:
My method for pushing to the device uses adb like such:
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk /sdcard/framework-res.apk
adb shell
su
stop
cp /sdcard/framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk
chmod 644 /system/framework/framework-res.apk (only needs to be done the first time, as the permissions will adopt those when replacing in the future)
start
This causes the device to do a little soft-reboot (does not perform a proper full shutdown/reboot) that is pretty quick, and avoids any f/c situations you may encounter replacing the file while the system is live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great I was looking for that.

wdl1908 said:
[*]compile framework-res-COMPILED (with apktools)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting stuck on the above step. Have got a folder called framework-res-DECOMPILED. When I try to compile it, the first message I get is:
Code:
w:Could not find sources.
It then runs through the process throwing up multiple error messages, and at the end I am left with an empty Build folder. Any ideas? I read on the Apktool thread that you need to add a classes.dex file to apk that don't already have one?
Thought I'd try your method as my primitive version keeps resulting in faulty apk's the last day or two!

fisha21 said:
Getting stuck on the above step. Have got a folder called framework-res-DECOMPILED. When I try to compile it, the first message I get is:
Code:
w:Could not find sources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem there thats only a warning.
fisha21 said:
It then runs through the process throwing up multiple error messages, and at the end I am left with an empty Build folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What error messages?
fisha21 said:
Any ideas? I read on the Apktool thread that you need to add a classes.dex file to apk that don't already have one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version of apktools do you have?
never needed any classes.dex in framework-res.apk
fisha21 said:
Thought I'd try your method as my primitive version keeps resulting in faulty apk's the last day or two!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try to cleanup my script and post it soon.

I just found out we can have custom boot animations on our gen 8 devices.
search for some bootanimation.zip on the web or go to UOT Kitchen and download one from the kitchen. place it in the directory /data/customization/ and reboot. This works even for the stock firmwares with archangel root.
Enjoy

I've added the first version of my FramWorkBuilder script in the second post.

wdl1908 said:
I've added the first version of my FramWorkBuilder script in the second post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hard work!
Gave it a run through but get the following error messages:
Code:
Applying MOD...cp: cannot stat `/home/sarju/FWB/framework-res-MOD/*': No such file or directory
and
Code:
Copy files from UNPACKED to COMPILED that are not modified...cp: cannot stat `/home/sarju/FWB/WorkSpace/framework-res-UNPACKED/*': No such file or directory
The script is located in the "FWB" folder.

fisha21 said:
Code:
Copy files from UNPACKED to COMPILED that are not modified...cp: cannot stat `/home/sarju/FWB/WorkSpace/framework-res-UNPACKED/*': No such file or directory
The script is located in the "FWB" folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah download the 0.1a version and try again.

wdl1908 said:
yeah download the 0.1a version and try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, think I'm just being stoopid here. Ran the v0.1a, no error messages BUT
If I use the folder structure "framework-res-MOD>drawable-mdpi", the resulting apk just has the original contents of drawable-mdpi. If I use "framework-res-MOD>res>drawable-mdpi", the resulting pak has an empty drawable-mdpi folder.

fisha21 said:
Ok, think I'm just being stoopid here. Ran the v0.1a, no error messages BUT
If I use the folder structure "framework-res-MOD>drawable-mdpi", the resulting apk just has the original contents of drawable-mdpi. If I use "framework-res-MOD>res>drawable-mdpi", the resulting pak has an empty drawable-mdpi folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the structure should look like this.
Code:
framework-res-MOD
framework-res-MOD/res
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable-hdpi
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable-ldpi
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable-mdpi
framework-res-MOD/res/drawable
but make sure you remove empty dirs.
I suspect it has to do with empty dirs I'll check that....

Nope tthats not it.
can you zip up the files files-to-remove.txt and log.txt in the WorkSpace dir and post them or via pm if thats possible.

Editing stock SystemUI.apk

I have been trying to edit the systemUI.apk I have got as far as adb pushing the edited apk but after reboot and all the wipes it just stops the status bar from ever loading. I have tried the apktool apkmanager and droid explorer. I' think im doing the decompiling and compiling correct. I just cant seem to find what im doing wrong. Can this apk be edited? I just cant seem to find whats causing a issue or whats missing.
PLease HELP!!!!
michael

emjaycee30 said:
I have been trying to edit the systemUI.apk I have got as far as adb pushing the edited apk but after reboot and all the wipes it just stops the status bar from ever loading. I have tried the apktool apkmanager and droid explorer. I' think im doing the decompiling and compiling correct. I just cant seem to find what im doing wrong. Can this apk be edited? I just cant seem to find whats causing a issue or whats missing.
PLease HELP!!!!
michael
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it a 9.png ? are you resizing? are you changing the color mode?

its in a smali file. The whole thing i'm trying to do is hide the am/pm on the clock, hide the gps icon, hide the HAC icon, and the alarm clock. They all show 24/7 and i dont need to see them.

emjaycee30 said:
its in a smali file. The whole thing i'm trying to do is hide the am/pm on the clock, hide the gps icon, hide the HAC icon, and the alarm clock. They all show 24/7 and i dont need to see them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM are you using? If you can compare the mods by steelh on stock roms should give you an idea if the edit was bad. I know this might not be the answer you are looking for, but that's the best I could come up with without looking at your edits.

Lets say i decompile it with apktool, make no edits, recompile and then still it will not load
---------- Post added at 05:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------
when the apk is decompiled the smali files are from the classes.dex file right?
so if i compile the apk and then change to a zip and take the new edited dex file out and put it in the original apk over the dex file it should be a adb push then clear cache and dalvik cache and reboot and if it takes the edits it will work?
i have tried that and it just gets a force close on status bar and then never loads or gives anymore messages. just no status bar at all.
my edits im sure are right, but even if they were the problem if i make no edits and try to decompile and recompile, still no worky..... its sad really, once i get this done i will be complete with my phone and we can have babys....... come on some one help me i need phone babies!!!
---------- Post added at 06:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
the rom is 2.3.3 4.24.651.1 cl61076 release-keys its the stock sprint rom from rom manager that was rooted zipaligned blah blah.......

What version of apkmanager r u using. In some versions the apktool is messed up
free the dirk

no resolution?
I pulled my systemui.apk, decompiled it, edited to show 1x vs 3g, compiled it, repackaged it, and pushed it and now my notification its gone.
I also need to know where i made the mistake

I just did that this morning. Just the alarm hiding for me. I use apk manager 4.9. I noticed that I got an error sometimes when I decompile, so I use option 10 to decompile with the framework-res as a dependency. The other difference is I put it in a zipped theme instead of adb pushing, but I don't think that would make a difference. Finally, I have been slowly making mods over a few weeks, so I am not sure if I started with a stock SystemUI or someone elses.

When you decode systemui you need com.htc.resources.apk for the additional resources. You won't need framework-res as apktool has those resources built in (for decoding systemui).
From all your posts I see you're missing one crucial step....you need to transfer the signature. With system/apps you don't resign, but rather transfer the signature. In 7zip or betterzip, open the original apk. Take out the directory called META-INF. That is the Sig. Place that in your new recompiled apk. Then push.
And when pushing apks that deal with the basic framework, here is what you need to do.
adb remount
adb shell stop
adb push SystemUI.apk /system/app/
adb sync (optional)
adb shell start
Technically SystemUI is system/app not a framework file....but it controls things related to the framework (ie the statusbar).
tapatalk signature here. lovely.

Navigation bar height

Does anyone know a way of changing the height of the navigation bar? I used AOKP on my Gnex and could do it using the ROM but want to keep a rooted stock ROM on my N4 (for now)
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

dave83uk said:
Does anyone know a way of changing the height of the navigation bar? I used AOKP on my Gnex and could do it using the ROM but want to keep a rooted stock ROM on my N4 (for now)
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to decompile the framework-res.apk
after decompiling you have to edit the dimens.xml file in res/values
you have to change the size of the navbar in 3 places
dimen name="navigation_bar_height">38.0dip</dimen>
<dimen name="navigation_bar_height_landscape">38.0dip</dimen>
<dimen name="navigation_bar_width">38.0dip</dimen>
for example, i choosed 38 dpi, but choose your own size
then recompile and exchange the apk with yours and your good to go
good tutorial
http://modstorm.co/tutorials/

Some ROMs have it..I.e. Rasjelly
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

pa.pn2 said:
you have to decompile the framework-res.apk
after decompiling you have to edit the dimens.xml file in res/values
you have to change the size of the navbar in 3 places
dimen name="navigation_bar_height">38.0dip</dimen>
<dimen name="navigation_bar_height_landscape">38.0dip</dimen>
<dimen name="navigation_bar_width">38.0dip</dimen>
for example, i choosed 38 dpi, but choose your own size
then recompile and exchange the apk with yours and your good to go
good tutorial
http://modstorm.co/tutorials/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thank you for the detailed instructions. I will take a look and give it a try.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

My bad

Hi,
I tried to decompile the framework-res.apk, change the values to 38 and recompile but my device gets stuck on the Nexus logo whenever I try to boot it. apktool and aapt are up-to-date. What makes me think is that the framework-res.apk is ~10mb before and ~6mb after the process And I don't know how to make a flashable zip so I used the TWRP file manager. Could that be the source of my problem?

Shedao said:
Hi,
I tried to decompile the framework-res.apk, change the values to 38 and recompile but my device gets stuck on the Nexus logo whenever I try to boot it. apktool and aapt are up-to-date. What makes me think is that the framework-res.apk is ~10mb before and ~6mb after the process And I don't know how to make a flashable zip so I used the TWRP file manager. Could that be the source of my problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you recompile it?and the size is not abnormal, in my case its always like yours smaller yes
take this tool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2032613&page=2
its up to date for 4.2.1
works fine for me

pa.pn2 said:
how did you recompile it?and the size is not abnormal, in my case its always like yours smaller yes
take this tool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2032613&page=2
its up to date for 4.2.1
works fine for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, short story: It still doesn't work but thanks for the quick answer.
I took the apkmanager from your link and unpacked my framework-res.apk but in the new folder projects/framework-res/res there is no values folder Some google searching revealed that it is important to "install" the framework-res.apk on the PC so I opened a command prompt and used the apktool if framework-res.apk command and got the user/apktool/framework/1.apk. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to change anything. Unpacking the framework-res.apk still don't give me the values folder.
What am I missing? Could you write a step by step explanation?

Shedao said:
Ok, short story: It still doesn't work but thanks for the quick answer.
I took the apkmanager from your link and unpacked my framework-res.apk but in the new folder projects/framework-res/res there is no values folder Some google searching revealed that it is important to "install" the framework-res.apk on the PC so I opened a command prompt and used the apktool if framework-res.apk command and got the user/apktool/framework/1.apk. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to change anything. Unpacking the framework-res.apk still don't give me the values folder.
What am I missing? Could you write a step by step explanation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm strange
i just put the framework-res.apk in into the modding folder and then i choose point 9, decompiling, thats it

pa.pn2 said:
hmm strange
i just put the framework-res.apk in into the modding folder and then i choose point 9, decompiling, thats it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, the weirdness just goes on. I tried to use point 9 (decompile) and got a java error, something I already knew from the apktool itself. The answer was to replace the old aapt.exe and apktool.jar in the apkmanager/other folder. Now decompiling works just great and I get the dimens.xml. Changed the numbers according to your values with Notepad++ and saved. Recompiling with the apkmanager works up to the point where I have to delete all modified files. As there is no values/dimens.xml I could delete, I just delete the resources.arsc. The question for a system apk I answer with yes and in the end I have a signedframework-res.apk.
I rename it to framework-res.apk, go into fastboot/TWRP and use its filemanager to replace the original apk with my modified one. And then -> endless nexuslogo on booting
I really want to learn something from this whole mess, so where is the big mistake?

Shedao said:
Ok, the weirdness just goes on. I tried to use point 9 (decompile) and got a java error, something I already knew from the apktool itself. The answer was to replace the old aapt.exe and apktool.jar in the apkmanager/other folder. Now decompiling works just great and I get the dimens.xml. Changed the numbers according to your values with Notepad++ and saved. Recompiling with the apkmanager works up to the point where I have to delete all modified files. As there is no values/dimens.xml I could delete, I just delete the resources.arsc. The question for a system apk I answer with yes and in the end I have a signedframework-res.apk.
I rename it to framework-res.apk, go into fastboot/TWRP and use its filemanager to replace the original apk with my modified one. And then -> endless nexuslogo on booting
I really want to learn something from this whole mess, so where is the big mistake?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont delete modified files,just type n, if asked for system app type y
recompiling with option 11
use this file(Brainmasters.Battery.Mod.Flasher.Nexus.4.zip) to flash the apk in recovery, dont do it via filemanager
add a folder called framework on your desktop, open the folder, put your framework.res.apk into it and put the complete new created folder within your apk into the .zip into the second folder, where you find a system folder. so there should be a system and your framework folder
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2037171
first download link is the .zip
also,check your java setup,maybe your paths are wrong
had alwyas problems with this ****ty paths of java before
watch this video to keep your java structure correct
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oowsJcJLmss

Finally it worked.
Thanks for all your patience and help. My way was somewhat different from yours so here is a quick overview for those facing the same problems:
1. Download apktool from here http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/
2. Follow the steps in this tutorial to decompile, modify and recompile the framework-res.apk http://modstorm.co/tutorials/
3. Download the Brainmasters.Battery.Mod.Flasher.Nexus.4.zip from this location http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2037171
4. Safety-step: Put the original UNmodified framework-res.apk in a new folder with the name "framework" and put this one into the system folder from the zip above. Rename the zip to something like originalframework.zip
5. Now repeat step 4 with the modified framework-res.apk and another copy of the zip from step 3. Name this zip to something like newframework.zip
6. Copy both new zips onto your phone, reboot into recovery and flash.

Shedao said:
Finally it worked.
Thanks for all your patience and help. My way was somewhat different from yours so here is a quick overview for those facing the same problems:
1. Download apktool from here http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/
2. Follow the steps in this tutorial to decompile, modify and recompile the framework-res.apk http://modstorm.co/tutorials/
3. Download the Brainmasters.Battery.Mod.Flasher.Nexus.4.zip from this location http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2037171
4. Safety-step: Put the original UNmodified framework-res.apk in a new folder with the name "framework" and put this one into the system folder from the zip above. Rename the zip to something like originalframework.zip
5. Now repeat step 4 with the modified framework-res.apk and another copy of the zip from step 3. Name this zip to something like newframework.zip
6. Copy both new zips onto your phone, reboot into recovery and flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good job
i always do a backup of the original too
nice that you got it working^^

Argh cant get this to work
always get fail after flashing
EDIT: GOT IT WORKING NOW!! AWESOME!

ugene1980 said:
Argh cant get this to work
always get fail after flashing
EDIT: GOT IT WORKING NOW!! AWESOME!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you now do that? I'm currently stuck at the same Situation..
Tried it like told above, but without luck. The backup file boots fine, while the modified one simply doesnt.

someone can post a small nav bar...please....
please...please...
i'm using stock rom...

R: Navigation bar height
Nobody With a soul?
Please..
Inviato dal mio Nexus 4 con Tapatalk 2

wheres your prob?not able to read?anything you need to know is in the op

R: Navigation bar height
Yes I'm not able with Mac..totally unable..I'm a bit stupid
Inviato dal mio Nexus 4 con Tapatalk 2

coloxim said:
Yes I'm not able with Mac..totally unable..I'm a bit stupid
Inviato dal mio Nexus 4 con Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm mac is different
have a look for apktool then for mac in xda search, i bet you will find something
if not here it is http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/

[Q] xml problem

hey guys i want to edit twstatusbar.xml with notepad++ but every time I open the file i just get this weird wording or lettering is something wrong?
Note this also happens with other xml files too!
here is a screenshot:
View attachment 2792773

JT1510365 said:
hey guys i want to edit twstatusbar.xml with notepad++ but every time I open the file i just get this weird wording or lettering is something wrong?
Note this also happens with other xml files too!
here is a screenshot:
View attachment 2792773
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to de-compile the apk first, then you can edit it in plain text; then you must re-compile the apk.

gr8nole said:
You have to de-compile the apk first, then you can edit it in plain text; then you must re-compile the apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay i have been having trouble at getting apktool setup on my computer. i have looked at all the guides but still can't get it to work!
would you be so kind as to help me set it up on my computer via this messaging way?
also I want to edit .9 pngs and how would i do that properly?

apktool
also do i need the java sdk for apktool because everytime I download from the java website and try to install it it says that its not a valid file

JT1510365 said:
okay i have been having trouble at getting apktool setup on my computer. i have looked at all the guides but still can't get it to work!
would you be so kind as to help me set it up on my computer via this messaging way?
also I want to edit .9 pngs and how would i do that properly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JT1510365 said:
also do i need the java sdk for apktool because everytime I download from the java website and try to install it it says that its not a valid file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any of the toolkits for de-compiling apks should work fine. I still use a very old one (APK Manager 5.0.2). I just update the apktool, baksmali, and smali jar files when an updated version is released.
You will need java installed, but I don't think you need the entire sdk.
As for editing .9 pngs...you have to make sure that you don't change the 1 pixel border around the outer edge of the image.

now what
gr8nole said:
Any of the toolkits for de-compiling apks should work fine. I still use a very old one (APK Manager 5.0.2). I just update the apktool, baksmali, and smali jar files when an updated version is released.
You will need java installed, but I don't think you need the entire sdk.
As for editing .9 pngs...you have to make sure that you don't change the 1 pixel border around the outer edge of the image.
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okay where do i go to download the tool and those files like backsmali?
Also I heard you can't decompile systemui.apk unless you put your devices framework-res.apk in the apktool folder, where would that go?
thanks for your help!

JT1510365 said:
okay where do i go to download the tool and those files like backsmali?
Also I heard you can't decompile systemui.apk unless you put your devices framework-res.apk in the apktool folder, where would that go?
thanks for your help!
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Give this a try...it should work http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536073
latest Smali and baksmali here https://bitbucket.org/JesusFreke/smali/downloads

gr8nole said:
Give this a try...it should work http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536073
latest Smali and baksmali here https://bitbucket.org/JesusFreke/smali/downloads
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I downloaded the tool and when i tried to open the tool it just crashed

[Q] Theme Help Needed, Decompiling LG System Apps

When decompiling system apps by using apktool through cmd commands I get an "unable to decode" error on everything that is xxhdpi. After decompile I don't have those folders in my res folder. I have updated SDK, apktool (1..5.2), aapt.exe. Anyone have this issue and work through it before? thanks for any help you can give.

ecsnead69 said:
When decompiling system apps by using apktool through cmd commands I get an "unable to decode" error on everything that is xxhdpi. After decompile I don't have those folders in my res folder. I have updated SDK, apktool (1..5.2), aapt.exe. Anyone have this issue and work through it before? thanks for any help you can give.
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compile apktool from source and it should work.

Thanks, where can I read how to do that?

So I take the new jar (apktool-cli.jar) and rename it to apktool.jar and replace my current one?

ecsnead69 said:
So I take the new jar (apktool-cli.jar) and rename it to apktool.jar and replace my current one?
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yep

Thanks, I'll give that a try after work.

Do you have one compiled recently you could post? I am having serious problems with my Linux pc. Thanks