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I successfully edited my first .png and ported it as a theme!
Colored Vibrating Phone!!
I want to appologize for being impatient to all the current theme developers specifically Manup. After spending an hour how to get the .png to save in the archive file, I can see that editing each individual icon could take hours and hours if you want it to look right.
Time for me to try at some more difficult stuff.
Hope to be posting my first theme within the next few months.
um..what did you do that took so long?
well....
Remember that this is my first self attempt at this.
I was having trouble getting it to save to the archive. The pop up was behind other applications I was running, so I didn't see it prompting me to save to the archive.
Next is just the editing of the .png itself. If I was just copying and pasting it wouldn't have taken any time. I had to find the icon I wanted to put there, then change the colors just right. It isn't really hard, just time consuming, but you already know that. This is why I was apologizing. Its my first time, give me a break.
Ok I went to edit the first android boot screen.
and of course it hung on boot screen in a loop. My file went from around 3k to 31k so obviously the file is too big. I can't seem to find an option to compress or deflate the file using 7zip.
Can any give me some suggestions?
You don't the .png images with 7zip you do it with Photoshop or whatever graphic design program. There is a post some where explaining how to compress the .png images i just don't know it of hand.
Yeah you want to save the file in photoshop using the save for web & devices...or the pngout program. read thru this here. has my way and the pngout way in the posts.
Ill give ya a tip, this is how i do it at least. i extract the update.zip then extract all the apks that i am going to change. I start editing all the files in framework-res, then move to Launcher, contacts and phone. After these are done i normally import them into the update.zip, sign it and test it.
When i import the images i just open the update.zip in WinRar, then double click the apk i need to import images into. It opens the apk in a new WinRar window, i browse tot he folder i need then just drag the images into it. Do that for each apk then sign it and test it.
Hope this helps.
I was using 7zip for extraction and paintshop pro for editing
I was doing fine. I was just excited to get that far. One of the problems I ran into was when I edited an image file it went from 3k to 30k when. I even used png crush and it only compressed to 24k. Not sure if it is even important yet.
I was only:
A) apologizing for expecting so much when it is so much work.
B) proud that I figured it out and am on my way to editing/creating my own theme.
I only ask one thing of some of the more senior devs. Please don't be so critical. All of us are at several different levels. What may seem juvenile to you might be a huge hurdle to others. This is why we are dependant on you for themes.
Brutal-Force said:
I was doing fine. I was just excited to get that far. One of the problems I ran into was when I edited an image file it went from 3k to 30k when. I even used png crush and it only compressed to 24k. Not sure if it is even important yet.
I was only:
A) apologizing for expecting so much when it is so much work.
B) proud that I figured it out and am on my way to editing/creating my own theme.
I only ask one thing of some of the more senior devs. Please don't be so critical. All of us are at several different levels. What may seem juvenile to you might be a huge hurdle to others. This is why we are dependant on you for themes.
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Click to collapse
Good job on getting going, im getting ready to make a go of it as well. I dont think they are criticizing you just being helpful. Have you seen how critical people are in the theme makers posts, cant believe half the theme makers still do it lol.
Brutal-Force said:
I was doing fine. I was just excited to get that far. One of the problems I ran into was when I edited an image file it went from 3k to 30k when. I even used png crush and it only compressed to 24k. Not sure if it is even important yet.
I was only:
A) apologizing for expecting so much when it is so much work.
B) proud that I figured it out and am on my way to editing/creating my own theme.
I only ask one thing of some of the more senior devs. Please don't be so critical. All of us are at several different levels. What may seem juvenile to you might be a huge hurdle to others. This is why we are dependant on you for themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope i didn't come off that way...i was just trying to help. no ill intenet in that post at all =)
Thank you.
It always helps with reassuring words while trying something this complicated.
Thank you damnitpud.
I have been following the forums very closely since October. I have even followed your posts and tutorials. I am just trying to ride the wave crest and not fall in, because getting out is a *****. I have had to not only pick up the 'ol writing computer
Read through my post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3339701&postcount=6
It tells you how to edit the update.zip without extracting anything but the drawables folder. After a lot of time and effort I have streamlined the process as much as possible so maybe you can pick up a few tricks with that walkthrough. And I use gimp, I dont mess wtih compression or saving file for web. I take big images, save them as a png, resize them to 48x48 using the XP power toys resizing tool and drag-and-drop them into my update.zip. I dont know what is happening but everyone keeps thinking its way harder than it really is.
Then when I swap themes from ADP to RC33 or vice versa I open up my theme in 7zip and a blank theme in the version I want to convert too. I got to each apk and drag-and-drop the drawables folder straight into the other update.zip replacing the existing drawables folder. If you do it my way you can convert a theme in minutes or if you have all the artwork you can turn it into a theme in about 15-20 mins TOPS.
My biggest suggestion is to experiment with trial and error, use your nandroid backup and make mistakes, its the best way to learn and there is nothing that compares to hands on experience, that way you know what works and you can tell people from experience instead of hearsay.
7Zip is the best tip you gave B, I tried using WinRar but it wasnt as user friendly for this stuff. Especially as 7Zip saves as you swap and move up the file tree.
I am using your tutorial B.
I don't have photoshop, so I am using Paintshop pro PhotoX2 which works fine for me.
I was using 7zip, but I am used to using Winzip. I am currently using Winzip12 so thats serving my needs nicely.
What I was referring too isn't so much difficult in moving files around, it is more or less knowing WHICH files you can mess with. I have seen posted that don't mess with .9.png files at them moment as that can cause problems. I also do not know what size a theme is aloud to be in the update.zip. I also wanted to know If i have to include ever single file or if it is just neccessary to do just the things you want to change.
It isn't hard to actually do the file changing and such, the "HARD" part is more Time consuming then hard, and thats the artwork required to actually change the look of the component.
More questions will pop-up I am sure, but I am in the Trial and Error Stage right now.
Another question if anyone reads this, Where is the Clock Widget located? I see that every theme maker edits this, and lets be honest, If you use this widget, it is the center focal point of every theme. Just changing this gives the whole desktop another feel.
Brutal-Force said:
...Where is the Clock Widget located? I see that every theme maker edits this, and lets be honest, If you use this widget, it is the center focal point of every theme. Just changing this gives the whole desktop another feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in the Launcher.apk.
All your questions are in the tutorials, if you drag the drawable folder onto your desktop you can see the pics when you doubleclick the folder.
Just my thought,
The clock is something that most people change, but I dont use the clock, that is why the time is in the corner constantly. I feel the clock just eats up space on my desktop. Of course I like it with as few icons as possible.
Thanx for the replies.
I had also found the clock in the Launcher.apk file, but for some reason, when I try and edit it and put it back into the folder it causes my phone stop at the boot screen. I just wanted to make sure I was trying to edit the right file.
I somehow expected it to be in a completely different place.
Yes a lot of my questions may seem to be repeats, but I had initially started this thread as just a Eureka thread. But as long as people who are in the know are reading it, I am glad to ask questions. Sometimes the Main threads and stickies are 150 pages deep and after not reading them for two days you kind of get behind.
well if we are asking questions....then can someone help me
when I go to update my phone with the update zip i get
E:Wrong digest
system/app/Launcher.apk
E:Verification failed
and yes I am new at this...
Have you rooted with RC29 yet?
Looks like what happens before you root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480
Read this first.
I had the exact same "wohoo" feeling when I made my first theme mod and it was a success.
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Update 5/28 noon 30
I am uploading right now, however I never thought that I should create an uploading directory until today. That way if I am uploading files like I am now, someone doesnt start downloading and they get a bad file. So with the exception of what I am doing now, from now on anything I upload will go into a temp dir then I will transfer to its proper place.
I am going to work on an FTP for anon uploading, give me some time, I am concerned about Malware, trojens, and other malicious acts by people on the web, I want this to be a safe place for all Android users to access files for their devices.
I am also considering adding 3-5 more devices to the mirror, but I would need to get the Anon FTP up first, my upload speeds suck so damn bad.
Also, I might just add that Wiki that droid512 suggested, and let whomever has more time and knowledge admin it. 2 kids, broken back, severely damaged arms/hands and being on pain meds ALL the time screws up my ability to jump on the puter and help out.
Jim
Link to Mirror
Open Directory is enabled.
http://www.blackmugmedia.com/Android/GT/Mirror/
Update 5/25 11pm
Open directory browsing is enabled for www.blackmugmedia.com/Android/ I figured it would be alot easier to be able to go through the different directories and locate any file you may need.
I am still uploading, my home connection sucks, 768 up.
Right now I am setting up my server hosted on fatcow with a mirror of all gtab roms, kernals, stock recovery, etc. Organized in directories for GSM, cdma, and wifi.
I would like to enable anonymous uploading, however....I am a security freak, so for right now ill upload everything I have for my cdma Verizon tab, then start downloading GSM and wifi files to place on the server.
If you are a Dev and want your project mirrored, send me a pm with a link and ill grab it and upload it.
I will update this post with links to the directories a little later today when I have enough stuff uploaded.
Effective today....these files will stay for the next 3 years.
If I can find a way to allow anonymous uploading and still have high security, I will update this post.
Mods, feel free to sticky if you like
Jim
Link to Mirror
Open Directory is enabled.
http://www.blackmugmedia.com/Android/GT/Mirror/
I am uploading and still creating the remaining Directories. As I am web retarded, you cant browse contents yet, but that.......will happen.
Link to Mirror
Open Directory is enabled.
http://www.blackmugmedia.com/Android/GT/Mirror/
Sticky vote
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Why dont you install a hosting/upload script and then create user accounts for devs who wish to use the service.
TheATHEiST said:
Why dont you install a hosting/upload script and then create user accounts for devs who wish to use the service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok look buddy, all that **** went over my head like a 747. ha ha, yeah. Web stuff, I dont get it.
However...I was going to give Devs FTP accounts like I did for Spacemoose, but I posted it in the "General" section and I dont think it was seen by any devs.
So, tell you what, if you care to, give me a call, help me get what you suggested a go, and mabe make it a little easier? I dunno. All I know is I dont have money I can spare to donate, but I do have 3 years of hosting paid up and my domains attached to the server, so......I figured it would help alot.
Oh, updated OP with links/structure... etc.
Well tbh im not really an expert in hosting. If I want a website I just get a webhost with Cpanel etc then upload the script I want to use/configure/install it.
I wouldnt really know bets place to start on a raw dedicated server or VPS as im more a windows guy and bets software like cpanel etc is linux based afaik.
Do you have any hosting software installed or is it just a raw server with OS? And how much traffic and bandwidth did you get with your 3 year hosting?
Im hosted through Fatcow. Ive had this hosting plan for the past few years, never really used it.
Its Linux, Cpanel, all set up. Really just need to familiarize myself with it again, as I haven't looked at it in 2 years.
Ive done 1 FTP account so far, takes like 2 minutes to do, spent time creating directories for the hosting of roms/kernals/recovery/apps, etc. Just slowly chipping away at uploading what I have, then I will start downloading files from this forum if they still exist, then put them up on the mirror.
Open directory is active now, figured it was the easiest option for people to scroll through.
So, I guess I started something that will probably end up being very big, as once the Tab is all uploaded, then I start on the Droid X, then I'll pick a device to start with. Hell, as far as I am concerned, Ill host a mirror and repository for all Android Devices.
I have unlimited bandwidth and space, I informed Fatcow of my intention, they thought it was cool, said I was ok and I started.
this is awesome man I appreciate it. i vote sticky but i also vote a vzw wiki since theres totally not enough stuff for cdma tabs
droid512 said:
this is awesome man I appreciate it. i vote sticky but i also vote a vzw wiki since theres totally not enough stuff for cdma tabs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was searching through some of the scripts fatcow offers me, well besides the chat room thing I installed just to make my wife laugh, but a wiki add on, so yeah, its possible if someone wants to admin it I can put it up.
If anyone feels the directory structure should be different than what I came up with, please feel free to jump in and say so. I'm not going to get all butt sore because the world of android users think that my gift could benifit from a better layout.
Also, I think I will indeed instal that wiki page, if a few of you more experienced uber nerds want to admin the wiki, shoot me an email or pm and ill get you set up. I would do it, but my entries would probably be lame, and wrong.
Sent from my galaxy tab in the bathroom using XDA App
Hey man,
Will you please upload modems i posted to your directory? Is it ok. I am just saying since you never know what free file hosting sites will do to your files. Just look at dropbox latest policy changes
I can certainly put the modems up. I was busy the past 2 days, decided to give Ubuntu 11.04 a spin, and was digging it so much I forgot to do other stuff. So ill get back to making directories and uploading today.
And what do you mean modems you posted to my directory?. Am I not fully awake yet?. I'm confused.
DarkPal said:
Hey man,
Will you please upload modems i posted to your directory? Is it ok. I am just saying since you never know what free file hosting sites will do to your files. Just look at dropbox latest policy changes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App
Updated OP.
Mods, care to make this sticky?.
any way you can upload a update.zip for a "stock" verizon tab. I cant load mine from recovery, i get the ! when i try
oldmacnut said:
I can certainly put the modems up. I was busy the past 2 days, decided to give Ubuntu 11.04 a spin, and was digging it so much I forgot to do other stuff. So ill get back to making directories and uploading today.
And what do you mean modems you posted to my directory?. Am I not fully awake yet?. I'm confused.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My modems are on mediafire. Its stickied to this forum. Since free file hosting are dodgy maybe you can put them up.
Hi,
i made a lot of wallpapers lately and i decided to share them with the xda community.
I will update the folder as frequently as possible.
Link to the Dropbox folder: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ru7x2g2ndm2qhgs/mChVHnwT0b
All original stuff here.
Enjoy them.