Develop Bugs

[Request] Trying to make a JKay-ICS theme, could use some (a lot actually) help...

After Trying (and failing epiclly) to MOD JKay's SystemUI.apk file and combine it with this theme here, the theme maker Crussader referred me to this tutorial here for further guidance.
Problem is, JKay's SystemUI.apk file and the one from Crussader's theme are very different from each other and the drawable-hdpi folder is busting with PNG images and I can't tell what file is what and what I should put where, I get totally scrambled and lost in this vast ocean of images and I have no idea what I'm doing...
If someone could make a 'JKay-Crussader SystemUI.apk reference guide' it would be great!

unzip both systemui.apk's with 7-zip or winrar. copy and paste whatever images you want to transfer, (make sure the png names are the same). Zip it back up and replace in /system /app. What problems are you having?

If you're going to change the theme colour too (e.g. the clock colour) you'll need to decompile the SystemUI.apk file and change the theme colour in \res\values\colors.xml
change status_bar_theme_color from #ff8ecd00 to the colour you want (I used #ff009dcd)

stevehkim said:
unzip both systemui.apk's with 7-zip or winrar. copy and paste whatever images you want to transfer, (make sure the png names are the same). Zip it back up and replace in /system /app. What problems are you having?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I tried and failed on doing.
In his mode, JKay changed the names that link the PNG files to their use, so if in a un-MODed and clean SAMSUNG's stock SystemUI.apk the file XXX.png is let's say.. the background of the status bar, in JKay's MOD the name that you will need to name the new file you want to put instead will now be: YYY.png...
Not only I don't know what file I need to swap on a stock SystemUI.apk, in JKay's MOD the name was altered, so.. where do I go from here???
Spannaa said:
If you're going to change the theme colour too (e.g. the clock colour) you'll need to decompile the SystemUI.apk file and change the theme colour in \res\values\colors.xml
change status_bar_theme_color from #ff8ecd00 to the colour you want (I used #ff009dcd)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please no big words like compile and de-compile and stuff like that...
All I know is zip / unzip.. please, lets stick with that...

Itzik68 said:
Not only I don't know what file I need to swap on a stock SystemUI.apk, in JKay's MOD the name was altered, so.. where do I go from here???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't either but, if you're editing on Windows, set explorer's file view to 'extra large icons' so you can see the images and give it a go!

Why not wait for jkay to do it. I'm sure he's going to have this as a theme option.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2

Spannaa said:
I didn't either but, if you're editing on Windows, set explorer's file view to 'extra large icons' so you can see the images and give it a go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, but still too much files, there's a lot of images that are very much a like and I couldn't figure out what was what and got lost...
gadget069 said:
Why not wait for jkay to do it. I'm sure he's going to have this as a theme option.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JKay's themes are based on the overall layout of the TouchWiz UI while Crussader's theme is based on Vertumus's work which is based on a port of the AOSP layout into the TouchWiz UI framework, therefor it is much more extensive and in my taste a lot better.
Not to mean any disrespect towards JKay's work, I think it's great and I'm very grateful for his MOD! I can't imagine not having it, it would be like rendering my device cripple...
But still, in terms of design, I like Vertumus's & Crussader's approache better, I like the AOSP overall layout, and having it on a Stock TouchWiz based ROM together with JKay's MOD sounds pretty great to me...

What are you trying to do exactly? What Rom are you running and what do you want to theme..

ROM:
Faryaab said:
I9100XWLPF Download (Thanks To SamMobile!)
Base Firmware: I9100XWLPF (4.0.3)
Country Italy
Carrier: Unbranded
Build Date: 18th May 2012
Modem: XXLPX
CSC: OXILP6
Change List: 592261
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kernel:
Chainfire said:
CF-Root-SGS2_XW_OXI_LPF-v5.5-CWM5.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MODs:
_JKay_ said:
JKay Deluxe framework files v14.0: XWLPF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to theme JKey's MOD and combine it with this theme here made by Crussader.
Problem is, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing...

Love a challenge
It's on... let me check Jkay's files first... keep in mind that maybe we should ask permission to release something in case this works

I love you man!!!
Of course I will ask for his permission, but I believe he'll agree as long as we credit him he said so on his MOD's thread:
_JKay_ said:
Creating themes for the JKay framework is more than welcome but... you are only allowed to change xml and pngs! Remember to credit me! And please test themes containing my mod good before releasing! Think about png resolution and sizes... Use 8bit pngs! Only edit decompiled nine patch pngs... and don't compress the resources.arsc file! While it might work it will actually slow down your framework as Android has to decompress it!
Publish your themes in the Apps and Themes thread. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His words...
Anyway thanks a lot of it!!!
P.s
Will it be possible to make it compatible to .odex system?

Ummm if we only can change xml and pngs... some things we're not going to be able to theme ( small icons for example ) but let's make something first ans then we might ask for permission to change it.
P.S.: First things first, next will go onto .odex

OK, so what do I do?

Itzik68 said:
That's exactly what I tried and failed on doing.
In his mode, JKay changed the names that link the PNG files to their use, so if in a un-MODed and clean SAMSUNG's stock SystemUI.apk the file XXX.png is let's say.. the background of the status bar, in JKay's MOD the name that you will need to name the new file you want to put instead will now be: YYY.png...
Not only I don't know what file I need to swap on a stock SystemUI.apk, in JKay's MOD the name was altered, so.. where do I go from here???
Please no big words like compile and de-compile and stuff like that...
All I know is zip / unzip.. please, lets stick with that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are only changing regular png files then zip and unzip is in order. If you want to work with xml's due to encription then compile and decompile is exactly what should be used, as a word and a method.

OK.. but I have no intention of working with xml files...
No scripts, no anything to do with coding, just the images.
My knowledge in programming sums in about a 'Hello World' button on VB...

Itzik68 said:
OK.. but I have no intention of working with xml files...
No scripts, no anything to do with coding, just the images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could just change the images but if you want the clock, battery text and notification text themed, you'll have to edit one xml file.
If you don't, they'll still be green.

Care to please tell us which file? Styles.xml?

No problem.
In XWLPF odexed, I changed the theme colour in SystemUI.apk\res\values\colors.xml
Go to:
\res\values\colors.xml
change:
status_bar_theme_color
from:
#ff8ecd00
to:
#ff009dcd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Spannaa said:
No problem.
In XWLPF odexed, I changed the theme colour in SystemUI.apk\res\values\colors.xml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was worried that was the file... I'm thinking that there is so little we can change after the framework is placed... let's see what can we do.

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Ok... there is progress...
Small notification icons
ICS Style status icons
Battery percentage
missing some stuff though...

[Guide] Transparent background - framework-res.apk Contacts.apk [ICS-JB]

This is a simply method to set a transparent background on framework-dependent apks and Contacts.apk.
1. Using Photoshop or similar create a trasparent image (% as you wish) and save it as .png. If you insert a texture or image, use your device resolution for better results. Make two copies and rename its as "background_holo_dark.png" and "background_dial_holo_dark.png"
2. Decompile framework-res.apk. You can follow this great guide
3. Browse to res/values and open styles.xml. Search code for "<style name="Theme.Holo" parent="@style/Theme">"
4. On it, search this line "<item name="windowShowWallpaper">false</item>" (using Komodo is line 1006) and replace values with true. Save and close.
5. Browse to res/drawable-nodpi and replace existing background_holo_dark.png with your image
6. Recompile framework-res. You may refer to guide posted above
7. Using winrar or similar browse into Contacs.apk to res/drawable-nodpi and replace existing background_dial_holo_dark.png with your image (simply drag&drop, be careful to set compression to Store)
8. Replace framework-res and Contacts.apk on your device (Root explorer, adb, flash through recovery). Personally I also clear cache and dalvik cache
9. Enjoy your modded apks!
After the editing of framework-res.apk you may visit this thread to download also my transparent calendar and mms apks!
Remeber: always perform backup before replace any system file! Also, I'm no responsible for any problems that may occure on your phone
Attached you can find two transparent background 480x800
Here some screenshots (second one from esk02k)
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Of course, this method allows you to change backgroung also with any non transparent image. You simply have to rename your two image copies as reported in point 1. Then replace the original file using winrar or similar as in point 7. You don't need to decompile framework-res.apk in this case!

Thanks but can I use 7zip
I don't like to Decompile and decompile process I think it's hard

You can use 7zip to replace image on Contacts.apk, but you need to decompile framework-res.apk to modify styles.xml.
If you follow the linked guide you will see that compile/decompile apks is not so difficult!

Sorry
What link do you mean ?

nice, thanx.
But one question, do you know how to change the color of font in contacts? ie. from black to white? like how it is in dial...

Kadhim7 said:
Sorry
What link do you mean ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one
Sorry, I've forgotten to add link on first post, fixed.

Thanks it came out real nice. I settled on 60% transparency. Heres a screenshot for the op if you want it :
(using galaxy pack livewallpaper)

esk02k said:
Thanks it came out real nice. I settled on 60% transparency. Heres a screenshot for the op if you want it :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Taken!

Hi is it possible for you to make the stock calendar background transparent??? I hate the stock look!!.

can we use VRT universal theme flasher for CM9 Roms?
replacing framework-res usually deletes every account registered on the device. I used vrt zips on stock-based Roms easilly. but when I was trying to use it on a CM9 Rom iit just crashed everything.

sam5154 said:
can we use VRT universal theme flasher for CM9 Roms?
replacing framework-res usually deletes every account registered on the device. I used vrt zips on stock-based Roms easilly. but when I was trying to use it on a CM9 Rom iit just crashed everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
During last days I've replaced framework-res about one hundred of times I think, and I never lost any account. Don't know what VRT is, I usually flash new framework-res with recovery.

sam5154 said:
can we use VRT universal theme flasher for CM9 Roms?
replacing framework-res usually deletes every account registered on the device. I used vrt zips on stock-based Roms easilly. but when I was trying to use it on a CM9 Rom iit just crashed everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea you can. Im using a zip I posted here. Its by Villain team and JRsoft. I haven't had any problems with it. This ones set up to replace the whole framework though so dont flash it on anything other than paranoid 1.6.

Hi,
This material is gold, my friend, thank very much.
But, i followed every single step on this, but i can't get transparency in contacts, only in phone application, and all the rom...very cool.
But my contacts background it's completely dark.
I also changed framework, inside res/drawable-nodpi, background_holo_light.png to a transparent png file with the same name....but didn't worked also...
So, what to do?

ruicc said:
Hi,
This material is gold, my friend, thank very much.
But, i followed every single step on this, but i can't get transparency in contacts, only in phone application, and all the rom...very cool.
But my contacts background it's completely dark.
I also changed framework, inside res/drawable-nodpi, background_holo_light.png to a transparent png file with the same name....but didn't worked also...
So, what to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the contacts.apk I posted in the zip above. Backup yours first of course, it can be found in the extras/system/app folder of the zip.

Many thanks, esk02k, it worked like a charm...
But, what's the difference between this one and the one i used? (F1 rom, from faryaab) Did you change anything else on this?
Cheers

esk02k said:
use the contacts.apk I posted in the zip above. Backup yours first of course, it can be found in the extras/system/app folder of the zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Here' the good MOD : ww.phonandroid.com/forum/rom-andyx-4-0-4-v5-t16615-1490.html#p297978
It's is normal you've only phone.apk transparent.
Having contacts.apk too, you need edit xml and compile it.

ocenis64 said:
Hi,
Here' the good MOD : ww.phonandroid.com/forum/rom-andyx-4-0-4-v5-t16615-1490.html#p297978
It's is normal you've only phone.apk transparent.
Having contacts.apk too, you need edit xml and compile it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't find any "how to" about transparency on that thread...just a guy who post some pics of transparency and said it was very easy.....
So, everyone is telling "need to edit xml on contacts.apk and compile"...i'm tired of know that...it would be more useful say which files, where and what to do.
Cheers

esk02k said:
use the contacts.apk I posted in the zip above. Backup yours first of course, it can be found in the extras/system/app folder of the zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest way is taking my files.
Compiling AOKP contacts.apk gives a lot of problem. It's a know bug and any tools can compile it correctly.
(excuse me for my bad english, I'm french)

ocenis64 said:
The easiest way is taking my files.
Compiling AOKP contacts.apk gives a lot of problem. It's a know bug and any tools can compile it correctly.
(excuse me for my bad english, I'm french)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, what about the rest of the rom? I saw that mms.apk and the rest are transparent...

ruicc said:
But, what about the rest of the rom? I saw that mms.apk and the rest are transparent...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rest is the framework See the title, you're in the right thred !
Yes, MMS.apk is transparent too.
If you don't want it, remove it from the zip.

[HOW TO] Theme ALL keyboards without FCs! [A guide for beginners]

Theming a keyboard may be common knowledge to some of the amazing Devs here. But to a noob like me, it took some research and time to get it working without breaking the original signature (That's the trick!). I searched the forum and it doesn't look like anyone has posted a "How To" on theming a keyboard, so I thought I'd share my experience with you all.
**Some of these steps may seem elementary, but I tried to explain everything in layman's terms so even a beginner can theme a keyboard.
// Before you get started:
You must have a working environment setup. Check out QBKing77's awesome video "How to install the android-sdk" to get that going.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1614922
Make sure you also have installed:
Notepad++ (for editing xml) // (www.notepad-plus-plus.org)
7zip (for extracting apks) // (www.7-zip.org)
the image editor of your choice. I use Paint.Net(www.getpaint.net), and Gimp(www.gimp.org). Both FREE!
apktool (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1755243)
LatinImeDictionaryPack.apk (drop in the 'system\app' folder on your phone. Only for the LatinIME.apk) Grab it here: http://d-h.st/Ebb
// This method has worked with every keyboard that I have encountered so far. I will use 'LatinIME.apk' for reference, as that is the stock ICS keyboard. //
WARNING.. DO NOT POST DISTRIBUTION LINKS TO ANY MODDED 'Swype.apk'. XDA HAS A STANDING ORDER FROM NUANCE (MAKERS OF SWYPE), THAT DOES NOT ALLOW SUCH LINKS TO BE POSTED.
1) To start make sure you have a working copy of your keyboard apk; grab it out of a ROM, download it, or use a file manager with root access (like Root Explorer) to copy it to your SD card then to your computer.
**I would suggest dropping the keyboard apk into a folder on the desktop, seperate from anything else, and making a backup of the original so that you have a spare copy.
2) Using 7zip extract the 'res\drawable-xhdpi' folder into the folder you created. This folder will contain the pngs that control some of the keys, outlined in red on this pic:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Color these pngs to match using your favorite editor and save (bucket fill with Paint.Net is a breeze!)
3) Now that your pngs are themed.. Within the folder that you created containing your apk, hold down shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here" to fire up command prompt.
4) Next to decompile the keyboard apk with apktool (again using 'LatinIME.apk' for reference, but the apk may be of a different name; SamsungIME.apk, HTC_IME.apk, etc.).
Type this command:
Code:
apktool d LatinIME.apk
When it's done, you will see a folder with the apk name appear, within the folder you created. Click into it and you should see at minimun a 'res' folder and a 'smali' folder.
5) Navigate to 'res\values' folder. Depending on the keyboard you are working on, the xml controlling the remaining key colors will be contained in the 'colors.xml' or 'styles.xml' file. Open with Notepad++, and change the color codes as needed. Save and close.
6) Go back to the root of the folder containing your apk, and fire up command prompt (if it's not still open). Now it's time to build using this command (again using 'LatinIME.apk' for reference, but the apk may be of a different name; SamsungIME.apk, HTC_IME.apk, etc.)
Code:
apktool b LatinIME
7) When it's done building, you should have 4 folders minimum now (res, smali, build, dist) and it's time for the key to success. Navigate into the 'dist' folder and you will see the "Built" apk. Open it with 7zip, and extract the 'resources.arsc' file to your folder. Close 7zip.
8) Now it's time to pull it all together. Navigate back to the ORIGINAL keyboard apk, and open with 7zip.
Copy (you can drag and drop with 7zip) the 'resources.arsc' that you extracted from your "Built" apk, into the "ORIGINAL" apk overwriting the file. Then with 7zip still open and the apk loaded, navigate (within 7zip) into the 'res\drawable-xhdpi' folder where you should see the list of unthemed pngs. Simply drop your edited pngs into this folder. Close 7zip and you're done here!
9) Finally, take your "ORIGINAL" but themed apk, and push it back the 'system\app' folder on your phone.
Fix permissions to 'rw-r--r--' (only check everything under 'read' and Owner under 'write')
Reboot, and bask in the glory of your new themed keyboard!
**Alternatively, grab my empty zip installer here: http://d-h.st/oKG to flash in recovery. You must drop your themed apk into the system\app folder of the zip and save. Also, the zip already contains the 'LatinImeDictionaryPack.apk'
Please hit THANKS if I helped!! And please keep this thread alive!

Nice,
Now, we need a simple guide on how to theme Jelly Bean...all of it ... (tapping foot patiently)
Thanks!

Naddict said:
Nice,
Now, we need a simple guide on how to theme Jelly Bean...all of it ... (tapping foot patiently)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themed the same just new xml and some new images. I got everything to decompile and recompile, just some of the xml's have changed.
---------- Post added at 09:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------
Thanks rompnit. I can there a whole Rom but always have issues with the keyboard. I'll try this tomorrow night.

Sorry i'm a nub but does the apktool jar file have to be in the same folder as android-sdk?

shehroze3 said:
Sorry i'm a nub but does the apktool jar file have to be in the same folder as android-sdk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually created a folder 'C:\apktool' where I dropped everything, then added that folder to the Path system variable; same method as you would add the SDK. Otherwise, drop it into the 'platform-tools' folder within the android-sdk. When configured properly, you should be able to open command prompt in any directory, simply type 'apktool' and see a list of commands.

rompnit said:
I actually created a folder 'C:\apktool' where I dropped everything, then added that folder to the Path system variable; same method as you would add the SDK. Otherwise, drop it into the 'platform-tools' folder within the android-sdk. When configured properly, you should be able to open command prompt in any directory, simply type 'apktool' and see a list of commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok i did what u said and put the apktool jar file into the platform-tool folder, but when i type apktool in cmd prompt nothing happens.

shehroze3 said:
ok i did what u said and put the apktool jar file into the platform-tool folder, but when i type apktool in cmd prompt nothing happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you also grab the "wrapper" script from the link as well? It contains a few more necessary files that go with apktool.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

time for dazed and rompnit to collaborate. maybe a simple guide for us wannabees...
recompiling never works for me, I read somewhere about empty folders being my problem...oh well, I can use 7zip though! and notepad+...

rompnit said:
Did you also grab the "wrapper" script from the link as well? It contains a few more necessary files that go with apktool.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check it out when I get home. Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

ok i got it to work. All i had to do was rename apktool_1.5.0 to apktool. I'm a noob, i know, try not to laugh to hard lmao

shehroze3 said:
ok i got it to work. All i had to do was rename apktool_1.5.0 to apktool. I'm a noob, i know, try not to laugh to hard lmao
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got it to work!! And everyone has to start somewhere! Let me know how it turns out for ya!!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Does this method work for both Odex and De-Odex ROMs??? I am currently on an Odex rom. Thanks!!

taihard said:
Does this method work for both Odex and De-Odex ROMs??? I am currently on an Odex rom. Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method will not work on .odex keyboard apk's, at least to my knowledge but I've always run deodexed ROMS. However, check to see if the keyboard apk you are working with even contains an odex file; a lot of them do not. If it does, you could always grab the apk off the web, mod it, and install it after removing the original files.

Thank you for the walk through, this is awesome

Hey Rompnit. Ok, I was having trouble getting apktool to run on my computer. That's what I was talking about on morphology anyway, so I was trying to learn how to theme an app and somehow was lead to morphology and got all caught up over there. Lol. But ya, I'm gonna have to crap clean my laptop to use this. Thanks. See ya over there
Sent from my Insanely Morphed S3 LI3 ktoonsez747 (196-2106) TW FreeGs3 2.0.0

rompnit said:
This method will not work on .odex keyboard apk's, at least to my knowledge but I've always run deodexed ROMS. However, check to see if the keyboard apk you are working with even contains an odex file; a lot of them do not. If it does, you could always grab the apk off the web, mod it, and install it after removing the original files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method WILL in fact work on odexed keyboards. Theming for an odex base is no different then a de-odexed base. You are not making any smali adjustments here so nothing that concerns the odex, thus it will not be affected.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Guess no one was interested in theming an odexed keyboard after all huh? ....
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

gruesomewolf said:
Guess no one was interested in theming an odexed keyboard after all huh? ....
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess not.. This thread's been quiet for a while... I guess people just don't want to theme keyboards in general!

Hey do you know if this process will work with keyboards from the market like SwiftKey 3? The themeson there are so boring need new colors lol

rompnit said:
Guess not.. This thread's been quiet for a while... I guess people just don't want to theme keyboards in general!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess that's what we get for trying to help. ... lol

[GUIDE] Changing status bar icons by editing framework-res.apk and lots more

So friends, here is a quick and easy guide for changing the status bar icons of your Gingerbread(Actually any phone )
For those who don't know how to do it(for anyone actually :highfive
Theory
Android is the awesome platform which is easily configurable and is able of being edited very easily
The icons used in every app and Android framework are located as png images in apk of those respective apps in location:-
*.apk/res/drawable-mdpi (in my case, as our phone is mdpi)
So, we can change any icon of our status bar like battery, signal, (not clock[clock is to be configures in SystemUI.apk{will post how to change it shortly}]), etc by editing png's in framework-res.apk
Not even that, you can edit images of any app as I told you
There are several ways to decompile and compile apk in which we have made change
If we want full access of apk and want to change every thing like the xml's in it and smali content in jar files, then we would have to do it on computer by apktool or apkmanager
But, we are here to only change image, so we would not go in detail of apktool or apkmanager. For changing images, that can be very easily done even on the phone by an app NinjaMorph that is made for developers by our senior head and DEVELOPING LEGEND Stephen(Stericson)
But be careful as backing up the original file if you do something wrong
And as you all know any developer or even a newbie posting something interesting that you want to try WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for your mobile blowing up, resting in peace, sleeping like a dead, behaving like a non-living BRICK, or anything whatsoever that may or may not happen to phone in this universe or any other universe known or unknown
What to do if anything happened to my mobile
We have had a backup of your original file so we can restore it
But if while editing the system files like framework-res.apk
If you deleted some un-backed up apk's
Well you can always have backup of your ROM and that is why Koushik Datta has made clockworkmod Recovery
You can restore your ROM from there
Pre-Requisites
Patience
Mind
A Android (A spare one if you brick your phone, just kidding)
Root access(to change the apk)
NinjaMorph(http://bit.ly/ninjamorph)
Root Explorer(Optional)(http://bit.ly/stericson)
GUIDE
So Let's Start
Download NinjaMorph. Install it and give it root access. It will prompt for starting checks. Click on start checks.
Now you would have three options, namely, New Project, Finish Project, Existing Project
Click on new project. Go to system/framework/ and click on framework-res.apk. It will start extracting files
Once it has extracted all the files, it will open to show you what is inside framework-res.apk.
Exit it and go to your file explorer.
Go to /sdcard/AndroidThemes/workspace/framework-resapk
This is what is inside apk. Go to res/drawable-mdpi folder
There you will see hundreds of icons of your menu, lockscreen, battery, signal, and everything
You can edit them and replace them as you want. But the name of the file you are replacing and size and dimension must be equal to the file you are replacing with(I recommend Googling and finding icons of battery, signal, and other things)[I have even used hdpi icons, there was no problem]
If you download a theme file which is to be flashed in recovery that is not for your phone, no problem, extract the zip and place its framework-res.apk in your sdcard and extract the apk with Ninjamorph. Replace your icons with its icons and TADA
After you have done replacing the icons and you are satisfied(I am never)
Go to NinjaMorph. Click on Fininsh Projects. Click on framework-resapk. It will recompile and ask to replace the original apk with modded one. Click OK
Then it will ask if you want to remove the completed project, Say No(As you would need it if something gets wrong)
Reboot your phone
Maximum chances are that your icons will be replaced. Rare cases have their status bar gone or no change, if so:-
Download(Buy) Root Explorer. Go to /sdcard/AndroidThemes/workspace,
There you will see framework-res.apk. Copy it and go to /system/framework
Mount as R/W
Paste the apk. If it asks that file already exists, overwrite it.
SET PERMISSIONS
Long click on framework-res.apk and click on permissions
You will see three columns
Read Write Execute
You have to set them in the following way
x means you have to tick it
blank means uncheck
Read Write Execute
.....x........x.................
.....x...........................
.....x...........................
Click OK
You will see it as rw-r--r--
Reboot
Do it over again if nothing happens
Enjoy
This way you can edit not only framework-res.apk but any apk
Treat
This section is different from the thread topic
I: Faking Up
Want to make your device show Jelly Bean in About Phone
Go to Root Explorer
Go to /system
Long click on build.prop
Click on Open in a Text Editor
Change the files as
ro.build.display.id=Jelly Bean
ro.build.version.release=4.1.4
Save Changes
Reboot
II: Easter Egg
You all must know that an image of GingerBread Zombie comes up when you repeatedly click on Android Version in Setting>About Phone
Wanna change it to look like Jelly Bean?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Extract framework-res.apk
Go to res/drawable-nodpi
You will see platlogo.jpg
Replace it with the file in attachment
Recompile
Reboot
Troubleshooting
Will find and update it
Tell me what problems are you having

Nice guide. How to change color of clock in gingerbread because white is ugly? Maybe you can add that in future.
Verstuurd van mijn GT-S5660

FlemishDroid said:
Nice guide. How to change color of clock in gingerbread because white is ugly? Maybe you can add that in future.
Verstuurd van mijn GT-S5660
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
It is a tedious process
By editing smali files of classes.dex of SystemUI.apk

BUMP

which file do you you need for notificationbar background???

jkoetsier said:
which file do you you need for notificationbar background???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add @amdroid:background @ frawable/statbarbg
In statusbar tracking.xml
Then add statbarbg.png in drawable-mdpi
For gb clock u need to do smali
Devilsking has made good guide
Sent from my ST25i using xda app-developers app

Thanks man, its working!!
Sent from my GT-S5660 using xda premium

SpaceCaker said:
Add @amdroid:background @ frawable/statbarbg
In statusbar tracking.xml
Then add statbarbg.png in drawable-mdpi
For gb clock u need to do smali
Devilsking has made good guide
Sent from my ST25i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*android

BUMP

BUMP

BUMPS are unneeded, if theres nothing to say, dont do it.
Sent from my GT-S5660 using xda app-developers app

Bigger PNG's
Quick question, I know this is an old topic, but upon googling I found this and I feel that my question sort of belongs here. Not even sure if OP is still around to look at this thread, but here goes:
I swapped out a png image for the statusbar icon of an app called CoolSymbols (not using this guide, but using APK Multi tool, but I imagine that the png sizes will have to be the same). Now, this app had a quite ugly statusbar icon, with jagged edges. I replaced it by a circle icon. This circle is pretty much the same size as the previous icon, so the icon looks jagged as well.
Here is the question: Do I simply make a bigger png image, so it will get cropped <---- doubt this
or do I create another folder like res/drawable-hdpi, but for xxhdpi (drawable-xxhdpi???), and if so will that fix the problem, or will I also have to point to that folder somewhere in another file <--- probably the way to go
I hope someone can help me out here!
(PS: I hope my issue is clear from the text above, I don't have a possibility to post proper screenshots until tomorrow, but they will be provided if needed)
(Also I'm sorry if there may have been a more recent topic about this, then I totally missed this!)

JaySilverMusiq said:
Quick question, I know this is an old topic, but upon googling I found this and I feel that my question sort of belongs here. Not even sure if OP is still around to look at this thread, but here goes:
I swapped out a png image for the statusbar icon of an app called CoolSymbols (not using this guide, but using APK Multi tool, but I imagine that the png sizes will have to be the same). Now, this app had a quite ugly statusbar icon, with jagged edges. I replaced it by a circle icon. This circle is pretty much the same size as the previous icon, so the icon looks jagged as well.
Here is the question: Do I simply make a bigger png image, so it will get cropped <---- doubt this
or do I create another folder like res/drawable-hdpi, but for xxhdpi (drawable-xxhdpi???), and if so will that fix the problem, or will I also have to point to that folder somewhere in another file <--- probably the way to go
I hope someone can help me out here!
(PS: I hope my issue is clear from the text above, I don't have a possibility to post proper screenshots until tomorrow, but they will be provided if needed)
(Also I'm sorry if there may have been a more recent topic about this, then I totally missed this!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to create an image of correct pixels according to your phone's dpi
Have a look here - http://developer.android.com/design/style/iconography.html

[HOW-TO] Change framework background

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

WOAH!!!YOUR A MIND READER:highfive:

Zpik said:
WOAH!!!YOUR A MIND READER:highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XD

enricocid said:
XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So throughout the whole rom, this background will show?

Zpik said:
So throughout the whole rom, this background will show?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Only dialer remain untouched

would be nice if there were an xposed framework installer for this.
EDIT: Google search ftw.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2342570

I'm not seeing a file named values in my framework-res apk. I'm not sure if this matters, but I used a file Explorer and extracted the apk on my phone. I use my phone to make zipthemer mods, so I figured this method would work for that too. Any reason it wouldn't show up?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

NeverSeparate said:
I'm not seeing a file named values in my framework-res apk. I'm not sure if this matters, but I used a file Explorer and extracted the apk on my phone. I use my phone to make zipthemer mods, so I figured this method would work for that too. Any reason it wouldn't show up?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no... You should decompile using apktool this is the only say to add trasparent background, modifying the .xml

enricocid said:
No no... You should decompile using apktool this is the only say to add trasparent background, modifying the .xml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I got when extracting the apk. I can open and modify the xml files on my phone, but there isn't a folder named values. Are you certain the folder isn't specific to certain devices or roms? I'm on carbon at the moment on a GNex.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

NeverSeparate said:
This is what I got when extracting the apk. I can open and modify the xml files on my phone, but there isn't a folder named values. Are you certain the folder isn't specific to certain devices or roms? I'm on carbon at the moment on a GNex.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to actually decompile framework res apk, take apart all the pieces instead of just extracting the apk. Decompiling and extracting are not the same thing
Link for apktool http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2213985

NeverSeparate said:
This is what I got when extracting the apk. I can open and modify the xml files on my phone, but there isn't a folder named values. Are you certain the folder isn't specific to certain devices or roms? I'm on carbon at the moment on a GNex.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... the problem is that You can't modify .apk using the phone....
This is because You can't decode an .apk with a file manager ... and You can't modify .xml if You don't decode it using apktool
If You don't use apktool You won't be able to exctract & decode the .apk
This folder must be in framework-res.apk and all .apk
Try use apktool to properly decompile it and You will be able to see all resources from .apk
If You try to exctract an .apk with a zip manager and You open an .xml, You won't see anything... only unreadable simbols
https://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/downloads/detail?name=apktool1.5.2.tar.bz2&can=2&q=
https://android-apktool.googlecode.com/files/apktool-install-windows-r05-ibot.tar.bz2
extract aapt.exe, apktool.bat and apktool.jar to a folder You will call apktool and that You will create in C:/:
C:\apktool
copy the framework-res.apk inside this folder
Press shift+leftmouse and click to "open command prompt here"
In cmd do the following
1) Install the framework-res.apk
Code:
apktool if framework-res.apk
2) Decompile framework-res.apk
Code:
apktool d framework-res.apk
3) Modify the .xml using notepad++
4) Recompile back
Code:
apktool b framework-res
5) Once done
Delete the compiled .apk in dist folder inside the framework-res folder you will find in apktool folder
open original framework-res.apk 7zip
Go to build folder
then open apk folder
Drag & drop folder META-INF & androidmanifest overwriting the original
6) Go again in CMD terminal and
Code:
apktool b framework-res
The compiled framework-res.apk is the good one
You can use the same steps I used in this guide to properly decompile/compile the framework-res.apk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44997467#post44997467

Thanks. And I wasn't trying to argue. I know there is a difference on decompiling and extracting. And I know I can't modify the apk directly from my phone, but I use my method of extracting to locate png piles to make zipthemer zips, and it works fine for that. I wasn't looking to modify an apk. I was just going to attempt to make a zip with an edited xml and see if it would overwrite the existing one the same as it does with pngs. And I can open and edit xml using an xml app. But, if the extraction technique won't show me the file, then it doesn't matter. I'm just trying to learn a bit myself.
I was hoping to make a way that people could use the framework mods I've made without having to be in dark mode. Many of the people using mods off these threads wouldn't consider taking the time to learn any of this, they just want to use what's made. So a simple flashable zip that included an edited xml would be great. But if it won't work, it won't work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

NeverSeparate said:
Thanks. And I wasn't trying to argue. I know there is a difference on decompiling and extracting. And I know I can't modify the apk directly from my phone, but I use my method of extracting to locate png piles to make zipthemer zips, and it works fine for that. I wasn't looking to modify an apk. I was just going to attempt to make a zip with an edited xml and see if it would overwrite the existing one the same as it does with pngs. And I can open and edit xml using an xml app. But, if the extraction technique won't show me the file, then it doesn't matter. I'm just trying to learn a bit myself.
I was hoping to make a way that people could use the framework mods I've made without having to be in dark mode. Many of the people using mods off these threads wouldn't consider taking the time to learn any of this, they just want to use what's made. So a simple flashable zip that included an edited xml would be great. But if it won't work, it won't work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try to make vrthemes

I already resolved my problem in Step 1 by editing the "Environment Variables".

Step 4
I'm stuck with step 4 ( recompiling ):
there's no "META-INF" folder under build/apk folder
Question: after I overwritten the "META-INF & androidmanifest" from the original framework-res.apk (C:\apktool\framework-res.apk)
and recompiled it using "apktool b framework-res", how can I flashed the compiled framework-res.apk w/c is located at
(C:\apktool\framework-res\dist) to system/framework? many thanks to this one, new learning

genkralyz said:
I'm stuck with step 4 ( recompiling ):
there's no "META-INF" folder under build/apk folder
Question: after I overwritten the "META-INF & androidmanifest" from the original framework-res.apk (C:\apktool\framework-res.apk)
and recompiled it using "apktool b framework-res", how can I flashed the compiled framework-res.apk w/c is located at
(C:\apktool\framework-res\dist) to system/framework? many thanks to this one, new learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will prepare You, as soon as possible, a template to flash it

enricocid said:
I will prepare You, as soon as possible, a template to flash it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! btw is it ok if I only overwrite the original "androidmanifest" because there's no "META-INF" under build/apk,
or there should be a "META-INF"?

genkralyz said:
Thanks! btw is it ok if I only overwrite the original "androidmanifest" because there's no "META-INF" under build/apk,
or there should be a "META-INF"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must copy also the meta-inf

enricocid said:
You must copy also the meta-inf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but when I tried to re-compiled, there's no META-INF showing up under build/apk folder as you can see from my screenshot..
did I missed some steps?

genkralyz said:
but when I tried to re-compiled, there's no META-INF showing up under build/apk folder as you can see from my screenshot..
did I missed some steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After first compilation Meta-inf is missing... it's normal don't worry
but without a meta-inf Your .apk wouldn't work
So you must delete the first compiled apk from dist folder, copy meta-inf and androidmanifest from the original .apk to build/apk folder and recompile 2nd time to get the framework correctly working
You can use this mod to flash the framework
http://d-h.st/0lL
there's already a framework-res inside it... delete it using 7zip and replace with Your framework and flash it