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Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
PSULightingGuy said:
Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you need to edit the meta file and the xml file, but this can be done though.
PSULightingGuy said:
Hey everyone, so I'm just starting to buckle down and learn more about Android Mods. Here's my latest question. I have a few zip files that I always flash on top of a new ROM. These include at the moment, a Rotary Lockscreen and the DroidX boot animation, possibly a circle battery shortly.
My question is, would there be a simple way to merge these zip files so I only have to flash one every time I load a new ROM, or even better, load these into a ROM file before flashing?
Is it as simple as opening the ZIPs, moving the files from one to the other (keeping the directory structure intact) and re-zipping the lot? Or is there something more complicated I need to look at...
Thanks in advance!
Edit: A quick look in one of the files revealed a .xml file with some references to the files to be installed. I assume I would have to edit the .xml to include all the instructions from each mod, but if that's all it takes, that should be easy... Again, I ask all of you... Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is the full name of the .xml file you see?
the recovery reads a file called update-script or updater-script inside the zip file META-INF/com/google/android/ directory. you memorize that directory path after messing with enough zip files!
that file tells the recovery what actions to take with which files. for list of very basic commands for this update-script file, i have a guide - http://forum.sdx-developers.com/android-2-1/creating-an-update-zip-list-of-commands/
it is possible to merge update.zip files but its important to understand their structure and how the commands are executed.
also signing .zip files is a whole different topic...
hopefully this helps get you going in the correct direction!
joeykrim said:
what is the full name of the .xml file you see?
the recovery reads a file called update-script or updater-script inside the zip file META-INF/com/google/android/ directory. you memorize that directory path after messing with enough zip files!
that file tells the recovery what actions to take with which files. for list of very basic commands for this update-script file, i have a guide - http://forum.sdx-developers.com/android-2-1/creating-an-update-zip-list-of-commands/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since all the files have this could you copy and paste the codes inside them into one file?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
chandlerw88 said:
Since all the files have this could you copy and paste the codes inside them into one file?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would want to read up a little bit and make sure you understand the commands, but yes. You do not want to copy the entire set of commands, just the particular needed lines. Often you don't need to change anything because the script may just say copy this entire system directory and everything in it will go.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
It's pretty basic.
Move all the files into the same zip delete everything in meta-inf except the update script.
Adjust the script accordingly, pay attention to syntax or better yet just look at all the individual scripts and put them together, then remove dupes
As for zip signing..
This is what you need
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=666441
OK, thanks! This has all helped a lot and I think I nailed the basics that I was shooting for, just haven't been able to test yet since no need to re-flash a working ROM.
My next question is, would there be a way to force files INSIDE an APK? Trying to add a different battery meter (have the images) to framework-res.apk and would love to do that from a boot script... Ideas?
PSULightingGuy said:
OK, thanks! This has all helped a lot and I think I nailed the basics that I was shooting for, just haven't been able to test yet since no need to re-flash a working ROM.
My next question is, would there be a way to force files INSIDE an APK? Trying to add a different battery meter (have the images) to framework-res.apk and would love to do that from a boot script... Ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, its called 7-zip and its your new best friend in this battle. heres how i learned.
i started ripping apart the things that i liked, including roms themselves. now find an update zip that has the files inside the folders that you will need to add, and you can then recycle that update zip. here it is plain and simple:
1.use 7zip to VIEW; NEVER UNZIP the files(forget about windows zips)
2.check what folder the apps you will be putting in belong in
3.put them in their corresponding folders(some apps are tricky when you need to install their libs too and you dont know it)
4.erase the 3 bottom files in your meta-inf folder
5.resign the rom
6.verify the sign(look for the new certs)
7.move to sd
8.flash rom
9.have a pop,beer, or w/e your vice.(my fave is cherry coke)
if you need help getting started feel free to pm. you dont know who i am, but ive been thru this process many times.
Actually, that's not quite what I'm talking about... I want a flashable zip that will add certain images (the battery meter) to the INSIDE of a .apk file that already exists on the device. Not sure if it's possible, but if so, I'd love to know... If not, I'll try pulling the .apk and using 7-zip...
i'm tring to make a boot animation and i have the pics as png in a folder,i have a desc, and i have signed and zipped it but when i try to install i get can't find update script. i have looked into other bootanimes and not all have that. so thats where im stuck if anyone could help me learn what i'm doing wrong that would be great. thx
Help Anyone?
dased14 said:
i'm tring to make a boot animation and i have the pics as png in a folder,i have a desc, and i have signed and zipped it but when i try to install i get can't find update script. i have looked into other bootanimes and not all have that. so thats where im stuck if anyone could help me learn what i'm doing wrong that would be great. thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you trying to install? Did you make sure you bootanimation.zip is a storage zip?
Trying to make it flashable through recovery, and I think on 7zip I used normal, but i'll check into that after I get home.
dased14 said:
Trying to make it flashable through recovery, and I think on 7zip I used normal, but i'll check into that after I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After creating your bootanimation -- You need to make sure that a couple things have been done correctly for the bootanimation to 1) Work and 2) Be able to be flashed via recovery.
1) To make the bootanimation work
a. Make sure that after creating the animation itself that the .zip you create has NO compression -- (e.g You use "store" mode, instead of "normal" -- both 7zip/Winrar have this feature)
b. Make sure the desc.txt file is properly formatted and has the correct folder names inside the file. Also make sure you have a carriage return (press enter) at the VERY last line of your desc.txt file
c) Make sure the .png filenames are somewhat sequential and organized. (e.g. BootUp001, BootUp002, BootUp003, etc)
2a) To make a flashable package
a. First create a folder to house the bootanimation and you'll also need to explicitly define the folder names that you want the animation to be pushed to. (e.g -- Inside lets say the "MyBootanimation" folder -- you should have three folders; they're names respectively are:: system/customize/resource
Inside the resource folder is where your newly created bootanimation.zip will go.
2b) To make the package flashable and work in recovery; you'll need a update-script file which should be in a folder called:: META-INF (ALL CAPS); inside that folder should reside, three more folders:: com/google/android/. The update-script file will go INSIDE the android folder.
I've attached a simple update-script file that will make your package flashable. Unzip the "Extract-ME" file and you'll find the file.
So, to get this to work, you'll open the "MyBootanimation folder and inside it should reside to folders (system (and it's subfolders); which houses the bootanimation and META-INF (and it's subfolders); which houses the update-script). You need to select both files and zip them up in NORMAL mode, not "store" mode. This will create your new package, which you then need to sign via whatever method you use. I use command line and I'd like not to explain that if I don't have to.
here's the file i'm working on if someone wants to take a look at it and tell me what i'm doing wrong that would help me out a lot.if you can i would like to know what is wrong so for future use and the knowledge.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/bootanimation1.zip
Lemme know if this helps...
dased14 said:
here's the file i'm working on if someone wants to take a look at it and tell me what i'm doing wrong that would help me out a lot.if you can i would like to know what is wrong so for future use and the knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two noticeable things:
1. Your images are 850 x 400 (resize all to 800 x 450)
2. Your .zip file is not arranged right.(look at my attached file, should give you an idea)
Your file is way too big to upload here so attaching the base file here for you to work with.
- First, zip the android folder,part2 folder and the desc.txt file as a storage, and name the file bootanimation.zip.
- Second, 7zip my file and navigate to customize>resource and replace the file there with the one you created in the previous step.
- Close and flash the file (This is in amend so you might want to use clockwork 2x (or equivalent RA) to flash it. Feel free to change the update script if you wish)
I tried this on my myn RLS5, works like a charm. Might want to change the desc.txt to match the image dimensions. (800 x 450)
I hope this helps.
PS: I Like the minion animation.
now it came up E:\wrong digest:customize/resource/bootanimation.zip huh?
i put the file here http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/minionsdisco.zip
i know i'm a pain in the [email protected]@, thanks for all the help
edit: i figured out what i was doing wrong it was the way i was zipped files together. now to speed it up and maybe a loop
here's a working one http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/minionsdisco1.zip. how do i speed it up to play more like the movie.
ps thanks to pseudoremora,theidlemonk for helping me figure out what i was doing wrong.
pm me your email...I'll send the file over...i am having trouble uploading it
dased14 said:
now it came up E:\wrong digest:customize/resource/bootanimation.zip huh?
i put the file here http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/minionsdisco.zip
i know i'm a pain in the [email protected]@, thanks for all the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First and foremost -- I don't know whose method recommended that you leave the "system" folder out of the flashing process, but that's a very incorrect way of doing this.
I've stated earlier that you need THREE folders -- SYSTEM, customize, and resource. You only have customize and resource. Your customize folder (and it's subfolders) needs to be placed inside a folder labeled "system".
Secondly, the command you're using in the update-script, while it will work now; will not work if someone decides to change the structure of your package in the future. The update-script I uploaded earlier allows for future flashing because anything placed inside the "system" folder (which Android 100% relies on) will always be flashed, as long as the structure is correct within the system folder.
You should remove the update-script you have now and place this one inside it (if you decide to use the method I've stated above). I've attached the file below (extract first).
Lastly, quite frankly; I've never seen a 60MB bootanimation before and to be honest, that's just unbelievably huge. You need to figure out either how to shorten your animation or to compress it in a manner which will lower its size.
Also, the native resolution for the EVO is 480 x 800 and not 450 x 800 for future reference.
pseudoremora said:
First and foremost -- I don't know whose method recommended that you leave the "system" folder out of the flashing process, but that's a very incorrect way of doing this.
I've stated earlier that you need THREE folders -- SYSTEM, customize, and resource. You only have customize and resource. Your customize folder (and it's subfolders) needs to be placed inside a folder labeled "system".
Secondly, the command you're using in the update-script, while it will work now; will not work if someone decides to change the structure of your package in the future. The update-script I uploaded earlier allows for future flashing because anything placed inside the "system" folder (which Android 100% relies on) will always be flashed, as long as the structure is correct within the system folder.
You should remove the update-script you have now and place this one inside it (if you decide to use the method I've stated above). I've attached the file below (extract first).
Lastly, quite frankly; I've never seen a 60MB bootanimation before and to be honest, that's just unbelievably huge. You need to figure out either how to shorten your animation or to compress it in a manner which will lower its size.
Also, the native resolution for the EVO is 480 x 800 and not 450 x 800 for future reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks,how would i compress it to make it smaller? and i want to speed it up to run more like the movie. i have it working it just runs kinda slow?
Not sure if you are on windows, but if you are then pngoptimizer does the trick (should be able to do multiple pngs at a time) and its free online. Also on windows I had an issue with the bootanimation.zip because windows kept adding the thumbs.* file in the two folders other than the desc.txt...that made my animation choppy. Just 7zip into you file and delete if you see it.
pseudoremora said:
First and foremost -- I don't know whose method recommended that you leave the "system" folder out of the flashing process, but that's a very incorrect way of doing this.
I've stated earlier that you need THREE folders -- SYSTEM, customize, and resource. You only have customize and resource. Your customize folder (and it's subfolders) needs to be placed inside a folder labeled "system".
Secondly, the command you're using in the update-script, while it will work now; will not work if someone decides to change the structure of your package in the future. The update-script I uploaded earlier allows for future flashing because anything placed inside the "system" folder (which Android 100% relies on) will always be flashed, as long as the structure is correct within the system folder.
You should remove the update-script you have now and place this one inside it (if you decide to use the method I've stated above). I've attached the file below (extract first).
Lastly, quite frankly; I've never seen a 60MB bootanimation before and to be honest, that's just unbelievably huge. You need to figure out either how to shorten your animation or to compress it in a manner which will lower its size.
Also, the native resolution for the EVO is 480 x 800 and not 450 x 800 for future reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your help on this, i'm looking for any ideas on how to compress this to make it smaller in size(without losing any animations) i have been usiing 7zip to compress it
dased14 said:
thanks for your help on this, i'm looking for any ideas on how to compress this to make it smaller in size(without losing any animations) i have been usiing 7zip to compress it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pngoptimizer as theidlemonk recommended should be used for each PNG file and hopefully should bring down the size a bit. Otherwise; it really comes down to cutting the animation.
I'm not saying you can't push a 60MB file onto your phone as a bootanimation; but I think it's huge waste of space for such a thing. You have to remember; we're only talking about the bootanimation here and quite frankly, the EVO tends to boot up rather quickly, so trying to show a clip from a movie really shouldn't be your goal -- if anything, you can take bits and pieces from the clip and use that instead.
Personally, I try to make my bootanimations minimal and light. The important part of the animation is actually the looping; so concentrate on that.
pseudoremora said:
pngoptimizer as theidlemonk recommended should be used for each PNG file and hopefully should bring down the size a bit. Otherwise; it really comes down to cutting the animation.
I'm not saying you can't push a 60MB file onto your phone as a bootanimation; but I think it's huge waste of space for such a thing. You have to remember; we're only talking about the bootanimation here and quite frankly, the EVO tends to boot up rather quickly, so trying to show a clip from a movie really shouldn't be your goal -- if anything, you can take bits and pieces from the clip and use that instead.
Personally, I try to make my bootanimations minimal and light. The important part of the animation is actually the looping; so concentrate on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll look into pngoptimizer, now would i set eveything up the same for loop(with fewer animations)like i said this is the first one i have ever tried to make(i hope i get better as i do more) how would i add sound to one. and thx again guys for putting up with me and for all the help
dased14 said:
i'll look into pngoptimizer, now would i set eveything up the same for loop(with fewer animations)like i said this is the first one i have ever tried to make(i hope i get better as i do more) how would i add sound to one. and thx again guys for putting up with me and for all the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd advise you take a look at this post and this one also. I wrote that quite some time ago, however it's still very much applicable today.
Edit:: It's actually probably good to read the posts from pages 15, 16, and probably 17 as well in the links I've posted above.
what would you guys say is the best png optimizer to (less loss, better compression)
dased14 said:
what would you guys say is the best png optimizer to (less loss, better compression)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of us just told you.
Use pngoptimizer. The program itself optimizes each png, taking away any erroneous data and leaves everything else intact; thus giving you a smaller .png file. Doing this for EACH .png file will result in a smaller bootanimation file.
PNGs can be optimized just so much, I would rather think more on the lines of what pseudoremora said: Cutting down animation to keep it minimal and light. Looping will also be a big part as you have over 300 images. Looping would reuse images and allow cutting of parts. (I hope I made sense).
pseudoremora said:
Both of us just told you.
Use pngoptimizer. The program itself optimizes each png, taking away any erroneous data and leaves everything else intact; thus giving you a smaller .png file. Doing this for EACH .png file will result in a smaller bootanimation file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I wasn't sure if that was the name of it or a program type, Googled it and got a bunch of different ones just wanted to make sure. And yes I know its a large file and I will take both of your advice and cut it down. Again thanks for the time and help
ok so i was trying to learn how to edit the boot screen i pulled the files then repushed them back on there but i was wondering if there was a file size limit or picture limit im trying to do a scene from 300 and its not showing up it just shows a black screen when booting but it boots fine.
it comes out at about 500+ pngs. but is there another program i can use to convert the video to png or is there a better guide on how to do this...
I guess no one wants to help me lol
1234567890
xs301 said:
1234567890
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way to go for first spam post.
Anyways, I personally don't know, but if you look around themes and apps, you may find an answer there.
I don't know if there is a file size limit. But every phone I have had is very picky about image size, when I make one I will pull the orig and make a slight change like add.my name,if that works I then further modify making sure not to change the canvas size
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
detcup4evr said:
I don't know if there is a file size limit. But every phone I have had is very picky about image size, when I make one I will pull the orig and make a slight change like add.my name,if that works I then further modify making sure not to change the canvas size
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same size and everything... idk...this is getting annoying lol i really wanna make boot screens...
Mr nerd said:
i have the same size and everything... idk...this is getting annoying lol i really wanna make boot screens...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootanimation.zips follow a specific pattern.
Two folders, one is the initial sequence and the other is the loop. A desc.txt file which tells the system what folders to play, how many times to repeat it, and the delay (in seconds) from the end of a folder to the start of the other or itself (loop folder for example).
The two folders can usually be named what you want but a common practice is to name them part0 and part1 where part0 is the initial sequence and part1 is the loop.
The images can be pngs or jpegs. The size of the images are usually 800x480 and the bit depth is usually automatic depending on the content of the image.
Last, when zipping the bootanimation you MUST zip it with the "store" or no compression option. This is usually where most people make their mistake.
lovethyEVO said:
Bootanimation.zips follow a specific pattern.
Two folders, one is the initial sequence and the other is the loop. A desc.txt file which tells the system what folders to play, how many times to repeat it, and the delay (in seconds) from the end of a folder to the start of the other or itself (loop folder for example).
The two folders can usually be named what you want but a common practice is to name them part0 and part1 where part0 is the initial sequence and part1 is the loop.
The images can be pngs or jpegs. The size of the images are usually 800x480 and the bit depth is usually automatic depending on the content of the image.
Last, when zipping the bootanimation you MUST zip it with the "store" or no compression option. This is usually where most people make their mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what would i use to zip it then?
I have a question for anyone with experience in 7zip, especially with forming .tar and .tgz files.
I am trying to create an "androidupdate.tar" to merge sys and lib files into the installation of android on NAND. I created the .tar file and attempted to install as an update, but when I do it comes up with the error "invalid tarball magic".
I understand there is something in the tarball archives that has these numbers built in at certain intervals, I just don't know how to modify these numbers to match whatever number needs to be there, or even where to look for them.
A little point in the right direction would be helpful.
A copy of the .tar is attached for your inspection...
I've never had any problems creating tar's, but I never use 7zip to do it.
Though I have heard that 7zip should do tarballs, so I'm not sure why it's not doing it.
PoXFreak said:
I have a question for anyone with experience in 7zip, especially with forming .tar and .tgz files.
I am trying to create an "androidupdate.tar" to merge sys and lib files into the installation of android on NAND. I created the .tar file and attempted to install as an update, but when I do it comes up with the error "invalid tarball magic".
I understand there is something in the tarball archives that has these numbers built in at certain intervals, I just don't know how to modify these numbers to match whatever number needs to be there, or even where to look for them.
A little point in the right direction would be helpful.
A copy of the .tar is attached for your inspection...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use GNU/Linux...
Your file is a Zip file; here, your TAR file
I guess I need a separate hard drive and tri-boot WinXP/Win7/Ubuntu. I'll give that file a shot when I get home as I'm at work.
Thanx for the help Dark.
UPDATE!:
Went home and installed kernel update on the test phone and left it to run untouched.
I checked it this morning and it only dropped to 74% battery over 3 days.
Installed update on my personal Kaiser and what used to drain the battery down to 25-35% (apps, facebook, messaging, phone) has only taken 27% battery as of this posting.
Note that I take the phone off charge at around 5am.
I'd say 27% with moderate usage across 10 or so hours is a good thing.
Will update again after a day or so...
This is my first time trying to create a custom boot animation... I think its going to be great if someone would gladly help me out... I can't figure out what has gone wrong with it and why when I restart its just a black screen.. I appreciate everyone who can help me. Thank you... And Thank You XDA... I would upload it directly to xda but the file is too big... so here is the link to whoever wants to help me...
megaupload[dot]com/?d=7NK0BRHR
i noticed and changed alot with it also with the numbering system and still nothing just a black screen...
is it going to the right place some goto (system\customize\resource) some goto (system\media)
whats that ds.store file have never seen that in a evo bootanimation before
both folders are number the same that may make a differance
thing is hugh may want to cut it down maybe split the bigger one in two and remove the smaller and use later as different anime(even after running it through pngoptmizer still over 24.6 mb
hope this helps some
"quoted from pseudoremora"
After creating your bootanimation -- You need to make sure that a couple things have been done correctly for the bootanimation to 1) Work and 2) Be able to be flashed via recovery.
1) To make the bootanimation work
a. Make sure that after creating the animation itself that the .zip you create has NO compression -- (e.g You use "store" mode, instead of "normal" -- both 7zip/Winrar have this feature)
b. Make sure the desc.txt file is properly formatted and has the correct folder names inside the file. Also make sure you have a carriage return (press enter) at the VERY last line of your desc.txt file
c) Make sure the .png filenames are somewhat sequential and organized. (e.g. BootUp001, BootUp002, BootUp003, etc)
2a) To make a flashable package
a. First create a folder to house the bootanimation and you'll also need to explicitly define the folder names that you want the animation to be pushed to. (e.g -- Inside lets say the "MyBootanimation" folder -- you should have three folders; they're names respectively are:: system/customize/resource or system\media
Inside the resource folder is where your newly created bootanimation.zip will go.
2b) To make the package flashable and work in recovery; you'll need a update-script file which should be in a folder called:: META-INF (ALL CAPS); inside that folder should reside, three more folders:: com/google/android/. The update-script file will go INSIDE the android folder.
So, to get this to work, you'll open the "MyBootanimation folder and inside it should reside to folders (system (and it's subfolders); which houses the bootanimation and META-INF (and it's subfolders); which houses the update-script). You need to select both files and zip them up in NORMAL mode, not "store" mode. This will create your new package, which you then need to sign via whatever method you use. I use command line and I'd like not to explain that if I don't have to.
try this(sense base can get asop if thats need)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9628638/racecar.zip
dased14 said:
is it going to the right place some goto (system\customize\resource) some goto (system\media)
whats that ds.store file have never seen that in a evo bootanimation before
both folders are number the same that may make a differance
thing is hugh may want to cut it down maybe split the bigger one in two and remove the smaller and use later as different anime(even after running it through pngoptmizer still over 24.6 mb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also change from png to jpeg. I redid one recently that was 61 mb with pngs, ended up at just over 4 mb with jpegs. Just a thought. And that ds.store, delete it.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App