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I want to make metamorph work on my device without givving me fcs after i reboot. This happns when i try to change the boot animation by writing to framework-res.apk. i have a working busybox and nandroid backups so i am willing to try anything...please help.
i have tried running fix_permissions which didnt help
i have tried the linking solution
the process works fine because u can see the new boot animation load up fine but the phone gets a billions force closes for almost everything as soo as i unlock.
please help me out because i have searched the very depths of the internet onl to come out empty handed. i know many people are facing this issue so it would be nice to give them a step by step fix.
stericson did a good job with the app from wat i hear and once working is supposed to be an essential app.
pleas helppp
olvap377 said:
I want to make metamorph work on my device without givving me fcs after i reboot. This happns when i try to change the boot animation by writing to framework-res.apk. i have a working busybox and nandroid backups so i am willing to try anything...please help.
i have tried running fix_permissions which didnt help
i have tried the linking solution
the process works fine because u can see the new boot animation load up fine but the phone gets a billions force closes for almost everything as soo as i unlock.
please help me out because i have searched the very depths of the internet onl to come out empty handed. i know many people are facing this issue so it would be nice to give them a step by step fix.
stericson did a good job with the app from wat i hear and once working is supposed to be an essential app.
pleas helppp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine does too.
ahhhhhhhhhhh
What build are you using?
You gotta be careful with what build you are using and what you are changing.
Don't boot animations usually go into /system/media?
1.6 use shine and mask logos
2.x use Boot animations
They are different so...yeah...be careful.
Macrophage001 said:
You gotta be careful with what build you are using and what you are changing.
Don't boot animations usually go into /system/media?
1.6 use shine and mask logos
2.x use Boot animations
They are different so...yeah...be careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, but! Also their are two Apk's that always give problems when themed (Wrong). MetaMorph doesn't replace files that don't exist, meaning, if the two different roms have two different locations for boot files example: System/media or framework-res.apk/assets/images/ and neither are present. It will skip over both and not copy. So conclusions state that maybe one or more of the images are not accepted by the Android System.
These two apk's, my friends, are the framework-res.apk and the Launcher.apk...
Many of failed themes from the past proves this theory accurate, ask any old skool themer...
Worse case scenario, check the pictures with the (.9.png) extentions.
wow sorry i really lost rack of this thread sorry
i know specifically that the problem is cause by framework.apk and when i said boot animations i meant mask and shine.
p.s also im using latest build available in market
RichieDaze said:
This is true, but! Also their are two Apk's that always give problems when themed (Wrong). MetaMorph doesn't replace files that don't exist, meaning, if the two different roms have two different locations for boot files example: System/media or framework-res.apk/assets/images/ and neither are present. It will skip over both and not copy. So conclusions state that maybe one or more of the images are not accepted by the Android System.
These two apk's, my friends, are the framework-res.apk and the Launcher.apk...
Many of failed themes from the past proves this theory accurate, ask any old skool themer...
Worse case scenario, check the pictures with the (.9.png) extentions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can u expand a little more on this?
how can i check if the theme im trying to flash will work or how can i fix force closes after metamorph or how can i change the theme so it will work with metamorph?
p.s the actual morph works cause i can see the changes on reboot but as soon as i unlock a get a million force closes
please please reply i desperatly need help
olvap377 said:
please please reply i desperatly need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Rom are you using? Cyan?
Who's MetaMorph theme are you using? Enoch?
Have you tried installing all of themes EXCEPT framework-res.apk to see if you still have the forecloses, or one by one to see which ones are causing the forecloses?
Some Homework:
If you want to test framework, try to remove all the foldes from the theme (make backups first). Add 1 folder back to theme, then run the MetaMorph cycle. Leave the png folders for last. When you reach a folder containing png's, add 3 png's at a time to each MetaMorph cycle. So now you narrow down the culprit(s) faster.
Example:
I am trying to MetaMorph my Zelda theme. My framework-res folder change, for some reason shuts down my Market on TheOfficial TMO rom. I can download, but when its about to install the apk it forecloses. But it works accurately on TheOfficial AOSP. (???) So, I am thinking that maybe it the way some roms are built.
im using cyan 4.2.15.1 with ebi1 port and im trying to metamorph the mask and shine at startup that writes to framework-res.apk
olvap377 said:
im using cyan 4.2.15.1 with ebi1 port and im trying to metamorph the mask and shine at startup that writes to framework-res.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they located in (theme.zip) framework-res/assets/images/???
RichieDaze said:
Are they located in (theme.zip) framework-res/assets/images/???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes they are and they do work cause after reboot i see it but wen i unlock it show a million force closes
any news please?
olvap377 said:
any news please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do the homework to see which folder the problem was in???
I spent days looking for problems in my themes and other themes to solve the FC's issue. The process of elimination all ways worked out, but time consuming. When you find it, You can post the fix for others with the same problem...
olvap377 said:
any news please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not running a Cyan mod. So I cant do it for you. Sorry! A logcat can help pin point the problem.
RichieDaze said:
What Rom are you using? Cyan?
Who's MetaMorph theme are you using? Enoch?
Have you tried installing all of themes EXCEPT framework-res.apk to see if you still have the forecloses, or one by one to see which ones are causing the forecloses?
Some Homework:
If you want to test framework, try to remove all the foldes from the theme (make backups first). Add 1 folder back to theme, then run the MetaMorph cycle. Leave the png folders for last. When you reach a folder containing png's, add 3 png's at a time to each MetaMorph cycle. So now you narrow down the culprit(s) faster.
Example:
I am trying to MetaMorph my Zelda theme. My framework-res folder change, for some reason shuts down my Market on TheOfficial TMO rom. I can download, but when its about to install the apk it forecloses. But it works accurately on TheOfficial AOSP. (???) So, I am thinking that maybe it the way some roms are built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how can i do the homework when ive only got 1 folder in the theme and it only contains 2 pngs the mask and shine?
olvap377 said:
how can i do the homework when ive only got 1 folder in the theme and it only contains 2 pngs the mask and shine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
??? Its only boot images??? Sorry, I did not know it was only boot images. Are the png's the proper size?
Would you be willing to flash my Zelda boot screen as a test to see if it is the theme. It might be the rom?
Here it is if you want to try:
i will flash yours and tell u the results and im currently on cyan 4.2.15.1 with bcrook's ebi1 port and enoch installed (via flashable zip)
edit: i cant even metamorph yours it says there isnt a valid thm file found? what does that mean?
edit2: nvm i figured it out u had an extra directory in the zip but i fixed
btw these themes do they have to be signed in a special way somehow like the zips or no
ps ur boot looks really nice
edit3 : still getting a million force closs after unlock so i wiped and restored
olvap377 said:
i will flash yours and tell u the results and im currently on cyan 4.2.15.1 with bcrook's ebi1 port and enoch installed (via flashable zip)
edit: i cant even metamorph yours it says there isnt a valid thm file found? what does that mean?
edit2: nvm i figured it out u had an extra directory in the zip but i fixed
btw these themes do they have to be signed in a special way somehow like the zips or no
ps ur boot looks really nice
edit3 : still getting a million force closs after unlock so i wiped and restored
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your gonna have to flash the whole framework-res.apk as an update on the recovery to prevent FC's for now.
Post a logcat on this thread so that every one can see and give you ideas...
Hello, does it exist a .zip for install 5 lockscreen in CWM?
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You could use lockbot pro think that will give you extra lock screen styles
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Not lockbot but only 5 lockscreen
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Looking for that too, I wonder if there is something available.
alexxandro84 said:
Hello, does it exist a .zip for install 5 lockscreen in CWM?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash a theme with 5 lockscreens, most of the themes includes 5 lockscreens...
But doesn't it depend on the rom?
I mean, the unlock screens are a rom feature or a theme feature?
I would put my money on the themes. But I'm not 100% sure.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
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Most themes won't work without a Modified ROM. I could maybe try and extract the files from a ROM that has it and make a CWM update file. Only thing is I need to write a script to make it work and I haven't yet learnt how to do that yet.
up ?
Or juste epic lockscreen . zip plz ?
THX
Zethor said:
Just flash a theme with 5 lockscreens, most of the themes includes 5 lockscreens...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i want to have 5 lockscreen without flash a theme, is it possible? only 5 lockscreen on a stock fw
I too would like to know this. I searched for this a while ago, but couldn't find anything.
My understanding is that the 5 lockscreens modification is theme related, but that doesn't mean that they can not be included in a ROM.
I'm a total noob when it comes to these things.
I did manage to remove the 'Swipe Glass to Unlock' message by using a hex editor on a themes framework-res apk and replacing the string with a whole bunch of spaces (hence why I think this is theme related) but anything beyond that is above me. To be honest I was surprised that even worked and it almost looked as if some of the strings visible in the hex editor were in Portuguese or something....?!?
Then again I would assume the Settings.apk would need to be modified in order to include the extra option in 'Display' settings but I have flashed a different settings apk before and got no change (apart from the icons that were changed).
I cant even figure out why I can't view xml's from an unpacked APK on my PC, yet using root explorer they are all in plain English on my phone..... so I really have no clue in the world about these lock screens, but at least I tried.
Wow... what a rant that was.
Point is, anyone who has a good knowledge on this stuff, your opinion would be appreciated.
Android apks can be classified in two forms:
-compiled and
-decompiled.
When in compiled form, xmls will be in a gibberish, so no readable text can be deciphered. Android can only read this gibberish.
If you want to edit it, you need to decompile it, this will make it readable and understandable.
Decompiling is very important so you can really modify anything. Also very important for .9 pngs, as the boundaries are distinguishable.
Hope this helped, btw im still a noob themer compared to some of the other blokes here.
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Well, i have theme that has 5 locksreecn, but the Epic Lockscreen is modified, is it possible for me to flash the "normal" Epic Lockscreen on CWM and have it normal (not moded)? If yes, maybe any links?
Thanks
alexxandro84 said:
Hello, does it exist a .zip for install 5 lockscreen in CWM?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look for Stockmod Plus.
From looking around google, I found a guide on another forum that gives a few details on what files need amended, based on it, it appears that you need to amend the framework-res.apk and a few .jar files...
If my understanding is right, you don't want to flash a full theme, I understand, I'm the same, want the 5 locks but Not a full theme, even if it claims to be stock or not...
From what I have read, the files that need changed are as follows:
Framework-res.apk, framework.jar, android.policy.jar, Settings.apk, and services.jar
I guess you could download the StockMod .zip, open it with 7zip, you will find a folder called system\framework, if you Delete all the files from it except the ones mentioned above and then flash the .zip, I assume it will give you the lock screens and possibly the power button options (may need other files such as TWFramework-res.apk) with minimal theme change at all, but I don't know for sure as the Themers seem to want to keep this information to themselves so you flash their Full themes...
Otherwise the only other way is to extract the files from your phone, decomile them, edit them and re compile them etc... but a guide would be nice
Hopefully a nice Dev will come along and share some details...
so has anyone made some update.zip or something to install lockscreen without new theme????
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=959065
I really like the layout and colors on this MattedBlues theme.
It would be very appreciated if someone that has the knowledge to do it would share the wealth.
I would definitely give it a try if I had any idea how to do it!
Thank you in advance
There a theme porter script in xda somewhere that I used to mess with when id port themes for personal use.. if I have time tonight ill give it a shot if no one else does..
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shady503403 said:
There a theme porter script in xda somewhere that I used to mess with when id port themes for personal use.. if I have time tonight ill give it a shot if no one else does..
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thank you so much, Shady.......let me know if you find it. I would be interested in that too
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blah.. don't have time to do this right now.
here the theme porter ive used in the past. just follow instructions.
theme porter... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=737526
update.zip packager... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717437
what i do.
get theme
get rom.
extract both.
place needed files in correct "new" and "old" folders..
run script..
move "new" folder back into cm7 unzipped folder where you took them from.
rezip into flashable zip..
if you google how to make a flashable.zip you should get a link to xda somewhere.
has a script too that does it for you. then just flash in cwm.
p.s. im workin on this right now. ill try to upload tonight. if not tomorrow after work.
Lol funny thing is I ported this for myself already, I just got winrar and replaced the SystemUI.apk images, and the framework-res images, and if you want the apps stuff too then replace those as well and done.
When I tried to flash it a week or two ago it made me loose service, so I had to do it that way and such, although I do not understand why it would make me loose service
Cimer said:
Lol funny thing is I ported this for myself already, I just got winrar and replaced the SystemUI.apk images, and the framework-res images, and if you want the apps stuff too then replace those as well and done.
When I tried to flash it a week or two ago it made me loose service, so I had to do it that way and such, although I do not understand why it would make me loose service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks great! Do you still have the zip you can share? If not, then I will try to figure it out!
Thank you in advance!
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I will add it to the latest nightly, although I have no idea if this will let me upload a entire rom o.0
if cimer doesn't get it i'll continue work. kinda more of a learing process right meow.
i got everything themed over. i guess i should include the apks from the themed rom, and not the ones in cm7 since they don't show up themed when i open them i.e. dialer, market etc.. threw it together quickly. boot animation, notification bar and font taken care of. i'll continue tomorrow.
if this works, pretty sure it will.. i'll start porting more themes.
Awesome.....
Is there any way to add the zip as just a flashable theme, rather than part of a full rom? I am currently only using CM7 RC2, not any of the nightlies.
Anything I can do to help, plz let me know!
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Yes there is a way to just do a flashable zip, although since I have no idea what caused me to loose service I did it directly with the Rom. I will play around with it tonight when I have time.
If you want to do it your self you just need the latest nightly, the latest matted blues and just copy things into the appropriate folder using winrar. It's really simple.
Edit: @shady if you want to do it you can, I have yet to get started.
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Well this morning I got the theme ported... the best I could anyways. I'm by all means no sort of dev or themer.. I just like to tinker. but I got the theme ported.. only thing I noticed was lockscreen icons weren't themed.. idk if they are or not originally in the evo theme.. and in setting the "highlight" or whatever its called was still the orange color.. honestly idk how to change any of those. Like I said I only tinker.. but id say like 95% of the theme ported over just fine.. I was using it, but flashed back to lucid theme on my way to work. Ill work on this and see if I can make the update.zip just the theme and not a full rom...
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Mine were not original either it's alright the lock should be blue and a couple of other tweaks,
The whole theme works great by copying the icons and imgs in framework res.apk. to the cm7 framework and over writing it. I have tried the theme porter method but apk manager works the best so far that I've tried if I get permission from developer I will post the theme later tonight. I only have it up to build 19 though
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sdrexler078 said:
The whole theme works great by copying the icons and imgs in framework res.apk. to the cm7 framework and over writing it. I have tried the theme porter method but apk manager works the best so far that I've tried if I get permission from developer I will post the theme later tonight. I only have it up to build 19 though
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get permission?
And wouldn't basing a theme on a RC be a better idea? Just saying
Just waiting for a pm back from him but I bet it would be better I just use the nightlies and did it for myself but I can do the rc2 tonight and send him another pm
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
I hope someone can get it working.......I have been try and keep getting all kinds of fc's on all kinds of programs.........it was frustrating so I took a break from it.
Hopefully someone will be able to get this working on RC2 or maybe the developer will eventually add it to the theme engine as an apk
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I also tried to contact the developer several times, and didn't get any response. I'm sure they are busy tweaking this for the evo and nexus s. Its really a solid theme
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1) Get Winrar
2)Download the ROM you want to flash
3)Open the rom with winrar (Avoids resigning it yourself)
4)Replace the Framework-res.apk located in system/framework with the theme you want
5)Replace the SystemUI.apk located in system/app with the theme you want
6) Close the window
7) Put it on your SD card to flash, remember always make a backup just in case.
Also note if you want the themed icons for apps just replace all the apps in system/apps
This is for people that want to use it personally, you would need to contact the dev. in order to release it to everyone.
Cimer said:
1) Get Winrar
2)Download the ROM you want to flash
3)Open the rom with winrar (Avoids resigning it yourself)
4)Replace the Framework-res.apk located in system/framework with the theme you want
5)Replace the SystemUI.apk located in system/app with the theme you want
6) Close the window
7) Put it on your SD card to flash, remember always make a backup just in case.
Also note if you want the themed icons for apps just replace all the apps in system/apps
This is for people that want to use it personally, you would need to contact the dev. in order to release it to everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does NOT work. Atleast not for me. I downloaded CM7 RC2 and downloaded CM7RC2 version of MattedBlues. I tried 3 different variations.
1.) I replayed all files from mattedblues into the cm7 rom folder. This allowed me to boot into CM7 with the theme applied, HOWEVER, I had no internet connection and I get about 3-4 FC during the google apps setup
2.) So I tried being selective and only copied framework over and a few of the apps in the app folder. Maybe 3 or 4 apps, like gmail, systemUI, phone etc. This didn't give FC, instead it wouldn't let me have internet connection.
3.) So I just followed the guide exactly and copied only the framework over and the systemUI over. This caused no internet and almost immediate FC on google apps setup. So I just went back to MIUI.
P.S. I tried two different kinds of GAPPs. I tried the ones that come with CM7 rom in the ROM Manager and I tried another GAPPs I downloaded previously for Iceandfire. Just to experiment. Both failed in the same way.
Thanks for the try though. I would LOVE to see a real port of this rom. One of the best (if not the best) looking themes out right now.
I've ported MattedBlues to the G2 just for you guys. Pick it up at the official thread here.
This will guide you through making a theming template.
Why: it was requested
What is it for: This is the base in which you start your custome theming. If you have read through Dreamsforgotten thread on theming, you will see that he refers to a theming template to start with.
Be advised, This is not a rom. It is just a template that some dev/themers use as a base for their custome themes or to return to a stock deodex theme. Also, this assumes that you are on a stock rooted system
The Difference you ask:
Theming templates : do not have a modem or kernel, They do have a system folder with and App, font, and framework folder.
Rom: has everything needed to run the OS. Modem (sometimes), kernel, and a full system folder
This is how I do it. That is not to say it is right or wrong, but it works for me. There may be other/easier way developed by other devs.
EI22 Theme Template
Tools:
Rom kitchen form here ( follow the thread and set it up )
7zip from here
Notepad++ from here
Rooted device: if you are not rooted look in the dev section of your device for the instructions on that
Clockwork mod: if you don’t know what this is or don’t have it go to the dev section and research.
Instructions:
1: get a copy of the STOCK system folder. It really does not matter how you get it. JUST GET IT
HINT: if you are rooted already, use root explorer or equivlant and copy it to the sdcard….
Depending on how you got it, you may need to copy it to your computer desktop ( do so now)
2: now you will need to make a zip file (by now you should have 7zip installed)
r-click on system folder that you just copied to your desktop
choose 7zip > add to archive.
under archive change name to (build#).zip ( replace (build#) with the build you are using i.e ec05, ei22 ect….)
At this point you will need the rom kitchen. So, if it is not set up, DO SO!!!!!!!
3: copy to the zip folder to kitchen > original_update. Then open the kitchen.
Choose option 1, answer the next few questions as you need to. For me, I just hit enter at the 4 questions. You should be back at the main screen now
option 0 (enter) > option 11 (enter) > option b (enter) > enter ( best so that if there are errors you can troubleshoot) ( this takes a while: 20 min) assuming all went well, you should get
0 *.odex in system/app
0 *.odex in system/framework
Hit the enter key
option 99 > option 2
At this point, there should be a new folder named “output_zip” with your rom in it. (enter) you should be back to the mail menu. We are done with the kitchen so you can close that.
BUT your not done yet.
4: go to the above mentioned folder. In the folder there will be a zip file.
r-click on it and rename theme_template_(build#) ( replace (build#) with the build you are using i.e ec05, ei22 ect….)
r-click> 7zip> open archive - There you will see two folders and a boot image.
delete the boot.img file
go into the system folder and delete everything except app, framework, and font folders
back out one level and go into meta-inf >com > google >android
Now delete the updater-script (leave 7zip open)
Now we need to write the updater-script for CMW to read
5: open notepad++
BE ADVISED, this portion is for the EPIC 4G and the updater-script may change formats based on your device. So do some research first. I tend to look at other script for my devices to see how it should be formatted.
You can copy and past this in or type it yourself:
show_progress(0.1, 0);
delete_recursive("/system/framework");
delete_recursive("/system/app");
delete_recursive("/system/fonts");
mount("MTD", "system", "/system");
package_extract_dir("system", "/system");
delete_recursive("/data/dalvik-cache");
show_progress(0.1, 10);
unmount("/system");
Or use this: updater-script
file >save as
Name file: updater-script
File type: chose all types (*.*) you may need to scroll up or down to find it.
save to desktop
drag and drop the updater-script into the 7zip screen. ( you will be prompted with a ?. just hit yes.)
You should now have 3 files on the 7zip screen
Updater-script, update-binary, update-script.orig
close 7zip.
Connect phone via USB
Copy file to sdcard
Disconnect phone
Reboot to CMW
Choose: backup and restore >backup (when its finished you will have a nandroid to restore if you F.U.B.A.R. your phone.
Choose: install zip from sdcard and install your theming template.
Reboot.
Now use your favorite file explorer and go to system/framework and make sure it has been deodexed. If so, the flash was successful and your theme template works.
Congradulations you built your first theme. All be it a stock one. lol
mine for the thank you's
dreams - for all of his tuts
dsixda - for the kitchen.
Finally
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Zeinzu said:
Finally
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your welcome.... lol
Download doesn't work. Just downloads and empty zip.
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You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Zeinzu said:
Download doesn't work. Just downloads and empty zip.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looking into it.
just dl'ed - worked fine for me.
Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tend to agree. but a noob has to have someplace to start. I wish there was the help i needed when i started doing these things a yr ago. I've learned alot throught the guids that i've found, but yes learning to do them by hand is great to.
Z..
what are you tring to dl. the template "worked fine for me" or the updater-script?
Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely agree, doing it by hand gives you a more broad understanding of how the xml code works. This allows you to perform other modifications as well, and like Paul said it is rewarding and also exciting.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the guide! Perhaps you could divide it into a noob section and a more involved section.
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thomasskull666 said:
I definitely agree, doing it by hand gives you a more broad understanding of how the xml code works. This allows you to perform other modifications as well, and like Paul said it is rewarding and also exciting.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the guide! Perhaps you could divide it into a noob section and a more involved section.
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Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
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Not sure what you are asking for. There is no XML editing involved here. If you are talking about the deodexing process, sure i can write out the long way to do it by hand. But there are alomost 200 odex files btween the apps folder and the framework folder to deodex. This process would take you all day to do if it wasnt for the kitchen.
spdwiz18 said:
Not sure what you are asking for. There is no XML editing involved here. If you are talking about the deodexing process, sure i can write out the long way to do it by hand. But there are alomost 200 odex files btween the apps folder and the framework folder to deodex. This process would take you all day to do if it wasnt for the kitchen.
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Click to collapse
Maybe some are misunderstanding the guide? I'm a little confused also lol. The way I read it...it comes across as just how to deodex your ROM? No actual themeing? Just to get a base template to start themeing...
Is that right?
Further clarification would be appreciated.
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I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
Paul627g said:
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
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Ya I will admit so did I lol, the xml portion is in reference to theme porting, not deodexing.
Carry on >_>
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Paul627g said:
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
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Click to collapse
thomasskull666 said:
Ya I will admit so did I lol, the xml portion is in reference to theme porting, not deodexing.
Carry on >_>
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And this is why im not in the field that i went to school for. lol (cysco networking) i got to the last class and they told me i had to document everything. I just dont have the skills to do that. I am going to edit the OP to better clarify what i was tring to do.
No worries to everyone. your opinions are wellcome. I am not all knowing, but i love to learn and share what i do know.
I have been theming on the x2 for awhile now building custom themes .. I just got my nexus yesterday so I downloaded the gummy rom and tried to theme first with apktool and also with apk manager.. I see there have been themes made.. I have yet to be able to decompile any system apks successfully.. are there any new tools I'm missing or steps... would love to start theming again if I can get things to work
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Kevin3328 said:
I have been theming on the x2 for awhile now building custom themes .. I just got my nexus yesterday so I downloaded the gummy rom and tried to theme first with apktool and also with apk manager.. I see there have been themes made.. I have yet to be able to decompile any system apks successfully.. are there any new tools I'm missing or steps... would love to start theming again if I can get things to work
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yep, you need to update apktool for use with Android 4.0
edit: more specifically...
-Wrong version of apktool (get the latest)
-Wrong verison of apktool dependancies files (same site)
-Wrong version of aapt.exe in Android SDK (get latest SDK)
Alright awesome I'll look into it tonight after work
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I have the latest version of all of that and can decompile with apktool. The problem is when I build the new apk and copy over the edited files and push back to the phone the app won't work.
A run down of everything I did is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1452530
Did u try putting it back in the flash able zip with 7 zip? I never use adb push.... in theory if u are able to compile the apk without errors it should work
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Kevin3328 said:
Did u try putting it back in the flash able zip with 7 zip? I never use adb push.... in theory if u are able to compile the apk without errors it should work
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I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
coverton341 said:
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
You can't replace xml's in that way.
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If u properly recompile the apk then yes u can .. u edit it all the XML s and pngs in the apk then recompile.. then drop the recompiled apk into the system app section of the rom u r using unless its the framework Res apk or other framework apk.. once u do this put the new rom zip back into your phone and flash in recovery ... bottom line I'm not the most experienced themer in the forums I just got the phone yesterday so its gonna take time for me to begin theming anything.. that being said perhaps if this thread stays open and more experienced themers can chime in with some tips and advice
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coverton341 said:
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
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Kevin3328 said:
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
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Hey Kev did u figured it out yet? I replied to ur PM...
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Kevin3328 said:
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
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Actually, GoogleMusic.apk is found in data/app not in system, at least in the ROM I am on. But, am I correct in assuming that I can do the same thing in this instance?
Furthermore, is there no way to theme a single application? Do I need to always theme an app, place it back into the ROM zip, and reflash said ROM?
Can I make my own flashable zip file for a single app?
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really like tinkering with things and I would really like to get good at theming.
Kevin3328 said:
If u properly recompile the apk then yes u can .. u edit it all the XML s and pngs in the apk then recompile.. then drop the recompiled apk into the system app section of the rom u r using unless its the framework Res apk or other framework apk.. once u do this put the new rom zip back into your phone and flash in recovery ... bottom line I'm not the most experienced themer in the forums I just got the phone yesterday so its gonna take time for me to begin theming anything.. that being said perhaps if this thread stays open and more experienced themers can chime in with some tips and advice
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Sorry misread what you were saying then.
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I am at work until 1030 then I am gonna set up shop on my CPU first... gotta get the new sdk and apktool then I will gtalk u from there with issues.. all I know is this should be a learning experience lol.. by the looks of this phone it could be awhile b4 I learn what everything "is" framework will be all the apks will be different than what I'm used to
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coverton341 said:
Actually, GoogleMusic.apk is found in data/app not in system, at least in the ROM I am on. But, am I correct in assuming that I can do the same thing in this instance?
Furthermore, is there no way to theme a single application? Do I need to always theme an app, place it back into the ROM zip, and reflash said ROM?
Can I make my own flashable zip file for a single app?
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really like tinkering with things and I would really like to get good at theming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can make update zips and yes u should b able to do the same.. I usually borrow someone else's at first
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wut? i've never done what you guys have when it comes to compiling/decompiling and replacing stuff. i'm not so sure that works, but i'll take your word for it for now since i've never tried it either. in theory, you can decompile and change xml, recompile and replace that xml, but not if you're dealing with the actual xml folder in apks. your resources change when you mess with that. this is the same for changing smali, except something else changes (it's been a bit since i've dealt with actual dev stuff).
also, it's a big waste (and sometimes troublesome) to flash an entire ROM to update one or a few apks. making one for just testing out things in \system\ will save you time and frustration. you can also make a backup easier for if something bootloops you
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
coverton341 said:
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how you (hopefully) succeed. Im a bit tempted to try theming myself but ive cant seem to find a guide that is up-to-date - and im learning somthing with every question you are asking - and with every answer the other nice fellows are providing.
:thumbs up!:
I am still trying to figure out how to setup everything.. I know I need newest sdk and newest apk multi tool which I didn't get yet.. I'm gonna tinker around today/tonite and see what I'm doing wrong
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mrvirginia said:
wut? i've never done what you guys have when it comes to compiling/decompiling and replacing stuff. i'm not so sure that works, but i'll take your word for it for now since i've never tried it either. in theory, you can decompile and change xml, recompile and replace that xml, but not if you're dealing with the actual xml folder in apks. your resources change when you mess with that. this is the same for changing smali, except something else changes (it's been a bit since i've dealt with actual dev stuff).
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Click to collapse
See this is how I read it too. I believe the OP means that he's making changes and then replacing the apk in the flashable zip. Not actually replacing the edited xmls in the original apk. Glad I'm not the only one that read it that way though
coverton341 said:
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no decompiling is necessary for tweaking pngs.
smali code is for messing with policies, etc.
.9.png files can be a pain if you don't recompile the apk correctly.
and this should help with your dpi as far as what to edit so you can see it...
http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/screens_support.html