Related
So, I'm well-aware that the reason icons can't be changed easily on the Android home screen is because the icon image is stored in the APK file, and editing that image is, essentially, near impossible.
However, I had an idea that could potentially fix that problem, and I'm just curious how realistic the solution is:
As most G1 users know, AnyCut is a great application that can allow a user to create a shortcut to any number of actions on the phone. These shortcuts are customizable by name, and, for the time being, have a limited number of icons, one for each shortcut type.
I also recall using an app several months ago to change the icons of bookmarks (Bookmark 2, I believe it was called). With this app, a user could choose exactly what their icons would look like on the home screen, except, of course, that these icons could only link to bookmarks.
By combining these two applications, wouldn't an icon changer be quite possible?
Using this same methodology, wouldn't it be possible to create "shortcuts" to applications on the home screen, and thus, allow the user to rename apps and change their icons, at least on the desktop? I know that the icons would not be changed in the pull-out drawer or elsewhere on the system, but wouldn't this be a temporary workaround, until a better solution is reached? I have quite a few programs with horrendous icons, and it really takes away from the aesthetic of the home screen.
Again, all I'm asking is if there's a way to place a shortcut to an APK on the desktop, and preferably to customize that shortcut's icon, not the actual apps.
It is possible to edit .apk's and change the icons. Just look at the forum for theams.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=450
soundwire said:
It is possible to edit .apk's and change the icons. Just look at the forum for theams.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=450
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I know that the icons can be edited in a theme, but can non-stock icons be edited as well?
And also, my concern with that is that it seems like a lot of work to update a theme everytime a new app appears on the market. I'm a little OCD, so if I were able to change all the icons on my home screen, I would want them all to be absolutely uniform (like the themes' icons are). However, if a new, super-useful app were to appear on the market, and I absolutely needed it on my home screen, it would seem much easier to simply add an image to my phone, and make a shortcut using that image, than to have to edit an APK, resign the entire package, and reflash the phone each time. While I know my way around the G1, and I'm comfortable with basic rooting, I am by no means a developer, and just like most G1 users, I would probably be more comfortable making shortcuts than updating firmware.
Do you understand where I'm coming from?
I too, would also like to know how to change "non-stock" app icons. Bump.
jayaustn said:
Well, I know that the icons can be edited in a theme, but can non-stock icons be edited as well?
And also, my concern with that is that it seems like a lot of work to update a theme everytime a new app appears on the market. I'm a little OCD, so if I were able to change all the icons on my home screen, I would want them all to be absolutely uniform (like the themes' icons are). However, if a new, super-useful app were to appear on the market, and I absolutely needed it on my home screen, it would seem much easier to simply add an image to my phone, and make a shortcut using that image, than to have to edit an APK, resign the entire package, and reflash the phone each time. While I know my way around the G1, and I'm comfortable with basic rooting, I am by no means a developer, and just like most G1 users, I would probably be more comfortable making shortcuts than updating firmware.
Do you understand where I'm coming from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have yet to try this, but (provided you have root), you should be able to use adb to pull the apk for an app off your phone, edit it as described, and push it back to the same place. I will give this a go tomorrow, as I'm rather sleepy, and it's probably not a good thing to mess about with superuser stuff when I can't think straight.
If there's any flaws in my theory, I'd be happy to hear them.
RE: Changeing Icons!
I have a video on you tube on how to change icons. Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnV_d9b22E
Hope you enjoy and your able to Change Your Icons.
Good Luck!
bms122223 said:
I have a video on you tube on how to change icons. Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnV_d9b22E
Hope you enjoy and your able to Change Your Icons.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video doesnt show you how to change "non-stock" app icons, only icons for the original apps.
Well, I kind of figured out how to change the non-stock icons. But got stuck at the end...here's what I did...
1) Install/Open Astro.
2) Back up the app you want to change the icon for.
3) Grab that backup apk file off of your sdcard and put it on your computer.
4) Open it with Winrar.
5) Go to the proper folder and drag your new icon into the folder.
6) Close Winrar and move the apk back to your sdcard.
...this is where I get stuck, I know the icon changed because I can see it when I TRY to install the app. But the app doesnt want to install, it says "install unsuccesful". I'm guessing it needs to be signed?
I have used astro as well, I even signed the apk the same way I sign themes and no luck.
ultra spikey said:
Well, I kind of figured out how to change the non-stock icons. But got stuck at the end...here's what I did...
1) Install/Open Astro.
2) Back up the app you want to change the icon for.
3) Grab that backup apk file off of your sdcard and put it on your computer.
4) Open it with Winrar.
5) Go to the proper folder and drag your new icon into the folder.
6) Close Winrar and move the apk back to your sdcard.
...this is where I get stuck, I know the icon changed because I can see it when I TRY to install the app. But the app doesnt want to install, it says "install unsuccesful". I'm guessing it needs to be signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're real close; once you replace the icon you need you need to delete META-INF folder then zip it back up, rename file extension to .apk and sign it with the test keys like the stock .apk. The META-INF is where the signature info is kept from the original author, you need to delete this so it doesn't conflict with the test keys.
Geo411m said:
You're real close; once you replace the icon you need you need to delete META-INF folder then zip it back up, rename file extension to .apk and sign it with the test keys like the stock .apk. The META-INF is where the signature info is kept from the original author, you need to delete this so it doesn't conflict with the test keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will that a try. So this also mean that if author updates .apk file we will not be able to install update? Similar to google RC30 updates, we have to wait for JF to modify it.
johnowa636 said:
I will that a try. So this also mean that if author updates .apk file we will not be able to install update? Similar to google RC30 updates, we have to wait for JF to modify it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed; this might be a problem.
I mean, opening up the APK files is definitely a start, but it seems the shortcut approach I mentioned earlier is just so much easier. Shortcuts would allow basic users to change icons effortlessly and without fear of ruining the app, and the process could be just as easy as Bookmark 2, if a developer took charge, no?
ultra spikey said:
Well, I kind of figured out how to change the non-stock icons. But got stuck at the end...here's what I did...
1) Install/Open Astro.
2) Back up the app you want to change the icon for.
3) Grab that backup apk file off of your sdcard and put it on your computer.
4) Open it with Winrar.
5) Go to the proper folder and drag your new icon into the folder.
6) Close Winrar and move the apk back to your sdcard.
...this is where I get stuck, I know the icon changed because I can see it when I TRY to install the app. But the app doesnt want to install, it says "install unsuccesful". I'm guessing it needs to be signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would like to verify that this method works to change non-stock apps without pushing files or inserting apps into updates. i used 7zip but i'd imagine winrar will work fine as well. just remember to delete the entire metainf folder, not just its contents. once you have your .apk, re-sign it using stericson's auto-sign utility and you'll be able to install the app through astro.
i should also note that i deleted all instance of the unmodified app from my sdcard. i uninstalled it and deleted the backup on my sd card. this may or may not be necessary, but i just wanted to take precautions.
I've given this method a try, and it seems simply too complicated for a moderate user like me. Wouldn't the shortcut method I mentioned be so much easier to quickly change home screen icons? Would any of the developers on this forum be interested in throwing such an app together? I'd gladly donate some money if a good app was able to take care of this problem.
what are you having trouble with, exactly? i'm far from an advanced user myself, but this is probably one of the easier things to do on the g1, probably second to flashing themes.
though i will say that there are a few apps that i can't change icons for. chomp and cubik have installed but force close when opened.
i have a feeling it's something to do with the signing the apk's, but like i said, i'm not an advanced user at all.
TruLuvNvrDies said:
what are you having trouble with, exactly? i'm far from an advanced user myself, but this is probably one of the easier things to do on the g1, probably second to flashing themes.
though i will say that there are a few apps that i can't change icons for. chomp and cubik have installed but force close when opened.
i have a feeling it's something to do with the signing the apk's, but like i said, i'm not an advanced user at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened up the APK using WinRAR, replaced the icon.png with my icon of choice, and then I'm stuck. I known I have to auto-sign the APK, but am not exactly sure how. I have Stericson's auto-signer tool, and used command 4 to manually enter the APK path, but once I do that I get a bunch of errors. If need be, I can copy down the exact error I get.
ultra spikey said:
Video doesnt show you how to change "non-stock" app icons, only icons for the original apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice video!
jayaustn said:
I opened up the APK using WinRAR, replaced the icon.png with my icon of choice, and then I'm stuck. I known I have to auto-sign the APK, but am not exactly sure how. I have Stericson's auto-signer tool, and used command 4 to manually enter the APK path, but once I do that I get a bunch of errors. If need be, I can copy down the exact error I get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you probably need to delete the contents of the meta-inf folder. there should be three files in there, delete them all. if you extracted the contents of the .apk, zip them back up with an .apk extension. if you didn't extract them, you're at the last step, which is to re-sign the .apk. you don't actually need to manually re-sign the file through the console on stericson's re-signer. just right-click the .apk file and at the very top, there should be an option that says "resign .apk". click on that and your app will be re-signed and ready for an install attempt.
though, as i said before, this method is not 100%. of the 6 apps that i modified so far, i was only successful with 4 of them. even if you do all of the steps correctly, you might not have a working app at the end. the apps will install but will automatically force close when launched. i don't know what causes this, actually, and any suggestions would be appreciated.
I agree with the OP, while it is easy enough to edit the apks, resign them, copy them back onto your phone it would be far more elegant (IMHO) if you could have an application that allowed you to copy "Icon Packs" onto your SDCard, and then add links to applications on your home screen giving you a choice of icons from the aforementioned "Icon Pack".
Theme developers could then distribute the "Icon Pack" with the theme, and end users could easily add custom icons to your home screen from your phone without having to mess about on a PC.
liamw said:
I agree with the OP, while it is easy enough to edit the apks, resign them, copy them back onto your phone it would be far more elegant (IMHO) if you could have an application that allowed you to copy "Icon Packs" onto your SDCard, and then add links to applications on your home screen giving you a choice of icons from the aforementioned "Icon Pack".
Theme developers could then distribute the "Icon Pack" with the theme, and end users could easily add custom icons to your home screen from your phone without having to mess about on a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what everyone wants is Anycut that can do custom icons.
I installed the stock MMS.apk file on my de'odexed stock rom (rooted of course). Everything worked well and the app runs, but when reading text threads there is an ugly white border around the edge of the screen, its strange. Its not present when viewing the list of conversations, only in the thread view. I'm not sure if that's how its supposed to look or not, but if not, anyone have any idea how to fix this?
I'll get a screenshot up as soon as I get home.
I first obtained the MMS.apk from the cyanogen rom, then thinking that it might be modified and thus creating my problem, I grabbed the AOSP version from this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789493
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
UPDATE:
Found another thread where people are experiencing the same issue, apparently its a problem with how sense handles the application:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=752604
I attempted to open up the Mms.apk (AOSP version) with APKtool and play around with the xml files for the UI, but wasn't able to get it to recompile and test any changes I made, the app would just crash on launch. I simply made a few changes to the colors, but I admittedly don't really know what I'm doing and it wouldn't run. If anyone who's more experienced in this area could offer some advice I'll try again.
That's a picture of the issue, it appears in both landscape and portrait mode.
Texts were blacked out just for privacy sake.
Well after a few hours of messing around in the XML files for the AOSP messaging app, I was able to find a solution to this issue. I modified the XML file to have it correctly display the black color background when using the black theme. I was not able to eliminate the border entirely, but by changing the scrollbar type from Inset to Overlay I was able to make it uniform and far more visually pleasing.
I have attached my modified Mms.apk file, feel free to test it out.
For the specifics of what I did for those who are interested:
Two files were modified in the apk
- /res/layout/compose_message_activity.xml
- /res/layout/compose_message_activity_black.xml
In both files I changed the scrollbarStyle propery to "insideOverlay", in addition to removing the reference to always show the scrollbar track.
In the black xml file I changed the background color to "@android:color/black".
The original XML files were extracted using APKTool and Recompiled to their binary format, then reinserted into the original apk without resigning.
This is awesome! ... Except it doesn't filter out the VVM message streams that come through. :|
I haven't encountered this problem though I use google voice so I'm not really sure what it is you're referring to.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
ty!
beautiful ty!!!!!!!!!
Imma cry
I cant send mms!
Try turning off wifi while sending/receiving mms
no wifi
i don't have wifi on when i do this i just have 3g on so i can send mms!
i zipped the file with the one that had the white outline .is there a way to make this new apk. file into a .zip file for me ?
I'd imagine you could simply replace the APK file in your zip with my modified one and install that way. Use a program like winrar or 7zip to replace the apk within the zip.
tehpsyc said:
I'd imagine you could simply replace the APK file in your zip with my modified one and install that way. Use a program like winrar or 7zip to replace the apk within the zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry but i cant find either of thoses programs u mention to replace the APK file in my zip with your modified version .is there another program or a manual way of doing this process ?
how do i install this? since it's an APK, i thought i'd just install it from Astro but it says it's already installed and asked if i wanted to uninstall.
To install this you need to either delete or rename the Mms.apk that's already on your phone in the /system/app directory (I just rename to Mms.apk.bak) and then copy the modified one into that same directory followed by a restart of the phone. Because its a system app you cant install it the same way you would a regular apk, at least from my understanding.
You will need to get write access to the system directory to accomplish this (I used an app on the market called root explorer, though you can also do all this through the ADB shell)
Hi guys, i was wondering if their is a way to have the same program twice on your phone?
Reason why i ask is because there is a program i have with a widget and that widget is configured with user name and password, now what i wanna do is have the same program installed twice so i can have the second widget on that second installed program, configured with a different user name and password.
Is this possible
Pretty sure that's a no, but I'd like to know if it is possible as it's be handy
Have you tried pulling the apk, changing the name with some apk editor (also the com.###.### stuff) and see if it installs next to the other app? I have no idea how to do this but it might work.
TheGhost1233 said:
Have you tried pulling the apk, changing the name with some apk editor (also the com.###.### stuff) and see if it installs next to the other app? I have no idea how to do this but it might work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i just tried this now, opened the apk file with winrar and i changed the com.###.### stuff in files AndroidManifest.xml and resources.arsc with a different directory and when i go open the app in my phone, it shows the apk is screwed
any other ideas
Hi everyone
is this possible zip file convert to apk?
its very important cause i try to instal any zip file but my rom is not rooted!!
please if this possible tell me
Thanks
change file from zip to apk
to change file type from zip to apk on windows 7
1- open computer in start menu
2- press alt
3- select tools and choose folder options
4- go to view and uncheck hide extentions for known file types
5- finally go to the file you want to change and change its name (ex: .apk)
It depends if you downloaded a file which was a zip file but was packed as an apk then yes changing the extension of .zip to .apk would be fine if you know what I mean.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Use zip2apk v1.0 to convert zip to apk
There is an application known as Zip2apk v1.0 that you can use to convert your zip to apk. unlike all other replies here where you have to interfere with your system settings, zip2apk v1.0 is a portable program built to convert zip to apks and does not alter system settings. link: f1compsolutions.kbo.co.ke/Zip2apk
thanks bro
ali magdy said:
to change file type from zip to apk on windows 7
1- open computer in start menu
2- press alt
3- select tools and choose folder options
4- go to view and uncheck hide extentions for known file types
5- finally go to the file you want to change and change its name (ex: .apk)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks bro, this little help really help me so much, good job
Both methods work like a charm. :highfive:
ali magdy said:
to change file type from zip to apk on windows 7
1- open computer in start menu
2- press alt
3- select tools and choose folder options
4- go to view and uncheck hide extentions for known file types
5- finally go to the file you want to change and change its name (ex: .apk)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really work Nice tip !
Thank you. I'm also searching for this info
No. Android binaries are located in a apk, you just can't turn a mod into a apk, the only way to build an apk is from Android SDK. Its not possible.
I recently made an android game, just for fun, and for some reason the site i was on changed it to a zip file instead of an apk file. I used a script to make this app. So it works, but i cant play it on my phone because it is in the zip format and whenever i rename it to .apk on my phone, it doesnt work. Any help wold be appreciated.
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Maurice5813 said:
No. Android binaries are located in a apk, you just can't turn a mod into a apk, the only way to build an apk is from Android SDK. Its not possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, how would i put my script into Android SDK?
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hi,
I'm trying to do something along these lines.
I have a keyboard skin that I want to change it's theme from blue to green. I unpacked it several months ago with EasyApk and attempted this but eventually gave up.
I've done all of the color editing to the .png files but after zipping and changing the ext to apk, it won't install. I get this message... "There was a problem parsing the package."
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
RuLEoF2 said:
Hi,
I'm trying to do something along these lines.
I have a keyboard skin that I want to change it's theme from blue to green. I unpacked it several months ago with EasyApk and attempted this but eventually gave up.
I've done all of the color editing to the .png files but after zipping and changing the ext to apk, it won't install. I get this message... "There was a problem parsing the package."
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RuLEoF2, have you found a solution. I'm getting the same problem.
dabadoo said:
RuLEoF2, have you found a solution. I'm getting the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The XDA well of good will towards those in need has apparently dried up. Either that or I'm on the do-do list for something.
I haven't gotten responses to any of my last several posts for quite a while now.
Good luck!
RuLEoF2 said:
Nope. The XDA well of good will towards those in need has apparently dried up. Either that or I'm on the do-do list for something.
I haven't gotten responses to any of my last several posts for quite a while now.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a work around. I used 7zip in windows and made all of the edits (adding files, removing files, editing contents of files) I needed in the zip file WITHOUT unzipping it (7zip and winrar allow this). Once I did that I changed the extension back to apk and the app installed.
Hope this helps some people.
dabadoo said:
I found a work around. I used 7zip in windows and made all of the edits (adding files, removing files, editing contents of files) I needed in the zip file WITHOUT unzipping it (7zip and winrar allow this). Once I did that I changed the extension back to apk and the app installed.
Hope this helps some people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not working for me. What editing program are you using for graphics?
For graphics, let's say images. I would work on whatever it is you need to add, outside of the zip, and then just add that file by replacing it with whatever it is you wanted to edit. Do you get what I'm saying?
I used 7zip on windows to do this.
REVIVE!!
Its like this for me, I got an apk of Loco Craft (Android Game) extracted it into a folder with winrar, then I modified a bunch of things in there, then I compressed it to a .rar file with WinRAR, then I renamed it from application.rar to application.apk. then when I sent it to my phone (Acer B1-730, Android 4.4.2) and opened the apk file, it said: "There was a problem parsing the package"! So what do I do? Please!!! I really want to try my new game! And pls help me I am only 9!!!
How I make a gems generator?
ali magdy said:
to change file type from zip to apk on windows 7
1- open computer in start menu
2- press alt
3- select tools and choose folder options
4- go to view and uncheck hide extentions for known file types
5- finally go to the file you want to change and change its name (ex: .apk)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to create a gems generator for an outstanding game. Can anybody help me to create a gems generator like this
Okay i'm on CM10 and I want to change the "Virgin Mobile" to my Carrier's name "Alltel" how would I go about doing this the correct way? I've searched numerous forums and have not ran across a solution that works for me.
Google about editing eri.xml I'm pretty sure that's what changes your carrier name. If you need any further help let me know.
Its inside your /system/framework/framework-res.apk in the /res/XML folder. You can use 7zip on your PC to open the apk and extract the file for modification.
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app
whoshotjr2006 said:
Google about editing eri.xml I'm pretty sure that's what changes your carrier name. If you need any further help let me know.
Its inside your /system/framework/framework-res.apk in the XML folder. You can use 7zip on your PC to open the apk and extract the file for modification.
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried a variation of that, I extracted the build.prop from the ROM I am wanting to install, 7zipped the framework apk file, extracted the eri.xml but when I open it in a HEX editor, the information is encrypted and I can't see much to edit, I tried locating the "Virgin Mobile" lines but had no luck even locating what I needed ot edit, as far as overwriting the old eri.xml placing it in the framework file, and replacing the old framework file with the altered one I can do, I am just having issues locating the information in a HEX editor, or even wordpad.
i uploaded an eri.xml that i edited to say Alltel. My phone says alltel now, use hxd (or your hex editor, i recommend hxd personally) to follow the directions on the picture attached. Highlight the words Virgin Mobile, and start typing Alltel, and you will probably have to add spaces behind it (or in 3 spaces in front of it and 3 (? or 4) spaces behind it to center it better than i did) so it doesnt change the size of the file. Save it, put it back into your framework-res.apk, and push it back to /system/framework
The eri.zip i attached is an already done copy, the instructions are just for your future reference.
Enjoy!
(make sure you have a good backup of your framework-res.apk to fall back on before you push the new one to its spot)
Awesome, took your advice, but so I can learn by doing, i just manually took apart the ROM and edited the files needed and just put them bacl, reflashed ROM, and boom, it says what I wanted, thank's alot man, greatly appreciated.