Develop Bugs

[GUIDE] Modding (theming) Market app and others

Since there was quite pm's for on how to theme market or any other app. So decided to put one guide how to do it.
Basiclly this is for market app but can be also used for other apps.
If you like my work you can buy me a drink; cheers
For start you need:
- Apktool 1.3.1 version (don't use 1.3.2 version) or
http://code.google.com/p/android-ap...ol-install-windows-2.2_r01-3.tar.bz2&can=1&q=
http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/downloads/detail?name=apktool-1.3.1.tar.bz2&can=1&q=
- Apk manager (I use apktool and prefere)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
- Gimp or Photoshop
- Something for 9.png's (I use gimp for that and will explain later how and what)
- orginal file (watch that file isn't themed orr modded already)
- 7zip
- Notepad (for editing xml files; some use other text programs like Notepad++ but I use palin windows Notepad)
Now when you have everything you need we can start. If you have orginal file is also to have modded one so you can compare what was changed. Market had changes from 2.2x version till now so you can't just copy and paste files from one to another file or drag them from another apk to another. Basiclly few folders can be copyed into app which your modding. Rest you can see what is same and what isn't by comparing how many xml files are in each folder. (you might say it takes long time but that's the best way and only one way for start to do it; when you get hangoff it you want do it and when you see which are basic things and commen to all Market apps.)
Now let's start with de-compiling your file/files:
If you use apktool use version 1.3.1 since newer ones 1.3.2 has some bug in de-compiling and compiling.
Copy somewhere your downloaded apktool (some folder) and also copy in there apps your modding.
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Open CMD (Command prompt) in Windows and go to folder where your apktool is (I think I don't have to write command how to get there.... ; but here is little trick if you don't know for windows 7 which will open cmd in folder you are >> Open apktools in your Windows Explorer next hold Shift on keyboard and while holding it click your right mouse button and when menu opens just select Open command window here; and now your in cmd where your apktool is).
So now we need to de-compile file to see what we have in there since when you open apk file in 7zip not all folder are shown!
Run command to de-compile apk
apktool d -d Vending.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Vending.apk is name of market app or it can be com.android.vending-1.apk)
Now you wait till de-compiling is finished. When finished in your apktool folder you'll see folder called Vending (that is de-compiled apk file).
In Vending folder you have this:
- res folder
- smali folder
- AndroidManifest.xml
- apktool.yml
From list we are more interested in res folder since it has what we needed rest of files/folders we don't touch.
Ok now we open res folder and we have quite number of folder in there and each folder has quite number of png files or xml files.
In res folder these folders are interesting for us:
- color (xml files)
- drawable (xml files; few png's)
- drawable-da-hdpi-v4 (png file)
- drawable-da-mdpi-v4 (png file; it for mdpi devices; some edited some not it's on you will you edit it or not)
- drawable-hdpi-v4 (png files)
- drawable-mdpi-v4 (png fiels; I didn't see anybody editing it)
- layout (xml files)
- values (xml files)
So those are folder we are editing and modding and rest we don't touch!
Now were going to start with xml folders.. Lets start with color folder. When you edit xml file with notepad for example just click on Save option in notepad menu and not Save As and file will be saved and later will won't be any problems when compiling back app. In there you have 4 xml files which you can edit colors in them for some texts. I only edit xml called header_text.xml.
In header_txt.xml file you see this line
Code:
<item android:color="@android:color/black" />
part you can change is where it says color/black and can be changed to color/white and nothing else!!! (This part is like file name says for header text in which color to show). So for color folder that's it. (If you want you can play with other xml's in there if you see something like android:color="#ffbb0000" this your color in hex code and it has to be written in hex code for example to be "gingerbread green" it should be this "#ff96d21e")
When done with color folder were moving to drawable folder and in there we only need 1 xml file called bottom_light_gradient.xml. In there you need to edit this line
Code:
<gradient android:startColor="#ff96d21e" android:endColor="#ffffffff" android:angle="90.0" android:type="linear" />
from #ff96f21e" you only change 96d21e to color you want and first 2 ff need to be there! Second color is "#ffffffff" for white background and if your market has blackbackground or transparent cahnge that color from "#ffffffff" to "#00000000".
As far as I know (didn't search and look rest of xml files in drawable folder) nothing else can be changed in other xml files in drawable folder since rest xml files contain pictures names which to use for what.
Moving on to next folder which has xml files which we need to edit; folder called layout.
In layout there is quite number of xml files you can edit colors in hex format but basiclly you need only few files to edit so you don't have trouble like white text on white background.
So for here I edit only 3 files (2 files are for widget and one is for writting review for some app.)
Files your editing are:
- widget_app.xml
- widget_no_content.xml
- write_review.xml
In first 2 files you can replace line where it says /white or /black. (I wrote before what you can write there). Also if you want you can change some of xml files in this folder but in my opinion there isn't any need for that.
Last file write_review.xml is one I had problems with it when using Neon or Black version while writting review (comment) for some app. Thanks to MikeyMike01 it's resolved. If your using normal background as main to be white (like in stock version) then you don't need to touch any of files from layout folder; or you can play with them (your decision).
Here is orginal line from write_review.xml file
Code:
<EditText android:textColor="?android:textColorPrimary" android:gravity="top" android:id="@id/comment_box" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:layout_height="fill_parent" android:maxLines="4" android:minLines="4" android:maxLength="150" android:freezesText="true" android:inputType="textLongMessage|textCapSentences|textMultiLine" />
Here is part you have to edit when using other color for main theme background in app
Code:
<EditText android:textColor="#ff000000" android:gravity="top" android:id="@id/comment_box" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:layout_height="fill_parent" android:maxLines="4" android:minLines="4" android:maxLength="150" android:freezesText="true" android:inputType="textLongMessage|textCapSentences|textMultiLine" />
When finished with layout folder we are moving to last xml folder we need to edit called values (for every app it's almost same and all of them have it) and in there we only are interested in 2 files called:
- colors.xml
- styles.xml
In colors.xml you can change anything you want but as long as it's in hex color code and needs to start with #ff and ends with you 6-digit hex color code like this for steel blue #ff00aeff. Not sure if I need to explain which color is which since it has quite lines in there but you can play with them to see which line is what. My advice is to set different colors to see what is changed when you run your themed app and then you'll see result of your various colors and fix them one by one in file on your computer.
Final xml file which we need to edit is styles.xml and there are only 3 lines you change. First 2 lines are colors (1st is text name of color and like written before can only be black or white and 2nd line is hex color code). Last line in file your changing is look of your app aka "theme" to be with transparent background, black or white.
This is line your looking for and this one is for white background
Code:
<style name="TallTitleBarTheme" parent="@android:style/Theme.Light.NoTitleBar">
for black or neon version line looks like this
Code:
<style name="TallTitleBarTheme" parent="@android:style/Theme.Black.NoTitleBar">
for transparent versions line looks like this
Code:
<style name="TallTitleBarTheme" parent="@android:style/Theme.Translucent.NoTitleBar">
Another on for transparent if you don't like pages to be one over other is not use Translucent; use this line
Code:
<style name="TallTitleBarTheme" parent="@android:style/Theme.Wallpaper.NoTitleBar">
WARNING: Don't copy xml files from older version of apps to newer one since there can be some changes in them; only file you can copy without any problem at all is file color.xml in values folder and file bottom_light_gradient.xml in drawable folder.
Well that's it for xml files and were moving on pictures in png format. All png's can be edited with gimp or photoshop like written before without any problem. Problematic files are called 9.png which aren't that easy to edit.
Problem with 9.png files is that they have black "dots" or lines around sides which indicate to android how will image be streched and sized to fit and look right.
Here is guide you look and read closely how and what to do on 9.png files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=5206698
Myself I edit them with gimp using colorize function and after that I look closely how do black dots and lines look and is there any change in there color. If there is any change in color when compresing file you'll get error. So before going into editing 9png files read guide from link and if you want try my method which isn't in some way most efficent since you have to zoom and look closely every pixel in image to see if looks like orginal one!
Png files are listed in folder I wrote before on start of guide. Most of us who mod markets don't mod mdpi folders since most users use hdpi devices. But if you want you can edit.
Also one notice in market folder drawable-hdpi-v4 don't touch these 2 files since when edited on compiling you always get an error. Not sure why; tried every method to edit them but didn't work?!
Files are:
- title_bar_light_shadow.9.png
- title_bar_shadow.9.png
Also don't edit png called transparent.png.
After your done with editing and changing png files your ready to compile you new app (market).
Like written before you need again CMD (Command prompt) and run these command to compile file:
apktool b -d Vending
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you notice now there isn't .apk extension in compiling command and it because your compiling folder where you edited files. Now you have to wait for apktool to finish compiling files and it takes few minutes for that if no errors.
Little about errors little "bug" in apktool is that it doesn't create any log file so you can see which error your getting and you can't scroll windows much since it has quite lines written on screen and neither one is problematic xml or png file. So to see which error are you getting run command again to compile and when it starts to write errors hit Pause/Break key on your keyboard and YOU HAVE TO BE FAST!!!!! If you were fast enough just scroll with mouse and look for line after command where it says ERROR and there will be name of you "wrong" file and problematic part in it.
If your file is compiled and new apk is created it is in folder Vending in subfolder called dist. Now you can notice that there are 2 new subfolders created build folder and dist folder.
In build folder is your new app but not in apk format and if looking in it you can see only few folders in res folder and not all folders are listed like in res fodler where it's de-compiled. Now second folder called dist folder is folder where is created your apk file ready to be installed.
You thought it's done. Right? Well almost just a little thing and it's finished and this is where you need 7zip program. Most of apps need to be signed in order to android system can recognize them and if not signed apk file won't run if pushed with root explorer or installed if running it from zip file in CWM.
You need to open your orginal file called Vending.apk in 7zip and also open second 7zip and in it open new created Vending.apk located in Vending subfolder dist which we wrote few rows before.
When 2 apk files are opend each in it's own 7zip you can notice that your orginal file has META-INF folder and new one doesn't have it. Right?
Now in orginal apk file in 7zip select folder META-INF and file AndroidManifest.xml and drag it to 2nd 7zip with your new created apk file. In new 7zip you'll be asked if you want to copy or replace files and you just click on Yes button. (Thanks to pendo who told me about this)
Also your new apk file is smaller in size compered to orginal one and don't bother with that since it's normal. You'll see with each color edited in xml files apk will be different size.
Now your done and your file is ready to use and also signed. There are few methods about signing apk files but this for me presonally is easiest and quickest one. I know that apk manger can sign zips since I don't use it don't really know how it works and also apk manger uses most parts of apktools
but it has interface for users and creates log file for errors.
Before releasing apk file in public try it on your phone and see who it looks like; minor bugs you didn't notice you can fix later.
Your decision is do you want to use apktool or apk manager.
Hope this will help. In basic this is it and for most of apps can help but once you start it modding you'll learn few tricks. Most of us here will help if any problem like few users here helped me to get started with some basics
Guide about theming in general
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
If I find any other interesting guide I'll post it and if any problem or suggestions please feel free to post or pm me.
One thing in the end. DO NOT POST OR LINK GUIDE OUTSIDE FORUM PRIOR CONTACTING ME!!!
Regards,
ante

reserved?!

00.ante said:
reserved?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great Guide... Just needed the starting point !!!!

Thanks! Just what I requested!

Hi 00.ante, i love your work for the market and i hope that your skills will be used for your new team ^^ What a great tutorial and no one click the "thanks button", amazing !!!
By the way keep your mind and have a good day
Best regards.
Edit: Voted !

First of all, great guide here! I'm sure it will help a lot of people out!
On a side note, when I edit .9.png files I just "cut" out everything within the black lines and paste onto a new layer (use "paste in place" so the image doesn't move on you), make my color changes, then "merge down" the layers until it's layer 0 again, save .png as original - done. That way you don't even have to look at the black lines, you know they are correct because you didn't edit them. Just thought I'd throw this piece of information out there to hopefully save some people some time.

Great guide and an exellent resource for future themers. I will include a link to this in my sticky thread in captivate land.
Thank you

xtremekilla09 said:
Great guide and an exellent resource for future themers. I will include a link to this in my sticky thread in captivate land.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Sent from Steel Blue themed i9000 using blue XDA app

What a great idea... gonna have to try this out.
bdemartino said:
First of all, great guide here! I'm sure it will help a lot of people out!
On a side note, when I edit .9.png files I just "cut" out everything within the black lines and paste onto a new layer (use "paste in place" so the image doesn't move on you), make my color changes, then "merge down" the layers until it's layer 0 again, save .png as original - done. That way you don't even have to look at the black lines, you know they are correct because you didn't edit them. Just thought I'd throw this piece of information out there to hopefully save some people some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

How do you change icon for app like you do with the market icons?

davey11 said:
How do you change icon for app like you do with the market icons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like in amrlet I use gimp or photoshop on png's.... if you mean totally cahnge icon it can be done but it needs to be same dimensions.

00.ante said:
Like in amrlet I use gimp or photoshop on png's.... if you mean totally cahnge icon it can be done but it needs to be same dimensions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I meant how to "push" it into the app, so it shows in app drawer and other places like TB.

davey11 said:
Sorry, I meant how to "push" it into the app, so it shows in app drawer and other places like TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For apps if you just want to change icon then open apk file in 7zip manager and from it drag folder drawable-hdpi in res folder to lets say your desktop and find ping waht are you looking for and edit it with gimp or photoshop. But only edit this way png extensions not 9.png.
Then when your done just drag folder back to apk opened in 7zip or just png file you edited.

Thanks 00.ante. With this guide and a few hours of experimenting, I made my first themed market.

Looks great

Is there a way to change to background image on the top of the market. I know how to change the color but changing the actual image would be great...
Anyone...
thanks in advance.

theme a market app
Is it possible to theme an app you got on the market and have it still show up. I am just learning how to theme apps, don' t know much at all. The specific app I am working with is titanium backup. I changed the color of the icon, got it to work, but now the app no longer shows up in the store and I can't activate the pro version either. I'm sure you can theme an app and still have it show up in the market, I have used custom roms that have themed apps that showed up in the market. The theming disappeared after updating, which is expected. Is it possible to do this after each update, not sure about the pro version though.

Were can I find the apk in my rom are they in the data/app folder ????
Thanks
Sent from my SGH-T989

[HOW-TO] Random Mods for the "do-it-yourself-er"

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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Here is a compilation of many mods which I have been using for myself which I thought the community might be interested in. Please bare in mind that I am not the original creator of many of these and credits follow below. I am merely collecting them all together so they are handy for those who want them.
Of course I am open to new/not included ones, so please post and alert me to them and I will update as regularly as possible. Enjoy!
THANKS TO:
-Jjdoctor (XDA)
-CrushedD (RootzWiki)
-Snow02 (RootzWiki)
-PvyParts (XDA)
-ArrTooDeeToo (RootzWiki)
-He_stheone64 (XDA)
-Fergie716 (XDA)
-Altimax98 (RootzWiki)
Volume-rocker screen-wake
-decompile android.policy.jar and open KeyguardViewMediator.smali
-search for "WakeKeyWhenKeyguard"
-scroll down a bit and delete the two lines that start with "0x18" and "0x19"
-save and recompile
Faster soft-key UI
-decompile SystemUI.apk and navigate to smali>statusbar>policy and open KeyButtonView.smali
-search for "setDuration(J)" and there should be two instances
-in first instance find the line above it, starting with "const-wide/16 v1", change to "0x28" for medium fast or "0x0" for instant
-in second instance find the same line and change to "0x80" for medium or "0x0" for instant
-save and recompile
Get framework-res.apk to recompile
*this is hella time consuming, but gotta do what you gotta do*
-decompile framework-res.apk and then recompile without making any changes
-take note of every values folder which a plurals file gives an error from
-now navigate to each of those specific values folders and open the plurals.xml
-find line 79 (using Notes++) and add a 2nd "%" to the second "%d" so it looks like this: <item quantity="other">%d of %%d</item>
-save each one and recompile when all completed
Change carrier label (both notification pulldown and lockscreen)
-decompile framework-res.apk and navigate to res>XML>eri.xml
-search for line starting with "64 Verizon Wireless"
-change the "Verizon Wireless" to anything you want, max 16 characters
-it must be 16 characters, so fill in missing characters with spaces on either side
--Example: " Galaxy Nexus " needs 2 spaces on either side to be correct
-save and recompile
Adding MIUI battery bar and remove stock battery
-decompile SystemUI.apk and navigate to res>layout>status_bar.xml
-add this line to the bottom:
Code:
<com.android.systemui.statusbar.BatteryBar android:orientation="horizontal" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="1.0px" />
-should look like this:
Code:
</LinearLayout>
<com.android.systemui.statusbar.BatteryBar android:orientation="horizontal" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="1.0px" />
</com.android.systemui.statusbar.phone.PhoneStatusBarView>
-now, in the same file, find the line starting with "<ImageView android:id="@id/battery"" and add "android:visibility="gone"" to the end of it
-now navigate to smali>com>android>systemui>statusbar and drop the 3 smali files in there from the attached zip from folder named "MIUI Battery Bar"
-save everything and recompile
-download the BatterBarSettings.zip, extract the apk, and install as you would any other apk to enable and customize the battery bar
Replace "recents" with "search" and add long-press recents to home button and long-press voice search to search button
-decompile SystemUI.apk and navigate to res>layout>navigation_bar.xml
-search for "android:id="@id/recent_apps"" should be 2 instances
-for first instance, replace entire line with:
Code:
<com.android.systemui.statusbar.policy.KeyButtonView android:id="@id/recent_apps" android:layout_width="80.0dip" android:layout_height="fill_parent" android:src="@drawable/ic_sysbar_search" android:layout_weight="0.0" android:contentDescription="@string/accessibility_recent" systemui:keyCode="84" systemui:glowBackground="@drawable/ic_sysbar_highlight" />
-for second instance, replace entire line with:
Code:
<com.android.systemui.statusbar.policy.KeyButtonView android:id="@id/recent_apps" android:layout_width="fill_parent" android:layout_height="80.0dip" android:src="@drawable/ic_sysbar_search_land" android:layout_weight="0.0" android:contentDescription="@string/accessibility_recent" systemui:keyCode="84" systemui:glowBackground="@drawable/ic_sysbar_highlight_land" />
-now search for "android:id="@id/home"" should be two instances, in both find and delete "systemui:keyRepeat="false""
-now navigate to res>values>public.xml
-search for "ic_sysbar_recent" change to "ic_sysbar_search" and right below it change "ic_sysbar_recent_land" to "ic_sysbar_search_land"
-finally find some icons you want and replace them in res>drawable-xhdpi and you can delete the recents ones too
-save everything and recompile
Center lockscreen slider and clock
-decompile framework-res.apk and navigate to res>layout
-drop in the two files from the attached zip from folder named "Center Lockscreen" overwriting old ones
-recompile
1% battery increments
-decompile SystemUI.apk and navigate to res>drawables
-drop in the two files from the attached zip from folder named "Percent Battery" overwriting old ones
-now find whatever battery images you want and place them in res>drawable-xhdpi
-recompile
Change color of statusbar clock and date
-decompile SystemUI.apk and navigate to res>values>styles.xml
-for clock, search for "
TextAppearance.StatusBar.Clock" and date search for "
TextAppearance.StatusBar.Date"
-under each, find the line starting with "
android:textColor" and change the hex value to whatever you want
--example, "fffffff" would be white
-save and recompile
Change color of soft-key background
-decompile SystemUI.apk and navigate to res>layout>navigation_bar.xml
-find the line that starts with "<com.android.systemui.statusbar.phone.NavigationBarView" (should be second one)
-fine "android:background="#ff000000" and change the hex color to whatever you want
--example, "ffffffff" would be white
-save and recompile
Launcher2 modifications
-I'm not actually going to type all of this out because a fantastic guide has already been put together to hide the search bar, increase number of rows, and increase/decrease number of screens. It can be found HERE.

Thank you thats very helpful^^

Nice one. Thanks
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

What programs does this require? Which are the best? (running on Mac, but I have bootcamp, so I would prefer a program that's compatible with Macs).

wonderfull howto's!!!!!+1

Huge thanks for all of this!

anton2009 said:
What programs does this require? Which are the best? (running on Mac, but I have bootcamp, so I would prefer a program that's compatible with Macs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Apktool and Notepad++, so this guide was written assuming that. I find it to be the easiest to use, but there are plenty out there to choose from.

Just added how to color of the soft-keys background. Obviously remember that this does not change the color of the soft-keys themselves, so you will have to replace them to contrast whatever color you choose.

Thank you for this wonderful info. Do you know how to enable the menu button even when it is hidden? I know that the systemui.apk has to be decompiled and navigation_bar.XML has to be edited. But exactly what needs to be edited is what I do not know. Thanks.

Thanks for everything in this thread, very helpful.....my only question is, if I decompile SystemUI and then immediately try to recompile, I end up with a different file size.
Im guessing this is not normal.....what am I missing in my environment setup to be able to decompile/recompile successfully?

Is it not possible to use the softkey background colour mod to make it transparent (ie. see the wallpaper behind softkeys) I tried editing the alpha to 00 but it doesnt seem to have worked or is another mod required to stretch the wallpaper into this area?

i'd love a how-to on modifying the lockscreen to include SMS and Phone shortcuts

Immix said:
Thank you for this wonderful info. Do you know how to enable the menu button even when it is hidden? I know that the systemui.apk has to be decompiled and navigation_bar.XML has to be edited. But exactly what needs to be edited is what I do not know. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how to do that at this time, but it is on my list because I too would like to know this. So as soon as I find out, I will update with it.
chrisexv6 said:
Thanks for everything in this thread, very helpful.....my only question is, if I decompile SystemUI and then immediately try to recompile, I end up with a different file size.
Im guessing this is not normal.....what am I missing in my environment setup to be able to decompile/recompile successfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, no I don't think so. I don't usually compare the file size (just assume everything is good lol) so I can't say for sure. Are you using apktool? The only thing I can think of is: if you are using apktool, you have to replace the META-INF folder (and android manifest too) in the new apk with the one from the old apk. So if you didn't know that, this could be your problem.
be77amy said:
Is it not possible to use the softkey background colour mod to make it transparent (ie. see the wallpaper behind softkeys) I tried editing the alpha to 00 but it doesnt seem to have worked or is another mod required to stretch the wallpaper into this area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I never actually thought or tried that, it's a good idea though. So what happens when you set it to 0?
mrvirginia said:
i'd love a how-to on modifying the lockscreen to include SMS and Phone shortcuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha join the club, I would also love to know that. Believe me if I ever find out, you guys will be the first to know.

Thanks for writing this up, I am trying to learn more about the process and how to do more mods, but I am stuck when trying to decompile .apks. I have managed to decompile android.policy.jar and framework.jar to do some simple volume wake and granularity mods, but I was trying to figure out how to remove the paging from rosie.apk and ran into a roadblock. I keep getting magic number errors everytime I try to do the decompile. I was getting the same problem when I started with the .jar files, but I was able to get past it by getting the latest smali/baksmali updates. I have been trying to use apktool and also apkbuilder but can't get past the magic number errors. Can anyone offer a suggestion to get past this please?

Thanks, for the tutorial! But editing eri.xml does not effect the carrier name. I am running CM9 on the Maguro (GSM Galaxy Nexus). Is the carrier info stored elsewhere?
And, could the app drawer icon be added to the navbar?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

out of topic,can i decompile jar file using apktool?

Bump. I'm running miui v4 on toro (vzw cdma) and can't get the carrier to change either. Tried root tools also and was a no go. Anyone have any ideas where else the carrier could be stored?
aiinjylls said:
Thanks, for the tutorial! But editing eri.xml does not effect the carrier name. I am running CM9 on the Maguro (GSM Galaxy Nexus). Is the carrier info stored elsewhere?
And, could the app drawer icon be added to the navbar?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Miui since 0.9.x

Nice.!
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA

00McD00 said:
Volume-rocker screen-wake
-decompile android.policy.jar and open KeyguardViewMediator.smali
-search for "WakeKeyWhenKeyguard"
-scroll down a bit and delete the two lines that start with "0x18" and "0x19"
-save and recompile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That method not working in 4.2
"KeyguardViewMediator.smali" in /com/android/internal/policy/impl/keyguard_obsolete/
modified that not changed

[GUIDE] Enable Softkeys in Statusbar on Cyanogenmod 7 [18.06.12]

[GUIDE] Enable Softkeys on statusbar on Cyanogenmo 7​
Hello Ace - Community!
Since i saw a lot of ROMs with Softkeys in the statusbar enabled and all old guides wich you can find on xda are nearly all closed or deleted , i will show you guys how to enable them . But first a thanks to CoolCatGetHome who actually tells what if have to edit .
For Apocalypse Users notice : Itasoulas and I are already working on it! So please no spams about Apocalypse here!
Preparation:​
- An open mind
- A rooted phone
- You must be on Cyanogenmod 7
- Time
- APK Manager : Download this one , it's mine i'm using now and it's working without problems
Download for APK manager : http://www.mediafire.com/?eh6ihj58lafkltx
And notice to follow all steps to have no problems when you do anything!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instruction:​
- Step 1 - First Preparations :
Use a File manager wich supports root-browsing ( for example Rootexplorer ) and go to system/framework. There you will find framework-res.apk
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Now copy the apk to your sd-card .
Connect your device to the pc .
And copy the apk to your pc homescreen .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Step 2 - Using APK Manager :
Download APK Manager .
Look at the link above or click here => http://www.mediafire.com/?eh6ihj58lafkltx
You should get this after you download the .rar file :
Open the .rar file with WinRar,WinZip or 7zip ( you can google these 2 programms if you don't have them)
Now extract the folder "apk manager" which is inside the .rar file
Inside the folder you will find some other folders.
Place your framework-res.apk into this folder here :
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Step 3 - Decompile and edit the .apk:
Now start the Script.bat
And it will show you this :
Just press a key and skip it
Now you have to select your apk in order to do that , type 22 and press enter
and then type 1 and press enter
We have now select our project
Now type in 9 and press enter
Your apk will decompile now wait until it's finished.
You know when it's finished if you get the chance to type in a new action.
So now the editing:
After you decompile your .apk , go to your apk manager folder and go to projects.
In the projects folder you will find another folder called "framework-res"
Now go to res/values.
In the values folder we have to edit the bools.xml
Now open bools.xml with the good text editor like Notepad ++
After you opened the .xml you have to scroll down and make sure to have this to options set to "true"
So that's it you've enabled the softkeys!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Step 4 - Compile and sign the .apk and make a flashable .zip:
So now make sure you've saved you changes in bools.xml
Now we're going back to the Script.bat ( if you've closed it just open it again and type 22 and select framework-res.apk ,should be 1)
So now we are going to compile the .apk
Type in 11 and press enter
now you will get a message after a time called : Is this a system apk ?
Type in " y " ( of course only y without the signs) and press enter
Another question will show up and again type in " y " and press enter
And now important don't close the Script.bat window and don't press a key
Now we are going into the apk manager folder again and there should be a keep folder
go into the keep folder and delete " resources.arsc "
Now go back to the Script.bat window and press a key
After that we should be again at the beginning where we can type in our commands
Now type in 12 to sign our apk
After the signing is completed close the " Script.bat " window and go to your apk manager folder and into " place-apk-here-for-modding "
There you will find " signedframework-res.apk " rename it to framework-res.apk
So now we are going to make a flashable .zip for your rom:
If already made a zip for you guys , download it here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?2t234w44dr2ck62
Now place your framework-res.apk into the zip under system/framework
And make sure to mount data and system before you flash it!
And also in the first screenshots you see i have the ICS - Softbuttons
In the default system theme there are some ugly system images for the buttons
So if you want to have ICS - Softbuttons images you have to edit your theme
or go to my thread and download some of my themes :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1710742
Edit the Button order :
CoolCatGetHome said:
For changing locations of the home back menu etc keys go to status_bar.xml
Of systemui.apk and move the home_key or other one lines to other location of it
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Credits :
- CoolCatGetHome
- Google - for Android
- Samsung - for Samsung Galaxy Ace
- NutellaBanane - for this guide and for providing the needed tools

Buttons - Settings :
If you want to edit your statusbar to bottom ( wich is already there without enabling the buttons )
Go to Tablet settings
There you will find new options for your Softbuttons
Enjoy and have fun !

Fixes :​
Your statusbar is not fully visible? ( Icons are shown dark and softbuttons also )
Try this :
- First go to tablet settings ans disable all softbuttons
- Now use your torch app ( CM7 one ) , a notification should pop up and your dark icons should be normal ( Notice you do not have to use your torch app , it just needs a new notification in the statusbar to fix the dark icons )
- Now you can enable the softbuttons again
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your statusbar is completly black?
Try this :
- Set theme to system theme
- Reboot
- Reflash your modded framework-res.apk
- Reboot
- Change from system theme to another theme
- Done!
Try this (second solution for non transparent statusbar and transparent statusbar recommend!):
- Disable all softkeys under cyanogenmod settings -> tablet settings
- Use torch app ( activate torch app to fix the statusbar and deactivate then)
- Enable softbuttons again

Download Patches made for ROMS :
Flash this zips in recovery and don't forget to MOUNT SYSTEM !
Also after you applied the patches and you get some bugs look at my bug fixes above!
- Democracy-ROM
- Cyanogenmod 7.2.0 by TeamAdreno

Is this general tutorial to compile and decompile apk (not just framework-res.apk)?

pandu15 said:
Is this general tutorial to compile and decompile apk (not just framework-res.apk)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLQynXg8noM
you're welcome.

pandu15 said:
Is this general tutorial to compile and decompile apk (not just framework-res.apk)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes normally it's general but it did this guide with those screenshots and every single step to make this guide " noob-proof "
But of course the part where i edit the xml is not part of the normal way to decompile and compile a apk

Shadow xD said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLQynXg8noM
you're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion for newbies apk manager is a way easier

For changing locations of the home back menu etc keys go to status_bar.xml
Of systemui.apk and move the home_key or other one lines to other location of it
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

Can you please do it for the CM7.2 RC3 Based DEMOCRACY ROM which just came out?
please reply.
thanks.

Shadow xD said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLQynXg8noM
you're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dude
NutellaBanane said:
yes normally it's general but it did this guide with those screenshots and every single step to make this guide " noob-proof "
But of course the part where i edit the xml is not part of the normal way to decompile and compile a apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok I'll try it later

CoolCatGetHome said:
For changing locations of the home back menu etc keys go to status_bar.xml
Of systemui.apk and move the home_key or other one lines to other location of it
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added to OP

Ace King 34 said:
Can you please do it for the CM7.2 RC3 Based DEMOCRACY ROM which just came out?
please reply.
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do it please upload the framework-res.apk from the rom
EDIT : you have to pull the framework-res.apk frome your system/framework folder.
If you just extract it from the rom it won't work
EDIT 2 : you also have to request a ics layouts with RIGHT clock from the democracy dev , if not the softkeys will overlap the center clock

Tnx
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

can iget help i have no pc now my pc get cracked VGA card and not work can any one makes me soft key this my file http://db.tt/eMLnGgRR

It's easy tutorial for noob like me..
thanks dude now I can decompile and compile apk to get enter key for my mms.apk..

so good

NutellaBanane said:
Will do it please upload the framework-res.apk from the rom
EDIT : you have to pull the framework-res.apk frome your system/framework folder.
If you just extract it from the rom it won't work
EDIT 2 : you also have to request a ics layouts with RIGHT clock from the democracy dev , if not the softkeys will overlap the center clock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the one who wanted softbuttons on democracy , no answer from you? as you see i wrote something back then...

NutellaBanane said:
To the one who wanted softbuttons on democracy , no answer from you? as you see i wrote something back then...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hihi. this is the link to framework-res.apk for democracy rom.
http://db.tt/1e1ZhQRV
Sent from here2there

Will no one can help me to make my softkey i have no pc now and i am need 10 days to repear it plz any one make it for me this file what u need
http://db.tt/eMLnGgRR
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

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

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

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

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

BUMP

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

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

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

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

BUMP

BUMP

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

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

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

[GUIDE][WIP]Ultimate Miscellaneous Guide(Decompiling, 9 png, Photoshop)

Ultimate Editing and Theming Guide​
Preliminary Requirements:-
PC with Windows(Please avoid Windows Vista)
Java JRE or JDK
APK Multitool
framework-res.apk, SystemUI.apk, twframework-res.apk for installing
7-zip
Notepad++
Android Device for testing
Photoshop or equivalent image editing software
android-sdk(for 9 png editing)
Lots and lots of patience and mind
What this guide includes:-
1. Easiest Decompiling and Recompiling Guide *Must Read before continuing*
2. Explanation of 9 pngs and how to edit or make them
3. How to Batch edit pngs (Not 9 pngs) (Changing color, etc)
4. How to change path thickness of Pattern Lockscreen to ICS style
First Step:
Decompiling: [MUST READ]
We are assuming that you have installed JAVA, Android SDK and apk-multitool without any problems
1. Copy your mobile's framework-res.apk, SystemUI.apk and twframework-res.apk in others folder in directory where you have extracted apk-multiool
2. Open Setup.bat. Choose 2 :- Installing Framework-res
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Setup.bat​
Choose 1 (framework-res.apk)
Choose 2 (twframework-res.apk)
Choose 4 (SystemUI.apk)
Window will close each time you choose an option
You will have to restart Setup.bat each time
3. Now place the apk you want to edit in place-apk-here-for-modding
4. Now open script.bat. (If you see any error, either you haven't installed JAVA and SDK[adb] or they aren't implented, Please install them properly before continuing). Click any key to continue
APK-Multitool Window​
5. You will see the above window. Now, make sure you have installed all frameworks and Compression level is set to 9.
6. Now, we will choose our project. Click 24. A list of files present in place-apk-here-for-modding will be in front of you. Choose any file
7. Click on 9. Now decompiling will be in process.
8. After it is complete, go to projects folder, you will see a folder with the name of apk you decompiled
Decompiled apk example​
If it is decompiled properly, then there will be apktool.yml file in it
9. Do your modifications. Now, you can edit .9.png files (they will be discussed later) and xml files which were uneditable first
You will notice that there will be many new folders which weren't present in compiled form of apk. These all folders are generated from a file called resources.arsc present in compiled form which is absent in decompiled form
Such an example is of values folder which contains crucial xml files like styles.xml, strings.xml, ids.xml, etc
Always open xml files with Notepad++, it will mark commands and syntax making it look aligned and making it easy to understand
Example of decompiled xml file ​
Also, you can edit 9 patch files also which will be changed from now on
Example:-
We will discuss 9 png in detail later on
10. After you have done your modifications and you are ready to recompile the app, choose 11 (Compile System APK) if you are editing System App or 12(Compile Non-System App) if you are editing other than System App
11. a) If System App:-
After some time it will ask that if you want to copy additional files other than signatures to ensure less amount of errors, then choose y
After extracting some files, it will ask you to delete files from keep folder
Simply go to keep folder,
If you edited any pngs and there are many and you are lazy enough to delete one by one, then delete the whole folder in which you edited pngs
If you edited any xml file, then delete that xml file AND ALSO DELETE RESOURCES.ARSC
Why? Because we told that values and several other folders are generated from resources.arsc while decompiling
Now, if we don't delete resources.arsc, the modification we did in values folder will be reverted to original state
After doing this, go to script.bat again and press any key to continue
11. b)If its not system app:
Just recompile it and sign it man through the menu in apk multitool man.
It is easy as hell. Tutorial of non-system app has been ended here
12. Now, you will get another apk name System_ apkname.apk
Open both apks as archives by 7-zip
13. Last and most important step:-
Just drop the files you edited from new apk to old apk in correct folders. By now, you may have understood that resouces.arsc INCLUDES your edited xmls
14. Now, the final apk is not System_apkname.apk but apkname.apk (the original file you started with). Push it and enjoy
9 PNG Discussion
These are special types of pngs that can be stretched to fit the need of program or different scenarios or cases. It contains 1 pixel lines on each border of different lengths for different things
As told above, we can't edit 9 png in compiled form as it will lose these lines which define its properties. So, we first need to decompile apk in order to edit 9 pngs
So, after decompiling apk, open 9 png in Photoshop and select the part inside that 1 px border and edit anything you want (Hue, Saturation, Bevel, Emboss, ANYTHING)
Now save it (save it as a normal png and then rename it as .9.png because photoshop doesn't recognise 9 png extension and image will loose its RGB format)
Explanation of 9 png:-
You can read this for more information
If you have doubt that you have gone wrong somewhere or you have made a new png from scratch and want to test if it is correct or not:
(Check all 9 png files you edit as they can cause Force Closes or bootloops)
Go to folder where you extracted android-sdk and go to tools folder and open draw9patch.bat
A window like this will open up:-
Drop you 9 png here
A new window will open with you 9 png on it
Tick on show bad patches
If you see red rectangles, you have a bad 9 patch image. You will need to delete or add those lines in png to remove all red boxes. If you want to delete, press Shift and start moving cursor over lines you want to delete. You can choose method of hit and trial to remove all rectangles and move the lower scale to see how your image size is adjusted
Or you can do what I do:
1. Remove all lines
2. Add single dot on top centre and left centre border of image (That can be taken as stretchable area)
3. Add lines on right and bottom of image where you want to fill content. Now, click on Show Content
The purple area you see in image is the content area (Text will be filled there. Eg:- Popup Menu)
4. Now, you can adjust these lines acoording to your need that what you want for stretchable area and content area until an unless there comes an red triangle
5. When it is done. Save the file. DONE
Easy, isn't it?
That's what theming is
Batch Editing pngs in Photoshop
Well the scenario is you have 200 pngs and you want to change their color, hue, add effect to them, etc. Definitely not worth the time you will spent doing this one by one. So, here, I will cover how to batch apply same edits on to your infinite pngs. Here, I am taking example of changing color of battery png from green to purple, you can apply any attribute to your image in the same way. I repeat it is not for .9.png files. Read above guide for reference
Let's start
1. First copy all your pngs you need to edit in a separate folder. I have made a folder named Battery Base and pasted my all pngs of battery there.
Now create another folder where your edited pngs will be saved. For eg:- Battery Done. (Don't create it inside Battery Base folder)
2. Open Adobe Photoshop and Choose Window>Actions or Alt+F9
3. Click on the note like file (Create new Action)
Rename it to anything you want . I have chosen Battery_color
Then click on Record. Now, you will see that red circle is enabled and now everything you do on image will be recorded and will be applied on each image.
4. Now, do this very carefully, don't miss any step.
We will do every thing that we want Photoshop to do with each file we want to edit.
a) So, first we want Photoshop to open the image. So , click on Open and choose any png from Battery Base folder (Choose a file with more color so that you know what color exactly your file will be after editing. That is why I chose 90 percent battery here).
b) Now, after opening, we want to change Color of png from green to purple. So, choose Image>Adjustment>Hue and Saturation or Ctrl+U
A dialog box with 3 sliders will appear. Move upper slider to change color. You can move other slider to change saturation and brightness if you want. Now, if you got it right, click on OK.
Every step of yours is being recorded, so don't do unnecessary stuff you don't want to do on other images. Nonetheless, if you have done it, then Drop down the Battery Base Action in action palette and you will see your every action there, If you want to delete any action , you can delete it from there. You can also add any action before pre completed action by clicking above that action and performing it.
Now, you can do anything you want to be done on your rest of pngs.
c) Now, we want Photoshop to save this png to carry on working on others. So, Go to File>Save as... and save it as a png in Battery Done folder. Photoshop will ask you to choose, so choose smallest compression and no interlace.
d) Image is saved but we also want Photoshop to close the png so that it does not open 200 tabs for editing 200 pngs. So, click on close (Small cross on title bar of png). If, it asks that do you want to save changes to png . Say no, because if you say yes, the png in Battery Base will be changes and when batch processing is done, that png in Battery Done will be of different color that all others.And also, your all green pngs in Battery Base folder will turn purple too. But we want purple images in Battery Done and green in Battery Base.
5. Now, we hae done what we want, so, we will stop recording the Action. Click on that square in Actions Palette.
6. Fun Starts. Now we will do the batch processing.
Go to File>Automate>Batch
In the dialog box, Choose the action to be Battery_Color (or obiviously any action you created)
Source folder: Battery Base
Destination Folder: Battery Done
Tick both Override Action 'Open' commands and Override Action 'Save as' commands
Click on OK. Sit back for 3 to 5 minutes(204 pngs) and TADA
You can apply any action in same way. Such as bevel, glossy, pale, etc to innumerous amount of pngs
Guide to change path thickness of Pattern Lockscreen to ICS Style​
Guide to changing path thickness of Pattern Lockscreen to ICS style​
I wandered places searching this off. I found some traces in direction of my destiny but none of them worked fully correctly
So, as stated, I searched a lot for this mod and came face to face with failures and smali errors. So, I had to figure it out myself some modification to do in it to make it work.
Note: IT is not COMPLETELY my mod but I have done modifications in it to make it work. This is based on a guide for Froyo outside of XDA.
Pre-Requisites:
1. PC with Java JDK or JRE
2. Deodexed ROM
3. 7-Zip
4. classes.dex decompiling tool
5. Notepad++
6. Patience
7. Carefulness for editing smali files
Let's Start
1. First we would have to decompile classes.dex inside framework.jar
For that, you can use my Tool ROM Tool v2
First using 7zip, Right click on your framework.jar and open it as archive and drag and drop classes.dex in input folder of the tool
(Note: If you don't have classes.dex in framework.jar [only META-INF and preloaded-classes.dex], then your framework isn't deodexed)
Now, open Script.bat and choose 1 (Decompile classes.dex)
2. Now, we will make the changes. Go to decompiled folder and go to \classout\com\android\internal\widget and open LockPatternView.smali in Notepad++
Search for mDiameterFactor:F [Ctrl+F]​
See the code above it.
It should be like this:-
Code:
const[COLOR="Red"]/high16[/COLOR] v2, 0x3f00
If it is, then you will have to remove red part /high 16
Because it will not allow the change of code we will be doing which will have a different hexadecimal value which will not be supported till this code is in effect
Now, it will look like this:-
Code:
const v2, 0x[COLOR="Red"]3f00[/COLOR]
Now, we will change the thickness value 3f00 to 3dcccccd
Final code will look like this
Code:
const v2, 0x3dcccccd
Save it
I am attaching final and before smali for comparison below.
View attachment 1936707
(Note: If you don't have /high 16, it's good , then just just change the value and save)
3. Go to Script.bat again and choose 2 (Recompile classes.dex) and after it's done, you will get classes.dex
Drop it in framework.jar
4. Push framewotk.jar in /system/framework
Eg:
Copy it in platform-tools folder of android SDK and type following with pressing Enter after each command
Code:
adb remount
adb push framework.jar /system/framework/
adb shell chmod 644 /system/framework/framework.jar
adb shell killall system_sever
Last command will Hot Reboot your phone to apply changes. It is fast and better than rebooting phone.
5. Enjoy
Screenshots
Before
After
Credits​
A member from other forum to answer a question to other member of that forum
Google for letting me search somethings
Samsung Galaxy Ace s5830i members for supporting me so much
This is a work in progress.
Will add more things soon
Credits:
@d3cka for teaching best abour 9 pngs
@deathnotice01 for helping me
Miscellaneous Google and xda posts

Reserved for FAQ about Apk Multitool and theming

Great things upcoming by you? huh! :good: keep your work on Hope to see more from you

Hmmm..batch editing works in gimp
-------------
"Blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah"-No One

74M3NUMB3RS said:
Hmmm..batch editing works in gimp
-------------
"Blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah"-No One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I find Photoshop more user friendly and I am used to it.
For instance, I themed whole phone like WP8 in 8 hours in PS. That would have taken about 15 hours in Gimp

iamareebjamal said:
But I find Photoshop more user friendly and I am used to it.
For instance, I themed whole phone like WP8 in 8 hours in PS. That would have taken about 15 hours in Gimp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well its the best free alternative for me...
And I'm not saying gimp is better than PS...
I dunno y u r teasing it
I just said if the batch editing works in gimp :sly:
And u were like PS is better than gimp
Sent un Galaxia Tab Dos Siete Pun Uno

74M3NUMB3RS said:
Well its the best free alternative for me...
And I'm not saying gimp is better than PS...
I dunno y u r teasing it
I just said if the batch editing works in gimp :sly:
And u were like PS is better than gimp
Sent un Galaxia Tab Dos Siete Pun Uno
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry

iamareebjamal said:
Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry too
I just wanna know if it works in gimp
Sent un Galaxia Tab Dos Siete Pun Uno

Commenting bcz I want this in my participated tab great job too!
Sent via the muffin launch _/^\_

74M3NUMB3RS said:
Sorry too
I just wanna know if it works in gimp
Sent un Galaxia Tab Dos Siete Pun Uno
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are asking, then yes, we can batch edit in Gimp
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/use-gimp-to-batch-edit-your-images-windows-specific-instructions/

nice man !
This deserves a bookmark

Any suggestions about adding any guide?

iamareebjamal said:
Any suggestions about adding any guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U cud add a guide for changing layouts of apps like framework and all
Never seen a guide for it but people will always need one for reference ..:thumbup:
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

anubhavrev said:
U cud add a guide for changing layouts of apps like framework and all
Never seen a guide for it but people will always need one for reference ..:thumbup:
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Challenge accepted
But I need more reference like changing layout of framework like what? Rearranging items or theming the UI? Or changing the whole UI(Oppa dcsms style)?
First two I can make but I truly don't know how to change UI like dcsms, evanlocked and b12h... do!

Thanks a lot! I was searching a useful guide for editing .9.png files without this miserable draw9patch.bat
I'll edit all my .9.png with Photoshop and only proceed to some verifications with this tool.
Your part about "Batch Editing pngs" is interesting too. I'm going to modify some battery pngs so...:good:

Thanks, but I don't think guide is serving the purpose greatly or reaching the masses, I should have created separate guides for separate topics

I'm modding a theme and I've just started .9.png files.
I modified the color in Photoshop and saved as .png then I renamed to .9.png as mentioned in the guide.
I dropped the file in better9patch.jar and I have the first picture ('before'). I saw red areas so I pressed Shift and highlighted the top and the left. Then I obtained the 2nd picture ('after').
Everything is fine? Can i save the file now?
Thanks for your advices!

Memphis_ said:
I'm modding a theme and I've just started .9.png files.
I modified the color in Photoshop and saved as .png then I renamed to .9.png as mentioned in the guide.
I dropped the file in better9patch.jar and I have the first picture ('before'). I saw red areas so I pressed Shift and highlighted the top and the left. Then I obtained the 2nd picture ('after').
Everything is fine? Can i save the file now?
Thanks for your advices!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically you've removed the stretchable part of image
It's not good
Just put one dot in upper center and left center. Can you please tell me the name of png you are editing to better assist you.

Thanks
Precious Guide

iamareebjamal said:
Basically you've removed the stretchable part of image
It's not good
Just put one dot in upper center and left center. Can you please tell me the name of png you are editing to better assist you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is where the files is located: C:\Android\APKTool\theme_name\res\drawable\dropbox_ss_action_item_background_focused_holo_light.9.png
Could you please attach the corrected file?
Here is my file modified via Photoshop (blue to green): HERE
Original .9.png HERE
EDIT
If i compare my modified file with the original one the rendering is the same as my file named 'before'.