Develop Bugs

[GUIDE] A Beginner's Guide To Theming

The basic part of a theme is the UI (User Interface) icons.
These icons are situated in three system files:
1. framework-res.apk
2. twframework-res.apk
3. SystemUI.apk
NOTE: Your phone should have the de-odexed versions of these files.
You may get them here http://android.modaco.com/topic/342915-samsung-galaxy-s-deodexedzipaligned-xxjvq-files/#entry1754033 .
MISSION 1 (GET THE FILES)
In order to get these files your phone needs to be rooted and you should have a system file explorer like Yaffs Explorer. The easiest way to root your phone is by flashing a kernel that provides root.
The framework-res.apk is situated in the folder /system/framework/
The twframework-res.apk is situated in the folder /system/framework/
The SystemUI.apk is situated in the folder /system/app/
Copy those files and put it in your sd card and then transfer those files to your PC.
These files will be used as the template for the new theme.
[OPTIONAL] Make a copy of these three files as back-up.
MISSION 1 COMPLETE
MISSION 2 (THE MYSTERIOUS CHANGE)
In order to change the icons there are three ways
a.The Easy way (not the correct way: might cause FCs )
b.The Hard way (recommended for risk takers )
c.Use the online theme kitchen (recommended for beginners )
[ http://uot.dakra.lt/ ]
NOTE:You may have to use both b. and c.
a. The Easy way
You need a program like 7-zip installed in your PC.
Method
-Open the apk using 7-zip.
-Go to the folder named res
-Extract the folder named drawable-hdpi
-Edit the images you want to edit [ DO NOT EDIT .9png IMAGES ]
-Replace the original icons with modified icons(drag & drop into
drawable-hdpi folder)
Tips
-Keep the original image dimensions
-Don't edit .9 pngs
b. The Hard way
This consists of decompiling the apk, modifying the required images, compiling the modified
images and replacing the original icons with the compiled icons.
You will need:
1.Apk Manager
(go here for instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701 )
2.xUltimate compiler
(go here for instructions http://www.droidforums.net/forum/xeudoxus/47283-release-xultimate.html )
3.7-zip
Method
-Go to the main folder of Apk Manager
-Put the apk in the folder named place-apk-here-for-modding
- In order to decompile all APKs when working with the i9000, you have to install the framework files with apktool.
- Download apktool and put it on an easy accessable place (like C:\)
- Also put the STOCK framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk files in the same directory.
- Open a new CMD (Press Windows Key + R), write CMD and press ENTER.
- type "cd .." (without the quotes)
- repeat the "cd .." so you're on C:\ now.
- write: java -jar apktool.jar if framework-res.apk
- repeat, just with twframework-res.apk: java -jar apktool.jar if twframework-res.apk
- This will ensure, it will load the correct resource table and you won't have any errors because of the dependees
-Run Script.bat file
-Select option 9 to decompile the apk
-Go to the folder named "projects" (the decompiled apk folder should be there)
-Inside the decompiled apk folder go to the folder /res/drawable-hdpi
-Modify the icons you want to change(KEEP THE BORDERS OF .9png IMAGES
UNTOUCHED)
-Open the main folder for xUltimate
-Go to the folder \example1\res\drawable-hdpi
-Delete the icons present there
-Put the modified icons
-Go to the main folder for xUltimate and run the xUltimate.exe file
-The compiled icons can be found in the folder
\done\example1\res\drawable-hdpi
-Replace the original icons with the compiled icons USING 7-zip
MISSION 2 COMPLETE
MISSION 3 (SEE THE CHANGE)
To see how your new theme looks like, you should put the modified files back to where they
belong.
There are two ways of doing this:
1. By using the system file explorer
Before doing so make sure that the system is write-enabled. You can do this
by using Damian Tweak app. If you are using Yaffs Explorer make sure you
have enabled root access
in the app's settings.
2. By making a CWM package (safer)
Use the Zip file provided. Replace the original files with moded files and install
using
CWM.
MISSION 3 COMPLETE
HAPPY THEMING

reserved

reserved

I have to thank you so much!
The first Tutorial I found that was understandable for beginners too.
Big Big Big Thanks!

nightm4r399 said:
I have to thank you so much!
The first Tutorial I found that was understandable for beginners too.
Big Big Big Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad it helped .

Exactly what I needed. Thank you for good guide.

hackeron said:
Exactly what I needed. Thank you for good guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great .
Btw do you know how to make this a Sticky Thread?

SCIENTYREAL said:
Great .
Btw do you know how to make this a Sticky Thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to ask a moderator to do this
I have some additions to the guide
The red code is added by me.
Method b) the hard way
-Go to the main folder of Apk Manager
-Put the apk in the folder named place-apk-here-for-modding
- In order to decompile all APKs when working with the i9000, you have to install the framework files with apktool.
- Download apktool and put it on an easy accessable place (like C:\)
- Also put the STOCK framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk files in the same directory.
- Open a new CMD (Press Windows Key + R), write CMD and press ENTER.
- type "cd .." (without the quotes)
- repeat the "cd .." so you're on C:\ now.
- write: java -jar apktool.jar if framework-res.apk
- repeat, just with twframework-res.apk: java -jar apktool.jar if twframework-res.apk
- This will ensure, it will load the correct resource table and you won't have any errors because of the dependees
-Run Script.bat file
-Select option 9 to decompile the apk
-Go to the folder named "projects" (the decompiled apk folder should be there)
-Inside the decompiled apk folder go to the folder /res/drawable-hdpi
-Modify the icons you want to change(KEEP THE BORDERS OF .9png IMAGES
UNTOUCHED)
-Open the main folder for xUltimate
-Go to the folder \example1\res\drawable-hdpi
-Delete the icons present there
-Put the modified icons
-Go to the main folder for xUltimate and run the xUltimate.exe file
-The compiled icons can be found in the folder
\done\example1\res\drawable-hdpi
-Replace the original icons with the compiled icons USING 7-zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Darkyy said:
You have to ask a moderator to do this
I have some additions to the guide
The red code is added by me.
Method b) the hard way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying Darkyy .

So, i Get a ADB not found thing? WHat should i do?

roxyroot said:
So, i Get a ADB not found thing? WHat should i do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have Android SDK installed for Apk Manager to work.
The link on how to use Apk Manager is given in the first post, under apk manager. I'll post it again here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
Here is the link for Android SDK
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Btw you should also have Java Development Kit (JDK) installed.

I cant seem to find the twframework-res.apk, it's not in the system/framework folder. I have a sony ericsson play.
Do you know where the android settings menu icons are? the ones you see when you go into android settings. Like wireless & Networks, call settings, sound and so on.
thanks great guide.

SCIENTYREAL said:
You should have Android SDK installed for Apk Manager to work.
The link on how to use Apk Manager is given in the first post, under apk manager. I'll post it again here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
Here is the link for Android SDK
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Btw you should also have Java Development Kit (JDK) installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have android SDK (obviously), JRE and i used it the same way given, stilll..The error..I have a SGS SCL i9003...

hackit said:
I cant seem to find the twframework-res.apk, it's not in the system/framework folder. I have a sony ericsson play.
Do you know where the android settings menu icons are? the ones you see when you go into android settings. Like wireless & Networks, call settings, sound and so on.
thanks great guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twframework-res is only found in Samsung devices. No need to worry about it. The settings icons are found in settings.apk. Settings.apk is inside the folder system/app.
Sorry for replying late.

bangalorerohan said:
I have android SDK (obviously), JRE and i used it the same way given, stilll..The error..I have a SGS SCL i9003...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest I don't know the exact cause of the error. Have you updated Android SDK. You should click on the main SDK icon and it should show all the available updates. Select
the updates and download the files. Sorry if you have already done it.
Sorry for the late reply.

:laugh:
I forgot how to do it and now I am reading my own guide.

Thanks for this great guide! Will come in handy soon

[Tutorial] How to Enable/Disable CRT-Off for ICS ROMs

This tutorial is written for those interested in modifying the framework-res.apk to enable/disable CRT-Off effect on ICS (Samsung) ROMs using Windows 7. I'm sure it doesn't vary that much with other operating systems. I have used many tutorials from XDA (sources below) - but I will compile everything into one easy guide. Hope this helps! Otherwise, you can get the CWM flashable ones here.
What you need
- APKTool: apktool.jar, aapt.exe, apktool.bat, apktool1.4.3.tar.bz2
- APK Multi-Tool
- XML Editor: Notepad++ or Windows Notepad
- WinRAR or 7-zip
Update: You can also use this modified ApkTool. - thanks sileshnair.
Instructions
I will be splitting this tutorial into several steps to break down the processes (and possibly provide easier troubleshooting help).
Setting up the Files You Need
1. Download all the files needed above.
2. Install necessary programs (winRAR, 7-zip, Notepad++, APK Multi-Tool, etc.)
APK Multi Tool should ask you to choose a default folder. Just make sure you know where it is.​3. Create a folder where you can access. (for me: My Documents/Flash/APKTool)
4. Place: apktool.jar, aapt.exe, apktool.bat, and apktool1.4.3.tar.bz2 into that folder.
Decompile
1. Obtain framework-res.apk from your phone. This can be done using Root Explorer and going to: system/framework/
2. Place framework-res.apk into the folder where you placed apktool.jar (and the rest of them).
3. Exit the folder (so that you are looking at it as "APKTool"). Hold-shift and right-click the folder (APKTools), and select "open command window here.
4. A command prompt should pop up. Type the following:
apktool if framework-res.apk​apktool d frameowrk-res.apk
This should decompile the framework, allow it to run and close after it completes.​
Editing CRT-Off Effect
1. Once the decompiling completes, go back into "APKTools" folder and you should see another folder (framework-res).
2. Open it, and go to: framework-res/res/values.
3. Right-click bools.xml and either press "edit" or "edit with Notepad++".
4. Find the line that says "(bool name="config_animateScreenLights">true</bool) (I changed the first and last part into brackets because it would comflict with the forum code, it should be "<" and ">" respectively).
5. Change the "true" to "false".
6. Save and close.
Compiling
1. Go back into APKTools folder where you had apktool.jar, apktool1.4.3.tar.bz2, etc.
2. Unzip apktool1.4.3.tar.bz2, and unzip again, inside should be a file called "apktools.jar". Replace the original one in "APKTool" folder.
3. Leave the folder (like you did in decompiling) and hold shift and right-click the folder and select "open command window here".
4. Type the following in the command window:
apktool b framework-res​5. Now go to: APKTool/framework-res/dist/
6. There should a file created called "framework-res.apk", right-click and open with winRAR or 7-zip.
7. In winRAR, click "Extract To" and press OK. (Pretty sure you can extract in 7zip too).
8. This should create a new folder called "framework-res". Go inside it where you see the files (assets, res, AndroidManifest, resource.arsc).
9. Go find your original framework-res.apk (located in the root APKTool/ folder) and right-click and open with winRAR (or 7zip).
10. Select "META-INF" and "AndroidManifest.xml" and extract it to the folder created in step 8.
11. Select-all the files within the folder (of step 8) (it should now contain: assets, res, META-INF, AndroidManifest, resource.arsc) and right-click and "add to archive" (again, with winRAR - sure 7zip is something else).
12. In the prompt, change the following: Archive format = zip, Compression method = store. Press OK.
13. This should once again create a framework-res.zip file in the folder.
14. Press alt (assuming you are using Window 7) > Tools > Folder Options. Press the view tab, and uncheck "hide extensions for known file types.
15. Rename "framework-res.zip" to "framework-res.apk".
Now this "framework-res.apk" file is ready to be pushed to your phone's system/framework folder. Your phone should hang, restart it, and you now have CRT-Off effect! If you want to make a CWM flashable - below is the tutorial.
Making a CMW-Flashable File
1. Go below and download my template.zip. Extract the folder "template".
2. Take the completed framework-res.apk from earlier and place it in: template/system/framework.
3. In the template/ root directory, select META-INF and system and right-click, add to archive.
4. In the prompt, change the following: Archive format = zip. You can rename it to whatever you wish "LPS_CRTOff_On.zip".
5. Take the zip file to where your APK Multi Tool directory and place it in the "place-apk-here-for-signing" folder.
6. Open APK Multi Tool application from the start menu > programs.
7. Press any key to continue, and press 19 (Sign an apk (Batch Support)(inside place-apk-here-for-signing folder only)).
8. It should close when it is done, the zip is now ready to be flashed with your phone.
And there we go. I tried! LOL. Good luck. =) If I wasn't very clear, you can go back to my sources and derive what I did from them.
Sources
- [MOD] Decompile and Rebuild ICS framework-res.apk without errors by stars2
- [Tutorial] How to add CRT TV off effect by tweezit
- [TUTORIAL] How to create an CWM installable .zip (Mod) by FlorisNL

Thanks, thanks and thanks. This is the first method that works for me to decompile framework-res.apk and systemui.apk. Thank you.

Nice writeup thanx !
But isn't it easier to just use apk-multitool for the entire thing ?
I know i always do it like this (even when it still was called apk manager)

Brotuck said:
Nice writeup thanx !
But isn't it easier to just use apk-multitool for the entire thing ?
I know i always do it like this (even when it still was called apk manager)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it with ICS roms and it did not work for me. Thus - having to use the apktool instead. =(

This apkmanager will work on ICS roms. Tested. All credit to Wanam.

sileshnair said:
This apkmanager will work on ICS roms. Tested. All credit to Wanam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet thanks!

@krazykat
On bools.xml:
<bool name="config_animateScreenLights">false</bool>
It is set to 'false' by default.
Any idea on this? Thanks in advance.
More info: Xperia Neo V, official ICS 4.0.4 by Sony

dafuq is CRT-OFF?

Thanks you so much @ OP
It was a very simple task.

[Q] Changing App Drawer Icons

I've recently started going wild with icons on my phone. However at the minute I haven't ventured past the launcher. I am looking into changing all my apps icons so that the drawer also contains these logos. Sadly I am unsure on how to go about these. I'd appreciate it if someone could give me a few pointers.
Thanks in advance!

Hi,
Depend of your launcher,if it's the stock or the common launchers (Nova,Apex) it's not possible,not yet.Or maybe Apex wich support themes.But just to change the icons in the app drawer,no.Maybe Go Launcher or ADW...
If you want to change yourself the icons of your apps (system or other apps),opens with Winrar (it is the only one I use),just open,and navigate to res/drawable-xhdpi,then to identify the icon that launches the application (ie one that is visible in the app drawer) search the .png named "ic_launcher_****.png".
For example for:
Mms.apk->ic_launcher_smsmms.png
Settings.apk->ic_launcher_settings.png
Phone.apk->ic_launcher_phone.png
Etc...
Replace these icons with yours with the exact name,just drag and drop them,close winrar and you're good.
You also do it directly on your phone with Root explorer for example.
This method change also the icons on your home,necessarily.
PS:from your PC,just take all the system app you want changed from your current ROM and need root for these kinds of changes...
Hope this helps you if I understand right your request...

Thanks for the reply!
I'm using Nova sadly, so it seems the long winded way is the only way to do it. Do you know if it will effect apps updating? I assume if the app does update the default logo will be restored?

Re,
Sorry,I really do not know to this question...I mean is that the updated application will be possible if it was modified?
I just changed icons for system apps (Mms.apk and Phone.apk wich don't update by themself) for other apps which may have an updated by the Play Store...I'm not sure...if it does not block the update,your application will have the stock icon again I think.
Yes the method by opening each application to replace the icons is tedious,but now with Nova it's the only solution...

We can always hope Nova adds a feature for it eh? Thank you again for your help! Time to get icon changing!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Re,
Yes,Nova launcher User Voice:http://feedback.novalauncher.com/forums/145180-nova-feature-requests
There have been requests to change the icons in the app drawer,strangely there has not been many votes...Les than for Apex Launcher...
And you're welcome

nice to see someone else having a try lol
have a look at some of my posts,see if they can help you in anyways,i've been editing apk's for 6 month now lol,i used to use root explorer & rom toolbox pro...........now i stay well clear of them now and use adb,some ppl find it hard to use,i did at 1st,but after 1 use,it's the easiest program to use.........
1. DOWNLOAD ZIP CALLED adb_fastboot_and_ther_tools,i can't upload it as its too big lol
2. EXTRACT IT ANYWHERE
3. INSIDE IS A FOLDER CALLED ANDROID,MOVE THIS TO C: DRIVE
4. EDIT YOUR APK OF CHOICE BUT HAVE TO COPIES OF THE ZIP FILE
5. EXTRACT 1 BUT LEAVE THE OTHER UN EXTRACTED
6. WHEN FINISHED EDITING YOUR ICONS IN 1 FOLDER,GO TO YOUR UN EXTRACTED APK,DOUBLE CLICK IT,THEN DELETE Res folder
7. now drag your res folder from the open folder to the zip where u just deleted and click ok
8. now open android folder and move your unzipped apk to it
9. make sure your phone is plugged in to your pc and is in CHARGE ONLY
10. USE ES FILE EXPLORER TO MAKE YOUR PHONE IN WRITE MODE
11. right click on cmd in the android folder,run as administrator
12. cmd window appears,type in adb devices and hit enter
13. your phone should appear after a few seconds
14. IF all good up to now u need to send your apk via adb......here's an example
15. if editing a system app,delete the old 1 first eg Settings.apk
15. adb push Settings.apk system/app
16. once pushed,set permissions to RW-R-R
17. REBOOT..........ALL DONE
i've added a picture of what u should see before u push the apk in the cmd window

Ty5982 said:
have a look at some of my posts,see if they can help you in anyways,i've been editing apk's for 6 month now lol,i used to use root explorer & rom toolbox pro...........now i stay well clear of them now and use adb,some ppl find it hard to use,i did at 1st,but after 1 use,it's the easiest program to use.........
1. DOWNLOAD ZIP CALLED adb_fastboot_and_ther_tools,i can't upload it as its too big lol
2. EXTRACT IT ANYWHERE
3. INSIDE IS A FOLDER CALLED ANDROID,MOVE THIS TO C: DRIVE
4. EDIT YOUR APK OF CHOICE BUT HAVE TO COPIES OF THE ZIP FILE
5. EXTRACT 1 BUT LEAVE THE OTHER UN EXTRACTED
6. WHEN FINISHED EDITING YOUR ICONS IN 1 FOLDER,GO TO YOUR UN EXTRACTED APK,DOUBLE CLICK IT,THEN DELETE Res folder
7. now drag your res folder from the open folder to the zip where u just deleted and click ok
8. now open android folder and move your unzipped apk to it
9. make sure your phone is plugged in to your pc and is in CHARGE ONLY
10. USE ES FILE EXPLORER TO MAKE YOUR PHONE IN WRITE MODE
11. right click on cmd in the android folder,run as administrator
12. cmd window appears,type in adb devices and hit enter
13. your phone should appear after a few seconds
14. IF all good up to now u need to send your apk via adb......here's an example
15. if editing a system app,delete the old 1 first eg Settings.apk
15. adb push Settings.apk system/app
16. once pushed,set permissions to RW-R-R
17. REBOOT..........ALL DONE
i've added a picture of what u should see before u push the apk in the cmd window
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice guide!

Samsung Galaxy SIII Softkeys for GNEX - Alpha

I made the Samsung Galaxy S3 hardkeys to Galaxy Nexus Softkeys.
Flashable with Metamorph or do it manually.
Did not try it, hope someone else can do it because my GNEX is in reperature.
Please post some screens if you flash it, so I can see and make it better, some updates etc.
DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.file-upload.net/download-4445951/GalaxyS3SoftgeysForGNEX.zip.html
Tutorial:
MetaMorph
Download and install MetaMorph from the Market, open it at least once so that the folder AndroidThemes will be created on /sdcard/
Download a Softkey Style using the MetaMorph link and move this .zip file to /sdcard/AndroidThemes using your favorite file explorer
Open MetaMorph, choose "Unzip/Extract new theme" and select the .zip file you downloaded. A popup screen will appear, meaning it has been extracted. Press the "Close" button.
Hit the "Apply all!" button and wait +/- 5 seconds (nothing will happen)
Reboot your phone immediately after this and you're done! Oh, and set a new wallpaper because it may be restored to default..
(Phone can hang in "SystemUI has been ended". Just pull out battery and restart phone.
2. Advanced (Hard) Method - Edit the SystemUI.apk from your phone - thanks to bangdrum! Not working for everybody!
Download and install Root Explorer from the Market and make a Nandroid backup
Download the softkeymod you like
Open Root Explorer and navigate to /system/app/, find SystemUI.apk, long press, and select extract. Go to the folder sdcard/speedsoftware/extracted and make sure you have a folder that's called SystemUI
If the folder is there navigate to where you downloaded the chosen softkeymod (usually sdcard/download) and long press it. Select extract all. Go to sdcard/speedsoftware/extracted and there should be a folder with the name of the softkeymod.
Click on this folder, and also on the next. Hit the menu key and press 'Multi Select'. Highlight all the images included in the folder and select 'Move' at the bottom. Navigate back to the SystemUI folder, go to SystemUI/res/drawable-xhdpi and 'Paste' here. A command prompt should pop up asking to replace the current images. Select 'Yes For All'
Go back to the sdcard/speedsoftware/extracted folder, long press the SystemUI folder and select 'Create ZIP'
Rename the created SystemUI.zip to SystemUi.apk and move the SystemUI.apk to your /system/app folder. Change permissions of SystemUI.apk to rw-r--r--
Reboot your Galaxy Nexus (pull battery out and reboot, this is an essential step) and your softkeys will be modded!
Credits to: atticus182 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1413582) for tutorial and search button !

I have the download fail a couple times before it takes but then it says bad .zip file...mind just posting the .PNG images her so us folks on AOKP can just plug them in through ROM control.

This^^

here is the link for the png-pictures for CDMA users:
http://imageshack.us/g/513/icsysbarback.png/

[MOD] - Navbar/sotfkeys 30dp to cm10.2 for xperia ZL

Thanks to help from Drummerjed, for doing more than making this mod, but for teaching me to do it myself.
I leave here the framework-res.apk modified by me (for cm10.2 stable version only) and the guide made by Drummerjed
by Drummerjed:
"Hi, it's very easy to do:
1.Download the latest version of Tickle My Android from here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1633333
2. Install it using the instructions in the first post
3. Open Tickle My Android and select Option 2 (Theming Menu)
4.Then select Option 2 (Pull Files From Device)
5. Connect your phone to your PC, make sure you have ADB installed correctly on your PC and 'USB debugging' is enabled on your phone
6. Select Option 1 to pull framework-res.apk from your phone
7. When it asks you if you'd like to decompile the file say yes
8. Then select yes again when it asks you if you'd like to install the file to the PC
9. Go to the '_working' folder in the 'TickleMyAndroid' directory and open the 'framework-res.apk' folder
10. Navigate to 'res/values/dimens.xml' and open 'dimens.xml' with notepad++
11. You should see "navigation_bar_height" "navigation_bar_height_landscape" and "navigation_bar_width" near the top of the list
12. Change the values of these strings to 36.0dip, 36.0dip and 32.0dip in that order
13. Save the file. Close Tickle My Android if it's already open, then launch it again
14. Select Option 2 (Theming Menu) again
15. Then select Option 14 (Recompile Files)
16. Select Option 2 (Recompile App With Original Signature)
17. Select "framework-res.apk" then say yes to recompile it
18. The new "framework-res.apk" file will be in the '_out' folder in the 'TickleMyAndroid' directory
19. Now simply push this file to your phone and move it to /system/framework and overwrite when prompted. Or you can create a flashable zip with Tickle My Android, just select Option 17 from the Theming Menu
Hope this helps. This guide should work with all future versions of Android."
To use my framework-res.apk modified just use some app file manager (eg root explorer) and put in the folder /system/framework. For me to put the apk the device reboots automatically but it works.
Remember to make a backup before, it may give some wrong things ok!

I found a way to make this modification. Later I put here the framework-res.apk changed.
And a little tutorial how to do, and the credits of who showed me how.