Develop Bugs

[Q] (GUIDE) How to make a theme template

This will guide you through making a theming template.
Why: it was requested
What is it for: This is the base in which you start your custome theming. If you have read through Dreamsforgotten thread on theming, you will see that he refers to a theming template to start with.
Be advised, This is not a rom. It is just a template that some dev/themers use as a base for their custome themes or to return to a stock deodex theme. Also, this assumes that you are on a stock rooted system
The Difference you ask:
Theming templates : do not have a modem or kernel, They do have a system folder with and App, font, and framework folder.
Rom: has everything needed to run the OS. Modem (sometimes), kernel, and a full system folder
This is how I do it. That is not to say it is right or wrong, but it works for me. There may be other/easier way developed by other devs.
EI22 Theme Template
Tools:
Rom kitchen form here ( follow the thread and set it up )
7zip from here
Notepad++ from here
Rooted device: if you are not rooted look in the dev section of your device for the instructions on that
Clockwork mod: if you don’t know what this is or don’t have it go to the dev section and research.
Instructions:
1: get a copy of the STOCK system folder. It really does not matter how you get it. JUST GET IT
HINT: if you are rooted already, use root explorer or equivlant and copy it to the sdcard….
Depending on how you got it, you may need to copy it to your computer desktop ( do so now)
2: now you will need to make a zip file (by now you should have 7zip installed)
r-click on system folder that you just copied to your desktop
choose 7zip > add to archive.
under archive change name to (build#).zip ( replace (build#) with the build you are using i.e ec05, ei22 ect….)
At this point you will need the rom kitchen. So, if it is not set up, DO SO!!!!!!!
3: copy to the zip folder to kitchen > original_update. Then open the kitchen.
Choose option 1, answer the next few questions as you need to. For me, I just hit enter at the 4 questions. You should be back at the main screen now
option 0 (enter) > option 11 (enter) > option b (enter) > enter ( best so that if there are errors you can troubleshoot) ( this takes a while: 20 min) assuming all went well, you should get
0 *.odex in system/app
0 *.odex in system/framework
Hit the enter key
option 99 > option 2
At this point, there should be a new folder named “output_zip” with your rom in it. (enter) you should be back to the mail menu. We are done with the kitchen so you can close that.
BUT your not done yet. 
4: go to the above mentioned folder. In the folder there will be a zip file.
r-click on it and rename theme_template_(build#) ( replace (build#) with the build you are using i.e ec05, ei22 ect….)
r-click> 7zip> open archive - There you will see two folders and a boot image.
delete the boot.img file
go into the system folder and delete everything except app, framework, and font folders
back out one level and go into meta-inf >com > google >android
Now delete the updater-script (leave 7zip open)
Now we need to write the updater-script for CMW to read
5: open notepad++
BE ADVISED, this portion is for the EPIC 4G and the updater-script may change formats based on your device. So do some research first. I tend to look at other script for my devices to see how it should be formatted.
You can copy and past this in or type it yourself:
show_progress(0.1, 0);
delete_recursive("/system/framework");
delete_recursive("/system/app");
delete_recursive("/system/fonts");
mount("MTD", "system", "/system");
package_extract_dir("system", "/system");
delete_recursive("/data/dalvik-cache");
show_progress(0.1, 10);
unmount("/system");
Or use this: updater-script
file >save as
Name file: updater-script
File type: chose all types (*.*) you may need to scroll up or down to find it.
save to desktop
drag and drop the updater-script into the 7zip screen. ( you will be prompted with a ?. just hit yes.)
You should now have 3 files on the 7zip screen
Updater-script, update-binary, update-script.orig
close 7zip.
Connect phone via USB
Copy file to sdcard
Disconnect phone
Reboot to CMW
Choose: backup and restore >backup (when its finished you will have a nandroid to restore if you F.U.B.A.R. your phone.
Choose: install zip from sdcard and install your theming template.
Reboot.
Now use your favorite file explorer and go to system/framework and make sure it has been deodexed. If so, the flash was successful and your theme template works.
Congradulations you built your first theme. All be it a stock one. lol

mine for the thank you's
dreams - for all of his tuts
dsixda - for the kitchen.

Finally
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Zeinzu said:
Finally
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your welcome.... lol

Download doesn't work. Just downloads and empty zip.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...

Zeinzu said:
Download doesn't work. Just downloads and empty zip.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looking into it.
just dl'ed - worked fine for me.

Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tend to agree. but a noob has to have someplace to start. I wish there was the help i needed when i started doing these things a yr ago. I've learned alot throught the guids that i've found, but yes learning to do them by hand is great to.

Z..
what are you tring to dl. the template "worked fine for me" or the updater-script?

Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely agree, doing it by hand gives you a more broad understanding of how the xml code works. This allows you to perform other modifications as well, and like Paul said it is rewarding and also exciting.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the guide! Perhaps you could divide it into a noob section and a more involved section.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

thomasskull666 said:
I definitely agree, doing it by hand gives you a more broad understanding of how the xml code works. This allows you to perform other modifications as well, and like Paul said it is rewarding and also exciting.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the guide! Perhaps you could divide it into a noob section and a more involved section.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paul627g said:
You can use this thread or learn to do the XML code changes and mods by hand as most of the seasoned theme devs do... I find it a whole lot more rewarding than letting this kitchen or the UOT Kitchen do the work for me....
This also works hand in hand when something goes wrong with your theme you know where to look to fix the problem.
FYI, even with the various themes that myself and ZiggSVO have worked on we still don't know everything and we all do exchange ideas and trouble shoot among each other. That is what makes all this stuff fun and rewarding.
Just my opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you are asking for. There is no XML editing involved here. If you are talking about the deodexing process, sure i can write out the long way to do it by hand. But there are alomost 200 odex files btween the apps folder and the framework folder to deodex. This process would take you all day to do if it wasnt for the kitchen.

spdwiz18 said:
Not sure what you are asking for. There is no XML editing involved here. If you are talking about the deodexing process, sure i can write out the long way to do it by hand. But there are alomost 200 odex files btween the apps folder and the framework folder to deodex. This process would take you all day to do if it wasnt for the kitchen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe some are misunderstanding the guide? I'm a little confused also lol. The way I read it...it comes across as just how to deodex your ROM? No actual themeing? Just to get a base template to start themeing...
Is that right?
Further clarification would be appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.

Paul627g said:
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I will admit so did I lol, the xml portion is in reference to theme porting, not deodexing.
Carry on >_>
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

Paul627g said:
I probably jumped the gun myself on thinking this was a theme guide. Only point I was trying to make was I hate seeing people use UOT Kitchen or other means to do themes or build a ROM using it and then put it out as their own work. These methods I think are great for personal use but to build an entire themed frameworks, etc and then expect to take credit for it is a bit overboard and trust me there has been plenty of work here in the past based off of UOT Kitchen and other means.
Bottom line, its more rewarding in the long run when you do as much as possible by hand and learn how its all done. Heck I even recently went back and learned how to use APK TOOL itself to decompile and recompile apks aside from just using APK Manager. Sure I know APK Manager is the tool of choice but I still wanted to see how others did it before the big move over to APK Manager.
Otherwise, this is a great thread having a tool to deodex a ROM. Personally I have never successfully deodexed a ROM myself, I've come close and had working ROMs but usually ended up with one thing or another broken in the deodexing process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thomasskull666 said:
Ya I will admit so did I lol, the xml portion is in reference to theme porting, not deodexing.
Carry on >_>
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is why im not in the field that i went to school for. lol (cysco networking) i got to the last class and they told me i had to document everything. I just dont have the skills to do that. I am going to edit the OP to better clarify what i was tring to do.
No worries to everyone. your opinions are wellcome. I am not all knowing, but i love to learn and share what i do know.

Is there a guide for Soft Key modding?

It looks like all the mods I've seen are speific to certain ROMs. It's not just the version numbers (4.0.1, 4.0.2, etc.), but different ROMs built from different sources seem not to be compatible with each other as far as the mods go.
I'd like to have permanent Menu buttons and a search button in the bottom nav bar, but because of all the incompatibilities, I'm having a hard time finding the correct modded versions (I'm using P3Drod's 4.0.3 Tranquilice right now). So, I would like to be able to make my own softkey mod for whichever ROM I happen to be running. It looks like it's controlled by the SystemUI.apk file in /system/apps, and I tried decompiling it using APK Tool, making some changes to the XML files inside, and then recompiling it. But when I push it back ot the phone and reboot, the nav bar disappears altogether (along with the wallpaper), so I'm sure that I'm doing something wrong.
So, is there guide anywhere for modding SystemUI.apk to change the softkeys?

there's a few threads around here about that, use search.
/me sent this from a i9250 using Tapatalk

Just so you don't have to search here's a guide.
Grab the SystemUI.apk from the ROM you are currently on. Using WinRAR open the SystemUI.apk and drag the "res" folder out of it (Put it on the Desktop or something). Go into the res folder, then go into Drawable-XHDPI and the 2 things you need to modding the softbuttons are the following images:
"ic_sysbar_highlight.png"
"ic_sysbar_highlight_land.png".
Edit them 2 to what color you want, put the res folder back into the systemUI.apk and flash it.
Done.

Actually that doesn't help me -- I don't want to change the graphics, I want to change the behavior actual softkeys. I want to add a search key, and make the settins keys permantnely displayed. Tere are alreday a few mods like that available, but no for all the ROMs, so I'd like to be able to do one myself.

i'm curious of this too, because theres nothing made for what i specifically want my keys to be.
i've been desperately asking for a version with menu on both sides that only shows up when needed and then back, home, recent, search. and i've gotten ignored everywhere i've requested it.
and just as you, i can't find any guide to do it myself.

+3, there are no guides available I'd like to add the search as I am on tranq v5. I have figured out other systemui mods but I cannot takle this one
Sent from a full AOSP GNex via Tap

Sry to interupt. So if i want to change the graphics of the ROM I am currently on, I just need to open the zip file of my ROM in winrar, extract the systemui.apk and open that in winrar, too. Then I can replace the images in the res-> drawable HDPI folder by simply dragging my icons in there using winrar. Then just close Winrar and put the whole thing on my device ( the whole rom or just the systemui.apk? )
After that all I have to do is flash it using cwm? apply update from sd card or what?
Sry that i ask for detailed steps, but i am new to costumizing android -.-

NitrozKC said:
Just so you don't have to search here's a guide.
Grab the SystemUI.apk from the ROM you are currently on. Using WinRAR open the SystemUI.apk and drag the "res" folder out of it (Put it on the Desktop or something). Go into the res folder, then go into Drawable-XHDPI and the 2 things you need to modding the softbuttons are the following images:
"ic_sysbar_highlight.png"
"ic_sysbar_highlight_land.png".
Edit them 2 to what color you want, put the res folder back into the systemUI.apk and flash it.
Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for changing the background highlight.
There are also files in the drawable xhdpi that corresponding to the actual symbols. Replace these and flash the rom
-So..find prefered symbols(.png files called ic_sysbar_back) there will be nine of them
-grab a rom you want to flash( can be the same rom you are on.)
-use winrar or 7zip to get into the rom and go to systemui.apk/re/drwablexhdpi
-drag and drop new symbols file in( it will replace)...if you dont believe me you can organize the file by date an there will now be 9 folders with current date.
close it up and flash the rom via your favorite way.
this is how i did it. and there is at one guide out there...I used it.
have fun

bk201doesntexist said:
there's a few threads around here about that, use search.
/me sent this from a i9250 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? This post was not essential. Did not provide any info. Just being a troll.
Why has xda gotten so hostile? Because you aren't newbs anymore? I guarantee at one point you were. Just love when people use their knowledge just to look down at people...
Sent from my Galaxy Sexus using xda premium

Nordpolcamper said:
Sry to interupt. So if i want to change the graphics of the ROM I am currently on, I just need to open the zip file of my ROM in winrar, extract the systemui.apk and open that in winrar, too. Then I can replace the images in the res-> drawable HDPI folder by simply dragging my icons in there using winrar. Then just close Winrar and put the whole thing on my device ( the whole rom or just the systemui.apk? )
After that all I have to do is flash it using cwm? apply update from sd card or what?
Sry that i ask for detailed steps, but i am new to costumizing android -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1406930&highlight=soft

Mikey1022 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1406930&highlight=soft
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very very much^^

kgbrown247 said:
+3, there are no guides available I'd like to add the search as I am on tranq v5. I have figured out other systemui mods but I cannot takle this one
Sent from a full AOSP GNex via Tap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
P3Droid said that he'll include the modded keys in Tranq v6. But I'd still like to know how I can do it myself.

as would i. i've searched and there is no guide anywhere in this forum about how to modify the soft keys.
only guides are for skinning. But if you want to make your own setup your screwed or have to figure it out on your own from scratch.

neok44 said:
as would i. i've searched and there is no guide anywhere in this forum about how to modify the soft keys.
only guides are for skinning. But if you want to make your own setup your screwed or have to figure it out on your own from scratch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I as well would love to be able to add extra buttons to the soft key bar. I truly think this is where the Galaxy Nexus will shine.

Personally, I think that Back -- Home -- Search is the best implementation. Then long press on home for the MultiTasking/Recent menu, and long press on search for voice actions. But like the OP, I haven't found this implementation for AX10M ROM (Only AOKP) so I'm just sitting, waiting, wishing for a dev to pick it up. It doesn't seem too hard, so I don't think I'll be waiting long.. Just wish I could help in some way...

+1
10 char

Just wrote one up for everyone
Tut
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/13730-how-to-softkey-mod/
And here is 55 different soft key mods I've created and in op is two more links for 402 and 403 stock rom mods
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/12333-mod-axi0m-21-softkey-1-mods-55-and-counting/
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

@runandhide05 thanks for the tutorial. I'll try it out sometime tomorrow.

Soft Key & Status Bar Disappear
I got a problem on my nexus after modding system icon by replace the System UI from UOT Kitchen. My 3 soft key n da status bar are gone, only home screen left......
is there any one can help me out, tell me how to fix it???
Thank you very much

RyanJai said:
I got a problem on my nexus after modding system icon by replace the System UI from UOT Kitchen. My 3 soft key n da status bar are gone, only home screen left......
is there any one can help me out, tell me how to fix it???
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to place your original apk back. UOT isn't currently compatible with ICS. It will build a zip for you, but is based on gingerbread
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Theming questions?

I have been theming on the x2 for awhile now building custom themes .. I just got my nexus yesterday so I downloaded the gummy rom and tried to theme first with apktool and also with apk manager.. I see there have been themes made.. I have yet to be able to decompile any system apks successfully.. are there any new tools I'm missing or steps... would love to start theming again if I can get things to work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Kevin3328 said:
I have been theming on the x2 for awhile now building custom themes .. I just got my nexus yesterday so I downloaded the gummy rom and tried to theme first with apktool and also with apk manager.. I see there have been themes made.. I have yet to be able to decompile any system apks successfully.. are there any new tools I'm missing or steps... would love to start theming again if I can get things to work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, you need to update apktool for use with Android 4.0
edit: more specifically...
-Wrong version of apktool (get the latest)
-Wrong verison of apktool dependancies files (same site)
-Wrong version of aapt.exe in Android SDK (get latest SDK)

Alright awesome I'll look into it tonight after work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I have the latest version of all of that and can decompile with apktool. The problem is when I build the new apk and copy over the edited files and push back to the phone the app won't work.
A run down of everything I did is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1452530

Did u try putting it back in the flash able zip with 7 zip? I never use adb push.... in theory if u are able to compile the apk without errors it should work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Kevin3328 said:
Did u try putting it back in the flash able zip with 7 zip? I never use adb push.... in theory if u are able to compile the apk without errors it should work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.

coverton341 said:
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't replace xml's in that way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

If u properly recompile the apk then yes u can .. u edit it all the XML s and pngs in the apk then recompile.. then drop the recompiled apk into the system app section of the rom u r using unless its the framework Res apk or other framework apk.. once u do this put the new rom zip back into your phone and flash in recovery ... bottom line I'm not the most experienced themer in the forums I just got the phone yesterday so its gonna take time for me to begin theming anything.. that being said perhaps if this thread stays open and more experienced themers can chime in with some tips and advice
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

coverton341 said:
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Kevin3328 said:
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Kev did u figured it out yet? I replied to ur PM...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Kevin3328 said:
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, GoogleMusic.apk is found in data/app not in system, at least in the ROM I am on. But, am I correct in assuming that I can do the same thing in this instance?
Furthermore, is there no way to theme a single application? Do I need to always theme an app, place it back into the ROM zip, and reflash said ROM?
Can I make my own flashable zip file for a single app?
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really like tinkering with things and I would really like to get good at theming.

Kevin3328 said:
If u properly recompile the apk then yes u can .. u edit it all the XML s and pngs in the apk then recompile.. then drop the recompiled apk into the system app section of the rom u r using unless its the framework Res apk or other framework apk.. once u do this put the new rom zip back into your phone and flash in recovery ... bottom line I'm not the most experienced themer in the forums I just got the phone yesterday so its gonna take time for me to begin theming anything.. that being said perhaps if this thread stays open and more experienced themers can chime in with some tips and advice
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry misread what you were saying then.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

I am at work until 1030 then I am gonna set up shop on my CPU first... gotta get the new sdk and apktool then I will gtalk u from there with issues.. all I know is this should be a learning experience lol.. by the looks of this phone it could be awhile b4 I learn what everything "is" framework will be all the apks will be different than what I'm used to
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

coverton341 said:
Actually, GoogleMusic.apk is found in data/app not in system, at least in the ROM I am on. But, am I correct in assuming that I can do the same thing in this instance?
Furthermore, is there no way to theme a single application? Do I need to always theme an app, place it back into the ROM zip, and reflash said ROM?
Can I make my own flashable zip file for a single app?
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really like tinkering with things and I would really like to get good at theming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can make update zips and yes u should b able to do the same.. I usually borrow someone else's at first
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

wut? i've never done what you guys have when it comes to compiling/decompiling and replacing stuff. i'm not so sure that works, but i'll take your word for it for now since i've never tried it either. in theory, you can decompile and change xml, recompile and replace that xml, but not if you're dealing with the actual xml folder in apks. your resources change when you mess with that. this is the same for changing smali, except something else changes (it's been a bit since i've dealt with actual dev stuff).
also, it's a big waste (and sometimes troublesome) to flash an entire ROM to update one or a few apks. making one for just testing out things in \system\ will save you time and frustration. you can also make a backup easier for if something bootloops you

Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.

coverton341 said:
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how you (hopefully) succeed. Im a bit tempted to try theming myself but ive cant seem to find a guide that is up-to-date - and im learning somthing with every question you are asking - and with every answer the other nice fellows are providing.
:thumbs up!:

I am still trying to figure out how to setup everything.. I know I need newest sdk and newest apk multi tool which I didn't get yet.. I'm gonna tinker around today/tonite and see what I'm doing wrong
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

mrvirginia said:
wut? i've never done what you guys have when it comes to compiling/decompiling and replacing stuff. i'm not so sure that works, but i'll take your word for it for now since i've never tried it either. in theory, you can decompile and change xml, recompile and replace that xml, but not if you're dealing with the actual xml folder in apks. your resources change when you mess with that. this is the same for changing smali, except something else changes (it's been a bit since i've dealt with actual dev stuff).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this is how I read it too. I believe the OP means that he's making changes and then replacing the apk in the flashable zip. Not actually replacing the edited xmls in the original apk. Glad I'm not the only one that read it that way though

coverton341 said:
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no decompiling is necessary for tweaking pngs.
smali code is for messing with policies, etc.
.9.png files can be a pain if you don't recompile the apk correctly.
and this should help with your dpi as far as what to edit so you can see it...
http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/screens_support.html

[Q] UOT Kitchen help

I am using the latest Juggernaut rom and I do not know what to upload in the UOT Kitchen "File Upload" section. What do I leave blank and what do I change? Please help, thanks.

kharnage said:
I am using the latest Juggernaut rom and I do not know what to upload in the UOT Kitchen "File Upload" section. What do I leave blank and what do I change? Please help, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
framework-res.apk
systemui.apk
twframework-res.apk
P.S UOT KITCHEN SUXX...Learn to theme the long and detailed way, its better and you learn more

Hwo would we go about going in the long detailed way?
_Thursday said:
framework-res.apk
systemui.apk
twframework-res.apk
P.S UOT KITCHEN SUXX...Learn to theme the long and detailed way, its better and you learn more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

phreshjoker said:
Hwo would we go about going in the long detailed way?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would , do some reading on the android SDK, then read about how to modify the appropriate .apk's by un-packing them, you also need to know about compiling .9.png files, as well as some XML knowledge if you are going to change text colors , how to re-sign apk's when you are done..
Also some knowledge of graphic programs is very helpful ...
If you google "Making themes for Android" you will find a lot of info to read, it is not something simple to do, but when you do it yourself it is much more satisfying , and you can get "exactly" what you want ...

tcboo said:
You would , do some reading on the android SDK, then read about how to modify the appropriate .apk's by un-packing them, you also need to know about compiling .9.png files, as well as some XML knowledge if you are going to change text colors , how to re-sign apk's when you are done..
Also some knowledge of graphic programs is very helpful ...
If you google "Making themes for Android" you will find a lot of info to read, it is not something simple to do, but when you do it yourself it is much more satisfying , and you can get "exactly" what you want ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol..i can honestly say hes right

I just found my new hobby
tcboo said:
You would , do some reading on the android SDK, then read about how to modify the appropriate .apk's by un-packing them, you also need to know about compiling .9.png files, as well as some XML knowledge if you are going to change text colors , how to re-sign apk's when you are done..
Also some knowledge of graphic programs is very helpful ...
If you google "Making themes for Android" you will find a lot of info to read, it is not something simple to do, but when you do it yourself it is much more satisfying , and you can get "exactly" what you want ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

_Thursday said:
framework-res.apk
systemui.apk
twframework-res.apk
P.S UOT KITCHEN SUXX...Learn to theme the long and detailed way, its better and you learn more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You leave all the other things at default?

I've been trying out that UOT Kitchen for the past day and I can't get it to work properly either. I' have downloaded the framework-res, twframework-res and systemui apks into the kitchen but when I flash it to my phone it never worked. I don't want to make a full theme or anything just personalize some icons and colors. Every time I try it will reboot just fine then just keeps flashing the screen once it reboots. I don't know what I'm doing wrong I'm pretty new to all of this.
If you figure it out please let me know because I am interested in figuring this Kitchen thing out.

[Q] Edit system/framework/services.jar

Can anyone fill me in on details of how to edit java executable files? I would like to remove the GPS icon from the notification bar in the ROM I am using and the best I could come up with is this: The file I need to change is in system/framework/services.jar
Better yet, does anyone have a flashable zip with an edited services file that has no GPS icon? I would like one that works with Sense 3.0 ROMs.

If you use gimp or photoshop its pretty easy just make the GPS.png file or what ever its named in the framework-res.apk and make it transparent.
Then zip the app and sign it with a META-INF signer.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

Or you could replace the picture itself with an empty picture so that when GPS is on and so are other radios, there won't be a random empty space there. Also, to explain how to edit the "java executable", let me explain how java works
So the reason that java is great is that its cross platform. But how? So when a .jar file is created, that's actually not 100% compiled itself, its more like 60/70% of the way there. And that's where the JRE comes in. When you open a .jar file, the code is compiled the rest of the way into bytecode that the specific OS its running on can interpret.
So there is really no such thing as a "java executable". The "jar" format is basically just a ZIP file with partially compiled code, so what you need to do is extract all the files from it (use 7Zip or something) and then get a .class decompiler (I recommend JD-GUI, its free and one of the best out there. It also has an option to decompile all the files into .java files and packages it into a .zip) and then just look at the source code. The problem is to find where exactly the GPS icon is set up, because when you decompile it, its going to be a huge mass of folders and folders and folders of files
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

lreyes said:
If you use gimp or photoshop its pretty easy just make the GPS.png file or what ever its named in the framework-res.apk and make it transparent.
Then zip the app and sign it with a META-INF signer.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your reply. The information I originally found pointed me in the wrong direction. I found the images I want to edit in the data\sysapp\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-hdpi. There are five .png files all starting with names like sym_gpsone_0_sprint.png. I've included some below.
All of the other modifications I have made to the ROM I am running involved using m10 and the fusion.apk or the Idlescreen_Base.apk. I know how to make those changes work on my phone. If I alter the .png images in the SystemUI.apk, I know how to zip it again, but I could use some instructions on how to sign it with a META-INF signer.

HopHead68 said:
Thank you very much for your reply. The information I originally found pointed me in the wrong direction. I found the images I want to edit in the data\sysapp\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-hdpi. There are five .png files all starting with names like sym_gpsone_0_sprint.png. I've included some below.
All of the other modifications I have made to the ROM I am running involved using m10 and the fusion.apk or the Idlescreen_Base.apk. I know how to make those changes work on my phone. If I alter the .png images in the SystemUI.apk, I know how to zip it again, but I could use some instructions on how to sign it with a META-INF signer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me get on my comp and I'll link you
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

Task Accomplished
CNexus said:
Let me get on my comp and I'll link you
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you everyone who replied and tried to help me out. After searching around some more, I managed to make the modifications work.
Damn, ain't things easy once you know what you're doing? Anyhow, the results are below. No more GPS icon whether the GPS is on or off now.
Thanks again.
If anyone wants a brief tutorial just ask and I'll be glad to help.

HopHead68 said:
Thank you everyone who replied and tried to help me out. After searching around some more, I managed to make the modifications work.
Damn, ain't things easy once you know what you're doing? Anyhow, the results are below. No more GPS icon whether the GPS is on or off now.
Thanks again.
If anyone wants a brief tutorial just ask and I'll be glad to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude. So sorry, completely forget to post after telling you
But anyway, the process is explained in the following thread, as well as how to make a flashable zip in case anyone else is interested
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1611615
But again, so sorry about that
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

CNexus said:
Dude. So sorry, completely forget to post after telling you
But anyway, the process is explained in the following thread, as well as how to make a flashable zip in case anyone else is interested
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1611615
But again, so sorry about that
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries at all. Before you put this up, I figured it out. Part guidance, part stumbling though the dark and some luck led to success.
Thanks for the help.
Cheers.