Develop Bugs

HowTo: Modify Themes and what are these Drawables?

::EDIT:: This post may become a bit messy while i build it, but i promise to try and format it as much as possible to make it easier to read! If anyone finds anything inaccurate in this post please let me know!
A couple days ago i didn't think i would have the knowledge to be writing on how to theme for Android. But its amazing what you can learn, when you spend a good 2-3 hours reading on a subject.
If you haven't read How to Theme Develope for Windows for Dummies I would advise you to start there first.
This will basically give you an idea of where the files are that you can change. There are quite a bit of files that you can change and some you shouldn't, at least not until they are understood better. (i.e. any file with .9.png as the extension.) These are stretchable pics and can cause problems with your theme and phone if not done properly)
When you download a theme it looks and acts as if it were a full flash, but the truth is these files only contain what we need to theme. As people learn more about themeing Android, these files should become smaller and smaller. I will explain the folder structure of these update files to make things easier to understand, Below i even have screenshots of them. The best way to learn these folders and apks is to extract them and view them in the thumbnail view in Windows Explorer. I am sure you will find most if not all of the files familiar. When scrolling thru all of the png files see if you can figure out where they appear on your phone.
Folder structure: Folders and apks
Anyone who uses a computer should knows about folders.
apk files are like zip files or containers. They have folders and files inside of them.
There are many folders and files in the update.zip but we are only going to cover a few for now.
app folder - This folder contains all of the apps that will be installed during an update or wipe. You will need to extract only the apks of the apps you wish to change the icon and graphics for.
-Launcher.apk - This file is in the app folder and contains the menu launcher tab, clock, google search widget, wallpapers and some other things.
framework - This folder contains framework-res.apk, this is where the bulk of your editing will take place.
When you open a apk you will see:
assets - This will contain images, sounds and other content used by the programs. Not always used!
META-INF - This contain the encryption data of the update.zip.
res - This folder contains all of the png and xml files. The xml files are used to format the UI, these can be used to change the locations of things on the screen. The xmls need to be unencrypted first. Depending on the apk there can be a bunch of folders under the res folder but we will only concentrate on the drawable ones.
-drawable - The png files in this folder are displayed wheather the keyboard is open or closed. The majority of the files are here.
-drawable-land - These are the files that will show when the keyboard is open. There won't be as many files in these folders. Most of the time the programmer will re-organize the layout with an xml file.
Basically the interface of Android is a bunch of pictures, the program links these pictures to certain actions. As someone making themes you do not have to worry about any programming, in the future when people start unlocking the xml files to change the way things look. Then you will have to learn some programming, but for now we will only talk about changing the picture files.
Below are screenshots for the people who learn quicker visually:
To start off i grabbed the Windows 7 Beta 3.0 from Dave Da Illest 1. also assuming that you read the link above, you Should have WinRaR and it should be associated with zip files. If not then, right click the update.zip and choose "Open With..." and select WinRaR.
Now you should see this screen.
{
"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"
}
Click the framework folder, you will see framework-res.apk.
Double click framework-res.apk and it will open a new WinRaR window.
You will want to extract these files, i normally extract them to the same folder as the update.zip. Now if you try to extract the whole update.zip you will receive errors. I believe it is because the file is signed. I am not sure how to unsign the whole zip, or if you would even want to.
This is what the folder with the extracted framework-res.apk and update.zip should look like.
Now you want to open the res folder and go into the drawable folder. If you are using Windows Explorer, change the view to thumbnails and you will now see all the files that Dave Da Illest 1 has changed.
To compare the files from JF's RC30 and any other theme you will need to download JF's RC30 v1.31 here. The folder structure is a bit different but easily figured out.
Inside the update.zip the structure is different, but that is only because the people who make these themes have only included the files you need. So when you flash a theme you are not reflashin all of the Android OS, radio and boot loader. you will want to double click system and then you will see the folders from the themes, tucked in with the OS and whatnot. The app folder is at the top like before and the framwork folder is in the middle somewhere. Follow the same instructions as before to extract the files, then tile your windows vertically or horizontally to do a side by side comparison.
It is best to create a folder specifically for these files. (when i first did this my folders were a mess and i ended up spending an hour or so editing a bunch of files, only to flash the original RC30 files on to my phone.)
::TIP:: When you open an apk file from inside the update.zip file, WinRaR may default to a temp folder...(i.e. C:\Documents and Settings\bobbyd\Local Settings\Temp\Rar$DI71.579\framework-res) double check the location of where WinRaR wants to extract files, this is how i ended up flashing the original files after spending a decent amount of time photoshopping.
I will update this thread as more ideas come in or as i read up on more, i am at work and just threw this together very quickly.
::EDIT::
I added themetemplate.zip, Its basically all the apps folders and framework-res.apk extracted with the folder structure intact. I stripped all .9.pngs and xmls out.
Included in the zip is:
update
-app
--AlarmClock
--Browser
--Calculator
--Calendar
--Camera
--Contacts
--Email
--Gmail
--gtalkservice
--IM
--Launcher
--Maps
--Mms
--Music
--MyFaves
--Phone
--Settings
--SoundRecorder
--Superuser
--Sync
--Talk
--Vending
--VoiceDialer
--YouTube
framework
-framework-res
inside each folder is the res\drawable, drawable-land, drawable-port

reserved....

Thanks for the clarification, It does help explain things a bit more. I plan to get started making a theme as soon as I get done downin' all the needed files. I have no internet besides my tetherbot for now, so it's a slooow process!

I figured i'd help by answering some of the questions i had and answered by playing with and dissecting the already created themes.
I didn't want to bother Stericson or Dave with questions they've been asked 100 times already.

WOW good looks.. looks like its time to make some themes..

is it possible to merge this with my how too ?? seems like it would be a great add on

Dave Da illest 1 said:
is it possible to merge this with my how too ?? seems like it would be a great add on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.... doesn't mean a thing by itself but merged together with your thread, would give a great visual representation of what is going on.

Dave Da illest 1 said:
is it possible to merge this with my how too ?? seems like it would be a great add on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the mods can sticky this, but wait until i am done editing it? then merge it with your thread. Unless I can still edit it when it is merged =)

yea....how many how to theme threads do we need?....
Like the visual representations...
Stericson

i dunno maybe a mod can put ur post where my reserved spot is on mines .. im not sure if he can tho but i hope he could lol

Stericson said:
yea....how many how to theme threads do we need?....
Like the visual representations...
Stericson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think as many as it takes =) Reading Dave's for dummies howto makes a lot more sense to me now. But last week when i read it i was confused as all hell! I basically put in a bit of info and some pics.
You guys will be thanking me when its all done...just think how many PMs it might save you from =)
If PM=">,last_week"
Then
Thank.damnitpud
End If

I'll merge the 2, the right way, as soon as both of the thread creators give me the ok.

you have my ok

is it possible to like make a list of which file controls what
example i was trying to find the clock images course i found that but other things theres like sooo much :|

also i was wondering does rc30 images differ from rc8 images (for the res and drawbles etc)

Mikey1022 said:
I'll merge the 2, the right way, as soon as both of the thread creators give me the ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you merge it so i can still edit it? if so i am ok with that to.

As far as I'm concerened you can merge all three.....maybye have each of our posts one after the other...will be a great place for information
Stericson
EDIT:
btw,
If PM=">,last_week"
Then
Thank.damnitpud
End If
^^^ Funny

This thread will be closed and placed to rest.
Please post all new comments or question in the new thread, placed here.

[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.
{
"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"
}
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

TUTORIAL - decompiling/editing XML

**This is for system apk's, not for market ones. To modify apps you've downloaded and installed, you will need a program like the fantastic Apk Manager, since non-system apps are signed and have to be resigned after getting messed with**
*MY TYPICAL DISCLAIMER!*
I AM NOT A DEV! I just like tinkering with this phone because I'm overall an extremely picky and obsessive person. I have no prior android experience (besides a little tinkering with my X10), and am in NO way an expert. But since I know how to mess with my phone a little bit and I've been asked to share, I will =) But follow these instructions at your own risk! I am not responsible for the untimely death of your phone, so please be cautious and careful, and if you have any questions about any step, before you try it, ask me or someone who knows! I don't want the blood of your dead phone on my hands! It's Christmas, after all! =)
These instructions are for Windows computers. Sorry, I'm just not familiar with mac or linux. =(
***Editing XML's***
So you want to modify something a little more complicated than just a PNG- there's something there you want gone, something too big or small, and you want to modify an XML. Here's what you need for starters:
7zip for your computer
Root explorer for your phone
apktool and apktool-install-windows for your computer from here
-Install it to your computer, as described in the link. (Just unpacking the items into c:/Windows is easiest)
Hex editor for your computer (I really like Notepad++)
For an example, I will be using the HORRIBLE yellow pages infiltration of the LG Nitro, thanks to surely some agreement between AT&T and YP. One example is the contacts list, where AT&T in its infinite wisdom has decided that the most important contact of all is the yellow pages, being the only permanent contact stuck in your list, shrinking your visible actual contacts list:
{
"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"
}
I don't like it, and I want it gone. I've already uninstalled yellow pages, and the dead button is still there! I will edit an XML to remove it =)
1.) Copy the apk you want to modify from your phone (using root explorer) and transfer to your computer
In this case, I wanted my Contacts.apk, which is in /system/app. Keep a copy safe somewhere, just in case something goes wrong, or you want to revert back to the original apk. The vast majority of system apps are in the /system/app folder, with the major exception of framework-res.apk. This is the phone’s BIG cajone in /system/framework, and as such, should be handled with utmost care. Messing with framework-res.apk incorrectly is an EASY way to brick your phone in a heartbeat.
2.) Decompile your apk
Put the apk in C:\ (I think you can put it in other places, but just for consistency, I'll say put it there =) ). Decompile it by using apktool. You can find more details elsewhere, but to keep it as brief as possible, here's how in a nutshell (there are other ways to do this, where to put files, etc, but for consistency's sake, this is how I do it):
-run cmd.exe
-in the command window, change your directory until you get all the way to C:\ (keep typing "cd.." and hitting enter until you're there)
-in the window type the following and hit enter:
apktool d nameofapk.apk
(In this case, type "apktool d Contacts.apk")
******IF YOU GET A LONG STRING OF "Could not decode attr value..." ENDING WITH "Can't find framework for package of id: 2. You must install proper framework files, see project website for more info." (like you do when decompiling some apk's like SystemUI.apk) SKIP TO THE END FOR SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS******
-the decompiled apk will now be extracted into a folder of the same name without the .apk extension (here, C:\Contacts)
3.) Find and edit the XML you want!
Now that it's been decompiled, the XML will be magically readable with Notepad++ (before decompiling, opening XML's with a hex editor produces gibberish. Now, you can actually read the text of it!). In this case, the XML we want to edit is here:
C:\Contacts\res\layout-finger\contacts_list_item_top_search_att.xml
In this XML, lines 14, 15 and 16 refer to that stupid bar in Contacts.apk with the yellow pages and ICE buttons. Included in lines 14, 15 and 16 are: android:layout_height="60.0dip", android:layout_height="51.0dip", and android:layout_height="51.0dip", respectively.
Change all 3 numerical values to 0.0 in all three cases, so now in lines 14, 15 and 16, it shows: android:layout_height="0.0dip", android:layout_height="0.0dip", and android:layout_height="0.0dip", instead.
Save the changes to this file and close! (You should have your original apk backed up somewhere else already!)
4.) Recompile the apk with the newly edited XML in it!
In cmd.exe (still in directory C:\), type:
apktool b nameofapkfolder
*do NOT type nameofapk.apk. Leave off the .apk extension! You're recompiling the decompiled folder, NOT the .apk! For example, here to rebuild Contacts, type
apktool b Contacts
This can take a while. It's okay if you get some "has no default translation" lines popping up. Just ignore them.
Now, in that same decompiled folder, you will have a new "build" folder. Inside are your newly recompiled files for your apk!
5.) Find the recompiled XML from the build folder and move it into a copy of the original .apk!
It will be in the same organization as it was within the .apk. For example, that XML we edited is located here:
C:\Contacts\build\apk\res\layout-finger\contacts_list_item_top_search_att.xml
If you open this recompiled XML, you'll see that it's back to being gibberish. That's because it's been successfully recompiled!
Now, find your original, unedited .apk, right click, 7zip, and open archive. Navigate to the original XML in that apk and drag and drop your newly edited/recompiled XML into that folder, letting it overwrite the original one! This is your newly edited .apk with the changes you want in your XML!
6.) Put this newly modified apk back onto your phone. Using root explorer, copy the new apk into the /system folder of your phone.
7.) CHANGE THE PERMISSIONS of the apk to match those of the original apk in /system/app.
In this case, long press on the Contacts.apk, select permissions, and select the check boxes as follows- Owner: Read, Write; Group: Read; Others: Read. This matches the permissions of Contacts.apk in /system/app
8.) Move the new apk into /system/app, and let it overwrite the original!
9.) Restart your phone!
Voila! The stupid bar is gone, and I have a little more room for my REAL contacts!
******SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DECOMPILING ERROR******
Some apk's (like SystemUI.apk) require OTHER (framework) apk's be "installed" in order to decompile properly. To install an apk, put it in C:\, then type the following command in cmd.exe when in directory C:\:
apktool if nameofapk.apk
But which other apk needs to be installed?? The secret is that when you try to decompile your apk and it produces those errors, apktool will actually tell you (in its way) what other apk is needed! For example, decompiling SystemUI.apk results in notifications ending in this:
"Can't find framework for package of id: 2. You must install proper framework files..."
id: 2 is your key. In /system/framework, there are 3 other apk's besides framework-res.apk. These are:
RES_cappuccino.apk
RES_model.apk
RES_sui.apk
If you install framework-res.apk:
apktool if framework-res.apk
you get the following statement:
I: Framework installed to: C:\Users\User\apktool\framework\1.apk
This means that id: 1 = framework-res.apk! If you install the other 3 apk's (RES_cappuccino, model, and sui), you'll find that they are:
RES_cappuccino.apk = id: 2
RES_model.apk = id: 4
RES_sui.apk = id: 3
SO, when you try to decompile SystemUI.apk, and it says "Can't find framework for package of id: 2," it's asking that you first install RES_cappuccino.apk before decompiling SystemUI.apk! So before apktool d SystemUI.apk, type:
apktool if RES_cappuccino.apk
It will say, "Framework installed to C:\Users\User\apktool\framework\2.apk
And now, when you decompile SystemUI.apk, it will work (as will recompiling! =) )
Good luck! Godspeed! =)

This is awesome! Thank you very much.
I've successfully managed use Apk Manager 4.9 - Makes Modifying Ur Apk A Breeze (Windows/Linux) for SystemUI.apk, but it did create additional useless folders.
One question though, what about resources.arsc file?
According to apk manager that file needs to be recreated when .xml files are changed.

It seems like that's the case when you have significant changes to the xml, like deleting lines or adding code, etc. When I just change values in the xml, it doesn't seem to require rewriting resources (which I'm not super comfortable with), so until we get a recovery mode, I just try to be creative in how I edit xml's to get what I want by just changing values =)

NICE!! Great job sir!

Did you ever get rid of the headphones icon, by the way? It shouldn't be too tricky

itiskonrad said:
Did you ever get rid of the headphones icon, by the way? It shouldn't be too tricky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, kind of...I do now know how to remove it, unfortunately it will have to wait until apktool get updated to v1.4.4, because current version does not work for our resources-res.apk (we seem to have ICS formatted .apk's). I already twice soft bricked my phone trying recompile this apk
Once we get the proper tool, we might start getting some interesting mods, like more quick settings for instance.

itiskonrad, can you post the actual file for removing yp from contacts. I am on mac with no pc available at the moment.

Sure thing! Here:
Contacts - No Yellow Pages
Be sure to follow steps 6-9, though! Especially the part about changing permissions!

Great thanks. Worked great.
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk

I couldnt get the new APK Manager which is now called APK Tools to work properly. Since the original link didnt work i decided to search out the old APK Manager to give it a shot, and it worked beautifully! For those that want the old one, you can get it here:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/17870566
i used it to change my contact list to black with white text. Much nicer!

itiskonrad said:
***Editing XML's***
3.) Find and edit the XML you want!
Now that it's been decompiled, the XML will be magically readable with Notepad++ (before decompiling, opening XML's with a hex editor produces gibberish. Now, you can actually read the text of it!). In this case, the XML we want to edit is here:
C:\Contacts\res\layout-finger\contacts_list_item_top_search_att.xml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have a problem, I can not correctly open the XML files from ROM. I want to edit the file primary_text_dark.xml of framework-res \ res \ I can not see it correctly. Help me please, the XML files from ROM, I can not correctly open and edit in any xml editor. What is the trick?
example
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Mlx3d1--g0E/T7yNMCOcCyI/AAAAAAAAAcE/aIV-2zHN8x8/s720/fotka%2520%252014.jpg

What you are looking at is a non-decompiled xml that is unreadable. You need to first decompile the apk which carries the xml you want to edit in order for it to be readable. You first have to complete steps 1 and 2 and decompile framework-res.apk as described in the guide in order to get a readable primary_text_dark.xml.

Thank you for your advice.

Error...
Hello everyone!
Dude, thanks for the post. It is very clear!
I have a question. I did everything step by step to decompile the framework-res and edit it, but when I try to recompile it, the APK folder created inside the new folder BUILD is empty.
What can have happened?
(translation via Google Translate)

Hmm, not sure. Try decompiling and recompiling immediately after without making any changes, just to make sure the commands are working. If that doesn't work, maybe there's something wrong with the commands? For example, I know it sounds stupid, but make sure to recompile, you're typing
apktool b framework-res
NOT
apktool b framework-res.apk

Thank you Itiskonrad!
Yes, the commands are working. Decompiled and compiled again without changes, and everything went well.
I realized that change depending on what I do when this error occurs. Now I'm changing slowly and has not worked.
The strange thing is that I do not see the changes on the device. My intention is to change the entire text of the notifications in order to use a black theme in my status bar.
I made a theme based on UotKitchen and I'm improving, but notifications such as downloads and ongoing calls persist with the font color black, which makes their visibility.
I will continue testing until something works!
Big hug!
(translation via Google Translate)

itiskonrad,
Do you use an ICS leak? Could you please modify status bar apk and remove carrier from there?

Shouldn't be the final APK zipaligned?

Thanks, great

[Guide/Tutorial][17/06/12]How to make "basic" theming mods + .9.png tutorial

[Guide/Tutorial][17/06/12]How to make "basic" theming mods + .9.png tutorial
If you find this guide useful then please rate the thread, i dont really care about thanks, thanks.
Give a man a theme and he can flash for a day.
Teach him how to theme and he can flash for a lifetime.
{
"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"
}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What's in the guide??"
*Basic image editing
*Using UOT kitchen to change the battery icons
*Popular image names and locations (GB)
*How to decompile using apk manager4.9
*Editing .9.png's
*How to use the universal theme.zip
*Create a batch Hue action in Photoshop
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm constantly seeing people asking for minor changes to ROMS, Themes, Mods etc, so i thought i would post this to let the talented people get on with what they do best, and the rest of us can stop harassing them for simple tasks that we are all capable of ourselves.
"Could you add these images from this ROM to your theme?"
"Can you change the colour of the battery in you ROM?"
"Is it possible to have different status bar colour?"
Well people it's time to learn some basic theming/modding/skinning, whatever you want to call it.Lets say you want to change the colour of the battery....
​What you will need:
*7zip (free)
*Greenfish icon editor pro (free/ windows) or *Gimp (free/ all platforms)
Getting going:
[1]
Firstly open up your ROM/Theme/Mod with 7zip and navigate to:
"system/framework/"
*If framework-res is a folder drog and drop to a suitable location on you pc.
*If it is an .apk then extract it and unpack.
TIP: drag it out then right click>7zip>extract to "***".
TIP2: Create a copy of this folder in case you make a mistake!!
[2]
Now navigate into "framework-res/res/drawable-hdpi/", in here are your battery images named "stat_sys_battery.png"
[3]
Open up Greenfish/Gimp, and drag across the images you want to adjust.
[Greenfish] Select Filter>Hue/Saturation
In the window that opens adjust the properties until you get your desired effect.
Save and close.
[Gimp] Select tools>color tools>hue-saturation
In the window that opens adjust the properties until you get your desired effect.
Save and close.
[4]
When your happy with the results open up(NOT EXTRACT!!) the Universal Theme template provided using 7zip and navigate to-
"system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/"
Drag the newly adjusted images across.
Close and place on your sdcard to be flashed from recovery.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Now lets say you want to use different signal images....
​[1]
Get the ROM/Theme/Mod containing the images you want to use
Open up with 7zip and navigate to "system/app/systemUI.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/"
in here are your signal images named "stat_sys_signal.png"
[2]
Open up(NOT EXTRACT!!) the Universal Theme template provided using 7zip and navigate to-
"system/app/systemUI.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/"
Drag the desired images across.
Close and place on your sdcard to be flashed from recovery.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That was easy was'nt it!
There are free software programs out there like gimp that let you batch process images but im not aware of the methods used, if anyone is then please post.
Please feel free to post helpful info and ask questions about locations of images or anything else related. Hopefully myself or anyone else in the know will help.
If you want to go deeper into theme-ing here is an amazing guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>> Universal Theme empty template <<<
Thanks to JR soft and also Intronauta for universal theme http://www.htcmania.com/showthread.php?t=258333 .Based on the "VillainTheme system" tool by VillainTeam. More info etc, head to www.villainrom.co.uk.

dully79 said:
I'm constantly seeing people asking for minor changes to ROMS, Themes, Mods etc, so i thought i would post this to let the talented people get on with what they do best, and the rest of us can stop harassing them for simple tasks that we are all capable of ourselves.
"Could you add these images from this ROM to your theme?"
"Can you change the colour of the battery in you ROM?"
"Is it possible to have different status bar colour?"
Well people it's time to learn some basic theming/modding/skinning, whatever you want to call it. Ill add more info to this as necessary.
Please feel free to post helpful info and ask question about locations of images or anything else related. Hopefully myself or anyone else in the know will help.
Like i said is is a very basic guide, if you want to go deeper into it, here is an amazing guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
>>> Universal Theme empty template <<<
Thanks to JR soft and also Intronauta for universal theme.(based on the "VillainTheme system" tool by VillainTeam. More info etc, head to www.villainrom.co.uk).
Hopefully this helps some people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dully .Very usefull guide indeed.I use paint.net for changing colour but i found really usefull this empty template
And a little help.The only thing i do is to make the necessary changes png's or xml's into system/app or framework is that right?
Do i need anything else eg extras?
Thanks again!!!

This will come in useful. thanks

Your very welcome.
I use "actions" in photoshop for batch processing, but i also have another program which is really good called "AbleBatchConverter", unfortunately thats paid software.
Greenfish is ideal for minor adjustments- its a small file size, easy on resources, quick and has some good features, but best of all........it's free.

siberian tiger said:
Thanks dully .Very usefull guide indeed.I use paint.net for changing colour but i found really usefull this empty template
And a little help.The only thing i do is to make the necessary changes png's or xml's into system/app or framework is that right?
Do i need anything else eg extras?
Thanks again!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you put any xml's into the framework folders there is a good chance it will break it from being "Universal"
The "XTRAS" depends on what your doing.
The "XTRAS" folder is where you put apk's to be installed instead of just images in the system folder.
Example how to use "XTRAS" folder:
Open "Vending.apk"
Goto "res/drawable-hdpi/"
Drag and drop in images with matching names
Close apk
Open UT empty template
Goto "XTRAS/app/
Drag and drop Vending.apk inside
Close and place on sdcard for flashing
When flashed this will install "Vending.apk" into "system/app/"
Hope this helps.

Always here to help and share my friend...!!!
===THANK YOU=== mate !

Universal-Flasher-tool_v3.0
Hello everyone!
This version of the template that you use (2.X) is somewhat outdated. Version 3.0 has many new features, and is much faster and safer.
http://www.multiupload.com/HOP6RWMNOB
Basically, has a new advanced configuration file (MOD.config) where you can enable / disable functions (more information inside the file).
Have also been replaced binaries zip and busybox with a new binary 7z, much faster. The process is much faster now than before.
It also supports theming non-system applications (though not recommended).
Enjoy it!!!

jrsoft said:
Hello everyone!
This version of the template that you use (2.X) is somewhat outdated. Version 3.0 has many new features, and is much faster and safer.
http://www.multiupload.com/HOP6RWMNOB
Basically, has a new advanced configuration file (MOD.config) where you can enable / disable functions (more information inside the file).
Have also been replaced binaries zip and busybox with a new binary 7z, much faster. The process is much faster now than before.
It also supports theming non-system applications (though not recommended).
Enjoy it!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it support "sdcard"?
The last script supported "emmc", that's why I still use v.2*

dully79 said:
Does it support "sdcard"?
The last script supported "emmc", that's why I still use v.2*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the script autodetects the path of the sdcard. You can also manually set the path very easily to the new file MOD.config. Check this out:
Code:
[SDCARD PATH]
##########################################
default_internal_sdcard=/emmc
##########################################
##########################################
default_external_sdcard=/sdcard
##########################################
*It's not necessary to modify this
parameters unless you really need another
custom folder path for your sdcards in the
recovery. You should try before change
this!! and remember don't modify the
generic "sdcard" folder name in XTRAS.
The system will adapt the paths depending
of this values.

Cheers mate, your a legend. I could never get vrtheme to play nice but yours runs perfect.

If anyone previously downloaded the empty template, please download this version instead, it has many improvents over the old zip including speed.
Links:
>>>HERE<<<
And in the OP.
Thanks.

UOT kitchen battery
Ok lets say we want to change our battery for the new flavour of the month.
If you plan on using a battery theme from UOT kitchen then just follow "UOT Battery" instructions.
If you want to use a theme you found floating around the forums that doesn't work for your ROM then follow "Custom Battery".
UOT Battery
Here is how to gain a new battery theme using UOT kitchen:
FOR ICS AND ABOVE USE SYSTEMUI.APK
Get your "framework-res.apk", there are many methods to do this, i'll let you pick one.
Go HERE and click the "file upload" tab, select "system files" and upload your framework-res.apk. To avoid problems please us a CLEAN/UN-THEMED framework-res.apk
Now click the "battery" tab, check "use this mod", now choose whichever battery theme tickles your fancy.
Click the "summary" tab and "submit work to kitchen"
Wait for the kitchen to cook your files then flash your new battery theme from CWM
Reboot and enjoy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custom Battery
Here is how to gain a new custom battery using UOT kitchen:
Download and open up the battery theme you would like to use using 7zip.
Navigate to "framework-res.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/"
Count how many "stat_sys_battery_*.png" and "stat_sys_battery_charge_*.png" are inside and remember or write it down(keep this window open).
Get your "framework-res.apk", there are many methods to do this, i'll let you pick one.
Again navigate to "framework-res.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/" and count how many "stat_sys_battery_*.png" and "stat_sys_battery_charge_*.png" are inside, then close.
If there is the same number of images in both files then goto "UT.zip" below, if not continue to step 7.
Go HERE and click the "file upload" tab, select "system files" and upload your framework-res.apk. To avoid problems please us a CLEAN/UN-THEMED framework-res.apk
Now click the "battery" tab, check "use this mod", now find a battery theme on UOT that uses the same number of images as what you wrote down earlier.
If applicable scroll down to the bottom and select a charging animation style, I would reccomend hybrid.
Click the "summary" tab and "submit work to kitchen"
Once your theme is cooked open up the UOT.zip with 7zip and navigate to "framework-res.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/".
Now select all the battery images from the window you left open earlier and drag and drop them onto the UOT.zip window, click yes to confirm and close.
Now you have a modified framework-res.apk that will correctly display all the battery images, just simply flash from CWM recovery.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UT.zip
Download the empty template from the OP.
Open up the empty template and navigate to "framework-res.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/". If the directory doesn't exist just simply create the folders being case-sensitive.
Now select all the battery images from the window you left open earlier and drag and drop them onto the empty template window, click yes to confirm and close.
Now you have a universal theme.zip that will theme battery images on your ROM.
Here is a link for a esk02k's CWM flashable glass orb battery mod zip, it contains 100 discharging and 100 charging png's:
esk02k battery orb mod
Preview
And here is a link for my Power Battery mod, it contains 100 discharging and 100 charging png's:
Phone Candy Power Battery
Preview
Both links are in universal theme format.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the guide, dully79. Got a quick question...
I am currently on a stock (but rooted) 2.3.4 rom on my international Galaxy S2. I am pretty noobish at hacking around with the Galaxy S2, so if I may.
Rather than editing framework-res.apk from a rom and then flashing the whole thing in CWM, can I just extract the framework-res.apk from the rom running on the phone at the moment, using Root Explorer, edit the PNG files that I want, save the PNGs back into framework-res.apk and then just overwrite framework-res.apk on the phone (again using Root Explorer), reboot the phone and then enjoy the changes I've made?
Or is that asking for a disaster?
I apologise for being incredibly ignorant in the ways of Android modding. I'm still getting used to all this Android modding stuff. Modding the Nokia N900 was no trouble at all!
I have made a full backup of the phone on CWM, and I have one of them USB Jigs, just in case...

I wouldn't recommend it as your framework-res.apk is constantly being called by various things. I tried it once using root explorer on my old HTC hero and ended up in a world of pain.
If you want to do edits on board the best thing would probably be:
1- copy and paste your framework-res on your sd.
2- extract your framework and make the edits you want.
3- download the UT empty template from OP and extract that, if the files are extracted individually instead of into a folder then put them into folder.
4- copy your new images into the extracted empty template in MORPH/system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/ (if the directory doesn't exist just create it being case-sensitive).
5- zip up the files INSIDE the extracted empty template folder using store add the compression method (beware that some zip apps don't seem to play nice with cwm).
6- flash from cwm
This method will only replace the images you added into the extracted empty template.
Hope this helps, if you need anything else just ask.

Thanks for the reply
So the empty theme template will work ok with the stock (but rooted) 2.3.4 Touchwiz rom that my phone shipped with?
Will the same method you described above also work for systemui.apk so I can edit the green Wifi/Bluetooth/GPS/Sound/Auto Rotation switches in the notification tray?
Thanks again I'm looking forward to shifting the green-ness of a lot of the graphics - I'd much prefer blue!

Yes mate it will.
If you just want to change images use the MORPH folder with the correct directory to the images like described above.
And if you want to replace full apk's you place them in XTRAS.
Don't edit any .9.pngs, as in changing the hue, these need to be decompiled before editing.
You can swap compiled .9's for compiled .9's but be careful with them as these can cause force closes and boot loops. There are guides around xda about editing them.

Another thank you to you, dully79!
I've followed the instructions you laid out, and I've turned the stock battery level (and charging indicator) blue!
I'd post a picture, but I'm not allowed to yet. Gotta shift my forum training wheels.
But I assure you, it looks goooooooood...
This is only just the beginning...
I'm going to make every single graphic a different colour, with lens flare! /vomits
Thanks again for this guide, this has started me off on the journey of Android discovery!

Crugath said:
Another thank you to you, dully79!
I've followed the instructions you laid out, and I've turned the stock battery level (and charging indicator) blue!
I'd post a picture, but I'm not allowed to yet. Gotta shift my forum training wheels.
But I assure you, it looks goooooooood...
This is only just the beginning...
I'm going to make every single graphic a different colour, with lens flare! /vomits
Thanks again for this guide, this has started me off on the journey of Android discovery!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No probs mate, I'm more than happy to pass on what I've learned.
Don't hesitate to ask if you needed owt.

Seeing as you've offered, I think I'll take you up on the offer to answer more questions! lol...
I am trying to change the progress bar colour. I can find progressbar_indeterminate#.png, which is fine, but I can't find the regular solid progress bar. Do you know what that's called and where it might live?
And another, I'm trying to change the colour of the background of a slider for things like changing volume in the settings, I also can't find the PNG for that. If you know where I can look, please let me know!

That's found in progress_horizontal.xml in framework-res.apk/res/drawable.
To make edits you need to decompile first to make the xml readable, then re compile.
Here is a blue progress bar with a grey background from my phone candy theme if you don't want to edit xmls, just extract it from the zip and put it in the correct directory in the MORPH folder.

[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'.