APK MODDING THE EASY WAY
Another Deviant Development Production
I have had several request on how to edit apks. So I figured I would write a guide for everyone to use, and for me to give
back to the XDA community. Please keep in mind that this is the tool that I use personally, and I will also do my best to
explain this guide in detail so you will have confidence in your adventure of modding apks.
In order to edit your apks there are a couple of more tools that we will need to get. Below you will find the download
links for the tools.
Set up requirements
Downloads
ApkManager
This is a zip file. Make sure that you extract it to the root of your
PC (C:drive)......
NotePad++
This will be use to edit xmls
7Zip
This will be used to extract certain files needed to compile successfully
Now, after you have downloaded the above tools please follow these steps or you will have
errors when you decompile/compile a apk.....
DECOMPILING
1. Open Apkmanger and look at the folders to get familiar with them. The first folder we will
deal with will be the "other" folder.
In the "other" folder you need to place these 3 apks...
Framework-res.apk
SystemUI.apk
Twframework-res.apk
Once you have placed these apks in the "other" folder you need to highlight (left click) it, then press shift/right click.
It will bring up a window....select "open command window here". Once that is done another screen will pop up which
is cmd....
In cmd type these commands....
apktool if framework-res.apk (hit enter on your keyboard) framework is now loaded
apktool if systemui.apk (hit enter on your keyboard) systemui is now loaded
apktool if twframework-res.apk (hit enter on your keyboard) twframework is loaded
2. Now open the "other" folder in a new window. Once its open you need to drag and drop the 3 apks (SystemUI,Framework,
Twframework)into the folder called "place-apk-here-for-modding". Close the "other" folder.
3. Now you will see "Script".....double click to open it up. Once its open, type 22. It will bring up the 3 apks that we loaded
thru cmd.....now choose the apk you wish to mod.
I will use framework-res.apk for a example. After you have chosen your apk the Script will go to its menu. Type 9 to decompile your apk. It will take it a few minutes. Once its done decompiling the files will be located in the "projects" folder.
Open the "projects" folder and you will find your decompiled apk.
Now lets say you wanted to edit a xml in framework.....navigate to res/values. Open it up.....there will be a list of the xml's.
Right click the xml to bring up a window, select "edit with NotePad++. Now you can edit the xml. (This is just examples
on the res folder).
RECOMPILING
4. Recompiling is where people have problems. Either from compiling errors or bootloops. I will show you how to compile
with no errors and no bootloops. I will start with framework-res.apk (as example)
Once you have done all of your edits in framework you will nedd to compile it. Open "Script" again, type 22, type 1, it will bring you to the main menu, type 11 for compile....it will take a few minutes.
At the bottom of the menu you you will be asked if this is a system app....type Y when it asks. It will then ask if you want to copy over additional files to reduce errors....type Y when it asks. It will then extract a bunch of files.
Once its done you will now see a "keep" folder. This folder is the original UNMODDED apk you have edited. Now in the "keep" folder you need to DELETE anything you modded. ie (you modded the clock,res/layout/statusbar.xml). You will go to res/layout/statusbar.xml and DELETE the xml.
Now since you edited a xml you will also have to delete resources.arsc file. This is where xml's are stored. Once you have
deleted your edits press ok in the "Script". Once its done compileing your new apk will be found in "place-apk-here-for-modding". It will say "unsignedframework-res.apk.
7ZIP
But we are not done yet. You will now need to open the ORIGINAL framework-res.apk with 7Zip. Once its open, extract the META-INF and the AndroidManifest. Now you need to open the unsignedframework-res.apk with 7Zip. Once open DELETE META-INF and AndroidManifest. Take the META-INF and AndroidManifest from the original apk and place them into the new one. Once thats done close 7Zip. Rename the apk to framework-res.apk. Your done.
Please note that you can mod any apk with this tool. You just load them in as above.
Smali/Dex Files
Part 2
Set Up Requirements:
Downloads
Smali
This tool will be used to extact classout files for editing
First thing is to download the above Smali. Its a rar file, so there is no need to extract to your C: drive.
Open it up and get familiar with some of the folders.
One of the easiest ways to get your dex file is with 7Zip. Which you should of downloaded from Part 1. Please
keep in mind this is dex files from a apk, not a jar. The smali tool works different for jars.
Extracting Dex Files
I will use SystemUI.apk as a example. Take your SystemUI.apk and open it with 7Zip. You will see your classes.dex file.
Drag and drop the classes.dex to the smali folder, just drop it on the bottom right under
testkey.x509.pem.
Now you need to double click on "Quick-Baksmali". A CMD window will pop up. When it is done you
will see a new folder called "classout". This folder contains the smali files. Navigate to the desired smali
you want to edit. Just use NotePad++ for your edits.
Compiling Classout back to classout.dex
Once you have completed your edits you will now need to "compile" the modded classout file back into
classout.dex. Double click on "Quick-Smali".....a CMD window will pop up. When its done running the
script you will see "new-classes.dex".....that is your new modded dex files.
Now open up your SysytemUI.apk with 7Zip......RENAME new-classes.dex to classes.dex....Now DELETE
the classes.dex in 7Zip. Drag and drop your new classes.dex into 7Zip. And now your SystemUI.apk
has freshly modded smali......
If you have any problems or questions please post them and I will help you out. But I will not do
the modding for you. Thats what this guide is for.
MINE.............
The Sickness said:
MINE.............
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
APKManager link not working.........
bofiana said:
APKManager link not working.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I will fix it when I get off work. My apologies
Edit: I just tried it and it works. Having Mega on your PC or app on your phone helps
My S4 Has Gone Insane
Deviant Development Team Member
OP updated with how to edit Smali....
Do you have to move those 3, framework, twframework and systemui, anytime you want to change anything on the device at all? Or do you only move over the apks you want to modify?
and when you say move those 3 apks to the other folder. Do you mean copy and paste them from the system/app folder from the device?
If I want to modify the secphone, do I have to first move those 3 over, then the secphone?
And how am I supposed to access those apks when I plug my phone in, it only brings up my sdcards? ive got debugging on
SaintCity86 said:
Do you have to move those 3, framework, twframework and systemui, anytime you want to change anything on the device at all? Or do you only move over the apks you want to modify?
and when you say move those 3 apks to the other folder. Do you mean copy and paste them from the system/app folder from the device?
If I want to modify the secphone, do I have to first move those 3 over, then the secphone?
And how am I supposed to access those apks when I plug my phone in, it only brings up my sdcards? ive got debugging on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 3 apks from the OP MUST be loaded. Then you can add any apk you want after that.
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
The Sickness said:
The 3 apks from the OP MUST be loaded. Then you can add any apk you want after that.
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get the apks into the other folder?Is there a specific way they have to be added to that folder? I guess where Im lost is, if a take the apk from my device, mess with it, and get it all repacked up....how am I then supposed to transfer that to the phone?
Im missing something.
And tbh, this is really frustrating.
SaintCity86 said:
How do you get the apks into the other folder?Is there a specific way they have to be added to that folder? I guess where Im lost is, if a take the apk from my device, mess with it, and get it all repacked up....how am I then supposed to transfer that to the phone?
Im missing something.
And tbh, this is really frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a folder on your desktop, name it APKS. Drag and drop the apks in that folder from your device.......Now from that folder drag and drop them into the "other" folder. Then follow my guide.
What in saying is, all I get is my sdcards when I Try to browser my phones contents. I don't get the root where I can access them.
Unless I copy them over to the ext sdcard on my phone, then get them on my computer that way.
But then how do you get the finished apks installed back in the phone? Turn it into a flashable zip somehow?
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
SaintCity86 said:
What in saying is, all I get is my sdcards when I Try to browser my phones contents. I don't get the root where I can access them.
Unless I copy them over to the ext sdcard on my phone, then get them on my computer that way.
But then how do you get the finished apks installed back in the phone? Turn it into a flashable zip somehow?
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85
This is what I can do. I will do a add on to my guide for pulling apks. There are a couple ways.
I working alot of hours. So I will do it as soon as I can.
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you push the apk back into your system.
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
SaintCity86 said:
What in saying is, all I get is my sdcards when I Try to browser my phones contents. I don't get the root where I can access them.
Unless I copy them over to the ext sdcard on my phone, then get them on my computer that way.
But then how do you get the finished apks installed back in the phone? Turn it into a flashable zip somehow?
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know how to access the system/apps and rename them?
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
The only way I can get at that folder right now is from my devices Xplore app. Im having issues accessing the root folder from my computer, while my device is plugged in...
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
SaintCity86 said:
The only way I can get at that folder right now is from my devices Xplore app. Im having issues accessing the root folder from my computer, while my device is plugged in...
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the Play Store, get FX File Expolore, and FX Root Add-on. Once you have that do this:
Go to System (root)......say ok when prompted
Next scroll down till you see a folder named "system".....select it
On the next page select the "app" folder, its the first one.....
Now you can see every app that is on your device
At the bottom of the screen you will see a "tool" symbol, select it, a window will pop up, select "Mount Read-Write", select ok when prompted.
Go to to the apk you want to mod,etc.....Long press the apk, a window will pop up, select "copy"....
Now back out till you are on the home page.......select "Media Card", select "download", on top right of screen will be the apk you copied, select it and paste it to download.
Now when you plug your phone into your PC and you access your SDCard, you will now see that apk. You call pull it straight from the SDCard.
Alright, I can do that with mine. Just copy the apks, the 3 u mentioned, and any others I want to modify.
Modify them.
Recompile.
Then the program will push the modified apks to the device?
Or I'll be able to make a flashable zip for others to flash? Or myself later?
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
I will be home in a bit and will explain how to do it
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
After you mod the apk put it back on your SDCard. Go into the system root with your file manager. Copy your newly modified apk....When you get into the system/apps scroll down to the original apk. Rename it to blahblah.bak...paste your new apk. Reboot. If you did everything right you won't have any FC'S
My S4 Needs Kit Kat
Deviant Development Team Member
Just copy and paste huh? I didn't know that's how you get apks back on... I've been flashing a zip with whatever images I wanted to change...This is a totally different method all together.
If , for example, I get finished with the secphone.apk, and I Recompile it, will the program be able to create aflashable zip for its theme? So I can flash that dialer set up whenever I want? Or give it to someone else? I wouldn't be giving out the apks to people if I want to share it.... Right?
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
SaintCity86 said:
Just copy and paste huh? I didn't know that's how you get apks back on... I've been flashing a zip with whatever images I wanted to change...This is a totally different method all together.
If , for example, I get finished with the secphone.apk, and I Recompile it, will the program be able to create aflashable zip for its theme? So I can flash that dialer set up whenever I want? Or give it to someone else? I wouldn't be giving out the apks to people if I want to share it.... Right?
You've Just Been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3beta♤♡
☆FlappyBird☆Score ☆ 85 ☆
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well....they would have to push the apk into their system, UNLESS, you made it vrtheme
My S4 Is Insane
Deviant Team Member
Related
Let me first start off by saying I do not know much. So I am asking if anyone knows of some beginner guides to start creating my own theme's.
1) Is it basically scripting? Or will I have to write completely new code for all my functions... By the way, I fail at programming, so please inform me so I don't waste my time.
2) Would someone like me who does not know much scripting, have a hard time doing this or is it relatively quick to pick up?
3) Is it done on the phone or through the ADB Shell?
Thanks a bunch in advance.
It is done with photoshop and 7zip......all it is is replacinng drawable icons from the res folder
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
jdkoreclipse said:
It is done with photoshop and 7zip......all it is is replacinng drawable icons from the res folder
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply, do you have any possible examples to show me how to do this?
You going to do your editing on the computer. I believe the command is
Code:
adb remount
adb pull framework-res.apk /Desktop/Theme
/Desktop/Theme is a directory you create on your computer. If adb pull doesn't work just download what ever rom your using to your computer and copy and paste framework-res.apk out of /system/framework.
Afterwards you can use 7zip to find the files you wish to edit. Its been a while for me but i believe most files are located in drawable-hdpi. Use Gimp or Photoshop to edit whatever images you want to. Do not edit any images with file extensions .9pngs as they require some additional steps, and can cause issues when you try and put it back on your phone.
Once your done move the files to the tools directory of sdk. cd to that directory and run..
Code:
adb remount
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework
adb reboot
That should work for personal reasons. If your looking to create an update.zip to release for others i can help you with that too.
tcberg2010 said:
You going to do your editing on the computer. I believe the command is
Code:
adb remount
adb pull framework-res.apk /Desktop/Theme
/Desktop/Theme is a directory you create on your computer. If adb pull doesn't work just download what ever rom your using to your computer and copy and paste framework-res.apk out of /system/framework.
Afterwards you can use 7zip to find the files you wish to edit. Its been a while for me but i believe most files are located in drawable-hdpi. Use Gimp or Photoshop to edit whatever images you want to. Do not edit any images with file extensions .9pngs as they require some additional steps, and can cause issues when you try and put it back on your phone.
Once your done move the files to the tools directory of sdk. cd to that directory and run..
Code:
adb remount
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework
adb reboot
That should work for personal reasons. If your looking to create an update.zip to release for others i can help you with that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, thank you, I will give it a shot!
tcberg2010 said:
You going to do your editing on the computer. I believe the command is
Code:
adb remount
adb pull framework-res.apk /Desktop/Theme
/Desktop/Theme is a directory you create on your computer. If adb pull doesn't work just download what ever rom your using to your computer and copy and paste framework-res.apk out of /system/framework.
Afterwards you can use 7zip to find the files you wish to edit. Its been a while for me but i believe most files are located in drawable-hdpi. Use Gimp or Photoshop to edit whatever images you want to. Do not edit any images with file extensions .9pngs as they require some additional steps, and can cause issues when you try and put it back on your phone.
Once your done move the files to the tools directory of sdk. cd to that directory and run..
Code:
adb remount
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework
adb reboot
That should work for personal reasons. If your looking to create an update.zip to release for others i can help you with that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just noticed you are an expectant father, congratulations. I have a 6 month old, who is a ton of fun!
Ok, so I went through 'astro' found the file framework-res.apk inside of /system/framework as you stated above, the only problem is from adb shell, whenever I run pull, it gives me the following message:
Code:
'remote object 'framework-res.apk' does not exist'
I have debugging turned on, so I should have access, and adb mounted just fine...
If you have any ideas, I would appreciate it.
bboydp said:
Just noticed you are an expectant father, congratulations. I have a 6 month old, who is a ton of fun!
Ok, so I went through 'astro' found the file framework-res.apk inside of /system/framework as you stated above, the only problem is from adb shell, whenever I run pull, it gives me the following message:
Code:
'remote object 'framework-res.apk' does not exist'
I have debugging turned on, so I should have access, and adb mounted just fine...
If you have any ideas, I would appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try mounting the partitions through Clockword Recovery. I've had issues in the past where a partition wasn't mounted, therefore the computer couldn't find it.
Hope it works, i'm looking to start theming some as well and this looks like it'll help!
Thank you. I don't think u need to be in adb shell. Try using astro to copy and paste that framework-res.apk to ur sdcard. Then just disk drive ur card and remove it.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
MMBosstones86 said:
try mounting the partitions through Clockword Recovery. I've had issues in the past where a partition wasn't mounted, therefore the computer couldn't find it.
Hope it works, i'm looking to start theming some as well and this looks like it'll help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I will keep that in mind.
tcberg2010 said:
Thank you. I don't think u need to be in adb shell. Try using astro to copy and paste that framework-res.apk to ur sdcard. Then just disk drive ur card and remove it.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, that works easily... thanks!
ok so i've used 7zip to pull the images from the drawable icons folder out of the framework res what's the simplest way to say add transparency to my notification window would I use Photoshop for this?
Also interested in a guide for this.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
HeyItsLou said:
ok so i've used 7zip to pull the images from the drawable icons folder out of the framework res what's the simplest way to say add transparency to my notification window would I use Photoshop for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes with photoshop you manipulate the image's transparency using a ton of different tools but the easiest being the blend tool by simply double clicking on the image in the layers pallet
EDIT* Hopefully that makes sense lol
jdkoreclipse said:
It is done with photoshop and 7zip......all it is is replacinng drawable icons from the res folder
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont forget xml files, for fully rounded theme you will have to modify some of these!
So you want to know how to theme heh. Cool, we need more themers!
Here is a guide to get you started:
The Ultimate Android Themeing Guide
Can't afford Photoshop? No problem, download Gimp, its free and will work great for themeing.
Download for Gimp
Dont know how to do something with your theme? Google to the rescue. For example; say you want to add a transparency to your image. Just google "how to add transparency with Gimp". Google can answer all your questions.
Couple things to keep in mind while themeing.
1: Dont change the size of the default image
2: Some images are 8-bit paletted. You are really limited on what you can do in 8-bit. While in your graphics program change the image to 24bit rgb or 32bit cmyk, do your edits then change the image back to 8-bit when you are done.
Instead of using adb to pull the apk's I want to edit I just extract them from the ROM itself. If you download your ROMS from ROM Manager they can be found on your SD card in the clockworkmod/download folder. For example Skyraider can be found in clockworkmod/download/pcjock.com/skyraider/Roms folder.
Inside the rom zip file you will see a folder structure similar to data/meta-inf/system/tools etc. There are 2 main apk's you are looking for:
framework-res.apk - this is the main "theme" area for droid devices
com.htc.resources.apk - this is the main "theme" area for sense based roms
Both of these can be found in the system/framework folder within the zip of the ROM. Editing these 2 apk's will theme about 80% of your overall look of the phone. The other 20% use their own png's found within the apk of that particular app. These apps can be found in system/app of the ROMS zip file.
What I do when editing a apk is extract the apk to my desktop. After I have the apk I want to edit there I open it up with 7zip and extract the whole res folder to my desktop (keep the apk open in 7zip so you can add the res folder back in after your edits). All the pngs you want to edit will be in the drawable folders (ie drawable, drawable-hdi, etc)
Pay close attention to the png files you edit. If it has a .9 in its name you need to take some extra steps when editing the file. A guide on editing .9 pngs can be found here. After you have made your png edits drag the res folder from your desktop back into the apk in 7zip. After that you need to create a update.zip file with your new theme in it. I use apk sign which can be found here. Thats it, your theme should be ready to go.
I hope this helps some. When in doubt do what I did, research, google, research and google some more.
Good luck!
djkms said:
So you want to know how to theme heh. Cool, we need more themers!
Here is a guide to get you started:
The Ultimate Android Themeing Guide
Can't afford Photoshop? No problem, download Gimp, its free and will work great for themeing.
Download for Gimp
Dont know how to do something with your theme? Google to the rescue. For example; say you want to add a transparency to your image. Just google "how to add transparency with Gimp". Google can answer all your questions.
Couple things to keep in mind while themeing.
1: Dont change the size of the default image
2: Some images are 8-bit paletted. You are really limited on what you can do in 8-bit. While in your graphics program change the image to 24bit rgb or 32bit cmyk, do your edits then change the image back to 8-bit when you are done.
Instead of using adb to pull the apk's I want to edit I just extract them from the ROM itself. If you download your ROMS from ROM Manager they can be found on your SD card in the clockworkmod/download folder. For example Skyraider can be found in clockworkmod/download/pcjock.com/skyraider/Roms folder.
Inside the rom zip file you will see a folder structure similar to data/meta-inf/system/tools etc. There are 2 main apk's you are looking for:
framework-res.apk - this is the main "theme" area for droid devices
com.htc.resources.apk - this is the main "theme" area for sense based roms
Both of these can be found in the system/framework folder within the zip of the ROM. Editing these 2 apk's will theme about 80% of your overall look of the phone. The other 20% use their own png's found within the apk of that particular app. These apps can be found in system/app of the ROMS zip file.
What I do when editing a apk is extract the apk to my desktop. After I have the apk I want to edit there I open it up with 7zip and extract the whole res folder to my desktop (keep the apk open in 7zip so you can add the res folder back in after your edits). All the pngs you want to edit will be in the drawable folders (ie drawable, drawable-hdi, etc)
Pay close attention to the png files you edit. If it has a .9 in its name you need to take some extra steps when editing the file. A guide on editing .9 pngs can be found here. After you have made your png edits drag the res folder from your desktop back into the apk in 7zip. After that you need to create a update.zip file with your new theme in it. I use apk sign which can be found here. Thats it, your theme should be ready to go.
I hope this helps some. When in doubt do what I did, research, google, research and google some more.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for that post, exactly what I was looking for.
1 quick question, I was just trying to make a transparent background for my SmoothCalendar Widget, and I edited it in gimp fine, readded the png to the apk, moved the apk back to my sd card, but when I went to install it it just said "cannot install" from what I was reading, this is a signing issue -- is that where the apk sign program you linked comes into play?
scrdy said:
Thanks a lot for that post, exactly what I was looking for.
1 quick question, I was just trying to make a transparent background for my SmoothCalendar Widget, and I edited it in gimp fine, readded the png to the apk, moved the apk back to my sd card, but when I went to install it it just said "cannot install" from what I was reading, this is a signing issue -- is that where the apk sign program you linked comes into play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be my guess. Attached is the program I use to sign single apk's (the one I linked earlier is a bit more involved and I use it for themes only).
With the one attached I would suggest using a public key, no need that I can see in using a private key (its more pain then its worth).
Also, I would suggest uninstalling the app before installing the one you themed, most will error out when installing (in my experience anyways).
There is a tutorial link in the zip file on how to sign your apk's. If you need some clarification let me know.
my problem (which is why I've never finished some of my themes) is that signing apk's never works for me
djkms said:
That would be my guess. Attached is the program I use to sign single apk's (the one I linked earlier is a bit more involved and I use it for themes only).
With the one attached I would suggest using a public key, no need that I can see in using a private key (its more pain then its worth).
Also, I would suggest uninstalling the app before installing the one you themed, most will error out when installing (in my experience anyways).
There is a tutorial link in the zip file on how to sign your apk's. If you need some clarification let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give that a go when I get home from work -- thanks for your help.
Excellent thread! I've been poking all around the place trying to find this info...
So I'm a bit of a noob. I'm attempting to create a theme and I cannot figure out where to edit the noti bar as well as the lockscreen image. For the lockscreen, I just want to keep the same tw lockscreen, but I want to change the padlock/background. Any help would be amazing as I am truely stumped.
If this needs to be in general, please move me
The file(s) that you are looking for are located in the framework-res.apk package located in a ROM/Theme. Inside of the .apk is a folder called res, and inside it is a folder called drawable-hdpi. This folder contains the majority of images used to make a theme look a certain way. In order to change the status bar, you need to edit the file statusbar_background.png. The lock screen one is in this folder too.
Nice. Thank you sir
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I figured since the question has been answered I could just hijack this thread instead of making a new one. I am pretty new on modifying Android ROMs and would like to know where I should start first if I wanted to create my own theme? I would like to do some simple modifications first like icons and colors. Where can I find the necessary materials to get started? Like a fresh Touchwiz 2.5 template from the epic? Or do I just extract them from the stock ROM, if so, how? Thanks.
The files are accessible from the ROM if you open the zip and go to /system/framework then extract framework-res.apk
From there, you can open the apk with a tool like WinRAR and navigate to /res/drawable-hdpi as thomasskull666 mentioned. You can extract the png files from there and then just drag them back in once modified. Then just drag the framework-res.apk back into the ROM zip and flash it and bask in the glory of your handiwork.
Best advice is organize your workspace. You will have so many folders in folders your head is going to spin! What I do is copy the framework-res.apk, twframework-res.apk into a folder on your PC called STOCK DI18 Theme. *Make sure you pull these files from a deodexed rom or you'll have issues! Drawable-hdpi folder inside of both framework-res.apk files is where the brunt of you mods will be. If you are feeling daring, after changing the images in there you can begin to pull the drawable-hdpi from apps as well as long as you drag out the drawable folder, make your edits, then drag the edited folder right back in the zip, you'll be fine. Don't touch .9.png files if you don't know how to program them, I'm guessing you don't. Don't worry, edit everything else first to get that "feel" for what you are getting into. From there then research the .9.png files.
I highly recommend using 7zip for all of this, it is less of a headache. This is the basics of what you'll be doing to everything. Lets say you were going to do all this right off of your desktop. Make a folder on your desktop called STOCK DI18 Theme. Copy your framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk into that folder from your deodexed rom. ANY TIME YOU NEED TO TAKE THESE FILES TO EDIT FOR YOUR THEME, COPY THEM FROM THIS FOLDER, NEVER SAVE THE CHANGES BACK INTO THIS FOLDER. This is important because you want easy access to all your stock files. Copy your system/framework and system/apps in here.
Now if you want to work on the framework-res.apk first. copy it to the desktop. Right click and choose 7zip-open archive. You can see the file structure of the apk. Click twice on res and you will see all the folders including drawable, drawable-hdpi, etc. Drag and drop drawable-hdpi to your desktop. Edit anything you want in there except a .9.png. Save the files into that same folder. Then drag and drop the folder right back into the archive where you got it in the first place. Then say your all done. Drag framework-res.apk back into the zip your going to flash on your phone in the same method.
Another quick tip, if you don't have an update zip and you have no idea what you are doing, download any working theme from here. Grab one of mine, and copy your framework-res.apk, twframework-res.apk, apps, etc over what in there. Make sure not to leave nothing it will show up in your theme! Any thing you need clearing up on, PM me, this should be plenty to get you started. To theme an app, right click say alarmclock.apk choose 7zip-open archive and do your magic again. As long as you only change the pictures in there you won't alter the signature on them so don't be afraid to mess with it.
Lastly, the Epic's framework is LOADED with files that it doesn't even use so be careful you not spending too much time editing a file you never seen on your phone before!
dreamsforgotten said:
Lastly, the Epic's framework is LOADED with files that it doesn't even use so be careful you not spending too much time editing a file you never seen on your phone before!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent tip, this is especially helpful if you are trying to port a theme as not all of the .png's will match up. Make sure you know what you NEED to be replacing as opposed to what is optional. Also I don't know if it was mentioned before but there are some files (especially in twframework-res) that have a .9 before the .png. These are not your run-of-the-mill png files, and they need to be specially edited to preserve their formatting. I recommend avoiding these if at all possible, but there is a way to edit them if you are feeling really adventurous. Here is the link to that post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=5206698
My suggestions for success: If you really want to make sure you are editing only the files that you need to edit in framework-res.apk, download a few custom themes or ROMs and extract the framework-res.apk from them. Then use a program such as UltraCompare to compare the files and folders inside each to find common files. This will help you pinpoint exactly what needs to be edited and what needs to be left alone. Lastly, like dreamsforgotten stated, be sure to have a good work directory from which to edit these .apks, as you will be working with folder after folder after folder. Organization is key, and patience is required
Hi,
I'm trying to make some changes to framework-res.apk.
I user APK Manager 4.9 to decompile the file, then made one trivial change to a XML file (changed one auto brightness related value).
I then compiled back to APK without signing and pushed to the phone in recovery mode the deleted Dalvik cache just to be on the safe side.
No matter how I play with it I always get FC from all the system apps immediately after the phone completes the boot process.
Some more information:
1. My original APK had directories like /res/drawable-hdpi-v4 while after decomplie they become res/drawable-hdpi (without the "v4")
2. After I recompile the "v4" directories are not created back and the generated APK contains the directories without the v4
3. If I use the "Reduce errors" feature of the APK manager complie option then I end up with APK that contains both the directories with v4 and those without.
4. I tried with the "reduce errors" option and without it (in which case I manually copied the signature directory into the APK) but got same FC.
5. It seems that once the FCs begin to happen they don't stop until a full nandroid restore. Even if I put the original framework.res.apk file I still get FCs after rebooting.
6. I'm using Revolution HD 2.0.11 ROM
7. The APK file I'm trying to modify was generated by the UOT kitchen.
Any idea what am I doing wrong?
No one knows?
erank said:
No one knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need to decompile the framework to edit the files, heres the best way, take the the original framework-res.apk, and copy it to your pc, use 7zip to extract the .apk and extract any files you want to edit from the extracted framework, now go back to your original framework-res.apk and right click on it, find 7zip in the contex menu and click open, the contents of the apk will appear in a new window, now just drag and drop your edied files in the right directorys, once done, close 7zip, push the framework back to /system/framework/, wipe the dalvik cache and your done
AndroHero said:
You dont need to decompile the framework to edit the files, heres the best way, take the the original framework-res.apk, and copy it to your pc, use 7zip to extract the .apk and extract any files you want to edit from the extracted framework, now go back to your original framework-res.apk and right click on it, find 7zip in the contex menu and click open, the contents of the apk will appear in a new window, now just drag and drop your edied files in the right directorys, once done, close 7zip, push the framework back to /system/framework/, wipe the dalvik cache and your done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The files I want to edit are XML files which are compiled to reasources.arsc, as far as I know 7zip can't extract those, it has to be decompiled.
erank said:
The files I want to edit are XML files which are compiled to reasources.arsc, as far as I know 7zip can't extract those, it has to be decompiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too true, the only other thing you could try is to sign the .apk before pushing it....
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
AndroHero said:
Too true, the only other thing you could try is to sign the .apk before pushing it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks AndroHero.
Everywhere I was looking they always say not to sign system APKs, but just to be sure I also tried signing it and not signing but copying the original META-INF directory - always got the same result - FC in all systems apps after boot.
Hi everyone,
I'm having a few questions regarding the theming of framework-res.apk on Android Revolution (No-Sense/Sense)..
After I pull the .apk, and decompile it, I edit the images so that the .9.png files stay intact. Then after that I compile the entire .apk and use WinRar to only push the images to the origional framework-res.apk..
But everytime I flash it I get bootloops and it won't boot into Android, any idea what I do wrong in the proces?
Thanks in advance!
if your using apk manager when you recompile the framework-res.apk it will ask you if its system app click yes then it will ask if you want to keep signature also click yes then you will have to delete the icons you changed in the keep folder then press enter in cmd window
it will compile and be called unsignedframework-res.apk rename to framework-.apk then open the rom using winrar (DO NOT EXTRACT) then just drag and drop the new framework-res.apk into the framework folder click ok let it do its thing then close winrar drop it on sd card and flash
leith51 said:
if your using apk manager when you recompile the framework-res.apk it will ask you if its system app click yes then it will ask if you want to keep signature also click yes then you will have to delete the icons you changed in the keep folder then press enter in cmd window
it will compile and be called unsignedframework-res.apk rename to framework-.apk then open the rom using winrar (DO NOT EXTRACT) then just drag and drop the new framework-res.apk into the framework folder click ok let it do its thing then close winrar drop it on sd card and flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or do what i do, make a copy of the zip file then extract the files you want to view, put them in a folder, then the icons you wanna swap put straight into the orig zip folder in there place, this method works for me fine & without any bootloops
deanr1977 said:
Or do what i do, make a copy of the zip file then extract the files you want to view, put them in a folder, then the icons you wanna swap put straight into the orig zip folder in there place, this method works for me fine & without any bootloops
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too do all my mods this way.. I find apk manager way to complicated to use lol when its so much easier to just swap the icons back into the original apk using 7zip...
apaquette420 said:
I too do all my mods this way.. I find apk manager way to complicated to use lol when its so much easier to just swap the icons back into the original apk using 7zip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find it much easyer this way. Can i ask you a question if you know abit about framework modding can you see were i have gone wrong here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1195549
I can live with it but i would rather change it to a light gray or a different color? Any help would be very nice & not had a reply about this yet? Can you help?
i had the same issue and i found it easier to update the old framework and overwrite existing files. once you have completed compiling your new framework APK extract the contents and copy into the old framework... and that seems to work fine
Question for [TN&TR] "Black"FI27 ICS. Modded&Tweaked OUT! Update! 10/16/12
What file or files needs to be moded to change the carrier banner name on the pull down as well as the border of the pull down that says "Black". Finally the boot animation as well. I only ask cause I every rom is a bit different. The theads I found about this did not work for this rom. Any help is apprieciated from anyone who has expierience with this rom or the talented Devs that moded this build. Thanks, great rom
Sent from my Black SPH-D710
elniper said:
What file or files needs to be moded to change the carrier banner name on the pull down as well as the border of the pull down that says "Black". Finally the boot animation as well. I only ask cause I every rom is a bit different. The theads I found about this did not work for this rom. Any help is apprieciated from anyone who has expierience with this rom or the talented Devs that moded this build. Thanks, great rom
Sent from my Black SPH-D710
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can help you out halfway. To change the boot animation, download one that you would like, browse to system/media from root explorer or another file explorer and replace the old one with the one you downloaded and reboot
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch using XDA Premium
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1844529
Explained here, but it may not work right with files that have already been modified. They might not decompile correctly, I'd check with Tim before changing anything though, he'll let you know if it's workable.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1656612
And this should take care of the boot animations
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Stryke_the_Orc said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1656612
And this should take care of the boot animations
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I will check this out and let you know.
Sent from my Black SPH-D710
elniper said:
Thanks. I will check this out and let you know.
Sent from my Black SPH-D710
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have already made a mod for the carrier labels in the fi27 update. The new carrier label says team rejectz. If you would like to make your own carrier label(s) for fh23 for your own personal use, here's how...
What you will need:
-Pc/laptop updated with the latest java /sdk/jdk. (google it)
-Team Rejectz quick fix. (xda-dev section)
-Root file explorer such as : root explorer or ES file explorer OR adb shell on your pc to pull/push files from your pc to your phone.
-Notepad++ (google it)
-7 zip (google it)
- rooted e4gt and a NANDROID BACKUP!
1. Pull the framework res from your phone. Make a copy and save it. (system/framework)
2. Use the quick fix to decompile the framework res apk. The quick fix will make a framework res folder.
3. Go to res/values/strings.xml and open it with NotePad ++
4. At the top of NotePad ++ you will see an icon that looks like a pair of binoculars. That's the search icon.
Search for "Sprint". You should get 3 instances.
5 edit "Sprint" to say Black or Team Rejectz, your name or whatever you like. Just make sure its not too big or it won't work.
6. Recompile. After quick fix is done recompiling, there will be 2 new folders in the framework res folder; build, and dist. Go into the dist folder and you will see your new framework res apk.
7. Open the archive (don't extract, just open archive) of both the original copy of the framework res and the new one you edited from the dist folder. Drag and drop the META inf folder from the original to the modded apk. Now double click on the res folder in both archives. Drag and drop the drawable hdpi folder from the original to the modded archive.
Close out the archives and push your new framework res to system/app on your phone with either adb or your rooted file explorer. If you use the file explorer to push the framework res make sure you set the permissions the same as the rest of the system apks first. Push, reboot, enjoy.
Thanks
timmetal6669 said:
I have already made a mod for the carrier labels in the fi27 update. The new carrier label says team rejectz. If you would like to make your own carrier label(s) for fh23 for your own personal use, here's how...
What you will need:
-Pc/laptop updated with the latest java /sdk/jdk. (google it)
-Team Rejectz quick fix. (xda-dev section)
-Root file explorer such as : root explorer or ES file explorer OR adb shell on your pc to pull/push files from your pc to your phone.
-Notepad++ (google it)
-7 zip (google it)
- rooted e4gt and a NANDROID BACKUP!
1. Pull the framework res from your phone. Make a copy and save it. (system/framework)
2. Use the quick fix to decompile the framework res apk. The quick fix will make a framework res folder.
3. Go to res/values/strings.xml and open it with NotePad ++
4. At the top of NotePad ++ you will see an icon that looks like a pair of binoculars. That's the search icon.
Search for "Sprint". You should get 3 instances.
5 edit "Sprint" to say Black or Team Rejectz, your name or whatever you like. Just make sure its not too big or it won't work.
6. Recompile. After quick fix is done recompiling, there will be 2 new folders in the framework res folder; build, and dist. Go into the dist folder and you will see your new framework res apk.
7. Open the archive (don't extract, just open archive) of both the original copy of the framework res and the new one you edited from the dist folder. Drag and drop the META inf folder from the original to the modded apk. Now double click on the res folder in both archives. Drag and drop the drawable hdpi folder from the original to the modded archive.
Close out the archives and push your new framework res to system/app on your phone with either adb or your rooted file explorer. If you use the file explorer to push the framework res make sure you set the permissions the same as the rest of the system apks first. Push, reboot, enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will try. And the boot animations, you agree with Stryke_the_Orc and others or you have a better method for Black Rom v1.3.
elniper said:
Thanks, will try. And the boot animations, you agree with Stryke_the_Orc and others or you have a better method for Black Rom v1.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'd guess he'd say to use the method in the thread I directed you to, its his thread lol :beer:
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Need Help
timmetal6669 said:
I have already made a mod for the carrier labels in the fi27 update. The new carrier label says team rejectz. If you would like to make your own carrier label(s) for fh23 for your own personal use, here's how...
What you will need:
-Pc/laptop updated with the latest java /sdk/jdk. (google it)
-Team Rejectz quick fix. (xda-dev section)
-Root file explorer such as : root explorer or ES file explorer OR adb shell on your pc to pull/push files from your pc to your phone.
-Notepad++ (google it)
-7 zip (google it)
- rooted e4gt and a NANDROID BACKUP!
1. Pull the framework res from your phone. Make a copy and save it. (system/framework)
2. Use the quick fix to decompile the framework res apk. The quick fix will make a framework res folder.
3. Go to res/values/strings.xml and open it with NotePad ++
4. At the top of NotePad ++ you will see an icon that looks like a pair of binoculars. That's the search icon.
Search for "Sprint". You should get 3 instances.
5 edit "Sprint" to say Black or Team Rejectz, your name or whatever you like. Just make sure its not too big or it won't work.
6. Recompile. After quick fix is done recompiling, there will be 2 new folders in the framework res folder; build, and dist. Go into the dist folder and you will see your new framework res apk.
7. Open the archive (don't extract, just open archive) of both the original copy of the framework res and the new one you edited from the dist folder. Drag and drop the META inf folder from the original to the modded apk. Now double click on the res folder in both archives. Drag and drop the drawable hdpi folder from the original to the modded archive.
Close out the archives and push your new framework res to system/app on your phone with either adb or your rooted file explorer. If you use the file explorer to push the framework res make sure you set the permissions the same as the rest of the system apks first. Push, reboot, enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. Tried this today. I ran into a couple problems. The last step you say to push the framework-res file to "system/app" is that correct cause there is no room in there. I only have like a couple megs in there. I would have thought that it replaces the original file in "system/framework". I copied it there and over wrote the original and set permissions . The phone restarted by it self when I did that and got stuck on the boot animation. I force restarted the phone again and it still gets stuck on the boot animation. I restored my nandroid. I followed your instructions to a T. With the exception of where the framework-res file should go:crying: My carrier label has the same amount of characters as "Team Rejectz".
elniper said:
Yea. Tried this today. I ran into a couple problems. The last step you say to push the framework-res file to "system/app" is that correct cause there is no room in there. I only have like a couple megs in there. I would have thought that it replaces the original file in "system/framework". I copied it there and over wrote the original and set permissions . The phone restarted by it self when I did that and got stuck on the boot animation. I force restarted the phone again and it still gets stuck on the boot animation. I restored my nandroid. I followed your instructions to a T. With the exception of where the framework-res file should go:crying: My carrier label has the same amount of characters as "Team Rejectz".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, first yes that should go to framework, system/app must have been a typo. Second, the getting stuck on boot could be a number of things, you'll have to get a logcat to find the specific cause. When this happened to me it was an improper edit that caused the xml to fail although it recompiled fine. Hope that helps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Ok, so I can start attempting to make my own carrier label, and I want my clock on status bar in the center
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium