I need help please. I have searched all over xda and elswhere, I have been looking over threads ,posts, forums for like a year. I am using android studio tools, adb and notepad++, as well as ticklemyandroid and a few other programs.
I am trying to change the background in my settings app to black/dark , the white is horrible very hard on my eyes. I use the phone in alot of dark areas and at night alot.
Can someone tell me the basic parts of settings apk(xml, or files) that i need to change to make background dark.
Please Just give me an idea of what i need to change , i dont need a full documentary or alot of your time i have the tools and the time and i want to do it myself to learn more, i just some hints as i am having some success figuring out the process, just i cant find the area that has the codes or text i need to edit for the white background issue.
I am still pretty noob to this, but i have not got the answers i need to be able to do it. Someone sent me a modified app that worked. But it had alot of issues that i could not deal with and had to revert back to my stock setup. They said there was about 26 apps that had to be modified to get it all looking smooth. And ill mod them, i just need a little more info on the files to edit. How can i find what apks need modded along with settings apk so that it works. Like framework res.
All im trying to do at the moment is change my settings apps white background, to black or dark. Holo themer didnt work. And i have not found anything what so ever that will help me. I know it can be done becouse ive used modified settings apk that worked( but caused me to lose xposed as well as other issues becouse it was included in a full phone mod that changed all white in phone menus an system to dark and somthing was changed that messed up me being able to use xposed at all) but ive decided that i will have to do it myself as all others with my phone have given up or moved on(no support feom sony with verizon).
Please, i need help. My phone is xperia z3v, i know this is not the specific forum for this phone, but the forum for z3v has been abandoned(just look at dates of last posts or replies in z3v general). When there were still people on there, and i asked, they usually replied, have a look in the z3 forums cause what your looking for is in there. And z3v is almost exactly the same so check thaere, Someone has done it.
Ive tried and failed at re compiling. It said error, no resource found that matches the given name of .... Many things. And all i did was change one line of code to say material dark.
Anyone have time to help me with any hints that may help me to make it easier. Please. Ive been doing all sorts of other mods to my phone. But the one mod i cant get accomplished is the white background that ruined my phones contacts app, settings app, notifications an everything else that has bright white backgrounds.
Why not post in question/answers in your Z3v forum? Thisnis not a topic to post threads like this!!
Look flr the guide by @abo hani
Have a nice day
Verstuurd vanaf mijn F8331 met Tapatalk
Z3 and z3v are almost identicle in working an specs. Z3v is a varient of the z3 from verizon. Z3V FORUMS ARE DEAD. Period. When they were actually used i asked this question and was directed HERE. But thanks for responding.
Samwest1 said:
I need help please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pm me with settings apk, framework res apk, and semgenericuxp apk, and I'll see what I can do, and give you some tips. I'm no pro, but I've done it before. This thread will probably be closed...
levone1 said:
Pm me with settings apk, framework res apk, and semgenericuxp apk, and I'll see what I can do, and give you some tips. I'm no pro, but I've done it before. This thread will probably be closed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can share your tips or guide here, for those who want to learn?
i know the above comment was not intended for me. But ill respond anyways just incase anything i know could help anyone else.......What i know is u need to decompile apm ,the do your mod/modifications ,then recompile and maybe sign the apk.
U need some programs , android studio, apktools, notepad++, also adb, and possibly others i havnt used, to work with the apk files. Then when u are done modding, recompile and make plashable zip, then flash back to system through recovery.
But from my understanding, u need to have other files present to decompile and work on apk, like the framework res apk and some other resource files. From my experiance i could not decompile the apk without adding the framework res apk to the program i was using to decompile(tickle my android), once i added that and another resource file to the pc program, it decompiled the apk. Then i was able to see the xml files and stuff in the apk to modify. Im just stuck on where/what code that i have to change to be able to get the black background in settings, and thats what im searching for now, something that points me in the direction i need to figure that out.
Ive used a twrpbackup /heavily modified system that another memeber here modified and sent to me. It worked and looked perfect without the white background in settings, contacts, notifications, everything. But his modded files broke something in the system, i can use xposed now with my system, his heavily modified system, the same system i use accept modded broke somthing that made xposed not work on my phone and i use a few modules in xposed i dont want to not have, so i reverted.
Dr. Death said:
If you can share your tips or guide here, for those who want to learn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah thats right
Samwest1 said:
i know the above comment was not intended for me. But ill respond anyways just incase anything i know could help anyone else.......What i know is u need to decompile apm ,the do your mod/modifications ,then recompile and maybe sign the apk.
U need some programs , android studio, apktools, notepad++, also adb, and possibly others i havnt used, to work with the apk files. Then when u are done modding, recompile and make plashable zip, then flash back to system through recovery.
But from my understanding, u need to have other files present to decompile and work on apk, like the framework res apk and some other resource files. From my experiance i could not decompile the apk without adding the framework res apk to the program i was using to decompile(tickle my android), once i added that and another resource file to the pc program, it decompiled the apk. Then i was able to see the xml files and stuff in the apk to modify. Im just stuck on where/what code that i have to change to be able to get the black background in settings, and thats what im searching for now, something that points me in the direction i need to figure that out.
Ive used a twrpbackup /heavily modified system that another memeber here modified and sent to me. It worked and looked perfect without the white background in settings, contacts, notifications, everything. But his modded files broke something in the system, i can use xposed now with my system, his heavily modified system, the same system i use accept modded broke somthing that made xposed not work on my phone and i use a few modules in xposed i dont want to not have, so i reverted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all the info of adb, android studio , advancedapktool, decompliling , recompiling.
The only think i need to know is which files and how i need to edit them for a black interface.
Dr. Death said:
If you can share your tips or guide here, for those who want to learn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mirok80 said:
yeah thats right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr. Death said:
I have all the info of adb, android studio , advancedapktool, decompliling , recompiling.
The only think i need to know is which files and how i need to edit them for a black interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As Pandemic mentioned, there are already abundant posts and guides out there. I just offered to help since op seems to have tried all he can, but hit a wall somewhere. I have a Z1c, and I've used guide by abo hani and XperiencD more than once successfully. Seems like his main problem is with de/recompiling, which can take some figuring out, with Android and apktool versions changing and updating regularly. Personally, I do most everything right on my phone, but programs and files sometimes have to be modified, which can take quite a bit of explanation for something that most people would probably not be interested in doing. Anyway, I figured that if I could do something, maybe I could post how,but can't say for sure until I try.
Dr. Death said:
I have all the info of adb, android studio , advancedapktool, decompliling , recompiling.
The only think i need to know is which files and how i need to edit them for a black interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what i should have said i guess. Im in the same boat. Ive been searching and searching through the posts on here for z3 and cross device xperia and have been watching the threads for the z3 from verizon since they were started. I try to figure out all i can do, everything i can figure out by reading thru what seems to be thousands of threads already , before posting and asking for help. Im sorry to have asked somthing thatsbeen covered and gone over before alot. There are so many posts that come up when i search , i just read and read thru all i can and i must have read over the info that tells me where the codes are that need edited for the background. ill try to find the posts that were mentioned above by levone1 and pandemic i believe. thank you for showing the names so i can search their threads, it should narrow down my searching quite a bit .
I had a problem at first decompiling, i got that already figured out as i hadnt loaded the framwork into programs on pc. I have done that and am now still trying to figure out what lines of code to look for , to change white background to black , so i can then recompile and try to get working on my phone.
So i am just off work , and now i am cooking dinner for kids and then will read up on the threads mentioned and see if i can find the info. i will tell what i can figure out to everyone.Thanks for helping.
To theme an apk, you must edit styles.xml and colors.xml inside res/values folder.
Look for the "light" word in styles.xml, these are mainly shortcuts to android framework.
So for example, you found something with DeviceDefault.Light in his name. Look for it inside styles.xml of framework-res.apk
Then try to find similar things but without the light.
In my exemple, DeviceDefault.Light will become DeviceDefault without the light.
That's a good starting point.
Envoyé de mon F8331 en utilisant Tapatalk
Thank you very much for the assistance everyone. I am very appreciative for your help. I am still having issues figuring this process out, but your guidence and suggestions/ are the best help ive recieved to date. Thank you.
Related
I want to make metamorph work on my device without givving me fcs after i reboot. This happns when i try to change the boot animation by writing to framework-res.apk. i have a working busybox and nandroid backups so i am willing to try anything...please help.
i have tried running fix_permissions which didnt help
i have tried the linking solution
the process works fine because u can see the new boot animation load up fine but the phone gets a billions force closes for almost everything as soo as i unlock.
please help me out because i have searched the very depths of the internet onl to come out empty handed. i know many people are facing this issue so it would be nice to give them a step by step fix.
stericson did a good job with the app from wat i hear and once working is supposed to be an essential app.
pleas helppp
olvap377 said:
I want to make metamorph work on my device without givving me fcs after i reboot. This happns when i try to change the boot animation by writing to framework-res.apk. i have a working busybox and nandroid backups so i am willing to try anything...please help.
i have tried running fix_permissions which didnt help
i have tried the linking solution
the process works fine because u can see the new boot animation load up fine but the phone gets a billions force closes for almost everything as soo as i unlock.
please help me out because i have searched the very depths of the internet onl to come out empty handed. i know many people are facing this issue so it would be nice to give them a step by step fix.
stericson did a good job with the app from wat i hear and once working is supposed to be an essential app.
pleas helppp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine does too.
ahhhhhhhhhhh
What build are you using?
You gotta be careful with what build you are using and what you are changing.
Don't boot animations usually go into /system/media?
1.6 use shine and mask logos
2.x use Boot animations
They are different so...yeah...be careful.
Macrophage001 said:
You gotta be careful with what build you are using and what you are changing.
Don't boot animations usually go into /system/media?
1.6 use shine and mask logos
2.x use Boot animations
They are different so...yeah...be careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, but! Also their are two Apk's that always give problems when themed (Wrong). MetaMorph doesn't replace files that don't exist, meaning, if the two different roms have two different locations for boot files example: System/media or framework-res.apk/assets/images/ and neither are present. It will skip over both and not copy. So conclusions state that maybe one or more of the images are not accepted by the Android System.
These two apk's, my friends, are the framework-res.apk and the Launcher.apk...
Many of failed themes from the past proves this theory accurate, ask any old skool themer...
Worse case scenario, check the pictures with the (.9.png) extentions.
wow sorry i really lost rack of this thread sorry
i know specifically that the problem is cause by framework.apk and when i said boot animations i meant mask and shine.
p.s also im using latest build available in market
RichieDaze said:
This is true, but! Also their are two Apk's that always give problems when themed (Wrong). MetaMorph doesn't replace files that don't exist, meaning, if the two different roms have two different locations for boot files example: System/media or framework-res.apk/assets/images/ and neither are present. It will skip over both and not copy. So conclusions state that maybe one or more of the images are not accepted by the Android System.
These two apk's, my friends, are the framework-res.apk and the Launcher.apk...
Many of failed themes from the past proves this theory accurate, ask any old skool themer...
Worse case scenario, check the pictures with the (.9.png) extentions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can u expand a little more on this?
how can i check if the theme im trying to flash will work or how can i fix force closes after metamorph or how can i change the theme so it will work with metamorph?
p.s the actual morph works cause i can see the changes on reboot but as soon as i unlock a get a million force closes
please please reply i desperatly need help
olvap377 said:
please please reply i desperatly need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Rom are you using? Cyan?
Who's MetaMorph theme are you using? Enoch?
Have you tried installing all of themes EXCEPT framework-res.apk to see if you still have the forecloses, or one by one to see which ones are causing the forecloses?
Some Homework:
If you want to test framework, try to remove all the foldes from the theme (make backups first). Add 1 folder back to theme, then run the MetaMorph cycle. Leave the png folders for last. When you reach a folder containing png's, add 3 png's at a time to each MetaMorph cycle. So now you narrow down the culprit(s) faster.
Example:
I am trying to MetaMorph my Zelda theme. My framework-res folder change, for some reason shuts down my Market on TheOfficial TMO rom. I can download, but when its about to install the apk it forecloses. But it works accurately on TheOfficial AOSP. (???) So, I am thinking that maybe it the way some roms are built.
im using cyan 4.2.15.1 with ebi1 port and im trying to metamorph the mask and shine at startup that writes to framework-res.apk
olvap377 said:
im using cyan 4.2.15.1 with ebi1 port and im trying to metamorph the mask and shine at startup that writes to framework-res.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they located in (theme.zip) framework-res/assets/images/???
RichieDaze said:
Are they located in (theme.zip) framework-res/assets/images/???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes they are and they do work cause after reboot i see it but wen i unlock it show a million force closes
any news please?
olvap377 said:
any news please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do the homework to see which folder the problem was in???
I spent days looking for problems in my themes and other themes to solve the FC's issue. The process of elimination all ways worked out, but time consuming. When you find it, You can post the fix for others with the same problem...
olvap377 said:
any news please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not running a Cyan mod. So I cant do it for you. Sorry! A logcat can help pin point the problem.
RichieDaze said:
What Rom are you using? Cyan?
Who's MetaMorph theme are you using? Enoch?
Have you tried installing all of themes EXCEPT framework-res.apk to see if you still have the forecloses, or one by one to see which ones are causing the forecloses?
Some Homework:
If you want to test framework, try to remove all the foldes from the theme (make backups first). Add 1 folder back to theme, then run the MetaMorph cycle. Leave the png folders for last. When you reach a folder containing png's, add 3 png's at a time to each MetaMorph cycle. So now you narrow down the culprit(s) faster.
Example:
I am trying to MetaMorph my Zelda theme. My framework-res folder change, for some reason shuts down my Market on TheOfficial TMO rom. I can download, but when its about to install the apk it forecloses. But it works accurately on TheOfficial AOSP. (???) So, I am thinking that maybe it the way some roms are built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how can i do the homework when ive only got 1 folder in the theme and it only contains 2 pngs the mask and shine?
olvap377 said:
how can i do the homework when ive only got 1 folder in the theme and it only contains 2 pngs the mask and shine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
??? Its only boot images??? Sorry, I did not know it was only boot images. Are the png's the proper size?
Would you be willing to flash my Zelda boot screen as a test to see if it is the theme. It might be the rom?
Here it is if you want to try:
i will flash yours and tell u the results and im currently on cyan 4.2.15.1 with bcrook's ebi1 port and enoch installed (via flashable zip)
edit: i cant even metamorph yours it says there isnt a valid thm file found? what does that mean?
edit2: nvm i figured it out u had an extra directory in the zip but i fixed
btw these themes do they have to be signed in a special way somehow like the zips or no
ps ur boot looks really nice
edit3 : still getting a million force closs after unlock so i wiped and restored
olvap377 said:
i will flash yours and tell u the results and im currently on cyan 4.2.15.1 with bcrook's ebi1 port and enoch installed (via flashable zip)
edit: i cant even metamorph yours it says there isnt a valid thm file found? what does that mean?
edit2: nvm i figured it out u had an extra directory in the zip but i fixed
btw these themes do they have to be signed in a special way somehow like the zips or no
ps ur boot looks really nice
edit3 : still getting a million force closs after unlock so i wiped and restored
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your gonna have to flash the whole framework-res.apk as an update on the recovery to prevent FC's for now.
Post a logcat on this thread so that every one can see and give you ideas...
Making this thread in effort to keep things a little less cluttered in the forum/threads
Post your inquiries here and I'll try my best to answer your questions when time permits... this is a community so hopefully the other experienced senior members will chime in to help.
Overground: can we get a sticky?
reserved for faq
Alrite just a couple questions about theming and customization.
I would like to apply your red sense theme.
-Do I have to use a rom or can I just apply it on my rooted phone?
-If I have to use a rom which do you suggest so I can still use the original internet app that came with the phone?
Thx for all your help!
Sent you a PM about this actually.
Whats the trick to enable transparency? Particularly the notification pull-down. I have already modified framework-res.apk to include the transparent images, however they are not displaying transparent when applied to the phone. I read a few things about hexing, and even found a 'transparency patcher' program from droid-forums. This patcher apparently, does the hex work for you on services.jar. However, it did not do the trick. What am I missing here?
I'm running my own fully deodexed custom rom based on the 2.2 sense leak.
I'm working on Transparency as well...I contacted Xeudoxus at droidforums...hopefully he can help.
I would just like to know how to manually change my icons and or folders on my home screen and in my app drawer. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
I too would like to find out how to change the "Folders" icon from the plain manila to obviously something else.
Tyler 3 said:
Alrite just a couple questions about theming and customization.
I would like to apply your red sense theme.
-Do I have to use a rom or can I just apply it on my rooted phone?
-If I have to use a rom which do you suggest so I can still use the original internet app that came with the phone?
Thx for all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All root themes will usually only work for the rom they are made for. Sometimes there are big changes to the firmware, sometimes little... a good rule of thumb is to always make a nandroid backup if your an early adopter. So long story short:
1. yes
2. whatever rom i made the theme for... you can only use the original browser app with sense
deficitism said:
Sent you a PM about this actually.
Whats the trick to enable transparency? Particularly the notification pull-down. I have already modified framework-res.apk to include the transparent images, however they are not displaying transparent when applied to the phone. I read a few things about hexing, and even found a 'transparency patcher' program from droid-forums. This patcher apparently, does the hex work for you on services.jar. However, it did not do the trick. What am I missing here?
I'm running my own fully deodexed custom rom based on the 2.2 sense leak.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SoCalMiles said:
I'm working on Transparency as well...I contacted Xeudoxus at droidforums...hopefully he can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea... If you guys get ahold of Xeadoxus then let me know how its done. I have a feeling he'll tell you to download xUltimate though.
emplox said:
I would just like to know how to manually change my icons and or folders on my home screen and in my app drawer. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KGBxxx said:
I too would like to find out how to change the "Folders" icon from the plain manila to obviously something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing folder icons/app icons: you're gonna have to theme the rom you're using
basic ingredients in no particular order:
1. update.zip- just download one of themes and the update script in there (META-INF) or make your own if you feel like learning the syntax
2. resigning tool http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3175518&postcount=2
3. 7zip for extracting apks
4. Android SDK
5. Lots of time
Start extracting apks and viewing the contents of res/drawable-hdpi---where you'll find icons
Most icons are named ic_launcher_XXXX.png, some are named app_icon, others are just simply icon... you'll have to look around to find them as there is no easy way to change them. Once you find the icon you want to replace, drop your new icon (with exactly the same name) into the same directory (preferably using 7zip since you don't have to have the directory extracted to replace it) and resign the entire zip file... flash zip and win!
So how much time do you think I would need if I was to do this? Just kidding looks like a pain in the ass. However, doable. Thanks for the link to signing the zip. Thought it just might be a bit easier. Hopefully soon I can change the plain folders to a picture of my girlfriend or something.
Sent from my noob rooted dinc.
Signal Bars
I have seemed to try everything to change the signal bar(s) colors. I have changed all of the icons to a red theme and the only way I can think thats left is that it has to be hex coded. Important fact is I am running skyraider 2.0.1. Has anyone had any luck changing these?
I have been theming on the x2 for awhile now building custom themes .. I just got my nexus yesterday so I downloaded the gummy rom and tried to theme first with apktool and also with apk manager.. I see there have been themes made.. I have yet to be able to decompile any system apks successfully.. are there any new tools I'm missing or steps... would love to start theming again if I can get things to work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Kevin3328 said:
I have been theming on the x2 for awhile now building custom themes .. I just got my nexus yesterday so I downloaded the gummy rom and tried to theme first with apktool and also with apk manager.. I see there have been themes made.. I have yet to be able to decompile any system apks successfully.. are there any new tools I'm missing or steps... would love to start theming again if I can get things to work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, you need to update apktool for use with Android 4.0
edit: more specifically...
-Wrong version of apktool (get the latest)
-Wrong verison of apktool dependancies files (same site)
-Wrong version of aapt.exe in Android SDK (get latest SDK)
Alright awesome I'll look into it tonight after work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I have the latest version of all of that and can decompile with apktool. The problem is when I build the new apk and copy over the edited files and push back to the phone the app won't work.
A run down of everything I did is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1452530
Did u try putting it back in the flash able zip with 7 zip? I never use adb push.... in theory if u are able to compile the apk without errors it should work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Kevin3328 said:
Did u try putting it back in the flash able zip with 7 zip? I never use adb push.... in theory if u are able to compile the apk without errors it should work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
coverton341 said:
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't replace xml's in that way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
If u properly recompile the apk then yes u can .. u edit it all the XML s and pngs in the apk then recompile.. then drop the recompiled apk into the system app section of the rom u r using unless its the framework Res apk or other framework apk.. once u do this put the new rom zip back into your phone and flash in recovery ... bottom line I'm not the most experienced themer in the forums I just got the phone yesterday so its gonna take time for me to begin theming anything.. that being said perhaps if this thread stays open and more experienced themers can chime in with some tips and advice
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
coverton341 said:
I pulled the music apk, edited it, rebuilt it, and put the edited files back in the original apk. I did that because I don't know how to sign my own apk so I just used the already signed one with some edited png and xml files. The thing I don't understand is that I pulled an apk once and opened it via 7zip and edited some things, pushed it back and everything was fine (changed out some icons on the contacts.apk)
Do you know where an up-to-date theming guide can be found? I'm very interested in making my own themes instead of requesting themers to make one. Learning experience and all that jazz.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Kevin3328 said:
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Kev did u figured it out yet? I replied to ur PM...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Kevin3328 said:
Also in my short experience theming u should not have to sign a system app... u should recompile then rename it.. then reinsert into the rom you are using.. reflash the rom without any wiping and u should be good try it that way
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, GoogleMusic.apk is found in data/app not in system, at least in the ROM I am on. But, am I correct in assuming that I can do the same thing in this instance?
Furthermore, is there no way to theme a single application? Do I need to always theme an app, place it back into the ROM zip, and reflash said ROM?
Can I make my own flashable zip file for a single app?
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really like tinkering with things and I would really like to get good at theming.
Kevin3328 said:
If u properly recompile the apk then yes u can .. u edit it all the XML s and pngs in the apk then recompile.. then drop the recompiled apk into the system app section of the rom u r using unless its the framework Res apk or other framework apk.. once u do this put the new rom zip back into your phone and flash in recovery ... bottom line I'm not the most experienced themer in the forums I just got the phone yesterday so its gonna take time for me to begin theming anything.. that being said perhaps if this thread stays open and more experienced themers can chime in with some tips and advice
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry misread what you were saying then.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I am at work until 1030 then I am gonna set up shop on my CPU first... gotta get the new sdk and apktool then I will gtalk u from there with issues.. all I know is this should be a learning experience lol.. by the looks of this phone it could be awhile b4 I learn what everything "is" framework will be all the apks will be different than what I'm used to
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
coverton341 said:
Actually, GoogleMusic.apk is found in data/app not in system, at least in the ROM I am on. But, am I correct in assuming that I can do the same thing in this instance?
Furthermore, is there no way to theme a single application? Do I need to always theme an app, place it back into the ROM zip, and reflash said ROM?
Can I make my own flashable zip file for a single app?
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really like tinkering with things and I would really like to get good at theming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can make update zips and yes u should b able to do the same.. I usually borrow someone else's at first
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
wut? i've never done what you guys have when it comes to compiling/decompiling and replacing stuff. i'm not so sure that works, but i'll take your word for it for now since i've never tried it either. in theory, you can decompile and change xml, recompile and replace that xml, but not if you're dealing with the actual xml folder in apks. your resources change when you mess with that. this is the same for changing smali, except something else changes (it's been a bit since i've dealt with actual dev stuff).
also, it's a big waste (and sometimes troublesome) to flash an entire ROM to update one or a few apks. making one for just testing out things in \system\ will save you time and frustration. you can also make a backup easier for if something bootloops you
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
coverton341 said:
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how you (hopefully) succeed. Im a bit tempted to try theming myself but ive cant seem to find a guide that is up-to-date - and im learning somthing with every question you are asking - and with every answer the other nice fellows are providing.
:thumbs up!:
I am still trying to figure out how to setup everything.. I know I need newest sdk and newest apk multi tool which I didn't get yet.. I'm gonna tinker around today/tonite and see what I'm doing wrong
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
mrvirginia said:
wut? i've never done what you guys have when it comes to compiling/decompiling and replacing stuff. i'm not so sure that works, but i'll take your word for it for now since i've never tried it either. in theory, you can decompile and change xml, recompile and replace that xml, but not if you're dealing with the actual xml folder in apks. your resources change when you mess with that. this is the same for changing smali, except something else changes (it's been a bit since i've dealt with actual dev stuff).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this is how I read it too. I believe the OP means that he's making changes and then replacing the apk in the flashable zip. Not actually replacing the edited xmls in the original apk. Glad I'm not the only one that read it that way though
coverton341 said:
Success!!!
All right, first and foremost, thank you immensely for all the suggestions Kevin and others as well.
Here's what I did. I searched the ROM zip to no avail, but then found the apk in the gapps zip. I took it out of there, decompiled, messed around with just a few png files, recompiled and put it back into the gapps zip. Flashed it and it worked. Problem is, only a couple of the edits I made showed up which brings me to my next issue, ICS optimised apps have a tonne of "drawable-***" folders. Drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-hdpi-v8,v9,v11, drawable-xdpi, etc....ad nauseum.
I am not messing with any smali code, xml files, or .9.png files yet as I don't know what smali does, xml is a headache, and I have heard horror stories about .9.png files.
I'm going to dink around and see if I can sort out what items need to be changed for my current dpi setting (241) and will report back any findings, but probably not tonight as I have an early course in the morning followed by work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no decompiling is necessary for tweaking pngs.
smali code is for messing with policies, etc.
.9.png files can be a pain if you don't recompile the apk correctly.
and this should help with your dpi as far as what to edit so you can see it...
http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/screens_support.html
I am using the latest Juggernaut rom and I do not know what to upload in the UOT Kitchen "File Upload" section. What do I leave blank and what do I change? Please help, thanks.
kharnage said:
I am using the latest Juggernaut rom and I do not know what to upload in the UOT Kitchen "File Upload" section. What do I leave blank and what do I change? Please help, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
framework-res.apk
systemui.apk
twframework-res.apk
P.S UOT KITCHEN SUXX...Learn to theme the long and detailed way, its better and you learn more
Hwo would we go about going in the long detailed way?
_Thursday said:
framework-res.apk
systemui.apk
twframework-res.apk
P.S UOT KITCHEN SUXX...Learn to theme the long and detailed way, its better and you learn more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
phreshjoker said:
Hwo would we go about going in the long detailed way?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
You would , do some reading on the android SDK, then read about how to modify the appropriate .apk's by un-packing them, you also need to know about compiling .9.png files, as well as some XML knowledge if you are going to change text colors , how to re-sign apk's when you are done..
Also some knowledge of graphic programs is very helpful ...
If you google "Making themes for Android" you will find a lot of info to read, it is not something simple to do, but when you do it yourself it is much more satisfying , and you can get "exactly" what you want ...
tcboo said:
You would , do some reading on the android SDK, then read about how to modify the appropriate .apk's by un-packing them, you also need to know about compiling .9.png files, as well as some XML knowledge if you are going to change text colors , how to re-sign apk's when you are done..
Also some knowledge of graphic programs is very helpful ...
If you google "Making themes for Android" you will find a lot of info to read, it is not something simple to do, but when you do it yourself it is much more satisfying , and you can get "exactly" what you want ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol..i can honestly say hes right
I just found my new hobby
tcboo said:
You would , do some reading on the android SDK, then read about how to modify the appropriate .apk's by un-packing them, you also need to know about compiling .9.png files, as well as some XML knowledge if you are going to change text colors , how to re-sign apk's when you are done..
Also some knowledge of graphic programs is very helpful ...
If you google "Making themes for Android" you will find a lot of info to read, it is not something simple to do, but when you do it yourself it is much more satisfying , and you can get "exactly" what you want ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
_Thursday said:
framework-res.apk
systemui.apk
twframework-res.apk
P.S UOT KITCHEN SUXX...Learn to theme the long and detailed way, its better and you learn more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You leave all the other things at default?
I've been trying out that UOT Kitchen for the past day and I can't get it to work properly either. I' have downloaded the framework-res, twframework-res and systemui apks into the kitchen but when I flash it to my phone it never worked. I don't want to make a full theme or anything just personalize some icons and colors. Every time I try it will reboot just fine then just keeps flashing the screen once it reboots. I don't know what I'm doing wrong I'm pretty new to all of this.
If you figure it out please let me know because I am interested in figuring this Kitchen thing out.
Okay, I am really sorry if this sounds negative or like a rant, first off. I really want to get into theming. I have been trying for weeks, possibly months, to figure out how to do certain things. I have only recently been able to successfully make a zipthemer mod, and that's very easy. I really need specific help. The tutorials that I have seen are not specific enough, as they assume that you have prior knowledge of things like SDK and ADB. I am a completely clean slate. I have been completely unsuccessful in finding a step by step tutorial that I can actually follow to get the things done that I want to do. Maybe it's just me, but I have been literally hours searching for it. I have asked for help, but never get any because people tell me to go research how to do it.
I want to do only two things now...I am running dark paranoid android and I want to change the circlemod battery from the stock to white. I have the pngs, I just don't know where to put them or what files need to be edited. I also have no coding experience, so I need fairly specific help to learn what things need to change.
I also want to change the clock in the status bar from the ICS blue to white.
That's it....I know it sounds like it should be simple, but it's not to me. I have tried and tried to find the answers on my own, but have been wholly unsuccessful. It has left me feeling jaded and frustrated, leading to this thread.
Can somebody please point me somewhere that will teach me what I need to know with kid gloves? I want to really get into doing this and participate in the community, but I fail time and time again. I have tried to find pre-made themes to do what I want, but everything is usually too deeply modded whereas I only want to change a few things. Please help!
they go in the systemui.apk /res/drawables-xhdpi folder. If there is already a circles mod there, you don't need to code anything. The status bar clock color is in styles.xml of systemui.apk. The color code for ics is #33b5e5, so change it to #ffffff.
Here's the line of code you need to change. https://github.com/android/platform...r/packages/SystemUI/res/values/styles.xml#L41
change @android:color/holo_blue_light to #ffffff.
This is called hard coding, and in an ideal world, you'd change it to @color/status_bar_clock then add that value to colors.xml, but i know google will never optimize their code that way
artvandelay440 said:
they go in the systemui.apk /res/drawables-xhdpi folder. If there is already a circles mod there, you don't need to code anything. The status bar clock color is in styles.xml of systemui.apk. The color code for ics is #33b5e5, so change it to #ffffff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. I didn't know which XML to look at.
I am pretty sure I tried putting the mod in that folder but it didn't take for some reason. I have looked pretty deeply into any other place they could be and can't find it for some reason.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
liquid150 said:
Thank you very much. I didn't know which XML to look at.
I am pretty sure I tried putting the mod in that folder but it didn't take for some reason. I have looked pretty deeply into any other place they could be and can't find it for some reason.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the /drawable folder in systemui. If the mod is present, you should find a stat_sys_battery_circle.xml in there.
artvandelay440 said:
Look in the /drawable folder in systemui. If the mod is present, you should find a stat_sys_battery_circle.xml in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you I will check it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
No problem. I'm writing a guide for my site on theming that's aimed at both beginners and advanced. I'll link it here when I'm done.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
artvandelay440 said:
No problem. I'm writing a guide for my site on theming that's aimed at both beginners and advanced. I'll link it here when I'm done.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any idea why when I flash white numbers into phone.apk it doesn't change anything? I am not in a place I can play with XML (no computer) so I tried something else.
Does pa/cm10 use a different apk?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
liquid150 said:
Any idea why when I flash white numbers into phone.apk it doesn't change anything? I am not in a place I can play with XML (no computer) so I tried something else.
Does pa/cm10 use a different apk?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone.apk dial numbers used for "During a call dialer" so you have to change Contacts.apk dial numbers.
Yep- he's right. The ones in phone.apk are for the in-call dialpad.
Is there a fairly specific tutorial thread that I can turn to for editing XML files? From my very limited understanding I have to decompile it and work through it myself. Do I do this through ADB and push it? Is there an ADB tutorial to do things like that? I was hoping somebody here has a fairly specific noob-friendly tutorial.
My issue is that most of the tutorials that I have seen just say things like "use X tool and decompile." Well, I don't know how to do that. lol.
Thanks to everyone for all your help, and also to anybody else that helps in advance.
liquid150 said:
Is there a fairly specific tutorial thread that I can turn to for editing XML files? From my very limited understanding I have to decompile it and work through it myself. Do I do this through ADB and push it? Is there an ADB tutorial to do things like that? I was hoping somebody here has a fairly specific noob-friendly tutorial.
My issue is that most of the tutorials that I have seen just say things like "use X tool and decompile." Well, I don't know how to do that. lol.
Thanks to everyone for all your help, and also to anybody else that helps in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For decompile:
*you will need to have Java runtime installed*
1.download http://minus.com/mwgtTbmZd
2.create a folder c:\apktools
3.Take the zip and unzip all 4 files to c:\apktools
4.You will need to pull the framework-res.apk from the rom you are working on. Copy it to c:\apktools
5.Rename apktool.jar.1.4.2 to apktool.jar
6.Open a command window and make sure everything you do from now on is while you are in this folder c:\apktools
* If you don't know how, just open command window and by use this command ( cd.. ) until you are in ( C:\ ) driver then ( cd apktools )
7.In command window type: java -jar apktool.jar if framework-res.apk
You only need to do this once, unless you are working on a different Rom
8.decompile framework-res with apktool: java -jar apktool.jar d framework-res.apk
make any changes you want
9.Now compile: java -jar apktool.jar b framework-res
If you get error compile it with apktool version 1.4.3, So what I do at this point is rename apktool.jar to apktool.1.4.2, and then rename apktool.jar.1.4.3 to apktool.jar
10.Once it is done compiling you will need to go to c:\apktools\framework-res\dist and you will now see your new framework-res.apk
Just remember to copy any apk you want to decompile right into the root of c:\apktools
--
Now put your new for example framework-res in flashable zip (attached) and flash by using Rom Manager aka CWM.
Note that framework-res.apk should be inside framework folder, and SystemUI.apk inside app folder.
I'll make one tonight and link it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Oh, one more question...is this a lot easier to do in Linux? I haven't installed my copy of Ubuntu on my new box yet because I haven't felt the need yet.
liquid150 said:
Oh, one more question...is this a lot easier to do in Linux? I haven't installed my copy of Ubuntu on my new box yet because I haven't felt the need yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd start in Linux since more of the advanced concepts require it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Check this out. It might help http://www.jbthemes.com/artvandelay440/theming-guide/
I am having trouble finding the status bar xml controlling clock color (battery, too). I am not seeing a values nor styles folder nor XML in System UI. My ROM is DarkPA. If anybody knows offhand where I should look please let me know, otherwise I will continue on my own.
you won't see a /values folder until you decompile it. then, it will be in /res.
liquid150 said:
Oh, one more question...is this a lot easier to do in Linux? I haven't installed my copy of Ubuntu on my new box yet because I haven't felt the need yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get that ubuntu booted
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
If you still need help tomorrow let me know. I could either do the edits for you or help you with the apps you need ...
Thyrus said:
If you still need help tomorrow let me know. I could either do the edits for you or help you with the apps you need ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am available as well. Hit me up via talk if need be. I have helped many setup theming. Although i use xdaautoapktool which is much more comprehensive theming tool...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2