Related
Is it possible to make icons for our folders in the apps menu?
I opened the Office Mobile folder and there was a .ink file with the office icon. I moved it to another folder (named Utilities) and this folder now had the office folder icon. Any hint of how this could be used?
well, windows mobile has a special folder design, no?
Good job on the discovery.
You could probably create custom folders for apps.
It is really very simple.
It's not ink its lnk, a shortcut file. If you manage to open it in text editor you will see a simple text string pointing to a dll, exe or ico file.
WM looks for a shortcut named 'icon.lnk' in folders and if it finds it will assign the folder the icon shortcut is pointing to.
You can look to windows\start menu\programs\games for an example of such file.
Also make sure it has the 'hidden' attribute or you will see it when opening the folder from start menu.
So it was lnk with an "L"? When I opened the file with word, it was pointing to a DLL file and it didn't open quite well with Word.
Thanks for the highlight, I'll try making icons
I might post them later.
I'm having more trouble to find free glossy folder icons than anything else...
Alright, I tried once, failed. Trying again and again!
Yes thats Lnk with "L" as in lamp (sorry, habit picked up from phone customer support)
Do not use Word or any other fancy editor as they do not handle plain text files well and may shove some garbage in there when you save the file.
Use notepad or even dos edit command.
levenum said:
Yes thats Lnk with "L" as in lamp (sorry, habit picked up from phone customer support)
Do not use Word or any other fancy editor as they do not handle plain text files well and may shove some garbage in there when you save the file.
Use notepad or even dos edit command.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I'll try that, thanks!
EDIT: I found a thread on brighthand that says only DLL files can be used as a source. Then if I'm not mistaken you must specify the code line where the icon is situated. The best solution would be to make a really small app with an icon then use this icon.
I'd try it right now but some piece of **** called ActiveSync refuses to work for a random reason.
EDIT 2: Activesync fixed, now working with a ressource editor and some DLLs to get it all working
Simply copy the .lnk to your desktop (PC). use notepad to editi t.
1. open notepad
2. open file xyz.lnk ....simple.
Alright, here's my progress:
-Downloaded a copy of shellres.dll, the location of the existing icons (because you can't take it from the phone)
-Using Ressource Hacker, I changed the icons (in Icons Group) for iPhone icons (other free icons aren't nice)
-Now I copy the edited shellres.dll to the Windows folder (didn't work elsewhere)
-I make a copy of a icon.lnk file in every folder I want to see the icons of and edit the ressource number to match the one in the DLL.
Here's a standard icon.lnk file: 1#SHELLRES.dll,-8216
Translated to: 1#[location of the dll],-[ressource number]
And edited to: 1#iconpack.dll,-8210
Screenshots coming soon.
Now the only problem is that the whole process is not automated. I don't know much about programing so I can't make a program that makes .lnk that points to the right icon.
There you go! What do you guys think?
BTW it only shows up in 256 colors, which is bad considering how nice the icons were...
EDIT: The whole thing is 1.4 freaking MB in size, so I gotta find icons that come in 32x32 instead of full packs including vista icons. Each icon was 80kb in size...
Try GIMP. It's free (open source) and it can edit icons. I didn't check if it can manage the different images that are packed in a single ico file but its worth a try.
I have gimp but I suck at using it. Anyway those icons are perfect for me but don't hesitate to ask for help to install your own.
Theres one thing I have to say before I begin: Make good skins!
Theres nothing wrong on reusing stuf from others (with due credits and permission, if needed) but dont go for the easy mix, make some good graphics with cool transparencies and plently of bling.
Please dont make ugly skins (like I did) for example, the M2D skin thread is huge, but only some are thrully nice and different.
Each person has its own taste, but lets all make an effort to raise the bar.
The skin change can be as simple as editing the 2 main images: The main tab and the minimized tabs, you can do much, much more, but those 2 images are the main change to the visual effect.
The minimized tab is very simple, its just a PNG inside the Windows folder named CHome_listback.png (its hidden, so use Resco Explorer if needed).
The main tab is a png inside a DLL with other icons, for that you need to edit the DLL with a special program.
To edit the DLL (containg the main graphics and icons):
----------------------------------------------------
- Download ans install the PE Explorer trial: http://www.heaventools.com/download.htm
- Copy bronzeres.dll from the Windows folder to your SD card then to your PC.
- Open the DLL in PE Explorer and click on View > Resources
- See all the files inside the RC Data folder and double-click the png number 3000 for portrait or 4000 for landscape.
- Import a new PNG into that new screen and save the dll when finished (backup yours first).
- Download, export an open MSigner and open your dll inside this software.
- Copy that dll into your SD Card and then into the Windows folder (use Resco explorer if it denies access).
- Reset and enjoy.
To change the layout of the plugin you need to edit the Titanium_*.cpr file on your Windows folder (like Titanium_240x320.cpr, or whatever your screen resolution is), its a "simple" XML inside, you can see it with Notepad.
See this link for a detailed explanation of it:
Titanium Walkthrough by drkfngthdragnlrd
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3601164&postcount=2
You can download here a (bad) example of a simple skin.
More tools for developers:
--------------------------
A Guide to Windows Mobile 6.5 by joel2009
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3626556
CPL/CPR online creator:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=520857
Worked like a charm...
Great tutorial...
Many Thanks
Thanks, Iwas trying to look at the bronzeres.dll with reshacker and getting really confused. All I saw was a bunch of code. No images. I'll try this PE Explorer out. Anybody know if there is a chrome or grey theme already? Do we not need to sign the dll as in previous skinning like taskbar?
Hmmm... to be honest I dont remenber if I signed it, I dont think i did... :/
PNG Format
Hi TWolf,
thanks for the perfect instructions. Just tried myself. WAnt to change the 3000.png. But if I export it into Photoshop and create a new one with transparnency Titanium just shows background after having copied the new dll.
Do you know the specifications of the PNG?
Thanks
Januwar
there is also a tutorial for cpr files?
would be nice like the one for manila 2d, where people put lines and explanations...
Januwar said:
Hi TWolf,
thanks for the perfect instructions. Just tried myself. WAnt to change the 3000.png. But if I export it into Photoshop and create a new one with transparnency Titanium just shows background after having copied the new dll.
Do you know the specifications of the PNG?
Thanks
Januwar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm.. I used simple 32 bits alpha transparent pngs from flash or paint shop pro... :/
KeRmiT80 said:
there is also a tutorial for cpr files?
would be nice like the one for manila 2d, where people put lines and explanations...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link on the first post of Titanium Walkthrough by drkfngthdragnlrd has some info on that.
when i replace the file and reboot it. I get a blank today screen and its set on windows default so i guess i'm doing something wrong. Same problem as januwar
Thats strange, could you test this?
Open your file on the signer and after its signed try to put it on the windows folder again...
I wasnt sure this step was really needed..
signed file works
thank you!!!
now just a question...how to add icons to "collapsed" tabs?
what i understood is that is possible to link to an external icon or use one in the bronzeres.dll...
...i'd like to know how
Thanks, added to the tutorial.
That depends of the plugin, if it uses icons that are inside this dll, then they can be changed too... If they use external pngs, thats even easier.
yes but only if the plugin already has the code to display an icon in the cpr right?
dont' know...it's the right place to ask for an example?
how to add an icon (not to change only) can you show the lines to add to the cpr for a generic tab? maybe it's possible to use the chome editor, i saw some registry entries related to icons in tabs editor...
something easy...newbie level please
its exacly the same procedure, just instead of being that icon number, its another one... :/
In some cases, if you edit the registry to a full path png file, it will use it.
no sorry maybe i didn't explain myself...
default plugins in titanium has only text when not selected, right?
now if i want (like i saw in some themes) to add an icon on the left to a non selected tab i think i have to edit the cpr and add some lines to create a link to a number in case of bronzeres or to an external png.
what i need is an example of these lines to add to cpr so i can replicate on my own for all my installed plugins.
i hope i've been more clear this time
ps :sorry for the dumb question as i told you i'm newbie, thank you for your help
Theres already a thread, as I said, to show ppl how tu use the cpr files... :/
You can see a example of what I did here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3788297&postcount=45
I added this to the condensed view of my resolution cpr:
Code:
<Image ID="[B]ICON[/B]" Left="0" Top="0" Width="36" Height="36" />
And this to the registry:
Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\CHome\system\CondensedPage]
"[B]ICON[/B]"="\\[I]My Documents\\Themes\\Titanium System Panel\\sd.png[/I]
thank you
i've read the walkthrought but i couldn't find these...maybe i have to search in the whole thread
These nice people copied the first post text and did even gave credit to xda:
http://pocketpc-live.com/pocket-pc/how-to-create-titanium-skins.html
Send them a nice letter of thanks.
OK...color me stupid, but I don't see CHome_listback.png on my device...I read and followed:
"The minimized tab is very simple, its just a PNG inside the Windows folder named CHome_listback.png (its hidden, so use Resco Explorer if needed)."
from the first post, but it is not there. it sharts with CHome_send..... and then a list of CHome_ Win..... images, but no CHome_listback.png!!
Any suggestions or ideas as to why?
Thanks
Strange, maybe it could be a different build, to be sure, copy my png from the UGLY SKIN to your Windows folder.
syrguy1969 said:
OK...color me stupid, but I don't see CHome_listback.png on my device...I read and followed:
"The minimized tab is very simple, its just a PNG inside the Windows folder named CHome_listback.png (its hidden, so use Resco Explorer if needed)."
from the first post, but it is not there. it sharts with CHome_send..... and then a list of CHome_ Win..... images, but no CHome_listback.png!!
Any suggestions or ideas as to why?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, I could'nt find CHome_listback.png at all with Total commander/or Resco - just the same list as above.
I'm using NRGZ rom on the Diamond
I'm trying to make a battery meter for my rooted Inspire. I downloaded a battery meter to use as a guide template for mine. I have made all the icons and set up my folders exactly the same as the template. I opened the xml file and replaced all the fields with my own information so they are basically the same as the template. When I try to unzip and use it in metamorph, it says that it's not a valid theme file. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? I've never done this before so I'm trying to learn all I can. I'm not familiar with xml. Is it not ok to just copy the code and change the info? Thanks in advance.
Ok well I'm starting to see my problem isn't editing the xml tags...but the last part of the code, where it's asking for the .apk you're editing and the path. How do I find that information?
I bought a clock widget (Ohio State Clock), and I like almost all i see, except that it is a 4x2 and I really wish it were 4x1... I like to see my wallpaper. I have extracted the apk and searched through the files within to find the images I want to edit. I edited the size of them slightly in Photoshop and saved and zipped it back up, but it wont install on the handset. I didn't assume that it would, but it was worth a shot.
Inside the .apk I have:
Assets folder:
-Schedules XML (I assume this is the football/basketball schedules and scores)
MET-INF folder:
-anddev_k.rsa
-anddev_k.sf
-manifest.mf
Res folder:
-Drawable folder
-----All images and numbers are separate
-----btn XML
-Layout folder: (all XML's)
-----countdown_popup
-----loading
-----main
-----scoreboard
-----transparent
-----w_widget
-----w_widget_analog
-----w_widget_flip
-----widget
-----widget_analog
-----widget_flip
XML folder:
-Widget provider
Android Manifest XML
Classes.dex
Resources.arsc
My question, if possible, is there any way that I can make this clock work with the updated background image i adjusted, or can I piece together a separate clock from these files? Even if anyone knows what any of these files are could share with me so I can figure it out would be greatly appreciated.
ChrisAult2004 said:
I bought a clock widget (Ohio State Clock), and I like almost all i see, except that it is a 4x2 and I really wish it were 4x1... I like to see my wallpaper. I have extracted the apk and searched through the files within to find the images I want to edit. I edited the size of them slightly in Photoshop and saved and zipped it back up, but it wont install on the handset. I didn't assume that it would, but it was worth a shot.
Inside the .apk I have:
Assets folder:
-Schedules XML (I assume this is the football/basketball schedules and scores)
MET-INF folder:
-anddev_k.rsa
-anddev_k.sf
-manifest.mf
Res folder:
-Drawable folder
-----All images and numbers are separate
-----btn XML
-Layout folder: (all XML's)
-----countdown_popup
-----loading
-----main
-----scoreboard
-----transparent
-----w_widget
-----w_widget_analog
-----w_widget_flip
-----widget
-----widget_analog
-----widget_flip
XML folder:
-Widget provider
Android Manifest XML
Classes.dex
Resources.arsc
My question, if possible, is there any way that I can make this clock work with the updated background image i adjusted, or can I piece together a separate clock from these files? Even if anyone knows what any of these files are could share with me so I can figure it out would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a tool available online called "apksigner" it essentially "reseals" an opened apk and allows it to be installed on android again.
1. Open the APK
2. Navigate to the /res/drawable folder
3. Delete the .pngs you want replaced
4. Drag and drop the png you edited into that folder
5. Delete the META-INF folder inside the APK
6. Close your archiving application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link to apk resigner: http://www.mediafire.com/?uwzjjydnm2r
Link to the orginal thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=503007
Be sure to thank me if I helped
Thanks man, that helps a lot!
HEY THERE XDA!
ahmad89098 here and this is my first tutorial
In this tutorial, I am going to show you guys how to make your own custom theme for SwiftKey!
Note: I am not allowed to post links. So you will be needing to find source files yourself.
The hell is SwiftKey?
Swiftkey is an Android app which customizes your keyboard. You can buy themes for it. These themes are around $1.25. The SwiftKey app is very fun to use and gives an appelaing look to your keyboard!
There was a post on XDA as well in which, there were hundreds of more themes. The developer(s) called it Super SwiftKey.
At this point you might be wondering, how do you make your theme for it? Well, your'e gonna learn that today!
This tutorial is compatible for the following:
Complete Android Beginners (and above)
For Android Noobs (and above)
People who really want to get into keyboard design
People you want their own keyboard for SwiftKey
So without further ado, lets get started! :laugh:
1. GET YOUR TOOLS![/SIZE]
For making the keyboard, we will be needing the apk itself. We will later on install it once it has keyboards.
To download the apk go to google and google: download swiftkey apk and use the first link whose link says apk4fun. Donwload apk.
Once we have the apk file, we will need our tools. Download WinRAR and Notepad++ (Don't be lazy!)
2. GET READY TO WORK!
Now, we will need to get the files out of the apk.
Move the apk from your Downloads to your Desktop (for conveniance.)
Open Winrar. When you open it, it gives you the files on your desktop. Find the apk, open it. A new windows pops up, with some folders.
Now make a new folder on your Desktop. Name it Swiftkey.
Extract them files using WinRAR.
Once extracted, open up your folder. Should look something like this:
Congratulations! Your working space has now been set up!
2. NOW START TO WORK!
OK guys! We will now start our work.
Remember: The language we will be dealing in is xml. If you know about it, then you will be at an advantage. If you don't know problem!
Open the folder named "assets"
Then open "themes"
Now opens up a list of folder. If you are familiar with SwiftKey, then you know that when we open the themes menu, these are the exact names of the themes.
For beginner conveniance, we will work using the "pumpkin template". because it has a jpg background which can easily be replaced.
Now copy the "pumpkin" folder and paste in the same location.
We will be working in the new pumpkin folder. Name it whatever you like!
When we open the working folder, there are some folders. Open "hdpi"
Now open a list of xml files with a blank icon.
Open key_special.xml with notepad++ .
As you can see, the first line says,
<item state_pressed="true" drawable="key_base_pressed.9.png" />
This means that when a key on the keyboard is pressed, the key should look like the png specified. In this case, the png is
key_base_pressed.9.png.
Keeping this window open, go back to the working folder and open "key_base_pressed.9.png"
If you look at more files in the folder, you will find key_base_normal.9
When you compare these two png's, you will find that key_base_pressed is just a highlighted version of key_base_normal.
Now, edit key_base_normal.9 to whatever color you want your keys to be. Use Paint, Photoshop, or any other image editor.
After this, edit key_base_pressed.9 to what color you want a pressed key to be. Usually, a highlighted version of the color you have chosen is suitable. The whole thing, however, entirely depends on you.
Now, it is time to chose the background of the whole keyboard. This background will be overlapped by the keys.
To choose this, open the file"popup_background.xml" in Notepad++
We will now edit the line where it says: "<solid color="#333333" />"
#333333 is the color code. Now, when you decide the color you want, you need to find out the code for your color.
Now enter the code. Done!
We now have our own:
a solid background key color
a color for the key
and for when the key is pressed.
The only thing left is the text color. I am just getting to that.
there is a .png file, flip_left. Its like a wifi signal tilted. Orange is growing from lighter to darker.
Along with it is another png, flip_right. It is an inverted image of flip_left.
Edit these to your liking.
Chose your color. E.g blue.
Open flip_left.png in any image editor. We will use Paint
Zoom in as the image is very small.
Start working on your "triangles"
Do the same thing for flip_right.png. Note: these should be exactly the same tint of white in both.
Once completed, copy all these png's and edited xml files to the folders "hdpi" "ldpi" " xhdpi" "mhdpi". These are located in "pumpkin"
:laugh: CONGRATULATIONS :laugh:
WE HAVE FINISHED ALL THE EDITING :highfive: :victory:
The only thing now left is to compile all these files back into the apk. It is now time to wrap up.
Change your folder name to: "Whatever you want.."
Open the SwiftKey apk in WinRar.
Copy the folder "SwiftKey" to the apk.
Now delete all the original files in the apk.
Once deleted, copy the edited files from the SwiftKey folder from dekstop to the apk.
Delete the folder in the apk.
Done!!!!!!
You now have a custom keyboard! Install the apk on your phone and boom!
I hope you learned stuff.
Support me by liking and making use of this thread!
Goodbye!
AHMAD SALEEM MIRZA
I can't find the key_special.xml file. where is this located exactly?