Database Info

Creating a new theme, but how to create a usable update.zip (or other easy methods)

I started a theme the other day, and I'm moving through the files pretty quickly but without context it's hard to know which graphic is which. So I want to flash or apply the current work I'm doing so I can see where things are and how they look.
Right now I'm working through a deodexed version of Froyo so all the files should be in order. Assuming that I strip out all files but the graphics, how do I create a update.zip for it or use any other method? I'm new to Android so any help would be appreciated.

I'm guessing you already have the sdk installed?

chocmatic said:
I'm guessing you already have the sdk installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. SDK + Eclipse.

Emulator? no?

you can either figure out how to make them Metamorph compatible (sorry, can't give you advice on that, never done it)
Or you can put the images in the correct folder of whatever .apk they go in and make a flashable update.zip, basically replacing the existing .apk's with the full complete modded ones.
You'll need to put all the modded .apk's into a file structure that mimicks where they would be on the phone and zip that structure up with an update_script and sign the update.zip.
I would highly recommend you unzip some small flashable .zip and poke around in it to see the structure and look at the update_script.
This is a download link to a transparent tray mod I did. It replaces ONE .png but because I chose to make it a flashable .zip it requires replacing the framework-res.apk. Except for the actual .apk's you'll need to put in it, this .zip would be perfectly suitable to use as a base for your mods (and you're welcome to use it). If you did use it you would put your .apk's in the system/framework folder, delete the 3 cert files in the META folder, zip the system and META folders into "update.zip" and sign it using an autosign script.
fire away with any questions
ps, you don't need eclipse or the sdk for any of this but you will need an auto-sign script which is one of the tools in Avabox
AFAIK you couldnt use the emulator in the SDK to preview this stuff anyways because you can't get Sense running on the emulator, not to mention the emulator runs SOOOOO SLOOOOWWWWW. Even if you could get Sense running on the em I would bet you would spend less time making a nand, flashing your mods, checking them out and restoring your nand if you didn't like them than using an emulator to preview this stuff.

Award Tour said:
Yup. SDK + Eclipse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the attached file and save folder in your tools directory. Then look at sign.txt to sign files

chocmatic said:
Download the attached file and save folder in your tools directory. Then look at sign.txt to sign files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothings attached.

nebenezer said:
you can either figure out how to make them Metamorph compatible (sorry, can't give you advice on that, never done it)
Or you can put the images in the correct folder of whatever .apk they go in and make a flashable update.zip, basically replacing the existing .apk's with the full complete modded ones.
You'll need to put all the modded .apk's into a file structure that mimicks where they would be on the phone and zip that structure up with an update_script and sign the update.zip.
I would highly recommend you unzip some small flashable .zip and poke around in it to see the structure and look at the update_script.
This is a download link to a transparent tray mod I did. It replaces ONE .png but because I chose to make it a flashable .zip it requires replacing the framework-res.apk. Except for the actual .apk's you'll need to put in it, this .zip would be perfectly suitable to use as a base for your mods (and you're welcome to use it). If you did use it you would put your .apk's in the system/framework folder, delete the 3 cert files in the META folder, zip the system and META folders into "update.zip" and sign it using an autosign script.
fire away with any questions
ps, you don't need eclipse or the sdk for any of this but you will need an auto-sign script which is one of the tools in Avabox
AFAIK you couldnt use the emulator in the SDK to preview this stuff anyways because you can't get Sense running on the emulator, not to mention the emulator runs SOOOOO SLOOOOWWWWW. Even if you could get Sense running on the em I would bet you would spend less time making a nand, flashing your mods, checking them out and restoring your nand if you didn't like them than using an emulator to preview this stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Seeing the file, it makes sense. In your simple example you modded the framework res APK -- did you have to sign that single APK or was it taken care of when you signed the update.zip? I've modded some apps already and I know that with single APKs you have to sign them so it can be installable again. Don't know if that is needed once you sign the update.zip.
BTW, I can't wait to release this theme. It makes Sense look substantially better.

Award Tour said:
Thanks a lot. Seeing the file, it makes sense. In your simple example you modded the framework res APK -- did you have to sign that single APK or was it taken care of when you signed the update.zip? I've modded some apps already and I know that with single APKs you have to sign them so it can be installable again. Don't know if that is needed once you sign the update.zip.
BTW, I can't wait to release this theme. It makes Sense look substantially better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually signing the .apk's is not necessary. If all you're doing is swapping out images just open the .apk's archinve with 7zip (or similar program) and drop the new .png's into the correct folder (almost always res/drawable-hdpi)
Signing the .zip makes it flashable, the .apk is usable whether you sign it into a .zip or not. Actually when you're testing stuff out I find it's much quicker to just push the modified .apk to the phone via usb, I don't make a flashable .zip until it's ready for sharing
If you push a framework file to the phone ADB REBOOT immediately.
Also, don't be surprised if some of your wallpaper gets reset to stock and your google account gets wiped out after reboot, comes with the territory

nebenezer said:
Actually signing the .apk's is not necessary. If all you're doing is swapping out images just open the .apk's archinve with 7zip (or similar program) and drop the new .png's into the correct folder (almost always res/drawable-hdpi)
Signing the .zip makes it flashable, the .apk is usable whether you sign it into a .zip or not. Actually when you're testing stuff out I find it's much quicker to just push the modified .apk to the phone via usb, I don't make a flashable .zip until it's ready for sharing
If you push a framework file to the phone ADB REBOOT immediately.
Also, don't be surprised if some of your wallpaper gets reset to stock and your google account gets wiped out after reboot, comes with the territory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay, I think I'd prefer using ADB too. What command would I use to push the files?

Award Tour said:
Oh okay, I think I'd prefer using ADB too. What command would I use to push the files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this:
Code:
adb remount
adb pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk c:\
then I make my changes to the .apk and:
Code:
adb push c:\framework-res.apk /system/framework
adb reboot

nebenezer said:
this:
Code:
adb remount
adb pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk c:\
then I make my changes to the .apk and:
Code:
adb push c:\framework-res.apk /system/framework
adb reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, just so it's clear, and I'm sorry to bug, but I'd have to pull (remove I guess)
the file before pushing the new one in?

Award Tour said:
Cool, just so it's clear, and I'm sorry to bug, but I'd have to pull (remove I guess)
the file before pushing the new one in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
meh, you can use another compatable copy. I always just pull it first for 2 reasons: 1) I know its the one I'm using at the moment and 2) if you're gonna be using adb it's just convenient to have it right on c:\, less typing

Award Tour said:
Oh okay, I think I'd prefer using ADB too. What command would I use to push the files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adb push <filename> </target dir/targetfilename>
Read this guide, very informative on ADB

SteelH said:
Nothings attached.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops my bad...it's attached now

nebenezer said:
you can either figure out how to make them Metamorph compatible (sorry, can't give you advice on that, never done it)
Or you can put the images in the correct folder of whatever .apk they go in and make a flashable update.zip, basically replacing the existing .apk's with the full complete modded ones.
You'll need to put all the modded .apk's into a file structure that mimicks where they would be on the phone and zip that structure up with an update_script and sign the update.zip.
I would highly recommend you unzip some small flashable .zip and poke around in it to see the structure and look at the update_script.
This is a download link to a transparent tray mod I did. It replaces ONE .png but because I chose to make it a flashable .zip it requires replacing the framework-res.apk. Except for the actual .apk's you'll need to put in it, this .zip would be perfectly suitable to use as a base for your mods (and you're welcome to use it). If you did use it you would put your .apk's in the system/framework folder, delete the 3 cert files in the META folder, zip the system and META folders into "update.zip" and sign it using an autosign script.
fire away with any questions
ps, you don't need eclipse or the sdk for any of this but you will need an auto-sign script which is one of the tools in Avabox
AFAIK you couldnt use the emulator in the SDK to preview this stuff anyways because you can't get Sense running on the emulator, not to mention the emulator runs SOOOOO SLOOOOWWWWW. Even if you could get Sense running on the em I would bet you would spend less time making a nand, flashing your mods, checking them out and restoring your nand if you didn't like them than using an emulator to preview this stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was very helpful to me as well; thanks!

Actually I just thought of a question. After you sign the file and it becomes update_signed.zip can you rename it to something else like BlahBlah.zip and have it still flash properly?

Tried twice and it failed. It would create to Meta files and not find the update script. Followed the directions but that still happened; any advice?

[How To] Basic Themeing

This is a very basic guide to beginning themeing. It is not meant to be all-inclusive, just some simple steps that can be taken to make your own custom theme fairly easily. This guide should allow anyone to be able to grab images they like from any ROM and incorporate them into their own.
I SUGGEST YOU ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP OF ANY FILE BEFORE YOU THEME IT AND NANDROID FIRST BEFORE FLASHING
Here is a basic overview of changing images in an apk:
1. Get your base file to theme – framework-res.apk, com.htc.resources.apk, phone.apk ect.
2. “Open” apk archive with 7-zip (don’t unzip!) and drag and drop the new images into the appropriate folder.
3. Flash new file.
Now some details:
1. The first step is to obtain the file you are going to theme. The file you are themeing ( i.e. going to flash to your phone) must come from the ROM you are currently running. Always use files from your current ROM as a base, however the images you want to change can come from other ROMs, or you can edit existing ones or make your own from scratch. You can obtain your theme base through an ADB pull of the files from your phone, or simply downloading the ROM zip file and extracting the files you need.
2. Now that you have the file to theme, don’t touch it! OK, more specifically, you won’t unzip or do anything to this file except “open” it with 7-zip (unless this is a market app, but more on that later). You are going to drag and drop the new icons into this file by “opening” it and navigating to the appropriate folder. The images you want to change are stored in the apk under /res/drawable-hdpi. Once you have your new icons from other sources, open your base file and navigate to this folder and drop them in.
3. Now you can flash this new file. I have provided empty zip files that you can place your themed files into and flash in recovery. Place your framework-res.apk and/or com.htc.resources.apk into the /system/framework folder located in the zip file provided. Now highlight the META-INF and system folders and zip them up. You can now place this file on the root of your SD card and flash. System apps can be placed under /system/app in the zip file.
Some more info on common themeable files:
Framework-res.apk – this is the meat and potatoes of a theme. On an AOSP ROM it will contain almost everything you want to theme aside from individual apps themselves. Sense ROMs have another file com.htc.resources.apk, as well as framework-res.apk. Both of these files are located in a ROM under /system/framework.
System apps: These apps come packaged in a ROM under /system/apps. They can be themed in the same manner as a framework apk. Some of these apps include Gmail, browser, camera, ect. Place them in your flashable zip under the folder /system/app.
Market apps: These apps are downloaded from the market and are can be pulled from your phone from /data/app. These files require a bit more to theme. They don’t share the same signature as the system apps and you must resign them using a program such as apkmanger. Place them in your flashable zip under /data/app.
If there are any errors, or if anyone has suggestions please let me know. I may have over looked some details, ect.
Thanks to everyone on XDA who has shared their knowledge and made this a great community!

Thanks that will be helpful
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

so using this guide we can pull parts and what not from other elements of themes we like and create our own framework to push back? Also, based on what you have, shouldn't it be easy to put this up on bid for hire (?) website to create a program to automate that?

xlGmanlx said:
so using this guide we can pull parts and what not from other elements of themes we like and create our own framework to push back? Also, based on what you have, shouldn't it be easy to put this up on bid for hire (?) website to create a program to automate that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the idea of this guide was to help people pick and choose icons they like in other ROMs and add it to their own. I'm not sure what bid for hire is?

its a website where you can load your requirements and folks can bid to do your work
linky
nukedukem said:
Yes the idea of this guide was to help people pick and choose icons they like in other ROMs and add it to their own. I'm not sure what bid for hire is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

xlGmanlx said:
its a website where you can load your requirements and folks can bid to do your work
linky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Didn't know anything like this existed.
Sent from my EVO (CM6.1) using XDA App

Thank you, thank you!!!! I've been looking for something like this for a while.

evolishesh said:
Thank you, thank you!!!! I've been looking for something like this for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob. Let me know if it works for you.

I couldn't get the auto signing to work, but the manual way of doing it worked.

Hmm, I got a boot loop on first try and doing this. Does that mean something went wrong with the signing, or that what I created for the theme was wrong? I used the empty .zip folder and re-zipped it, so I don't think that is the issue.

JasonK75 said:
Hmm, I got a boot loop on first try and doing this. Does that mean something went wrong with the signing, or that what I created for the theme was wrong? I used the empty .zip folder and re-zipped it, so I don't think that is the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The signing should be ok. If you are using Amon_ra recovery it wont let you flash an unsigned zip I believe. Are you on sense or AOSP? Are you editing images or just copying from other ROMs?
What you might want to do is just create a simple test file. Change just one image and then flash that. That should let you know that your process is correct.

I using Amon Ra and using AOSP. I was moving some items out of a sense ROM so I guess that is where I might have went wrong. I think I'll take your advice and move just a single image and see how that works for me. Thanks!

I tried again this time I ended up stuck at the EVO white screen. I'm guessing it doesn't like the sense part I'm trying to throw in there. I'll have to try again with a AOSP theme instead.
Sent from my EVO (CM6.1.1) using XDA App

A couple things to look out for when swapping sense/CM icons - some file names are slightly different between sense and AOSP. Rename any sense icons to their AOSP counterparts and vice versa. Also, double check the image size of the icon is the same in both, i.e. 70x70 pixels, ect. and make sure you are not adding images that don't exist normally in the framework. For example there wont be any 4G icons in CM framework.
Also, make sure you aren't unzipping the new framework-res.apk you want to theme and flash, or trying to resign it. Only sign the flashable zip, not the individual files inside. The only thing you want to do with the framework-res.apk you will package and flash is open (not unzip) with 7-zip and navigate to the res/drawable-hdpi folder so you can drag and drop the new icons into it, overwriting the old.
I hope that helps!

How important is it to re-sign? I have modified the Framework and Resources apks with 7zip by switching images out. I have also modified the Rosie.apk. I put everything back where it was supposed to go, backed out of 7-zip and flashed. I have never had an issue with it, nor have I re-signed it. Just wondering.

spence341 said:
How important is it to re-sign? I have modified the Framework and Resources apks with 7zip by switching images out. I have also modified the Rosie.apk. I put everything back where it was supposed to go, backed out of 7-zip and flashed. I have never had an issue with it, nor have I re-signed it. Just wondering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK if you are on clockwork recovery, I don't think it checks for signatures. I think Amon_ra requires a signed file to flash. I think it's just added protection against flashing any old junk. If you can flash in amon_ra without a signature and you don't have problems then I wouldn't worry about it. It's the signature of the framework-res.apk ( or com.htc.resources.apk) that's important. That's why you don't unzip it.

I think that
1.7.0.2 = yes
1.8 = no
nukedukem said:
AFAIK if you are on clockwork recovery, I don't think it checks for signatures. I think Amon_ra requires a signed file to flash. I think it's just added protection against flashing any old junk. If you can flash in amon_ra without a signature and you don't have problems then I wouldn't worry about it. It's the signature of the framework-res.apk ( or com.htc.resources.apk) that's important. That's why you don't unzip it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nukedukem said:
A couple things to look out for when swapping sense/CM icons - some file names are slightly different between sense and AOSP. Rename any sense icons to their AOSP counterparts and vice versa. Also, double check the image size of the icon is the same in both, i.e. 70x70 pixels, ect. and make sure you are not adding images that don't exist normally in the framework. For example there wont be any 4G icons in CM framework.
Also, make sure you aren't unzipping the new framework-res.apk you want to theme and flash, or trying to resign it. Only sign the flashable zip, not the individual files inside. The only thing you want to do with the framework-res.apk you will package and flash is open (not unzip) with 7-zip and navigate to the res/drawable-hdpi folder so you can drag and drop the new icons into it, overwriting the old.
I hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, any advice does help.
I did make sure the the icons I was swapping out were named the same thing in the CM ROM, but I didn't check the size of it at all.
I didn't unzip the famework-res.apk but instead just went into it with 7-Zip and dragged the icons into that. Then I backed out of 7-Zip so that it would save and close everything properly - know that does work because that is how I add the Fold transistions to the ROM - and then I put the famework-res.apk into the folder and zip it up per your instructions above. Then I manually sign it (still haven't been able to get the auto-signing to work) and then flash.
I'll have to try again moving a CM theme to the CM framework-res.apk and see if it is working. What I was attempting to do was take, from the Batman Theme for sense, the drop down notification shade with the Bat Icon and put it into the CM ROM. I don't know if you have time to try it yourself to see if it works, or if you get the same issues that I had.
Either way, thanks for the help! I know I'll get this theming down at some point!

nukedukem said:
No prob. Let me know if it works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey buddy.
I’m stuck. I had to download and install Eclipse with the sdk plus java. I don’t know where to go from there. Every time I open the rom that I want to theme and get the framework.apk and edit the PNG’s , how do I go about saving them? Do I just used the same name as the old ones or I have to save them with a new name.
Or pm Me.

xlGmanlx said:
I think that
1.7.0.2 = yes
1.8 = no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the new amon_ra doesn't require a signed file to flash? I'll make a note off that. Thanks.
JasonK75 said:
Thanks, any advice does help.
I did make sure the the icons I was swapping out were named the same thing in the CM ROM, but I didn't check the size of it at all.
I didn't unzip the famework-res.apk but instead just went into it with 7-Zip and dragged the icons into that. Then I backed out of 7-Zip so that it would save and close everything properly - know that does work because that is how I add the Fold transistions to the ROM - and then I put the famework-res.apk into the folder and zip it up per your instructions above. Then I manually sign it (still haven't been able to get the auto-signing to work) and then flash.
I'll have to try again moving a CM theme to the CM framework-res.apk and see if it is working. What I was attempting to do was take, from the Batman Theme for sense, the drop down notification shade with the Bat Icon and put it into the CM ROM. I don't know if you have time to try it yourself to see if it works, or if you get the same issues that I had.
Either way, thanks for the help! I know I'll get this theming down at some point!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I'll try and do what you are trying to do and see if it works...
evolishesh said:
Hey buddy.
I’m stuck. I had to download and install Eclipse with the sdk plus java. I don’t know where to go from there. Every time I open the rom that I want to theme and get the framework.apk and edit the PNG’s , how do I go about saving them? Do I just used the same name as the old ones or I have to save them with a new name.
Or pm Me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So now you have an unzipped framewor-res.apk with a bunch of images. This framework should be the one that you want to take icons from. If not, start over with the ROM you want to copy images from. You will want to copy the images you want to put into another ROM so that you can dump them into the new framework-res.apk. After you figure out what icons you want to bring to your new framework, get a clean version of framework/com.htc from the ROM you are actually running - i.e. if you are running myn ROM on your phone, download the myn ROM and pull out the framework-res.apk or com.resources.apk that you are going to theme.
Now with this fresh clean framework you will "open" it with 7-zip to navigate to the /res/drawable-hdpi folder so you can now drag and drop the images you want to copy over into it. Then the close the 7zip window and your framework-res.apk is all set to flash. You don't need to rename if the file names are the same, you can just drag and drop and the files will be overwritten in the new framework.

[Q] I want to make a theme...

But I don't exactly know how to get there.
I'm runing Wolfbreak's CM ROM V055, afraid to go to V06 because it might break my kernel install(still getting info on just what to do)
What I'm wanting is:
The status/pulldown bars(all icons except Wifi, and I want to keep Cyanogen 6's default slidey bar[the thing that ends up at the bottom]), and the animations from the theme used in SEMPITERNAL's Eternity 2 Build 0003a ROM. That will have to be ported to FroYo, I'm afraid(unless my theory at the bottom of this post will work).
I want the menu from LUCID-X10 by SicNside, with the black BG and white elements, but the png forthat i guess I'll have to negative a white hdpi one.
That's about it, the rest i want from arc theme which is default on my current ROM, including tickboxes, those arrows inside circles, the menu icons, etc.
My theory to sort of make this is to get the two involved APK's(default in CM and default in Eternity) onto my computer, and make them ZIP's. Then i can extract the drawable-hdpi folders from each and paste what I want from Eternity into Arc. Then I can replace the drawable-hdpi folder in the Arc framework file, and zip it at store.
That's where I stop knowing what I'm doing. Searching has not found me a guide on just how to make a framework-res.apk, nor even really making a theme altogether. All i can find is about xml files, resources, never anything about actually making the apk correctly.
Help, please?

I am stuck at the same point as you, I have no idea where to go from here :S

Anyone? I'm sure the two of us aren't the only ones...

Here's a zip of what I want. All I did was:
Took the framework-res.apk from the ETERNITY Rom and from the CM ROM, and pasted the png's i wanted from Eternity into drawable-hdpi-v4 in CM framework. Now, can someone make this work, please?

Its quite easy.
Just select the images you want to change.
Then open the framework-res.apk of your ROM with winrar or 7zip your choice.
Without extracting the files drag and drop the files to the winrar window in the right place. If you want to change images in drawable-hdpi migrate to res/drawable-hdpi and drag and drop images there.
Now close the archive and type this:
Code:
adb push <path to modified framework> /sdcard/framework-res.apk
adb shell mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock2 /system
adb shell dd if=/sdcard/framework-res.apk of=/system/framework/framework-res.apk
Make sure you take a backup with xrecovery before doing this. If you do something wrong you may end up in a bootloop. In that case just restore from backup and try again!

realunited123 said:
Its quite easy.
Just select the images you want to change.
Then open the framework-res.apk of your ROM with winrar or 7zip your choice.
Without extracting the files drag and drop the files to the winrar window in the right place. If you want to change images in drawable-hdpi migrate to res/drawable-hdpi and drag and drop images there.
Now close the archive and type this:
Code:
adb push <path to modified framework> /sdcard/framework-res.apk
adb shell mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock2 /system
adb shell dd if=/sdcard/framework-res.apk of=/system/framework/framework-res.apk
Make sure you take a backup with xrecovery before doing this. If you do something wrong you may end up in a bootloop. In that case just restore from backup and try again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grr, sorry but right now all my failure is just making that less clear. Type that where? Drag the files to the winrar/7zip window? Isn't that where i dont want them?
Ive followed all the different sets of instructions including yours on this forum as closely as i can make sense of them and always end up with a stream of FC's and reboot loops.
EDIT: does it only work on the stock kernel? I'm running Trip's kernel. I just pulled the framework apk then pushed that same apk back and it's still doing it.
EDIT 2: ok no stock kernel and its still doing it WHY THE HELL IS IT DOING THIS?!?!? I FLASHED THE SAME DAMN STOCK FRAMEWORK!

ok if i got the modded framework apk to my sdcard and used root explorer to paste it in, should that work? This laptop might be what's causing it

I have posted few tips here n there when ever people ask about it.
Check this for overall requirements
For your requirement, skip the optimization part out and just do image swap.
Like realunited123 said, dont extract, just open from 7zip, I use Win RAR and drag and drop the new image to the correct folder.
You need to remember few things here, check images name matches against old to new. Other important thing is resolution. you might get in to trouble if you take mpdi and put it to hdpi.
after updating the framwork I made a small template for you guys to play with.
Download attaches zip file open and go to
Framewrok-SJ.zip\system\framework folder and drag and drop the modified framework-res.apk
Dont try to install the attached file. its only a template for you guys to start working on....
After drag and drop you will see zip file size increased.
Simply copy to SD card and install via Xrecovery
You can try any framework to install like this without adb stuff
Remember to make a backup... because you will definitely screwup... we all have...... LOL
Realorasz said:
ok if i got the modded framework apk to my sdcard and used root explorer to paste it in, should that work? This laptop might be what's causing it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my friend if you have already did this. it will be your first screwup
Dont use root explorer or titanium for this work. Read this post I mention yesterday.......

Shiwantha said:
I have posted few tips here n there when ever people ask about it.
Check this for overall requirements
For your requirement, skip the optimization part out and just do image swap.
Like realunited123 said, dont extract, just open from 7zip, I use Win RAR and drag and drop the new image to the correct folder.
You need to remember few things here, check images name matches against old to new. Other impotent thing is resolution. you might get in to trouble if you take mpdi and put it to hdpi.
after updating the framwork I made a small template for you guys to play with.
Download attaches zip file open and go to
Framewrok-SJ.zip\system\framework folder and drag and drop the modified framework-res.apk
Dont try to install the attached file. its only a template for you guys to start working on....
After drag and drop you will see zip file size increased.
Simply copy to SD card and install via Xrecovery
You can try any framework to install like this without adb stuff
Remember to make a backup... because you will definitely screwup... we all have...... LOL
Well my friend if you have already did this. it will be your first screwup
Dont use root explorer or titanium for this work. Read this post I mention yesterday.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i did try swapping mine with the framework apk in the froshed zip. I'll try it with yours though.

Shiwantha said:
I have posted few tips here n there when ever people ask about it.
Check this for overall requirements
For your requirement, skip the optimization part out and just do image swap.
Like realunited123 said, dont extract, just open from 7zip, I use Win RAR and drag and drop the new image to the correct folder.
You need to remember few things here, check images name matches against old to new. Other impotent thing is resolution. you might get in to trouble if you take mpdi and put it to hdpi.
after updating the framwork I made a small template for you guys to play with.
Download attaches zip file open and go to
Framewrok-SJ.zip\system\framework folder and drag and drop the modified framework-res.apk
Dont try to install the attached file. its only a template for you guys to start working on....
After drag and drop you will see zip file size increased.
Simply copy to SD card and install via Xrecovery
You can try any framework to install like this without adb stuff
Remember to make a backup... because you will definitely screwup... we all have...... LOL
Well my friend if you have already did this. it will be your first screwup
Dont use root explorer or titanium for this work. Read this post I mention yesterday.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it just me is are you a savior!! Thanks, it's working now!!!!
Hey, by the way, can you teach me how i can make an xrec zip of a dialer mod I made? I want to post it on the CM 6 thread so people can like actualy install it but the only way i currently have for that is adb(which works on apps, but not themes...)
And one more thing, Is any sort of file transfer possible with ADB, or will i have to stick with WiFi File Explorer?

Realorasz said:
Is it just me is are you a savior!! Thanks, it's working now!!!!
Hey, by the way, can you teach me how i can make an xrec zip of a dialer mod I made? I want to post it on the CM 6 thread so people can like actualy install it but the only way i currently have for that is adb(which works on apps, but not themes...)
And one more thing, Is any sort of file transfer possible with ADB, or will i have to stick with WiFi File Explorer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats good news.. one less problem to deal with....
create a folder call app on your pc and drag it to system folder in the zip file.
So you should have framework and app folders inside of it.
then copy Phone.apk & Contacts.apk and try to install via xrecovery.
there is a chance you might not be able to install as my initial signing of Zip file dosent included app folder and so MANIFEST.MF & CERT.SF dont have reference. on the other hand during installation Xrecovery dont check
key signature.
I didnt test this way so try, no harm will come to your phone.
Dont know about wifi explorer much. Im testing with adb generally. only final version im publishing in xrec.

Can you teach me how to make that meta inf stuff?
Sent from my X10a using XDA Premium App

Realorasz said:
Can you teach me how to make that meta inf stuff?
Sent from my X10a using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot, after putting stuff, need to sign by app sign tool or there are alternative called APK manager... search its on XDA i think........

I'm not getting it. The update script ange all that forxrecovery...?
Sent from my X10a using XDA Premium App

Realorasz said:
Can you teach me how to make that meta inf stuff?
Sent from my X10a using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In META-INF create \com\google\android folders for update-script file.
Make update-script a text file containing the following
Code:
show_progress 0.1 0
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
show_progress 0.1 10
Be sure to add an extra blank line after "show_progress 0.1 10"
Compress META-INF and system folders to a zip, then move to your sd and sign with signAPKtic which is a free app in the market. Use "test keys" to sign. (signAPKtic is easiest to me,or you can use 1 of the methods Shiwantha suggested to sign)
I would also suggest zipaligning your apks before adding them to optimize your phone's performance when accessing them. Search zipalign on XDA and you'll find what you need...
*Edit- Also, X10 Mod Tool is great for pushing/pulling apks via adb without all the typing. I use it a LOT when testing different pieces of themes.

AyDee said:
In META-INF create \com\google\android folders for update-script file.
Make update-script a text file containing the following
Code:
show_progress 0.1 0
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
show_progress 0.1 10
Be sure to add an extra blank line after "show_progress 0.1 10"
Compress META-INF and system folders to a zip, then move to your sd and sign with signAPKtic which is a free app in the market. Use "test keys" to sign. (signAPKtic is easiest to me,or you can use 1 of the methods Shiwantha suggested to sign)
I would also suggest zipaligning your apks before adding them to optimize your phone's performance when accessing them. Search zipalign on XDA and you'll find what you need...
*Edit- Also, X10 Mod Tool is great for pushing/pulling apks via adb without all the typing. I use it a LOT when testing different pieces of themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think adb mask controller can do it in the zipalign tab> zipalign /system/app button.
And what format does the text file need to be in?

Signapktic is either telling me the zip doesnt exist or gives me an unzp error... and I supposed to me signing the apk's or the zip?
EDIT: I think I got it. Zip signer instead of signapktic. Let's see what my phone does.
Ok it looks like it worked.

Make sure there are no spaces in the zip's name. Looks like you got it!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

AyDee said:
Make sure there are no spaces in the zip's name. Looks like you got it!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean it worked for you?
EDIT: Oh, I'm stupid, I didn't even post it. Can you test it please?

It looks like it's signed already. Are you asking me to test the app or signature?
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

[Request] Transparent Pulldown Notification Bar

Ive been trying to change my pulldown menu to transparent without any luck! ive tried replacing the status_bar_background.png with one i made via Ninjamorph, and no luck.....i tried unzipping the "systemui.apk" and putting the png file in the drawable-hdpi folder and then zipping the systemui and renaming it to apk, and then replacing the current systemui.apk with the one i did using "RootExplorer", rebooted the phone, fixed permissions,rebooted again and still no change.....im using Eaglesblood 2.3.5 Rom! Please help!

Simer03 said:
Ive been trying to change my pulldown menu to transparent without any luck! ive tried replacing the status_bar_background.png with one i made via Ninjamorph, and no luck.....i tried unzipping the "systemui.apk" and putting the png file in the drawable-hdpi folder and then zipping the systemui and renaming it to apk, and then replacing the current systemui.apk with the one i did using "RootExplorer", rebooted the phone, fixed permissions,rebooted again and still no change.....im using Eaglesblood 2.3.5 Rom! Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the UOT Kicthen. Much easier method of getting that notification bar modded as u lease.

zimphishmonger said:
Use the UOT Kicthen. Much easier method of getting that notification bar modded as u lease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im a hardcore noob....what is UOT kitchen? oh, and i have a mac!
Edit: Tried the UOT kitchen, did the notification bar the way i wanted, and for some reason, i cant submit it to the kitchen because the button "submit to kitchen" is not able to be pressed! ugh!
Edit: never mind, got it to work....now uploading!

created the zip, tried to flash it, and it said installation aborted........why is this so damn hard (for me)????

Simer03 said:
created the zip, tried to flash it, and it said installation aborted........why is this so damn hard (for me)????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try copying the update-binary from a working zip to your "kitchen" file. Install should work

zimphishmonger said:
try copying the update-binary from a working zip to your "kitchen" file. Install should work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it didnt work....still aborted.... curse my noobness! :/

If you're on the latest version 1.08 of Eaglesblood for 2.3.5, then just push this SystemUI.apk into /system/app , fix the permissions, and reboot, and it should do the trick.
The reason you were having trouble before is because the stock image is a .9.png...I won't go into the details of that, but a little extra work is needed to make those files work.
This file I've included should work for ya.

mmapcpro said:
If you're on the latest version 1.08 of Eaglesblood for 2.3.5, then just push this SystemUI.apk into /system/app , fix the permissions, and reboot, and it should do the trick.
The reason you were having trouble before is because the stock image is a .9.png...I won't go into the details of that, but a little extra work is needed to make those files work.
This file I've included should work for ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still didn't work man....sorry I'm having so much trouble, maybe I'm just unable to do it! Thanks for trying guys and taking the time to try and help :/
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Ok, so you're on the latest version (1.08) of Eaglesblood for 2.3.5, correct? If you are not 100% sure, you can check in "About Phone" and check on the build.
Using the SystemUI.apk that I uploaded, what is your procedure for getting it into your phone?
Because that file has a transparent status_bar_background.9.png with correct patch handles drawn...not sure why it won't work. I will admit, that I don't have a 2.3.5 nandroid backed up to test. Anyone else?

I think I found the problem. Your rom's SystemUI/res/layout/status_bar_tracking.xml points to shade_bg.png for the background. I made that image transparent for you, and recompiled the apk. I really hope this works for you. I have to admit, I"m feeling rather dumb right now.

Yes I'm on 1.08 and my exact procedure was I downloaded the file on my phone, I went to root explorer to the xda download folder where it was located, I copied it to system/app and overwrote tthe current systemui.apk that was there, at that time, a constant endless force closes occurred so I had to pull my battery and rebooted that way, as it rebooted, the notification bar was gone, I then went to the systemui and changed permissions to where the first column is all checked and the first of the 2nd ccolumn is checked, I then pulled the battery again (cuz of the apn issue without the hard reset) and when it came back, nothing changed, so I fixed permissions via rom manager, to no avail......its frustrating!
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

mmapcpro said:
I think I found the problem. Your rom's SystemUI/res/layout/status_bar_tracking.xml points to shade_bg.png for the background. I made that image transparent for you, and recompiled the apk. I really hope this works for you. I have to admit, I"m feeling rather dumb right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
holy crap it worked.....a million times THANKS!!! You effin rock dude! thanks for taking the time to help me! So to my understanding, u just edited the shade_bg file???? that was it??

Yeh, essentially, all I would have needed to do was edit that shade_bg.png file. But I didn't know to look there until I was forced to try to save face after giving you bad advice, lol. Now I know that some roms will point to status_bar_background.png, some will point to shade_bg, and some even simply define a hex color code...just have to decompile the SystemUI.apk, and look in res/layout/status_bar_tracking.xml to see where it's looking....and then edit that file.

mmapcpro said:
Yeh, essentially, all I would have needed to do was edit that shade_bg.png file. But I didn't know to look there until I was forced to try to save face after giving you bad advice, lol. Now I know that some roms will point to status_bar_background.png, some will point to shade_bg, and some even simply define a hex color code...just have to decompile the SystemUI.apk, and look in res/layout/status_bar_tracking.xml to see where it's looking....and then edit that file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so now that i know it works, i was wondering if i wanted to create one, do i make it 200 x 200 like the current shade_bg file is? i kinda want to make one with a black background with semi transparency! I tried editing the shade_bg file u made, with a program called Gimp, but it didnt work

Can you give me your exact method to doing this? I created an image from gimp, i saved it as shade_bg.png, so basically , i extracted the systemui.apk from root explorer, it put the extracted in my sd card, so i plugged in my phone in my mac, and i took that folder from my sd card, now from here, the extracted file is a zip file, so i double clicked it b/c macs can unzip files easily, so in the folder, i placed my shade_bg file into the appropriate folder.....now this is where i think i mess up, what do u do from here? I "compressed" the systemui folder to make it back into a zip, and then placed it into my sd card, i then "renamed" the file thru my phone from a .zip to a .apk, now in root explorer there is usually an icon that shows up next to the name of the files, now when i changed it, a green android icon showed up, but on the file that you had edited for me, there was a "settings" icon, u know, the standard icon for the settings app in android! i put the apk in the system/app and it didnt work, even after permissions set up! hmmm.....i promise, this will probably be my last post!
please keep in mind, i have a mac, and i do have that 7zip u mentioned in the development thread, but its called EZ7Z.....just in case i need it

If you are doing it the way you described, then you need to find a way to zip with no compression. 7 zip does that with the "store" setting...not sure about the mac version.
You don't wanna know where this was sent from.

mmapcpro said:
If you are doing it the way you described, then you need to find a way to zip with no compression. 7 zip does that with the "store" setting...not sure about the mac version.
You don't wanna know where this was sent from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
man, for some reason i just cant get the "settings icon" to appear after renaming the .zip to .apk from root explorer.......im pretty sure thats way too easy, i must be doing it wrong?
my apk file is not right...i tried signing it with an app from the market, tried searching for a fix, and nothing.....ur my only hope man! lol! :/

Simer03 said:
man, for some reason i just cant get the "settings icon" to appear after renaming the .zip to .apk from root explorer.......im pretty sure thats way too easy, i must be doing it wrong?
my apk file is not right...i tried signing it with an app from the market, tried searching for a fix, and nothing.....ur my only hope man! lol! :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anyone know how to convert a .zip to .apk correctly?

How to customise APK's Images [EASY]

First off you need a deodoxed custom rom , next copy the desired APK's from your System/App folder or from the zip you flashed or from wherever.
Download and Install WinRAR or 7Zip and drag the APK onto the shortcut on your desktop. It should open it up , next extract the LDPI and the HDPI folder/s onto your desktop.
Edit your pics with any program e.g. Paint.net . Then replace the modified folder with the old one.
Next download SignAPKTics from APKTops and install that. Drag the modded APK to your SD card.
Click START , choose the APK , click next , choose Test Sign and click sign! Wait 1.5 mins! And ot should be done. Now just (with root browser) replace the old one with the modded one.
And re-boot! Enjoy...

hah great tip for us
thanks

Has the OP tested this trick?

Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!! :^)
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda premium

bumslayer said:
Has the OP tested this trick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click START , choose the APK , click next , choose Test Sign and click sign! Wait 1.5 mins! And ot should be done. Now just (with root browser) replace the old one with the modded one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if he has tried it with system app. replacing a file like systemUI.apk or framework-res.apk will make our device continously give FC message. we should use zip file to push the apk to /system/app. system app is also should not signed. I always using this trick without signing stuff and it works. we just need to make sure that we're replace the ordinary file (not the .9 one) and put a picture with same resolution with the original one.

Exactly my thoughts. Resigning systems apps is a big NO. I already did it twice (SystemUI.apk) and I ended up with no statusbar. Good thing I had a backup.

bumslayer said:
Exactly my thoughts. Resigning systems apps is a big NO. I already did it twice (SystemUI.apk) and I ended up with no statusbar. Good thing I had a backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
afaik, it's all or nothing. if you resign one system apk, you have to do for all system apk with the same key.

irfanbagus said:
afaik, it's all or nothing. if you resign one system apk, you have to do for all system apk with the same key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AND permissions.. make sure the permissions are same as original BEFORE putting it in the appropriate folder..

noobwithgalaxyy said:
AND permissions.. make sure the permissions are same as original BEFORE putting it in the appropriate folder..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the reason I prefer flashing instead of manually replacing the files cuz then you dont need to set the permissions. Its good for lazy people like me

I have tried it and it works. I did it because when I didn't it said "status bar force close".
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA

I.AM.H3RO said:
I have tried it and it works. I did it because when I didn't it said "status bar force close".
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol?
show us screen shots
when making a guide always post screenshots dude,
not just post words,
make it clarified and very detailed so that people reading this will not get lost,
also don't post for the sake of just putting it there,
you have a good title
but when people read this its not "easy"
try to put yourself in other people's shoes,
even i can't comprehend the output you put on this
no offence but make this better and stop posting threads that are useless

The easiest and foolproof method is to use Ninjamorph or metamorph app from market.I've modified tones of .pngs with them.
First open the apk with the app
Exit the app
Go to myfiles/Androidthemes/workspace/name-of-apk/res/
Then go to drawable ldpi
Take a look at all of the .png files
Find which .png you want to replace.
You should make your own pic with photoshop or anything to replace it with exact resolution and name
Store it in the sd-card
Open the app again
Go to Existing project/name-of-apk/res/drawable ldpi
Click on the .png you want to replace
App will ask you to replace it with some other .png
Navigate to the modified pic
It'll replace the .png
Then go back to homepage of app
Then click finish project
Tap on the apk name
App will ask you whether you want to replace the original apk
Do as you want
Reboot phone
Make a nandroid backup before everything. cheers
sent while doin' some burnouts

b16h22 said:
The easiest and foolproof method is to use Ninjamorph or metamorph app from market.I've modified tones of .pngs with them.
First open the apk with the app
Exit the app
Go to myfiles/Androidthemes/workspace/name-of-apk/res/
Then go to drawable ldpi
Take a look at all of the .png files
Find which .png you want to replace.
You should make your own pic with photoshop or anything to replace it with exact resolution and name
Store it in the sd-card
Open the app again
Go to Existing project/name-of-apk/res/drawable ldpi
Click on the .png you want to replace
App will ask you to replace it with some other .png
Navigate to the modified pic
It'll replace the .png
Then go back to homepage of app
Then click finish project
Tap on the apk name
App will ask you whether you want to replace the original apk
Do as you want
Reboot phone
Make a nandroid backup before everything. cheers
sent while doin' some burnouts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea metamorph/ninjamorph is great but i'd prefer to do it in PC and just push it via adb cuz i use photoshop and i find it a hassle to use my phone to edit apk's

It's for those guys who dont know how to decompile/compile apk files with their pc.But I agree with you, pc is the best way to go.
sent while doin' some burnouts

I.AM.H3RO said:
First off you need a deodoxed custom rom , next copy the desired APK's from your System/App folder or from the zip you flashed or from wherever.
Download and Install WinRAR or 7Zip and drag the APK onto the shortcut on your desktop. It should open it up , next extract the LDPI and the HDPI folder/s onto your desktop.
Edit your pics with any program e.g. Paint.net . Then replace the modified folder with the old one.
Next download SignAPKTics from APKTops and install that. Drag the modded APK to your SD card.
Click START , choose the APK , click next , choose Test Sign and click sign! Wait 1.5 mins! And ot should be done. Now just (with root browser) replace the old one with the modded one.
And re-boot! Enjoy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May be you should try it out first.Replacing system apps with root explorer is a very dangerous business.I'm familiar with that.My phone started to do endless boot loops which even a nandroid restore failed to fix and ended up in flashing a new stock rom.
sent while doin' some burnouts

b16h22 said:
May be you should try it out first.Replacing system apps with root explorer is a very dangerous business.I'm familiar with that.My phone started to do endless boot loops which even a nandroid restore failed to fix and ended up in flashing a new stock rom.
sent while doin' some burnouts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree
pushing it using adb is a more safer way, because if something goes wrong with forcing it to system then you can just repush the original system apk

you was replacing a running apk. there's no doubt it will give you FC message (lol). try your method to replace framework-res.apk or any system app/framework. b16h22 is right. your method is dangerous.

I modify my systemui.apk but signapktic give
Doesn't exist
132 installed package
Error ...

I'm just trying to help people , if you don't like it then good for you. I'd love to add screenies but laptop is broken. If you could provide them then brilliant.
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA

Use test sign and if that doesn't work are install signapktic
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA