Hey guys/girls. I'm creating a theme for Andromeda 3 and one thing I cannot fifure out is how to make my theme CWM flashable to test it.
I opened the zip from a different flashable theme, replaced the framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk with the modified ones from Andromeda and repackaged them using Winrar. I have followed the guides to resign the APK's and ZIP but no mater what I do, after a reboot I get a solid black screen and the phone vibrates.
Im not sure what I am doing wrong because I thought that was all that went into creating a CWM file.
Thanks in advance......
7 posts under this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1037842
the meta info is alot more specific than just swap any other files...
Thanks, I found that one about 5 mins ago but couldn't seem to find it when I searched the forum before posting. Must have missed it
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
modest_mandroid said:
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm just opening the apk's with winrar. I make the changes to the folders/files and rezip them with Winrar with Store mode (no compression?) Then I resign them with testsign.jar.
I have read the themeing guides but they are really lacking in the small details dept.
modest_mandroid said:
Should also point out that if you're decompiling the framework apks with apktool, modifying any of the xml's or code, and recompiling, you'll need to sign the resulting apk or you'll end up with a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
If you are simply copying over files inside the apk and getting this error, then you are adding more files than was originally inside the apk. I repeat, DO NOT ADD FILES THAT ARE NOT ALREADY INSIDE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO RE-COMPILE THE RESOURCES.ASRC!
Also, use 7-zip to edit apks when you just want to overwrite files. Never unzip, or re-zip. Just right-click > 7-zip > Open Archive > Drag and drop files > close the window > you're done
Edit: Also, this goes in Q&A not General.
ryude said:
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
If you are simply copying over files inside the apk and getting this error, then you are adding more files than was originally inside the apk. I repeat, DO NOT ADD FILES THAT ARE NOT ALREADY INSIDE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO RE-COMPILE THE RESOURCES.ASRC!
Also, use 7-zip to edit apks when you just want to overwrite files. Never unzip, or re-zip. Just right-click > 7-zip > Open Archive > Drag and drop files > close the window > you're done
Edit: Also, this goes in Q&A not General.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks man.
Will I need to resign the final theme.zip before flashing it?
Also, can't I just grab the updater-script from another theme.zip and us it in my mine?
ryude said:
Wrong.
Never resign system apks such as framework-res or twframework-res. His problem has nothing to do with the signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say anything about resigning? Apktool creates an entirely new, unsigned apk, which unless I'm extremely mistaken you'll need to use if you intend to modify certain resources.
modest_mandroid said:
I didn't say anything about resigning? Apktool creates an entirely new, unsigned apk, which unless I'm extremely mistaken you'll need to use if you intend to modify certain resources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
timbrendelaz said:
Ok, thanks man.
Will I need to resign the final theme.zip before flashing it?
Also, can't I just grab the updater-script from another theme.zip and us it in my mine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't have to sign CWM zips because Clockwork doesn't check for a signature.
You could use another updater-script, but the problem with that is if it tries to perform an action on a file or folder that isn't inside your zip it will crash while flashing. You'll be left with a bricked phone and have to ODIN back to restore.
ryude said:
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
TXLunchbox said:
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're editing code, I recommend using apk manager since it will automatically recompile the resources.asrc for you. Just make sure to downgrade the apktool that comes with it to 1.3.1, 1.3.2 is known to cause problems with xml edits.
1. Set new project apk.
2. Decompile apk, if it's a system apk use the option for dependency apk and use twframework-res.apk as the dependency apk.
3. Edit your xml files.
4. Recompile, when asked use yes twice. It will tell you to delete files in the Keep folder.
5. Delete the resources.asrc if you edited any xml/added new files. Delete the files that you added/edited.
6. Once you're done it will automatically copy over the signature and use the compression that you set (default level 9, I recommend level 0).
Don't worry that it says "unsignedFramework-res.apk", it will work since it's a system apk because system apk signatures get copied over to the new file. Just rename it to Framework-res.apk or whatever you need it to be called.
ryude said:
He doesn't need to use apktool, because he isn't edited any code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence the 'if' in my original statement, you know, 'if' he ever chose to in the future.
Related
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.
Howdy all,
I am wanting to kno if there is anything special about editing certain system apps, do they all need to be signed with the same keys. i think i read this somewhere.
cause when i decompile the phone.apk then recompile with no changes / or with changes, signed it with autosigner or APK-Manager, it just FC's on the phone and i cant make sence of the logs...
oh and i tried pushing the file with adb and x10 mod tool, tried in the emulator, still no joys.
been googling for hours... and i feel i am searching for the wrong things...
Thanks in advance
Pvy.
you can use 7zip to browse the apk as an archive and replace png's and .9.png's inside the drawable folders.
you wouldn't have to resign the apk this way, but i would recommend zip-aligning the apk after you replace the png's.
i would also make sure you know how to work with .9.png's before replacing them. not doing .9.png's correctly will break the app.
I have edited the pngs there is no prob there I can put all the images in.
I am editing the xmls and the manifest... I tried drag and drop but it seems to break the apk...
Thanks tho.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Go ahead and compile with apk manager, say yes to 'is it a system apk?'.
Then open the new apk with 7zip and pull out the xmls, etc. you changed.
After that open the original apk w/7zip and drag in the compiled xmls along with your images.
That should work.
So I did this,
compiled phone.apk chose system app when it asked.
drag and dropped the 3 pngs I modded, and a few xml files, and the modded androidmanifest.xml to the original
Pushed it to my phone, rebooted...
But it wont install.
It appears the signing breaks.
Pvy
AyDee said:
Go ahead and compile with apk manager, say yes to 'is it a system apk?'.
Then open the new apk with 7zip and pull out the xmls, etc. you changed.
After that open the original apk w/7zip and drag in the compiled xmls along with your images.
That should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Changing default image
I wondered if anyone could help me out with this
Many thanks
pvyParts said:
So I did this,
compiled phone.apk chose system app when it asked.
drag and dropped the 3 pngs I modded, and a few xml files, and the modded androidmanifest.xml to the original
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion is after doing this add the now modded original .apk into a flashable.zip and use xRecovery/FreeXperiaRecovery to install the app.
If you don't know how to make a flashable.zip just use 7zip to replace the phone.apk in a theme update.zip and delete any other folders/.apks that you don't want being reinstalled (framework-res etc.).
Not sure if this will work because I haven't tried this after modding .xml files, but it works after I make any other changes, even changing .9.pngs.
Best of luck, hope this works.
nope that didn't work either... took me a while but once i figured out the update.zip i got it going. and still no joy.
thanks heaps guys for all your help, i think i must have to compile from source or something silly like that...
I'll keep at it and let you all kno how i go...
Alright, so I decompiled the apk, edited the XML files I needed to. And now it won't compile. Keeps throwing java errors. Would someone be so kind to compile this for me?
This is a System APK so it needs to be compiled and signed. If you're curious or it needs extra files pulled from somewhere, it's the SystemUI.apk in the CM7 Droid nightly build 88.
Thanks!!
Here's what I need compiled:
http://mikelierman.com/SystemUI.apk.zip
0vermind said:
Alright, so I decompiled the apk, edited the XML files I needed to. And now it won't compile. Keeps throwing java errors. Would someone be so kind to compile this for me?
This is a System APK so it needs to be compiled and signed. If you're curious or it needs extra files pulled from somewhere, it's the SystemUI.apk in the CM7 Droid nightly build 88.
Thanks!!
Here's what I need compiled:
http://mikelierman.com/SystemUI.apk.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you use to decompile it? APK Manager from this thread?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
Oh and once you compile it, you don't have to sign it because is a system app and not a regular app.
0vermind said:
Alright, so I decompiled the apk, edited the XML files I needed to. And now it won't compile. Keeps throwing java errors. Would someone be so kind to compile this for me?
This is a System APK so it needs to be compiled and signed. If you're curious or it needs extra files pulled from somewhere, it's the SystemUI.apk in the CM7 Droid nightly build 88.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What errors are you getting from apktool? It's going to be hard for someone else to compile an apk that has not been decoded by them and not knowing what files have been changed. Letting us know at least what .png or .xml files were modified would be a start but will work best if we could just figure out why you aren't able to build with your modifications.
The first thing I noticed from the zip you attached is that it's missing the apktool.yml file that should get created a package is decoded. Second, make sure to pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk so resources can be decoded/built properly. If you are using APK Manager, use option 10 to decode with framework-res.apk. If you are just using apktool run the command "apktool if framework-res.apk" before decoding.
mazdarider23 said:
Oh and once you compile it, you don't have to sign it because is a system app and not a regular app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SystemUI.apk actually does get signed using the platform key. The easiest way to do so in my opinion is to use ZipSigner 2 on your phone. Also, once you've placed the modified SystemUI.apk into /system/app make sure it's permissions are rw-r--r--(chmod 644 /system/app/SystemUI.apk) and it's owner:group is root:root(chown 0:0 /system/app/SystemUI.apk). Next reboot to recovery, wipe dalvik-cache and cache, then reboot.
MongooseHelix said:
What errors are you getting from apktool? It's going to be hard for someone else to compile an apk that has not been decoded by them and not knowing what files have been changed. Letting us know at least what .png or .xml files were modified would be a start but will work best if we could just figure out why you aren't able to build with your modifications.
The first thing I noticed from the zip you attached is that it's missing the apktool.yml file that should get created a package is decoded. Second, make sure to pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk so resources can be decoded/built properly. If you are using APK Manager, use option 10 to decode with framework-res.apk. If you are just using apktool run the command "apktool if framework-res.apk" before decoding.
SystemUI.apk actually does get signed using the platform key. The easiest way to do so in my opinion is to use ZipSigner 2 on your phone. Also, once you've placed the modified SystemUI.apk into /system/app make sure it's permissions are rw-r--r--(chmod 644 /system/app/SystemUI.apk) and it's owner:group is root:root(chown 0:0 /system/app/SystemUI.apk). Next reboot to recovery, wipe dalvik-cache and cache, then reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm glad you told me because little old me has been modifying system apps since the days of the nexus one and I've yet to sign one....I think is all depends on who's doing the modification...hahahaha....Good luck 0vermind on finding someone to compiling your systemui.apk!
mazdarider23 said:
Well I'm glad you told me because little old me has been modifying system apps since the days of the nexus one and I've yet to sign one....I think is all depends on who's doing the modification...hahahaha....Good luck 0vermind on finding someone to compiling your systemui.apk!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not quite sure what to make of that comment...I certainly wasn't trying to step on your toes so I apologize if it came across that way. Just wanted to help avoid and rule out any issues that might come up. With APK Manager or by using 7zip, you can move the manifest and/or META-INF folder containing the signature from the original but to imply that system apps are not signed is incorrect.
I also think it is important that those messing with system apps understand that there are different keys used to sign apps. For anybody reading this that wants to figure out how certain packages are signed, here's a bit of an explanation. If we extract SystemUI.apk, we see a directory called META-INF. This holds the key/signature info. The key's serial number can be determined with the following command:
Code:
keytool -printcert -v -file SystemUI/META-INF/CERT.RSA | grep SerialNumber
You can check other apks/jars and noticing which have matching serial numbers, meaning they are signed with the same key...
platform key - SystemUI.apk, Settings.apk, Phone.apk, etc
shared key - Contacts.apk, UserDictionaryProvider.apk, etc
test key - Calendar.apk, DeskClock.apk, etc
google proprietary key - Vending.apk, Talk.apk, etc (including some market user apps like Maps, VoiceSearch, Docs)
MongooseHelix said:
I'm not quite sure what to make of that comment...I certainly wasn't trying to step on your toes so I apologize if it came across that way. Just wanted to help avoid and rule out any issues that might come up. With APK Manager or by using 7zip, you can move the manifest and/or META-INF folder containing the signature from the original but to imply that system apps are not signed is incorrect.
I also think it is important that those messing with system apps understand that there are different keys used to sign apps. For anybody reading this that wants to figure out how certain packages are signed, here's a bit of an explanation. If we extract SystemUI.apk, we see a directory called META-INF. This holds the key/signature info. The key's serial number can be determined with the following command:
Code:
keytool -printcert -v -file SystemUI/META-INF/CERT.RSA | grep SerialNumber
You can check other apks/jars and noticing which have matching serial numbers, meaning they are signed with the same key...
platform key - SystemUI.apk, Settings.apk, Phone.apk, etc
shared key - Contacts.apk, UserDictionaryProvider.apk, etc
test key - Calendar.apk, DeskClock.apk, etc
google proprietary key - Vending.apk, Talk.apk, etc (including some market user apps like Maps, VoiceSearch, Docs)
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I didn't know this! I'm glad there's people like you and mazdarider23 on this forum that know **** like this!!!
I have been reading about this for awhile and found a lot of different apps out there but looking for the simplest way I can change the app name and app icon. I tried APK editor but it didn't work during save process. Just stated error happened during save process.
maddog75 said:
I have been reading about this for awhile and found a lot of different apps out there but looking for the simplest way I can change the app name and app icon. I tried APK editor but it didn't work during save process. Just stated error happened during save process.
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Not sure about how to change name, but to change icons all you need is to replace the icons found in res/drawable folder. Anyways the icon's/image's names should be same though. You can do this by simply opening the apk using 7zip or any other zip based software, navigate to the folder and start replacing the files.
coolsandie said:
Not sure about how to change name, but to change icons all you need is to replace the icons found in res/drawable folder. Anyways the icon's/image's names should be same though. You can do this by simply opening the apk using 7zip or any other zip based software, navigate to the folder and start replacing the files.
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So I am using the GUI based APK TOOK program to decompile it, then changed with notepad plus. Now I recompile it and they are in folder format how to turn back into apk format that is readable by the droid os or by using APK editor to verify the file.
maddog75 said:
So I am using the GUI based APK TOOK program to decompile it, then changed with notepad plus. Now I recompile it and they are in folder format how to turn back into apk format that is readable by the droid os or by using APK editor to verify the file.
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To change icons, you don't need to decompile and recompile I'm afraid. Like I said before, just change the respective files by opening the apk using 7zip.
coolsandie said:
To change icons, you don't need to decompile and recompile I'm afraid. Like I said before, just change the respective files by opening the apk using 7zip.
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Well What I am having trouble doing is changing the name, trying to use apktook gui edition but when put back together as a compressed zip file, then put on my phone. I use astro file manager to change the name to .apk keeps telling me having trouble parsing file not sure what I am doing wrong.
maddog75 said:
Well What I am having trouble doing is changing the name, trying to use apktook gui edition but when put back together as a compressed zip file, then put on my phone. I use astro file manager to change the name to .apk keeps telling me having trouble parsing file not sure what I am doing wrong.
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Maybe the problem is with the signing issues, which you are getting "Error parsing file" error. Try referring this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2213985
And make sure you've done exactly the same way, as mentioned there.
maddog75 said:
...... .apk keeps telling me having trouble parsing file not sure what I am doing wrong.
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A changed APK needs tot be signed.
Send from N7
NLBeev said:
A changed APK needs tot be signed.
Send from N7
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What should I use to sign the apk?, is this correct after using apktool and recompiling then compressing folders to zip file, transfer to phone and use astro file manager to rename to apk. What program then should I use to resign it before installing.
maddog75 said:
What should I use to sign the apk?, is this correct after using apktool and recompiling then compressing folders to zip file, transfer to phone and use astro file manager to rename to apk. What program then should I use to resign it before installing.
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So I will have to try it again didn't work even after signing still gave parsing error. I don't think the gui verision of apktool I used worked right.
maddog75 said:
So I will have to try it again didn't work even after signing still gave parsing error. I don't think the gui verision of apktool I used worked right.
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are you compiling the .apk or just zipping it?? after decompiling the apk do your edits then recompile.
maddog75 said:
What should I use to sign the apk?, is this correct after using apktool and recompiling then compressing folders to zip file, transfer to phone and use astro file manager to rename to apk. What program then should I use to resign it before installing.
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http://www.londatiga.net/general/how-to-sign-apk-zip-files/
So as in my earlier thread I have moved back to eagles blood 4.0.4 AOSP rom. One of the drawbacks is that the hdpi drawable folder in my systemui does not have 1% icons. I've read a few tuts on how to make my own....or add them from a downloadable zip.
My question to those who are more knowledgeable about development is this: will opening the drawable hdpi folder from my systemui.apk with 7-zip and replacing all my stock sys_batt PNG images with the custom 1% images and then saving those to the folder and pushing the systemui.apk back to my phone do the trick?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Pain-N-Panic said:
So as in my earlier thread I have moved back to eagles blood 4.0.4 AOSP rom. One of the drawbacks is that the hdpi drawable folder in my systemui does not have 1% icons. I've read a few tuts on how to make my own....or add them from a downloadable zip.
My question to those who are more knowledgeable about development is this: will opening the drawable hdpi folder from my systemui.apk with 7-zip and replacing all my stock sys_batt PNG images with the custom 1% images and then saving those to the folder and pushing the systemui.apk back to my phone do the trick?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
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Should add long as those are referenced (I think in the xml, but then, I have never done this myself). Would need a nandroid for sure .
-- The noob says:
From first-hand experience, a smartphone is incapable of making you smarter!
Nope, they're not. I have to manually reference them in the sys_bat icon XML file located in drawable folder. Then I have to swap in the images in the drawable hdpi folder once they're referenced. However, I'm having issues. Once I extract the files from the apk with 7zip, specifically the drawable folder to get to the sys_bat icon XML file, I cannot open it in notepad++ to edit it. I'm getting an error. Any ideas mansa?
Edit- LOL nandroid was the first thing I did!
Now I have to crank out this stupid paper for class so I can continue tinkering with my Android lol
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Ok, So I've come to learn that in order to edit XML files within the APK, that the APK needs to be decompiled with APK Tool, not simply extracted using 7zip. I downloaded APK tool and set everything up according to this tut----> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1989533
I have the APKTOOL folder placed on the root of my C:/ drive. Inside that folder I have placed the following aapt (the apktool exe or application file), apktool (batch file), apktool.jar, and my framework-res.apk (I know I need to use systemui.apk, I'm just using this as I follow the tutorial on how to get this program working before I try anything on my own files). When I get to the command c:\apktool>apktool if system.apk to install the APK on my system so I can decompile I get an error saying it's not a recognized command. Any ideas dev-friendly users?
So I realized I didn't have the JDK installed on my pc since I did a system wipe on it the other day. Reinstalled it but it's still not working. Very frustrating. I'm also using win 8 if that means anything.
Giving up on apktool as I cannot seem to get a way around the error. However, apk manager seems much more user friendly and have seen tuts using the program specifically for ics roms. I've only seen tuts for apktool using jelly bean roms so maybe that's the issue. I won't be home until late tonight as I have class. If anyone has any tips/suggestions please let me know.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Not that many people are in here anyway but I figured I'd give it a shot. So I went to use apk manager instead of apk tool which seemed to be a much more "newb friendly" program. I can successfully decompile my framework-res.apk but cannot decompile my systemUI.apk afterward. I get an error....here's my log if anyone can help me with it:
EDIT- deleted log as I was able to decompile systemUI with a different apk program. That was a huge headache getting it to decompile. Now editing the XML should be no problem, along with swapping out the PNG's. Recompiling on the other hand will most likely be another headache!