Database Info

[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.

[Guide]Create Custom ROMs | Modify Apks

Hello xda.
This is a Guide to help anyone who wishes to create custom ROMs. This Guide aims to be as complete as possible, and will give all information related to creating a custom ROM... editing apks, adding or removing apps, de-odexing apps, and so on.
Al suggestions to improve upon this guide are welcome.
0. Pre-requisites
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Credits to...
1. puppet13th... My mentor, teacher, and a great friend.
2. Wanman... ApkTool for ICS
3. langthang... For a great Guide on Creating Update Script
4. lokeshsaini94... For lots of help
Downloads
You need to Download the following...
1. Apk Tool [link(ICS)|link(GB)]... A tool for De-Compiling apks
2. 7 zip [link]... A tool for un-compressing any sort of compressed file
3. ROM signer [link]... Restores the signing of the ROM zip file, which is messed up while uncompressing
4. Any Image Resizer​
Setting up your PC
You need to do the following...
1. Create a folder (preferably in Desktop, and name it "Android")
2. Create Sub-Folders by the names "Base ROM" and "Custom ROM". Also make Sub Folders by the name...
a. ApkTool... Extract contents of ApkTool Here
b. Signer... Extract Autosigner here​
I. Let's get our Base ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to get the base ROM in the ./Desktop/Base ROM folder. It is also recommended that you flash the Base ROM into your phone, as it will help in testing the mods, as you make them.
The process of getting the base ROM will depend on the scenario your situation fits in, from amongst the following...
1. You want an already made Custom ROM as your Base... Download the ROM [willl come in .zip folder], and extract it in /Desktop/Android/Base ROM folder
2. You want to base your ROM on a stock firmware, which came in an ftf package... Use the following tool to extract the files from the ftf file.
3. You want to base your ROM on a stock firmware, which is instaled on your phone...
Take a back up of the ROM using ClockWork Mod, and copy the back up files (from /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup), somewhere to your computer. Then, using this tool, extract the files to /Destktop/Android/Base ROM
Copy the following folders from /system of your phone using Root Browser
/app
/bin
/etc
/fonts
/framework
/lib
/media
/semc
/usr
/xbin
build.prop​
4. You want to base your ROM on a stock firmware, that comes as a ready to flash .zip file on the internet... Download the ROM, and extract it in /Desktop/Android/Base ROM folder
After completion, the Base ROM will have the following Folder Structure
Desktop
Android
Base ROM
META-INF [only if you got your base from another Custom ROM][/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]
system
apps
bin
etc
.
.
.
data [may be]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*ScreenShots*
Copy the contents of Base ROM folder to Custom ROM folder.
We now have the foundation of our ROM laid out in front of us, inviting us to show our creativity.
II. Let's work on the Base ROM... Creation of the Custom ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A. Apks Make up the Android System...
We will now work, only on the /Desktop/Android/Custom ROM Folder
1. Look into the /system/apps...
You will find apk files which will be raninging frm 100 to 200 in number. Err, half or more are known as "Crapware". You need to remove files which are useless, that's a very important step to enhance performance of your final ROM. Look into your device's forums, to get the list of Safe-To-Remove appks from the respective firmware. In case your base is an already built custom ROM, you will have to remove lesser or none of the files.
2. Here, you can add your desired files as well, keeping compaitability in mind.
3 [Optional]. On a .txt file, keep a record of all the apps your removed or added, as it will help in troubleshooting at a later stage.​
B. Implementing Already-Built-MODs in your ROM...
1. Download any Mod you want to keep in your ROM [Make sure your device, and the Base ROM is compaitable]
2. Extract the zip file and you will get a system folder.
3. Copy the files from the system folder to /Custom ROM/sytem, making sure the files go into the folders they came from.
That is, all apk files from /system/apps folder of the Mod should go to /Custom ROM/system/app folder, and so on...​
C. Changing the Interface... Let's Mess with SystemUI[nterface].apk
Go to /system/app and copy SystemUI.apk to
/Desktop/Android/ApkTool/place-apk-here-for-modding
Working with ApkTool
The link provided in this post is of an easy to use software called ApkTool.
1. Double Click on the Script.bat file to open up the software.
*Screenshot*
2. Decompress the SystemUI.apk using option '9'.
Wait for the process to complete
3. Go to /Projects, and you will find a folder called SystemUI.
Open the /SystemUI.apk/res/drawable folders and you will find lots and lots of .png files
*Screenshot*
4. Look into the files carfully.
Bingo, they correspond to the various system elements of the SystemUI of the Base ROM.
5. Open any file you want to edit, edit it, and save in the original location, replacing the original un-edited file. [On a temporary notepad file, note which all files you edit]
Note: You will notce that there are .png files for, say the Battery Icon. You will find that there are files for each state of the Battery Icon. So if you intend to edit the Battery Icon, you need to edit all the files corresonding to each of the states.
5.A. A common exaple of such editing is making the elements of a Gingerbread SystemUI.apk look like ICS SystemUI.apk. For this get hands on any ICS SystemUI.apk and extract both the files in seprate locations, and then copy the files from the ICS SystemUI folder to GB SystemUI folder. However, here you must make sure that the names of the files coming from ICS SystemUI are changed to corresponding values of the GingerBread SystemUI.apk. Here, also ensure that the new files, which replace the original files, have the same dimensions as the original files. If not use any image resizing tool.
*Screenshot*
6. If you want to edit some values in the .xml files, carry on. Edit the files as you wish, and replace the original files. Once you are done with the editing...
7. Open the Script.bat file and run command 11. [Say NO when it asks if the file is a system file]You will have a new SystemUI.apk file called unsignedSystemUI.apk in /place-apk-here-for-modding folder.
Go and fill your pockets with some cookies from the kitchen. Start having them.
8. Keep the temporary notepad file on one side and open the unsignedSystemUI.apk with 7zip, and open the original SystemUI.apk using 7zip besides it.
*Screenshot*
9. Drag and extract the files you edited to a temporary folder.
10. Drag the extracted files to the SystemUI.apk, replacing the older files, making sure all the edited files go to the proper place. [That's why I asked to keep a note of which all files were edited].
*Screenshot*
11. If you edited some .xml files, then you MIGHT need to copy the resources.acrc file at the root of the unsignedSystemUI.apk file to the root of the original SystemUI.apk file.
Once done, the original SystemUI.apk has now become a modded SystemUI.apk, with your creativity embedded into it. Time to test the SystemUI.apk.
12. Using Quick ADB, push the edited SystemUI.apk to your phone.
*Screenshot*
13. Re-boot your phone and you shoud see the changes you made in the UI. .
In case it gives force close message, you messed up somewhere. So you will have to push the original SystemUI.apk [from /Base ROM/system/apps folder], and try to mod the file from scratch again.
14. Copy the sucessfully modded SystemUI.apk from /Apktool/place-apk-here-for-modding folder to /Custom ROM/system/app folder, replacing the older file.​
D. Changing the Interface... Editing other .apks
1. As earlier, copy the apk you want to edit from /Custom ROM/System/app to /Apktool/**** folder, and perform the modification to optain a new modded .apk file.
2. Test this file if you wish, by pushing it using Qucik ADB.
3. If the modded file wrks, copy this new file to /Custom ROM/System/app and replace the original file​
E. Changing the Interface... Editing the font
1. Take your desired font.ttf file and rename it as DroidSans.ttf..
2. Go to the folder system/fonts/
3. Now, replace the file DroidSans.ttf with your desired DoridSans.ttf...
4. To change the lock screen clock font...replace the Clocktopia.ttf with your desired one (rename first)...​
If you did a good job in the above steps, the /Custom ROM folder should be having the contents of a wonderful ROM in making.
Here, I will like to mention that, if you want to upload your custom ROM on the internet and share it, you must ensure that you did lots of hard work in the above steps. There's no point making a custom ROM without modifying lots of files and adding lots of tweaks.
Just make sure that you do so much of modding that, say, your Gingerbread ROM looks like Jellybean, or say, your ROM made for Galaxy Y works as smooth as an SIII.
III. Compiling the Custom ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A. If you got your base ROM as in [1 or 4] in step I above
1. Copy the META-INF folder from /Base ROM to /Desktop/Android/Custom ROM
2. Rename the Custom ROM folder to whatever-you-want-your-ROM-to-be-called.
3. Add the Folder to a zip file using 7zip.
4. Take this zip file to /Desktop/Android/Signer folder and run sign.bat.​
X. The new zip file called Update.zip is your ROM.
Copy this file to the SD Card of your phone, format /system, /data, /cache using CWM and flash your .zip file. And enjoy your custom ROM.
B. If you got your base ROM as in [2 or 3] in step I above... Creating your own Update script
Read the following Tutorial. [link]
Once you are done, try the ROM on your phone. Share it if you feel it's great. And hit Thanks Button.

Reserved

Reserved2

nice guide!

thanks for the tutorial.

Nice guide, continue finish it.:good:

Awesome
Adds some more tutorial please:thumbup:
Thanks for your work
Inviato dal mio GT-N7000 con Tapatalk 2

Please also add link to original thread....
Btw .. Nice guide....
In 1. Looking into system apps... you should delete .apk as well as .odex files when you want to remove an app... Like browser.apk and browser.odex... Many peoples won't delete them....
Sent from my GT-S7500 using xda premium

Thanks for this nice guide. :highfive:
Please add the placeholder *Screenshot* s :good:

beautiful
Thanks a lot for this beautiful guide. Loved it

i tried it ............
i followed the guide n tried editin my custom rom technoduos on sgy duos GT-s6102
all i did was extract the rom using CWM and then added removed some apps at /system/apps
no other tweaks just addin n removin apps dats all then compressed it n signed it
then wen i flashed it on my set it worked (yayyyyyyy)
but there were some problems the apps which i del were gone but the ones i added were not there ..........
also wen i flashed the rom again the apps which were del were back how is it possible i made sure i had del em
plz help

thank you very much for your tutorials are very helpful to me

nice guide! thx

Nice Guide...
Thanks for the hard work to track down all this information and publish for us.
Thanks

Thanks... im gonna give this a whirl
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

R: [Guide]Create Custom ROMs | Modify Apks
Very useful giude thanks ; )
Inviato dal mio GT-N7100 con Tapatalk 2

:Good:
Sent from my potato oO

thanks

[THEMING -Basic] - Easy Way to EDIT SystemUI.apk/Apps Background

Hi there! Just wanna share..
Just a basic background on how to theme your ROMS. - ofcourse, give thanks to the developer of your ROMs! .
I made this thread for those users who have personal wishes for their Phones. Ofcourse, ROM developers cannot please all of its users. so just make your own and be happy!.
I just made it easy for easy understanding and for the newbies.
Tried so many times and tested
I've already tried editing the systemUI.apk of different ROMs.
Here's what I did :
FIRST : Download 7zip to open the archived apk. - that's free.
Extracting first the Zip File..
(make sure you copy the original before extracting it for back up)
1. Download the ROM.zip and extract it to your PC.
2. Go to \system\app\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-ldpi/Mdpi/hdpi
3. View the PNG files you wanted to change and make sure to remember its' file name.
4. After editing/changing the file/image you wanted, you can save it anywhere from your PC, let's say on your Desktop.
- Make sure that the file name still remains as is..
*After you're done editing, updating the PNG files you wish to change, follow this steps to update the zip file :
NOTE : You can apply transparency by editing the PNG file to photoshop by reducing the opacity of the image
1. Go to the original ZIP file of ROM.Zip from your PC
2. Right Click the folder and select 7 ZIP -->> open archive
3. Close all of windows/Browers (or minimize)
4. Go to \system\app\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi and it will open a new window of 7zip showing the files inside the zip.
5. Now, given your edited PNG files or downloaded png files (assuming that files are located in your desktop). - Click and simply DRAG the file(s) from your desktop to \system\app\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-ldpi\ mdpi/hdpi
6. It will ask you to confirm the action for it will replace the existing PNG file that you're trying to change.
7. Make sure that the file name of the one you edited/downloaded are THE SAME. -
8. After dragging and replacing the files you wanted, then you're good to go!
9. Close the 7zip window and that's it!.
You can now install the .zip by copying the UPDATED zip file to your SD Card.
(Note: Make sure to copy the updated one, not the backed up one)
Install the zip file from the original thread's instructions and reboot twice.
After that, you have now a customized systemUI.apk.
For those who do not want to reinstall the whole package.. follow these steps:
1. I assumed that you have the zip file of your ROM.
2. Extract it and go to \system\app\
3. Separate the SystemUi.apk - put it on your desktop. create a back up,
Right Click SystemUi.apk and select 7 ZIP -->> extract here - just to view the files you wanted to change.
Just go the folder and search for the PNG files.
4. Right Click SystemUi.apk and select 7 ZIP -->> open archive.
5. Go to \res\drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi
6. Click and simply DRAG the PNG file(s) from your desktop to \res\drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi
7. It will ask you to confirm the action for it will replace the existing PNG file that you're trying to change.
8. Make sure that the file name of the one you edited/downloaded are THE SAME. -
9. After dragging and replacing the files you wanted, then you're good to go!
APPLYING :
1. Download and install rootexplorer.apk
2. Download the png files you wanted to update.
3. Copy and paste the NEW SystemUi.apk that you have updated/Edited to your SD card.
4. Open root explorer in your galaxy y then go and tap MOUNT R/W.
5. Go to \SDCard and go to new SystemUI.apk that you have updated.
6. Long press the file and select copy
7. Press back and go to \system\app - tap MOUNT R/W at the top.
8. Paste the new SystemUI.apk from there.
(Note : You will encounter a lot of force closes for the exixsting systemui is currently being used by your phone. - just ignore it a lot and scroll down to look for the new SystemUI.apk.
9. Once you get there, long press on it and select permissions:
from the pop up, make the checked one like this :
•___•____ •
•___ .____.
•___ .____.
where Dots are the checked one - Bigger dots
After encountering a lot of force closes, then reboot the phone and that's it!
(Force Closes are normal, DON't PANIC - logically, you are currently using your systemUI.apk so just ignore it)
NOTE : You can also apply the same steps in editing system files apps, just edit the .png files and locate it using 7zip(when you already opened it). Have a little LOGIC on how to edit system app background - same process. just different apk files and directory .

Really helpful!
Im gonna start right now

Kuro-Tensai said:
Really helpful!
Im gonna start right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all d best buddy :good:

Thanks a lot dude!

Option58 said:
Thanks a lot dude!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
apply and report back :good:

Does it work on JB systemUI.apk ?

Jacupovsky said:
Does it work on JB systemUI.apk ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dnt knw abt jb bt U can chek bcoz this guide for all roms. Bcoz every rom have thngs in systemui etc.. Chk and report back plzz
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

Anybdy tried this method?
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

I am Flashing it right now ,Lets see
sohan rawat said:
Anybdy tried this method?
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am flashing the ROM of edited systemui ,FINGERS CROSSED:fingers-crossed:

Can't do this if system is odexed. I have to find a deodexed one.

androidnerd2 said:
Can't do this if system is odexed. I have to find a deodexed one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Is there any way to deodex it, i want to make transparent status bar! If someone can make transparent please make it! thx!

Yes .. The best theming works done on deodex. In odex rom U have limitation and its tough to themed odex rom.. So first deodex ur rom ...!!!
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

2010matej said:
+1
Is there any way to deodex it, i want to make transparent status bar! If someone can make transparent please make it! thx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a deodexed .21 rom available in general section
---------- Post added at 11:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------
sohan rawat said:
Yes .. The best theming works done on deodex. In odex rom U have limitation and its tough to themed odex rom.. So first deodex ur rom ...!!!
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would Xultimate work to deodex stock rom ?

androidnerd2 said:
There is a deodexed .21 rom available in general section
---------- Post added at 11:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------
Would Xultimate work to deodex stock rom ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont knw bro test and report .. bcoz i dont have device yet. bt in few days i will get my tipo dual :good:

sohan rawat said:
Hi there! Just wanna share..
Just a basic background on how to theme your ROMS. - ofcourse, give thanks to the developer of your ROMs! .
I made this thread for those users who have personal wishes for their Phones. Ofcourse, ROM developers cannot please all of its users. so just make your own and be happy!.
I just made it easy for easy understanding and for the newbies.
Tried so many times and tested
I've already tried editing the systemUI.apk of different ROMs.
Here's what I did :
FIRST : Download 7zip to open the archived apk. - that's free.
Extracting first the Zip File..
(make sure you copy the original before extracting it for back up)
1. Download the ROM.zip and extract it to your PC.
2. Go to \system\app\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-ldpi/Mdpi/hdpi
3. View the PNG files you wanted to change and make sure to remember its' file name.
4. After editing/changing the file/image you wanted, you can save it anywhere from your PC, let's say on your Desktop.
- Make sure that the file name still remains as is..
*After you're done editing, updating the PNG files you wish to change, follow this steps to update the zip file :
NOTE : You can apply transparency by editing the PNG file to photoshop by reducing the opacity of the image
1. Go to the original ZIP file of ROM.Zip from your PC
2. Right Click the folder and select 7 ZIP -->> open archive
3. Close all of windows/Browers (or minimize)
4. Go to \system\app\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi and it will open a new window of 7zip showing the files inside the zip.
5. Now, given your edited PNG files or downloaded png files (assuming that files are located in your desktop). - Click and simply DRAG the file(s) from your desktop to \system\app\SystemUI.apk\res\drawable-ldpi\ mdpi/hdpi
6. It will ask you to confirm the action for it will replace the existing PNG file that you're trying to change.
7. Make sure that the file name of the one you edited/downloaded are THE SAME. -
8. After dragging and replacing the files you wanted, then you're good to go!
9. Close the 7zip window and that's it!.
You can now install the .zip by copying the UPDATED zip file to your SD Card.
(Note: Make sure to copy the updated one, not the backed up one)
Install the zip file from the original thread's instructions and reboot twice.
After that, you have now a customized systemUI.apk.
For those who do not want to reinstall the whole package.. follow these steps:
1. I assumed that you have the zip file of your ROM.
2. Extract it and go to \system\app\
3. Separate the SystemUi.apk - put it on your desktop. create a back up,
Right Click SystemUi.apk and select 7 ZIP -->> extract here - just to view the files you wanted to change.
Just go the folder and search for the PNG files.
4. Right Click SystemUi.apk and select 7 ZIP -->> open archive.
5. Go to \res\drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi
6. Click and simply DRAG the PNG file(s) from your desktop to \res\drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi
7. It will ask you to confirm the action for it will replace the existing PNG file that you're trying to change.
8. Make sure that the file name of the one you edited/downloaded are THE SAME. -
9. After dragging and replacing the files you wanted, then you're good to go!
APPLYING :
1. Download and install rootexplorer.apk
2. Download the png files you wanted to update.
3. Copy and paste the NEW SystemUi.apk that you have updated/Edited to your SD card.
4. Open root explorer in your galaxy y then go and tap MOUNT R/W.
5. Go to \SDCard and go to new SystemUI.apk that you have updated.
6. Long press the file and select copy
7. Press back and go to \system\app - tap MOUNT R/W at the top.
8. Paste the new SystemUI.apk from there.
(Note : You will encounter a lot of force closes for the exixsting systemui is currently being used by your phone. - just ignore it a lot and scroll down to look for the new SystemUI.apk.
9. Once you get there, long press on it and select permissions:
from the pop up, make the checked one like this :
•___•____ •
•___ .____.
•___ .____.
where Dots are the checked one - Bigger dots
After encountering a lot of force closes, then reboot the phone and that's it!
(Force Closes are normal, DON't PANIC - logically, you are currently using your systemUI.apk so just ignore it)
NOTE : You can also apply the same steps in editing system files apps, just edit the .png files and locate it using 7zip(when you already opened it). Have a little LOGIC on how to edit system app background - same process. just different apk files and directory .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But how do we theme launchers? The same way?
Sent from my GT-P3100 using xda premium

Good Guidance ..

I'll do the experiment!!
But where is the file ROM.zip to download?
Regards,
Jorge Moreira

If anything goes wrong will the original system ui will work
Sent from my C1504 using xda premium

nice
Thanks for sharing this is so usefull for me keep it up

[Q] Is it possible to install/port CM10 themes on a Deodexed Pantech Flex Rom?

Hi guys
is it possible to install/port the CM10 themes available here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801752
to a fully deodexed ICS stock rom for Pantech Flex rom such as this?
IceFlexSandwich
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2188436
if yes, what do i need to know so that i can apply the themes?

MechaDroid said:
Hi guys
is it possible to install/port the CM10 themes available here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801752
to a fully deodexed ICS stock rom for Pantech Flex rom such as this?
IceFlexSandwich
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2188436
if yes, what do i need to know so that i can apply the themes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themes for other Roms will not work for this rom. The apks that the themes replace are different than ours. if you do attempt to flash a theme from another ROM youre phone will probably end up in a boot loop.
To theme
You will need to copy these apps from /system/app folder in phone or from downloaded rom:
Settings.apk
Phone.apk
Contacts.apk
SystemUI.apk
Framework-res.apk from /system/framework
Rename the app youre wanting to theme from .apk to .apk.zip
extract the res folder to a folder anywhere with 7zip(Leave this window open)
change the icons you want in each folder(Usually hdpi and xhdpi folders except for systemui)(make sure to keep same name and size of original icon)
select all icons in the folder you are working in and simply drag and drop icons to same folder in 7zip window replacing old icons
rename .apk.zip back to .apk
push to phone via adb or make update and flash with cwm
if you did the steps correctly you will have themed an app.
Be careful with the .9 images resizing or messing with them can cause them to not display correctly
I use gimp to mod icons.
Im working on a theme myself now. Only thing that gets me is Pantech and AT&T have added alot of icons that are masking the original icons for ICS that are in the apks as well. So there is alot of modding to do to make a full theme for this ROM.

Chadw1985 said:
Themes for other Roms will not work for this rom. The apks that the themes replace are different than ours. if you do attempt to flash a theme from another ROM youre phone will probably end up in a boot loop.
To theme
You will need to copy these apps from /system/app folder in phone or from downloaded rom:
Settings.apk
Phone.apk
Contacts.apk
SystemUI.apk
Framework-res.apk from /system/framework
Rename the app youre wanting to theme from .apk to .apk.zip
extract the res folder to a folder anywhere with 7zip(Leave this window open)
change the icons you want in each folder(Usually hdpi and xhdpi folders except for systemui)(make sure to keep same name and size of original icon)
select all icons in the folder you are working in and simply drag and drop icons to same folder in 7zip window replacing old icons
rename .apk.zip back to .apk
push to phone via adb or make update and flash with cwm
if you did the steps correctly you will have themed an app.
Be careful with the .9 images resizing or messing with them can cause them to not display correctly
I use gimp to mod icons.
Im working on a theme myself now. Only thing that gets me is Pantech and AT&T have added alot of icons that are masking the original icons for ICS that are in the apks as well. So there is alot of modding to do to make a full theme for this ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to integrate something like the Theme Chooser(available on CM10 and AOKP) on your rom?
so that there is a direct compatibility with other CM10 themes?

MechaDroid said:
Is it possible to integrate something like the Theme Chooser(available on CM10 and AOKP) on your rom?
so that there is a direct compatibility with other CM10 themes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure its possible. and yes it is possible to port the themes to our phone. Atleast some of them. You would have to rewrite some of the smali files in the .apk's and .jar files and make a few other changes that will make the apps run on our phone. Thats what Im trying to do now

Chadw1985 said:
Im sure its possible. and yes it is possible to port the themes to our phone. Atleast some of them. You would have to rewrite some of the smali files in the .apk's and .jar files and make a few other changes that will make the apps run on our phone. Thats what Im trying to do now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing i miss about your awesome Ice Flex Rom is the theme-ing capability
theme-ing and customizations are my reasons to choose android over windows Phone
there are just so many awesome flashable Themes available for CM10, its a shame that great phone like Flex can't be themed yet
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801752
i am currently trying to read up on android basics and see what i can do myself to help you :good:

[MOD] Theme Store- How to keep your stock icons on any theme

*Dont you hate when you like a theme but hate the icons!!! I will give you a simple guide to download the theme you want and keep your stock icons
~Keep your stock icons for any theme~
*ROOTED REQUIRED*
*Please read complete guide*
*Make sure you are not using the theme you are applying this to! Apply a different theme while your editing this file!
1. Using a file explorer, go to data/overlays/jsonfiles/userjson and find the theme you want to keep stock icons!
2. Open file and hit the edit button! Look for this line a little ways down:
"appicon":"com.cambunch.ThemeName.appicon",
and delete it! Save file and reboot!
3. Now you can go to theme store and apply that theme and have stock icons
***Also see post #10 for another simple guide thanks to @SICKMADE***
***This should work for any theme in userjson file, just follow same steps and remember to save and reboot before you apply theme!!!
***JUST HIT THANKS IF YOU THINK THIS IS FRICKIN AWESOME***
Screen shots of files and before and after:

Note 5 have to be root or not to work ??

Yes, because you will have to use a root file explorer! ES FILE Explorer etc.

Good work[emoji106] [emoji106]

Not working....i have follow the step by step but no luck...back to stock theme

CasTTeLLo said:
Not working....i have follow the step by step but no luck...back to stock theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one? Part 1 or 2?
If icons didnt stay stock, go back to the file you deleted the line and make sure it saved with that line deleted! It did that for me and when i went back and checked file, the line was still there and i re- deleted it, made sure i saved file and rebooted and it worked!

fyh said:
I don't think the first part of your guide is allowed on xda, thanks BTW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure either lol...Just thought i would share and will definitely take down if asked to

Goody68 said:
Which one? Part 1 or 2?
If icons didnt stay stock, go back to the file you deleted the line and make sure it saved with that line deleted! It did that for me and when i went back and checked file, the line was still there and i re- deleted it, made sure i saved file and rebooted and it worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have double checked mate....deleted and still no luck

CasTTeLLo said:
I have double checked mate....deleted and still no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, it works for me! Deleted that appicon line, saved then rebooted, applied theme and i have stock icons! Ive tried it on a few themes and all have worked!
Make sure that you do not have that theme currently applied! Apply another theme then go back and apply theme that you did that for!

All you have to do if you don't like any paticular part of a sammy theme is install a root file manager... I use root browser but what ever you choose as long as it uses root is fine... then once opened file manager navigate to the data/app folder. Here you will find every apk and or sammy theme that you have installed onto your device. Simply scroll down until you find the specific group of folders for which ever theme your wanting to remove a paticular part of ex. Accuweather, App Icons, etc. Once you've located the file you don't want to use with the theme anymore like the icons "themename.appicon-1" simply delete the folder and reboot and badaboom stock icons are back! I hope that made some sense lol

This is the best Thread ever !!! I always wanted this, thanks alot !!! Very Helpful

SICKMADE said:
All you have to do if you don't like any paticular part of a sammy theme is install a root file manager... I use root browser but what ever you choose as long as it uses root is fine... then once opened file manager navigate to the data/app folder. Here you will find every apk and or sammy theme that you have installed onto your device. Simply scroll down until you find the specific group of folders for which ever theme your wanting to remove a paticular part of ex. Accuweather, App Icons, etc. Once you've located the file you don't want to use with the theme anymore like the icons "themename.appicon-1" simply delete the folder and reboot and badaboom stock icons are back! I hope that made some sense lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this mean we can transfer specific apk from one theme to another.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

egren58 said:
Would this mean we can transfer specific apk from one theme to another.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can.. I have just tried using a keyboard theme I like on different theme by just copy pasting corresponding lines from one to another.

This also allows you to change your icons to anything you want using the galaxy icon themer app in play store
Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

ishaqs60 said:
Yes you can.. I have just tried using a keyboard theme I like on different theme by just copy pasting corresponding lines from one to another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you do that please? I tried to modify name of inputmethod for a keyboard theme I like from another theme but it didn't change.

Thank you works also on note5 port on note4

rooted and in text change completed same.! not working.(

I liked some theme's notifiacation drawer background and I want to use it stock theme. How can I do this? Which line do I suppose to delete? Thanks
Is there any way to enable to choose which part (status bar system, icon, wallpaper) are we going to change like cyanogenmod roms theme store?

Great work man

great work but how to keep stock keyboard too ???
N920c/64g/dr ketan L8/stock kernel