Hey Guys I just want to be able to create my own themes for sense ui, can anyone help me out..... I think i need to change the rosie apk and do I need m10 tools?
there's a couple of files to edit. someone in the themes & apps section did a rough outline of what to do, you may want to search through there.
I think you need to edit images from framework.apk
Hi
You will need to edit the images in the framework-res.apk, systemui.apk and com.htc.resources.apk
For some of the apks like Rosie and the lockscreen you will need the m10tools. For the others you do not.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
What program do I use? apk manager? I am not sure how to use it...
darryll4sh0 said:
What program do I use? apk manager? I am not sure how to use it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use APK manager. If you are editing only the images then a better idea would be to open the APK with winrar and drop the images in the respective folders. Do not extract the APK. If you want to edit the XML files then you will need to decompile it using APK manager.
APK manager is simple to use. Start the program and place the APK file in the place-apk-here-for-modding folder. In the program select option 22 and choose your APK.
Then select option 9 and decompile the APK. Once it has decompiled, you can go into the projects folder and edit whatever you want. After you have finished editing, select the compile option in the program and then zipalign the APK.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
If i edit the files with winrar, do i need to zipalign it? also do i have to flash it in or just install it?
darryll4sh0 said:
If i edit the files with winrar, do i need to zipalign it? also do i have to flash it in or just install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also how can i actually see the xml files (like pictures)
darryll4sh0 said:
If i edit the files with winrar, do i need to zipalign it? also do i have to flash it in or just install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will have to zipalign it. You will have to flash it. Installing it will not work.
darryll4sh0 said:
Also how can i actually see the xml files (like pictures)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XML files store data and text, they are not pictures. Anyways to see the pictures you can extract the APK using winrar, or you can decompile it using APK manager.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Thanks about the winrar tip! I think it would be easier for me to replace the pngs through there than something else. right now i'm looking through my iphone for all pngs,but the problem is that the scan has found over 90 thousand pngs! Its going to take a while to sort that out but when i'm finished I bet its going to be good.
Related
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
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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.
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...
So im wondering, when I edit a system apk this is the process I use:
Open apk with 7zip, I dont extract.
Replace all png's I want to and exit.
Simple yes? Heres the problem. How do I edit AndroidManifesto.xml and add it back in? I can get the xml un-encyrpted and edit it but do I need to make the file encypted again before I put it back?
Any comments/suggestions welcomed
Thanks!
Sent from my U20i using XDA App
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
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A changed APK needs tot be signed.
Send from N7
NLBeev said:
A changed APK needs tot be signed.
Send from N7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.londatiga.net/general/how-to-sign-apk-zip-files/