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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.
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...
I love all the beautiful modified skins of Thypancy's intial theme. Is there a post where we could learn to mod these themes. too. I have 4 in mind that I would like to make or have modified, but i would rather learn how to do it myself. Can someone point me in the right direction.
Hi,
I am not a PRO at this... but i would just explain you the procedure:
1) extract/Decompile the .apk file you want to MOD or make changes to. Use m10 editor for this.Select the option "decomplie all"
2) Minimize the m10 editor, and open the folder where you m10 editor is installed. There you would find a folder with the name of the .apk file you just decomplied. Go to folder assests>"base theme name">drawble>shared folder.
3) now select the .png files you want to edit. Install Paint.net, and edit with them, it was easy process for me. Remeber to "flip image vertical" after you are done with editing.
4) now go back to m10 editor, and Save the file.
5) You should have AndroidSDK installed.If not, do it. Then go to the folder where you have installed it. open the "autosign" file. It will open command prompt. There select the option to sign the file manually. Give the path for the file. It will sign it then. Exit from that program.
6) you are done, you can install it now.
Well, this is the basic idea for modding, and it would work if you have a little bit knowledge. I have been taught all this by "laletsehgal21", who has a good thread of his MODS... you can ask him for a detailed help.
Happy Modding
mathrania said:
Hi,
I am not a PRO at this... but i would just explain you the procedure:
1) extract/Decompile the .apk file you want to MOD or make changes to. Use m10 editor for this.Select the option "decomplie all"
2) Minimize the m10 editor, and open the folder where you m10 editor is installed. There you would find a folder with the name of the .apk file you just decomplied. Go to folder assests>"base theme name">drawble>shared folder.
3) now select the .png files you want to edit. Install Paint.net, and edit with them, it was easy process for me. Remeber to "flip image vertical" after you are done with editing.
4) now go back to m10 editor, and Save the file.
5) You should have AndroidSDK installed.If not, do it. Then go to the folder where you have installed it. open the "autosign" file. It will open command prompt. There select the option to sign the file manually. Give the path for the file. It will sign it then. Exit from that program.
6) you are done, you can install it now.
Well, this is the basic idea for modding, and it would work if you have a little bit knowledge. I have been taught all this by "laletsehgal21", who has a good thread of his MODS... you can ask him for a detailed help.
Happy Modding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Info!!!
mathrania said:
Hi,
I am not a PRO at this... but i would just explain you the procedure:
1) extract/Decompile the .apk file you want to MOD or make changes to. Use m10 editor for this.Select the option "decomplie all"
2) Minimize the m10 editor, and open the folder where you m10 editor is installed. There you would find a folder with the name of the .apk file you just decomplied. Go to folder assests>"base theme name">drawble>shared folder.
3) now select the .png files you want to edit. Install Paint.net, and edit with them, it was easy process for me. Remeber to "flip image vertical" after you are done with editing.
4) now go back to m10 editor, and Save the file.
5) You should have AndroidSDK installed.If not, do it. Then go to the folder where you have installed it. open the "autosign" file. It will open command prompt. There select the option to sign the file manually. Give the path for the file. It will sign it then. Exit from that program.
6) you are done, you can install it now.
Well, this is the basic idea for modding, and it would work if you have a little bit knowledge. I have been taught all this by "laletsehgal21", who has a good thread of his MODS... you can ask him for a detailed help.
Happy Modding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool man.....
Jst one thing attach the base file that one must use to decompile so that he does not have errors while re-compiling
In de-compiled files changes have to b made in three places.
1. Androidmanifest.xml (name of package).
2. Res\values\strings.xml (name of theme).
3. Assets\shared(change this to theme name)
Now compile and then edit
lalitsehgal21 said:
cool man.....
Jst one thing attach the base file that one must use to decompile so that he does not have errors while re-compiling
In de-compiled files changes have to b made in three places.
1. Androidmanifest.xml (name of package).
2. Res\values\strings.xml (name of theme).
3. Assets\shared(change this to theme name)
Now compile and then edit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this but instead of pngs, i'm getting dat files in the "\\\drawable\shared" folder? Is anyone else having this problem?
keedog said:
I tried this but instead of pngs, i'm getting dat files in the "\\\drawable\shared" folder? Is anyone else having this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no after using m10 editor u'll play with dat files only best part is inverted
lalitsehgal21 said:
no after using m10 editor u'll play with dat files only best part is inverted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What???? I'm way confused by that last sentence.
keedog said:
What???? I'm way confused by that last sentence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he means, that the images you would like to EDIT would be inverted(up side down kind of) already...... the way it looks in your android phone...it wd be inverted
keedog said:
I tried this but instead of pngs, i'm getting dat files in the "\\\drawable\shared" folder? Is anyone else having this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the m10 editor, on the second tab "m10files", select "decode images". And then start the process.....
I have attached an .apk file. Install it on your sensation, apply the theme to your mobile. Observe the stuff. Then try to decompile the same file, and edit the images to your choice. It will help you to recognize what files you should change to get your desired result.
mathrania said:
I have attached an .apk file. Install it on your sensation, apply the theme to your mobile. Observe the stuff. Then try to decompile the same file, and edit the images to your choice. It will help you to recognize what files you should change to get your desired result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thatz a pretty nice one, and i like how u pointed out all the pages with text. thanks again.
mathrania said:
Hi,
I am not a PRO at this... but i would just explain you the procedure:
1) extract/Decompile the .apk file you want to MOD or make changes to. Use m10 editor for this.Select the option "decomplie all"
2) Minimize the m10 editor, and open the folder where you m10 editor is installed. There you would find a folder with the name of the .apk file you just decomplied. Go to folder assests>"base theme name">drawble>shared folder.
3) now select the .png files you want to edit. Install Paint.net, and edit with them, it was easy process for me. Remeber to "flip image vertical" after you are done with editing.
4) now go back to m10 editor, and Save the file.
5) You should have AndroidSDK installed.If not, do it. Then go to the folder where you have installed it. open the "autosign" file. It will open command prompt. There select the option to sign the file manually. Give the path for the file. It will sign it then. Exit from that program.
6) you are done, you can install it now.
Well, this is the basic idea for modding, and it would work if you have a little bit knowledge. I have been taught all this by "laletsehgal21", who has a good thread of his MODS... you can ask him for a detailed help.
Happy Modding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all the pngs replaced and the its back in a apk, but now I don't see a autosign file in the sdk folder. am I looking in the wrong place?
This is the Android-sdk (along with java jdk) that i downloaded. I can't find a autosign file anywhere.
i found the autosign bat fle. but now im getting errors.
question: how/where do i change these?
In de-compiled files changes have to b made in three places.
1. Androidmanifest.xml (name of package). how do u change this?
2. Res\values\strings.xml (name of theme). how/where do u change this?
3. Assets\shared(change this to theme name) h0w/where do u change this?
---
also when I replaced the background image, and he skin png, they resorted back to the original and didn't keep my background image nor skin pmg.
Sorry to hijack, but how would I change the dock/nav bar?
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
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.
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/