[Guide]Create Custom ROMs | Modify Apks - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

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

Related

[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

[Tutorial][Guide] How to make a CWM flashable zip

Tutorial on [how to] make a flashable zip 
Credits:
Special Thanks to google.com for teaching me  and rishik999 for sample.zip
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS
- Any file that you want to replace or add to your phone;
- An existing (base) cwm flashable zip file. - I've attached one below;
- 7-zip, Winrar or any program which can open and modify zip files .
STEPS:
DIRECTORY STRUCTURE:
(1) Download and place the base.zip (attached below) anywhere on your desktop;
(2) Right-click on it and open the archive with 7zip, winrar ... [DO NOT extract]
Now you should see two folders: one called "system" and one called "META-INF".
1. Let's start with the "system" one, so open it:
In there, will go all files that what you want to add or replace to the system. So let's say for example that you want to replace the bootanimation.
Make a "New Floder"
-Rename its as "media" (make sure its aint in CAPS nor with in quotation marks)
-drag those two new empty folders into the /system/ folder of the 7-zip opened archive
-now simply drop the two files in their respective place: the bootanimation.zip file should go in '/system/media' folder
.. If you have more files to add, just follow the logic above; I'm sure you get the idea by now.. :silly:
Hints
/system/app - all the system apps (SystemUI.apk etc)
/system/framework/ -framework-res.apk,android.policy.jar
/system/media - bootanimation.zip
/system/lib - libraries (*.so)
2. The other folder included in the opened archive is named "META-INF" and all the file in it should be left unchanged.
Now,just place the zip into your sd card! & try your luck  Of course it will work 
That's it !
Hihihihi...damn easy na ???
Common friend ..dont be a noob ..be a newbiee !!
HIT THANXXX !!
NOTE: Always backup your existing system file that you are going to replace by the patch(zip).
Here is the sample.zip which u can use to make any sort of flashable zip file
Deleted : Solved
kk9999gada said:
Where are Credits?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd line
Deleted : Solved
Edit : Done
thanks
i will try... :laugh:
Thanks, I will try it
Thanks will tryyy...
Sent from my Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro(SK17i) using Tapatalk 2
How to make a flashable zip of a recovery.img?
Sent from my GT-S7500 using Tapatalk 2
video recorder problem
hello, I use the camera fix for CM10.1.
It works awesome but the video recorder cannot work after fixing.
Before fixing, I use both stock camera and camera jb+.
Video recorder can wok on camera jb+ then.
But it cannot work after flashing fixing camera jar via cwm!
How should I do ?
Warning:No file context!
Does this sentence "Warning:No file context" might affect the phone recovery????
Thumbs Up Bro !!
You made my day !!
learned something new...
Really nice thread.
I wanna ask that i want to edit my build. Prop file. So in case if anything goes wrong can i flash the original one via this method or it will work only for apps.
Because i once had modified it but stucked at bootloop. So i don't want it to happen again.
coolsid. said:
Really nice thread.
I wanna ask that i want to edit my build. Prop file. So in case if anything goes wrong can i flash the original one via this method or it will work only for apps.
Because i once had modified it but stucked at bootloop. So i don't want it to happen again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'working for every single file that's in the android os...i allways backup in a flashing zip the original files that i am tryng to change/mod
Sent from my GT-S7500
HEY BUDDY YOU SAID THAT..
Make a "New Floder"
-Rename its as "media" (make sure its aint in CAPS nor with in quotation marks)
-drag those 'two new' empty folders into the /system/ folder of the 7-zip opened archive
-now simply drop the "two files" in their respective place: the bootanimation.zip file should go in '/system/media' folder
this includes what are the two folders and the two files. Sorry but i could figure out only one. I Want To Make a zip file using your method but don't want to take any risk.

[GUIDE] Make themes for your device - no Android SDK or APK tool [ For Noobs ]

Hi all,
I know there are tons of 'how to make themes' threads out there in this community but like the title says , its specially for noobs( like me ).
Now I am not talking about noobs who dont know anything about the android OS,framework, recovery etc. Here, by noobs i mean people who dont know how to decompile apps, sign them , make them flashable , use SDKs etc. This guide will throw some light on some of the easier ways out there by using the brilliant features of some apps and programs combined with each other and believe me , it will give you the final result !
So Lets get started :
REQUIREMENTS
1.A NANDROID BACKUP !!
2. Ninjamorph from Stericson : creating a project , replacing PNGs and finishing the project .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=674604
3. An image editing software ( I used Photoshop)
4. Root File Manager (any)
5. Knowledge about your device , Duhh
PROCEDURE
1. Open up ninjamorph and start a new project.
2. Find the APK you wanna modify ( Framework-Res.apk for almost everything; SystemUI.apk for statusbar, clock , general backgrounds , drawer etc ; contacts/seccontacts.apk for phone/dialer , messaging.apk for sms app mods etc , i hope i made my point clear )
3.Modify Apks
now, from here you need to choose your path
Method1
4. (conventional one )Inside the project, goto drawable-hdpi ( for backgrounds goto drawable-nodpi ) and replace the pngs with the pngs you want by downloading them or extracting them from existing packages (of the same size as the original )
5. After replacing the images , simply finish your project and you're done!
Method2( which i used )
4. when you create a project , the Apk is extracted to the location in your device at /sdcard/androidthemes/workspace (your SD card) as a simple folder . Copy this folder to your Pc.
5.Edit the images using an image editing software like PS and save all the images in the copied folder itself in their respective locations OR you can replace the whole apk folder with an already modified/themed folder but just make sure that the modified apk folder is of the same device as yours( since if even a single image which is missing in the modified folder but is present in the original apk folder or is not changed appropriately , it will result in the app not being able to run. It will stop.
6. Once you're done with the replacing, replace the apk folder in /sdcard/androidthemes/extracted with the one you have changed in the above step.
7. Then Goto ninjamorph in your device and simply finish the project whose apk extracted folder you have just modified. Ninjamorph will compile and build the apk from your workspace folder and it will replace the original apk with your modified one.
8. Your new Apk has been themed! :laugh:
Precautions.
1.Have a nandroid backup ( big precaution )
2. Have backups of both the .apk file and the original extracted apk folder , so that if you make an incompatible modification and the app doesnt run, then just replace the apk in the file system of your device ( /system/app or /data/app depending on the apk you are modifying whether it is system or user) OR replace the extracted apk folder in /sdcard/androidthemes/workspace with the original one backed up.
Bonus - Make a flashable zip of your themed apks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572962 ( modify the updater script in the zip in the META-INF folder present in the sample zip to match your needs ) by @cheatman
Hit Thanks :good: if this helped

[Guide][Simple]Make your own update patch with Omegadoird rom flasher...

Hi guys...
Recently i had worked in a project (Mini Cayno X 2 link -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...update-patch-mini-cayno-x-2-symphony-t2858833 ...
it was a update patch for stock rom...so many buddy ask me in FB that how can i make one update patch for my rom?!!
But due to being busy i cant replay them and now i am free and try to write a small tutorial about this...i hope you will enjoy it... and this is my frist tutorial in XDA...
Frist its not for Developer its for newbie modder who dont know this method...
Ok lets start....
________________________________
Today i am going to tell you a new and uncommon way to make your own update patch...I think everybody knows about Villain rom flasher or Vrtheme...its really a good rom flasher...and you can make your own modpack with this easily...but i dont talk about this...beacuse there are a lot of guide in Xda about this...
Now i am going to tell you about Omegadorid rom flasher... This is an "Universal Flasher Tools" like villain rom flasher...
This flasher was made by JRsoft & Intronauta...
And more info and updates about "VillainTheme System" here:
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1207017)
________________________________
Now i am going to how can you make your own update pack...
Frist for any Error or brick i am not responsible...
________________________________
Now requirments ->
1.Good file manegar or Root ecplorer...
2.good image editor like pixeler express or pic say pro...
3.Simple and common knowledge in udate script...
4.and free mind...
________________________________
Now download this omega flasher uploaded by Me...beacuse i lost the main thered link...
link -> ( http://www.mediafire.com/?pks4i2nx3w9l6d1 ) (Size: 2 mb)
After downloading make sure that what you want to add in your update patch...like i wants to add some nessesary apps,themes and some brinaries...
After decieding extract the zip in a new folder...like i extracted it in a new folder named new projects...
then you will see some folder like thats ->
1.META_INF,
2.MORPH,
3.tools,
4.XTRAS,
5.mod.config,
6.Reed me.txt...
Ok now frist lets talk about meta inf...i think everybody know this folder...and you must have knowladge about this folder...if you dont have then see this tutorial -> ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931585) (dont forget to say thanks to pitchblack5691 )
Now MORPH folder...
this is the main folder...here you can put your modded png files what you wanted to add in your apps...i will talk about it lettar...
then tools folder...in this folder you will see some files...dont touch them...this is the main files of your update pack...
then XTRAS...in this folder you can see some folder like system,sdcard,data etc etc...
if you wants to add somethings like apps in system folder then drop your apps in XTRAS/system/app..you can add fonts,new boot animations,modded build.prop and brinaries too...i will talk about this latter...
Now mod.config...This string will be added to build.prop for identify the
version or author of the mod and will be visible in
Settings - >About. Please avoid to use the character "=" into
the string.
now About readme.txt...here you will find somethings like how use this flasher etc etc...
________________________________
All done...now start making modpack.... .Its very easy...
Put in "/XTRAS" folder files that you want to add recreating
their full paths. Note that /XTRAS is equivalent to root path in
the internal memory:
e.g:
/XTRAS/system/etc/gps.conf
/XTRAS/sdcard/Wallpapers/MILF.jpeg
/XTRAS/data/app/Youtube.apk
/XTRAS/whateverfolder/whateverfile
you can also add system app here...just sing your app and drop it in XTRAS/system/app.you can add some app to xtras/data/app too...and in sdcard folder you can add some files like viper kernels or your lunchers downloaded themes.for example frist download all themes from your luncher settings.then search them in sdcard.if you found them,then copy the files with whole derectory like i found my themes here -> sdcard/xluncher/themes.So i copied xluncher folder and paste it to XTRAS/sdcard folder.By the same way you can add anithings in your sdcard just copy your file with whole derectory and paste it in xtras/sdcard...
i hope you understand about using XTRAS folders....
Now uses of MORPH folder...
>> Put in "/MORPH" folder your "morph themes". Note that /MORPH is
equivalent to root path in the internal memory and you must rename
folders like the apk but with extension instead the metamorph form
This process will only works in the following folders: /data/app,
/system/app and /system/framework.
e.g:
/MORPH/system/app/Settings.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/***.png
/MORPH/system/app/Settings.apk/classes.dex
/MORPH/system/framework/framework-res.apk/resources.arsc
/MORPH/data/app/****.apk/res/drawable-hdpi/**.png
you can add your modded png here...like i want to add new paltlogo...so frist i mod my platlogo.so that i extract my framwork_res by root explorer and find the paltlogo.then i found them and copy the derectory that where i found them like i found them in framwork_res/res/drawable nodpi.So i made my own logo and renamed them as same as in my stock framwork_res like platlogo.png and put them in the same derectory where i found them in stock framwork_res...like MORPH/system/framwork/framwork_res/res/drawable nodpi...done...now you add another pngs in the same way...but dont forget to renamed your pngs in same name as the main pngs...i hope you understand what i say....now your theming has been done!
>>but It's very important that you take a look to MOD.config file to
enable or disable features a/or set special commands if you need
it, i.e for setup your sdcard layout used in your recovery if you
get sdcard errors, set a mod name visible in Settings, etc..
>>ok now create zip of your updatepatch and Flash and enjoy!!
Having problem with update script?!!See my script -> ( http://www.mediafire.com/view/?dl1mta6j8t82w8u ) (Size: 3 kb)
######################Some KNOWN ERRORS ###############################
>>If you get (Status 0) error flashing, you need an update-binary
specific for your terminal. You must look for and extract the
"/META-INF/com/google/android/update-binary" file inside a zip
compatible with your terminal and replace it in the same path into
the UFT. You also can consider to replace the whole META-INF folder
in the MOD with the other compatible, except the updater-script!!
>>Please, report us errors if you get!!...
N.B ->to add somethings like brinaries/fonts/apps data/etc etc you must need to set permissions and Smyalink them...so,Dont forget it and if dont know how to set permission or create Smyalink then dont try to add them.in some devices all pngs are found in drawable-xhdpi/drawable-xxhdpi/drawable-mdpi...so you must need to know that in which folders your pngs are stored...for this just extract your systemui or framwork_res...then see thats where are all the pngs stored...for example:if you find all pngs in drawable-xhdpi then go to morph folder and renamed all drawable-hdpi folders to drawable-xhdpi... if you find all pngs in drawable-xxhdpi then go to morph folder and renamed all drawable-hdpi folders to drawable-xxhdpi...and if you dont understand anythings that i said then comment here...Thanks !
________________________________
Thanks for reading...
Happy modding and never stop customization....
Guide By:Me (MD.Shafikul)
________________________________
Credits: Main Credits:
>> "JRsoft" & "Intronauta" for this awesome flasher
>> "Villain Team" for the concept
>> "Stericson" for "Metamorph" system
>> "Core Utilities" for the tar binary
>> "Blades" for the 7z binary and libs
>> Builders of "zip" and "zipalign" binaries.
>> Testers, especially to:
"[email protected]", "[email protected]", "[email protected]",
"[email protected]" and "[email protected]".
>> "[email protected]" for helping with the translations.
________________________________
if you like this post then dont forget to click on thanks botton.its will inspaierd me to write more guides....
________________________________
About Me -> About Me:I am MD.Shafikul from Bangladesh and
a simple themer...
Current device:Symphony xplorer w68 god damn
mediatek...
Current rom:Xperia Honami v2
Current Project:Mini Cayno 'X' 2
Follow me in FB: Www.facebook.com/md.shafikul.125
________________________________

[SOLVED]deodex zip D6603_Customized US_1288-7827_23.4.A.1.232_R6C

Wondering if anybody around here has some experience on using SVADeodexerForArt?
Trying to deodex D6603_Customized US_1288-7827_23.4.A.1.232_R6C and from what I gathered this is the tool to use, but been bouncing from thread to thread trying to understand how to make use of it and the more I read the more confusing it has become and I'm still at square one...
Anybody willing to shade to light and give direction on how to proceed?
Thanks
-Deodex-
Ok, so after a few days of reading I figured how to deodex my rom, took the long way since I didn't have the rom on my phone, just started from the xperifirm file...
Want to give a big THANKS @serajr for answering my questions and letting me use his zip to add my files for flashing!
This deodex zip is only for the D6603_Customized US_1288-7827_23.4.A.1.232_R6C firmware with root and recovery so be sure you're on that exact firmware before flashing!
-BACK UP before you even think of flashing this-
there is no debloat in the zip , you'll end up with a full stock D6603_Customized US_1288-7827_23.4.A.1.232_R6C deodexed, rooted and dualrecovery firmware
just flash the zip through recovery, wipe cache and dalvik and then boot...
get the deodex zip to flash here
-DM- said:
Ok, so after a few days of reading I figured how to deodex my rom, took the long way since I didn't have the rom on my phone, just started from the xperifirm file...
Want to give a big THANKS @serajr for answering my questions and letting me use his zip to add my files for flashing!
This deodex zip is only for the D6603_Customized US_1288-7827_23.4.A.1.232_R6C firmware with root and recovery so be sure you're on that exact firmware before flashing!
-BACK UP before you even think of flashing this-
there is no debloat in the zip , you'll end up with a full stock D6603_Customized US_1288-7827_23.4.A.1.232_R6C deodexed, rooted and dualrecovery firmware
just flash the zip through recovery, wipe cache and dalvik and then boot...
get the deodex zip to flash here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there,
Can you please share how you did that? I am not able to find any way.
I wanna deodex D6653 firmware 23.4.A.1.232 Customized IN
I have .ftf, PRF Creator and SVA Deodexer
Thanks in advance
Mohitash said:
Hello there,
Can you please share how you did that? I am not able to find any way.
I wanna deodex D6653 firmware 23.4.A.1.232 Customized IN
I have .ftf, PRF Creator and SVA Deodexer
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First make sure that you have the firmware you want to deodex, rooted with recovery and installed on your phone already so in your case D6653 firmware 23.4.A.1.232 Customized IN , if not then create a prerooted zip with that ftf file, SuperSu and latest dual recovery with PRFcreator then flash it and boot....Once that exact firmware is on your phone, you can follow those steps below to create a deodex zip.
Here is the process:
-download the zip that I provided in this thread (you'll need it later to swap my files with yours)
-open the ftf with 7-Zip to copy the system.sin file
-then use Flashtool Sin Editor to extract data to get System.ext4
-from there, use ext2explore (download it here) to open the system.ext4
-Once you opened system.ext4, locate those 3 folders (app, framework and priv-app) and build.prop
-create a folder called deodex on your C drive (so C:\deodex) and copy those 3 folders mentioned above and the build.prop file to it
-then move SemcGenericUxpRes folder from framework folder to app folder and take the 2 containing folders from vendor\app and move them to the app folder as well
- then run SVADeoderForArt.exe and selected the path to C:\deodex folder, check deodexing framework, app and private-app, let the tool run (it should tell you if it ran without errors when done)
-now you should have app, dex, framework, odex and priv-app folders (inside the SVADeodexerforart folder) after the tools finished the deodexing process (you can delete the dex and odex as they're not needed anymore)...now move SemcGenericUxpRes folder back to framework folder...also move back the 2 folders that you took from vendor\app, just put them anywhere on your desktop you're going to need them in a minute
-now when you open the deodex zip that you first downloaded, go into the system folder and you'll see 4 folders, app, framework, priv-app and vendor....delete the 3 folders app (but before, move the supersu folder from my app folder to your app folder, otherwise you'll end up without supersu) , framework and priv-app folders and move your 3 corresponding folders in there...now open vendor\app and delete the 2 folders and put yours instead
-your deodex zip should be good to flash now, put it on your sdcard...reboot to recovery, choose your zip to flash , then clear cache and dalvik cache and then boot....now you should have a full stock deodexed D6653 firmware 23.4.A.1.232 Customized IN (if you want to debloat, remove what you don't want from the app and private app folder in the zip before flashing, but you're on your own for that)
And as always make a backup before you start all this
Also, you should thank @serajr, as he's the one that wrote the script to clean and replace the system odexed folders, he nicely let me use it as a base to make my changes
-DM- said:
First make sure that you have the firmware you want to deodex rooted with recovery installed on your phone..............Also, you should thank @serajr, as he's the one that wrote the script to clean and replace the system odexed folders, he nicely let me use it as a base to make my changes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for taking your time to write this and to give me good guide. This will help others too.
Ok i will follow the guide and now i am good to go. In case, any help needed, i will post here
And i think you saying to download your deodexed.zip only for meta inf and SuperSU, so i am not going to download that because i can do it myself so why to download ~800mb zip
And ya, Big thanks to @serajr. I dont know where to post exactly. So i am thanking you @serajr here.
Thanks and Regards
Mohitash
Mohitash said:
And i think you saying to download your deodexed.zip only for meta inf and SuperSU, so i am not going to download that because i can do it myself so why to download ~800mb zip
Thanks and Regards
Mohitash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, but looks like that you know what you're doing so you should be good to go
-DM- said:
yes, but looks like that you know what you're doing so you should be good to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, you got me right. May be you checked my profile or you can check now my history on XDA
I am just very very new to Sony and lollipop
Sent you pm.....
Regards
Mohitash
-DM- said:
First make sure that you have the firmware you want to deodex, rooted with recovery and installed on your phone already so in your case D6653 firmware 23.4.A.1.232 Customized IN , if not then create a prerooted zip with that ftf file, SuperSu and latest dual recovery with PRFcreator then flash it and boot....Once that exact firmware is on your phone, you can follow those steps below to create a deodex zip.
Here is the process:
-download the zip that I provided in this thread (you'll need it later to swap my files with yours)
-open the ftf with 7-Zip to copy the system.sin file
-then use Flashtool Sin Editor to extract data to get System.ext4
-from there, use ext2explore (download it here) to open the system.ext4
-Once you opened system.ext4, locate those 3 folders (app, framework and priv-app) and build.prop
-create a folder called deodex on your C drive (so C:\deodex) and copy those 3 folders mentioned above and the build.prop file to it
-then move SemcGenericUxpRes folder from framework folder to app folder and take the 2 containing folders from vendor\app and move them to the app folder as well
- then run SVADeoderForArt.exe and selected the path to C:\deodex folder, check deodexing framework, app and private-app, let the tool run (it should tell you if it ran without errors when done)
-now you should have app, dex, framework, odex and priv-app folders (inside the SVADeodexerforart folder) after the tools finished the deodexing process (you can delete the dex and odex as they're not needed anymore)...now move SemcGenericUxpRes folder back to framework folder...also move back the 2 folders that you took from vendor\app, just put them anywhere on your desktop you're going to need them in a minute
-now when you open the deodex zip that you first downloaded, go into the system folder and you'll see 4 folders, app, framework, priv-app and vendor....delete the 3 folders app (but before, move the supersu folder from my app folder to your app folder, otherwise you'll end up without supersu) , framework and priv-app folders and move your 3 corresponding folders in there...now open vendor\app and delete the 2 folders and put yours instead
-your deodex zip should be good to flash now, put it on your sdcard...reboot to recovery, choose your zip to flash , then clear cache and dalvik cache and then boot....now you should have a full stock deodexed D6653 firmware 23.4.A.1.232 Customized IN (if you want to debloat, remove what you don't want from the app and private app folder in the zip before flashing, but you're on your own for that)
And as always make a backup before you start all this
Also, you should thank @serajr, as he's the one that wrote the script to clean and replace the system odexed folders, he nicely let me use it as a base to make my changes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the problem but somehow I do follow instructions whose results have been bootloop
đạt gao ô said:
I understand the problem but somehow I do follow instructions whose results have been bootloop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent you a pm

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