Database Info

Themeing and CWM FLashable File

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.

HELP with Decompiling APK (using APKTOOL)

I've looked around for some good tutorials on decompiling APKs using APKTool but haven't been able to get a few questions answered. Hoping someone can guide me with this process a bit since I'm really new at it.
A few things first: I am running CM 7.1 on a Droid Incredible (orig) and I'm also on Windows, not Linux. I'm looking to make some changes to the code of an APK and have APKtool downloaded. Questions I have so far are:
1) Do I need to use the CM 7.1 framework-res.apk file for any decompiling / /recompiling work on this 3rd party APK? Or can I do all the work without it? No one seems to have a clear answer on that and I'm not sure exactly what the framework-res.apk is for exactly.
2) After I decompile an APK and make code changes to a SMALI file, is there anything I need to do special before running the compile command?
3) After I have a newly compiled APK, what do I need to do to make this work on my phone? If I do nothing, the overall file size of the compiled APK seems much smaller than the original one that I decompiled so it seems like something is wrong. Plus it won't install. I saw one video where the newly compiled APK is renamed to .ZIP and the contents are put into the ORIGINAL APK (also renamed to .zip), overwriting all the original contents. Is this required?
4) I've also read that APKs need to be signed to install on Android. Is this correct? I found "SignApk" online which seems like it just asks you to rename your APK to app.apk and it does the signing by running a .BAT file. Is that all I have to do before installing the APK on my phone?
Would really appreciate any help on this. Or if there's a great tutorial out there on doing this, I'd be happy to read through.
Thanks for any help in advance!

I want to know these too! Hope someone helps

Re-Compile Framework-res.apk = Bootloop

Helo, sry for noobish thread but i can's solve my problem. This method allways work for me using Zte blade. But now on Xperia Arc it doesn't.
Im trying to change somethink in framework (values) , but first i try to re-compile framework to check. And what ? i got bootloop.
Im using
ApkMultiTool 1.0.6
ApkManager 5.0.2
apktool.jar
signapk.jar
First i decompile this clean stock framework (o errors), then i try to compile (0 errors, no changes inside framework) and i got bootloop.I sign new framework and put it in my rom zip file. Then i try to make it manualy, so i run ms command line :
java -jar apktool.jar d framework-res.apk
java -jar apktool.jar b framework-res.apk
Then Sign manualy :
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 framework-res.apk signedframewok-res.apk
AND ? BOOTLOOP :////////////////////

same prob
OmenHTX said:
Helo, sry for noobish thread but i can's solve my problem. This method allways work for me using Zte blade. But now on Xperia Arc it doesn't.
Im trying to change somethink in framework (values) , but first i try to re-compile framework to check. And what ? i got bootloop.
Im using
ApkMultiTool 1.0.6
ApkManager 5.0.2
apktool.jar
signapk.jar
First i decompile this clean stock framework (o errors), then i try to compile (0 errors, no changes inside framework) and i got bootloop.I sign new framework and put it in my rom zip file. Then i try to make it manualy, so i run ms command line :
java -jar apktool.jar d framework-res.apk
java -jar apktool.jar b framework-res.apk
Then Sign manualy :
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 framework-res.apk signedframewok-res.apk
AND ? BOOTLOOP :////////////////////
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same prob here too happening.....i cant able to change theme....!!

Before decompiling you mmust install the .apk use this command:
Cd C:/.. navigate to your framework-res.apk
Once you in the folder where it is located use this command to 1)install:
Apktool if framework-res.apk
2)Decompile:
Apktool d framework-res.apk
3)Recompile:
Apktool b framework-res
4) new .apk is in .../framework-res/dist/
I think you forgot to install the .apk
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app

Diablob555 said:
Before decompiling you mmust install the .apk use this command:
Cd C:/.. navigate to your framework-res.apk
Once you in the folder where it is located use this command to 1)install:
Apktool if framework-res.apk
2)Decompile:
Apktool d framework-res.apk
3)Recompile:
Apktool b framework-res
4) new .apk is in .../framework-res/dist/
I think you forgot to install the .apk
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he didn't install the apk, he wouldn't be able to not even decompile correctly.
OP: I also have this problem, but from what I read, after you recompile, you need to open the new and the old apk with WinRar or 7-Zip, copy the resources.src (or something like that) from the original framework-res.apk to the modified framework-res.apk. I read that this should do the job. I'm going to try that myself later when I get home. Good luck for you.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This simple comment of yours gave peace to my soul... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::victory::victory::good::good::good:

Great solution !!!!

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for a 6 month later post, but i'm having the same problem and this solution isn't making sense to me..
edit: holy **** it worked
i compile first, I just drag them into the newly compiled apk
thank you!

eris72 said:
sorry for a 6 month later post, but i'm having the same problem and this solution isn't making sense to me..
edit: holy **** it worked
i compile first, I just drag them into the newly compiled apk
thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it is not working. My phone keeps looping after rebooting it.
I tried with 7zip and winrar and it is not working.
1.- Decompile with apktool1.4.2
2.- Compile with apktool1.4.3 (in this step i was editing eri.xml I need to edit this file, but also without editing this file I have the same result)
3.- Drag the META-INF and AndroidManifest.xml from the original apk to the newly created one with 7zip(also tried with winrar)
4.- push the file to the phone (system/framework)
Actually right after pushing it I get an error message saying Unfortunately, C has stopped.
What am I missing?

Did you fix permissions before pushing back to system/framework

dutchmaster18 said:
Did you fix permissions before pushing back to system/framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decompiled and compiled, both processes with the latest version and that solved my problem

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really thank you worked for me!!!!

Helped........
kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you...it helped me to overcome a problem i was unable to solve....thank u very much...:good::good::good::good::good::good:

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Four years later and you're still saving frustrated XDA'ers.
Thank you!
Five hours of Googling and I finally have success.
Anyone know of a quicker workaround?

framework-res re/compile, push to phone
Hi have the problem with bootloop after overwrite framework-res.apk to /system/framework
use apktool2.2.2
phone note 3 with phronesis rom
I made
1.apktool if framework-res.apk (0 error)
2. decompile apktool d framework-res.apk (0 errors)
3. changed color.xml and styles.xml (only changed color text)
4. from orginal framework-res.apk drag resources.arsc to decompiled folder
5.make re-compile (apktool b framework-res) (0 errors) after this, program created new folder BUILD and DIST, in /build/apk/is META-INF, android manifest,RES folder and resources.arsc
Now i tried ( with tutorials ) drag from orginal framework-res.apk, folder META-INF, AndroidManifest.xml to BUILD folder and recompile second time (0 errors) then, from DIST folder i took framework-res.apk and overwrite to phone/system/framework and reboot = bootloop
Also trying after 1st re-compile, drag META-INF and androidmanifest.xml from orginal framework-res to newly recomplied framework-res.apk in DIST folder, again overwrite in phone/system/framework but still bootloop
before overwrite make permission rw-r--r- the same permisson of orginal framework-res.apk
then overwrited my apps example touchwiz, google play has stopped, reboot but unfortunately booloop
Any solution? ^^ thx

DrMalaN said:
framework-res re/compile, push to phone
Hi have the problem with bootloop after overwrite framework-res.apk to /system/framework
use apktool2.2.2
phone note 3 with phronesis rom
I made
1.apktool if framework-res.apk (0 error)
2. decompile apktool d framework-res.apk (0 errors)
3. changed color.xml and styles.xml (only changed color text)
4. from orginal framework-res.apk drag resources.arsc to decompiled folder
5.make re-compile (apktool b framework-res) (0 errors) after this, program created new folder BUILD and DIST, in /build/apk/is META-INF, android manifest,RES folder and resources.arsc
Now i tried ( with tutorials ) drag from orginal framework-res.apk, folder META-INF, AndroidManifest.xml to BUILD folder and recompile second time (0 errors) then, from DIST folder i took framework-res.apk and overwrite to phone/system/framework and reboot = bootloop
Also trying after 1st re-compile, drag META-INF and androidmanifest.xml from orginal framework-res to newly recomplied framework-res.apk in DIST folder, again overwrite in phone/system/framework but still bootloop
before overwrite make permission rw-r--r- the same permisson of orginal framework-res.apk
then overwrited my apps example touchwiz, google play has stopped, reboot but unfortunately booloop
Any solution? ^^ thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. apktool if framework-res.apk
2. decompile apktool d framework-res.apk
3. change color.xml and styles.xml
4. apktool b framework-res
5. drag from the NEW (dist folder) framework-res.apk this files (with zip editor): -res folder, -resources.arsc, -classes.dex (if you edited the smali too) to the OLD framework-res.apk
6. Now you can use the 'old' framework-res.apk with your phone, but now with your modifications.
I hope its help you. Sorry for the long time delay, but i just find now this therad

Make sure that you put the original manifest and meta folder back into the apk before pushing it. There's no need to resign unless you modify the manifest, all you should have to do is open the newly compiled app with winrar and add the contents of the originals folder. (Which is the manifest and meta folder)
Sent from my KYOCERA-C6745 using Tapatalk

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU!!!

kong said:
You shouldn't sign any system apks, instead just copy over the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from original framework-res.apk to the newly compiled one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... Your suggestion worked for me :good::good:

RealWelder said:
Make sure that you put the original manifest and meta folder back into the apk before pushing it. There's no need to resign unless you modify the manifest, all you should have to do is open the newly compiled app with winrar and add the contents of the originals folder. (Which is the manifest and meta folder)
Sent from my KYOCERA-C6745 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that didn't work for me , im still getting bootloop

insert language of rom ics

Hi, I'm trying to enter the European languages ​​in the rom ics. I read around that the files should be placed on the framework-res.apk.
I tried to extract the apk with apktool and removes it properly. the problem comes when I have to recompile the apk. the file does not compile the program can not find the source.
"Could not find sources"
or installed the framework with the command "apktool if framework.pkg"
you have any suggestion about it?
for try to made this job a follow this guide http://www.freeyourandroid.com/guide/how_to_translate_any_rom_to_any_language
I also tried to recompile the file without changing anything but apktool always the same error.make this test i'm sure that i don't mistake to edit some file but the procedure for compile apk file

its not a good idea, the new apk with modified strings is not stable, even you work the compiling out, you would not like the result after you place the new apk in .

logg88 said:
Hi, I'm trying to enter the European languages ​​in the rom ics. I read around that the files should be placed on the framework-res.apk.
I tried to extract the apk with apktool and removes it properly. the problem comes when I have to recompile the apk. the file does not compile the program can not find the source.
"Could not find sources"
or installed the framework with the command "apktool if framework.pkg"
you have any suggestion about it?
for try to made this job a follow this guide http://www.freeyourandroid.com/guide/how_to_translate_any_rom_to_any_language
I also tried to recompile the file without changing anything but apktool always the same error.make this test i'm sure that i don't mistake to edit some file but the procedure for compile apk file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427959

I've tried to follow that guide but it did not work.
But there are already successful, but unfortunately modificado only the file framework-res.apk do not get a full translation of the Roma, but partial. There is certainly some other file to edit. the part that is not translated is that relating to the configuration that is the configuration menu
does anyone know how to translate the menu setting
tnks in advance

logg88 said:
I've tried to follow that guide but it did not work.
But there are already successful, but unfortunately modificado only the file framework-res.apk do not get a full translation of the Roma, but partial. There is certainly some other file to edit. the part that is not translated is that relating to the configuration that is the configuration menu
does anyone know how to translate the menu setting
tnks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for l9 to be released it uses same frame-res.apk or try the one from the prada

Please post all questions in the General section. Thanks! Thread moved.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Q] question about (de)compile...

I'm getting this issue:
I got Settings.apk and framework.apk from a rom, then i opened apktool and
1) imported fw: apktool if framework.apk
2) decompiled apk: apktool d Settings.apk
3)edited a string in a xml
4) rebuilt all: apktool b Settings Settings.apk
5)pushed it into system/app
6) fix permissions and reboot.
Settings now should work, but it doesnt. Can somebody tell me where i do a mistake?
Thank you
(I used win8, but i could use macos or ubuntu as well)

sign it first

ej8989 said:
sign it first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it. same result. maybe the application I used is not good (Auto-Sign v0.65). what application i've to use?
I didnt write it before, however the rom is on 4.2.1 (cyanogen 10.1)

put your re-complied apk to your phone's sd card and use zipsigner2 from playstore to sign it.

ej8989 said:
put your re-complied apk to your phone's sd card and use zipsigner2 from playstore to sign it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing. Maybe this is not good for 4.2.1? (I've used it lots of times with 4.1)

Well, apktool is using smali/baksmali to compile/decompile classes.dex/apk_name.odex file.
The problem can occur when you use different baksmali version when you decompile and also not the right version to compile (as the system expects it to be). You can also experience issues if the apk is not zipaligned properly (check down who to do that)
apktool has the smali/baksmali code inside it so you will need to get the newest version for it for JB for example.
You can check why the status bar is not there when you monitor the logcat and look for DEX related logs in the beginning.
You can also use smali/baksmali on your own: http://code.google.com/p/smali/wiki/DeodexInstructions
and just place the generated classes.dex in the apk
then zipalign -f 4 filein.apk fileout.apk (http://developer.android.com/tools/help/zipalign.html)
then push back fileout.apk (sytemui.apk in your case)
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium