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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
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TXLunchbox said:
But what if he is lol? Cause that's what im trying to do and having some issues. Know of a good thread on this? Editing xml that is
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
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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.
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Click to collapse
Hence the 'if' in my original statement, you know, 'if' he ever chose to in the future.

[Q] decompiling androidmanifest.xml

I'm fooling with an sgsii apk that works on Vibrant and I9000 but not on 4g -- anyone know of a PC application that will decompile the AndroidManifest.xml file so it can be edited?

nazcalito said:
I'm fooling with an sgsii apk that works on Vibrant and I9000 but not on 4g -- anyone know of a PC application that will decompile the AndroidManifest.xml file so it can be edited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look into apkmanager
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Don't know if it will work or not but try using the "how to decompile an apk" guide that I posted
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

it will work but for that you need to decompile a working classes dex file one from the origonal apk and one from the sgs4g u also need to delete out the resources arsc and let it compile a new one the new_classes.dex file (the one from the sgs4g) needs to be put into the modified apk file and renamed from New_classes.dex to classes.dex

You're not saying just replace the classes.dex and the resources.arsc files with ones from the 4g? I can already rename an apk file to zip and unzip the thing, in fact I've replaced icons and stuff in apps with no problem

nazcalito said:
You're not saying just replace the classes.dex and the resources.arsc files with ones from the 4g? I can already rename an apk file to zip and unzip the thing, in fact I've replaced icons and stuff in apps with no problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
images are one thng no the classes dex needs to be decompiled and recompiled (after your edits) for the 4g.. They are not that interchangeable
the resources will be rebuilt when u recompile the apk so thats not a really big issue

ok the app is the digital clock from sgs II. This is a picture.
I know there are lots of digital clock apps around but I don't like any of them.
Plans were not to change app at all but just port it.
Hmm now I'm confused. The apktool decompiles the classes.dex and resources.arsc files and I end up with smali files, so I guess I should re-read the thread on porting roms, aha but what 4g classes.dex file do I use, something from an apk like this one?

I have gone through the smali files and there is nothing about storage. I'm not sure why the stock app won't install without modification.

I am sure all you need to do is get a key and sign the app. Not sure how to do it though because I don't build apps, I mod (system) apps only, and test key sign zips.

[Q] How to create sense 3.0 themes?

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...
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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?
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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?
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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)
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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.
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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.

[Q] What is the best way to change name and icon of android app?

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.
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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.
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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.
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A changed APK needs tot be signed.
Send from N7

NLBeev said:
A changed APK needs tot be signed.
Send from N7
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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/

Adding my own 1% battery icons

So as in my earlier thread I have moved back to eagles blood 4.0.4 AOSP rom. One of the drawbacks is that the hdpi drawable folder in my systemui does not have 1% icons. I've read a few tuts on how to make my own....or add them from a downloadable zip.
My question to those who are more knowledgeable about development is this: will opening the drawable hdpi folder from my systemui.apk with 7-zip and replacing all my stock sys_batt PNG images with the custom 1% images and then saving those to the folder and pushing the systemui.apk back to my phone do the trick?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Pain-N-Panic said:
So as in my earlier thread I have moved back to eagles blood 4.0.4 AOSP rom. One of the drawbacks is that the hdpi drawable folder in my systemui does not have 1% icons. I've read a few tuts on how to make my own....or add them from a downloadable zip.
My question to those who are more knowledgeable about development is this: will opening the drawable hdpi folder from my systemui.apk with 7-zip and replacing all my stock sys_batt PNG images with the custom 1% images and then saving those to the folder and pushing the systemui.apk back to my phone do the trick?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should add long as those are referenced (I think in the xml, but then, I have never done this myself). Would need a nandroid for sure .
-- The noob says:
From first-hand experience, a smartphone is incapable of making you smarter!

Nope, they're not. I have to manually reference them in the sys_bat icon XML file located in drawable folder. Then I have to swap in the images in the drawable hdpi folder once they're referenced. However, I'm having issues. Once I extract the files from the apk with 7zip, specifically the drawable folder to get to the sys_bat icon XML file, I cannot open it in notepad++ to edit it. I'm getting an error. Any ideas mansa?
Edit- LOL nandroid was the first thing I did!
Now I have to crank out this stupid paper for class so I can continue tinkering with my Android lol
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Ok, So I've come to learn that in order to edit XML files within the APK, that the APK needs to be decompiled with APK Tool, not simply extracted using 7zip. I downloaded APK tool and set everything up according to this tut----> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1989533
I have the APKTOOL folder placed on the root of my C:/ drive. Inside that folder I have placed the following aapt (the apktool exe or application file), apktool (batch file), apktool.jar, and my framework-res.apk (I know I need to use systemui.apk, I'm just using this as I follow the tutorial on how to get this program working before I try anything on my own files). When I get to the command c:\apktool>apktool if system.apk to install the APK on my system so I can decompile I get an error saying it's not a recognized command. Any ideas dev-friendly users?
So I realized I didn't have the JDK installed on my pc since I did a system wipe on it the other day. Reinstalled it but it's still not working. Very frustrating. I'm also using win 8 if that means anything.

Giving up on apktool as I cannot seem to get a way around the error. However, apk manager seems much more user friendly and have seen tuts using the program specifically for ics roms. I've only seen tuts for apktool using jelly bean roms so maybe that's the issue. I won't be home until late tonight as I have class. If anyone has any tips/suggestions please let me know.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Not that many people are in here anyway but I figured I'd give it a shot. So I went to use apk manager instead of apk tool which seemed to be a much more "newb friendly" program. I can successfully decompile my framework-res.apk but cannot decompile my systemUI.apk afterward. I get an error....here's my log if anyone can help me with it:
EDIT- deleted log as I was able to decompile systemUI with a different apk program. That was a huge headache getting it to decompile. Now editing the XML should be no problem, along with swapping out the PNG's. Recompiling on the other hand will most likely be another headache!