Related
How To Port Theme's
(Using Apktool, and Theme Porter)
Since there are some people out there willing to learn but not exactly able to with all of the convoluted information on the forums, I decided I'd start putting together a guide similar to other's to aid those trying to learn. Stay tuned as this is under construction!
All credit is due to original creators of the product's used in this process, without them there wouldn't be a reason for this guide . Please be respectful of other's work, sometimes it's best to ask before attempting (if it is an original product) but at very least give credit and a link back.
What is porting?
Porting very basically is taking .png files and XML changes from one theme (typically created for a different model, but using the same resolution) and copying them into deodexed stock rom's such as EC10/EE19 Pick and Pack so that they can be flashed onto our phones and used with our framework and/or updated framework.
Sounds really easy, doesn't it? At first it will be cumbersome and frustrating, but after you've used the processes enough you will be able to snap these out in 30 minutes or less! The problem lies in the way these files are packaged, they are mainly just a .zip file that isn't compressed, however there is another layer to an .apk that you can only see once you've learned how to use tools such as apktool/apkmanager. The other tool we will use to aid us in this painstaking process is an application called Theme Porter, which essentially is a script that has been written that will do all of the legwork for us. Let's get started!
What will I need?
Apktool I currently use an older version of the program, you can download here, this one I know works for sure - last I heard the other has issues.
ThemePorter
7zip (Win rar could be used instead)
Notepad++ (Or equivalent code editing software) which will be used to make the xml changes. If you're not familiar with using something such as this, you may want to take time to research before attempting to port.
How to set up;
Begin by getting ThemePorter setup, you just need to unzip the download and that will be "theme porter" It is basically just made up of a few folders, and has a batch script that you will use to initiate the process. I just place mine on the desktop for easy access.
Secondly, get apktool downloaded and unzipped. place the apt folder somewhere where you can easily navigate to it through a command prompt. C: might be a good place if you want to save yourself some keystrokes.
Next just make sure you have notepad++ or another editor installed for use later.
Lastly, get 7zip installed so that you're able to open .apk and .zip files without actually extracting the files.
Where do I get my source files?
You can use any framework from any rom that can be decompiled correctly with apktool. This means when you decompile it, there are no errors and it generates a folder with the same name. Download the rom of your choice and save it (still zipped) somewhere on your desktop, and make an extra copy in case you mess up and overwrite the wrong files. You will ALWAYS use these in the NEW folder within theme porter, but we will get to that.
As for the theme you're trying to port, I usually use fascinate theme's, because it is basically a direct copy of our phone (Note: As of 2.2 they now have a Data on/off icon in their status pull down, where we have Silence, so this will often need to be taken care of separate from this process.) I've also recently started using Vibrant theme's, as these are also very similar - but there are tweaks with these too and I will try to cover them in the guide at some point. You may find others that will work too, at this point this is all I've had time to mess with. Either way, download the .ZIP file and also place it somewhere easy to access.
This is where it get's sort of difficult.
Stock ROM's have some differences to theme's that theme porter cannot handle for you. These are basically MOD's that may exist in the theme ROM and/or XML changes that have been made to alter text color's to accommodate the theme (black to white, white to black, etc.) These changes WILL NOT be ported over using theme porter and unfortunately also cannot be made AFTER using theme porter, so there is a certain process to go about this.
Now enter's apktool. Apktool is a script brut.all very kindly wrote to assist android developers in decompiling/recompiling .apk files without losing structure that normal compression software breaks. Basically there are two reasons you will need to take this step.
When;
Editing Text Color- When choosing a theme to port you will need to pay attention to the screenshots the original poster has posted, as these will clue you in whether or not this needs to happen.
The Pick and Pack rom is essentially still stock, as far as XML goes - so the text on menu's for example, will be Black text on a white background. If the theme you chose has something different, you will need to take this step so that the text is legible in the final theme.
Adding accurate battery MOD- Also when choosing a theme you will need to take a look at the framework-res.apk file to determine if the themer has added the accurate battery mod. Essentially all this means is the XML and image's have been edited to show you each percentage of battery life vs. the stock one that only shows odd increments of 10/15/20.
Open framework-res.apk with 7zip
Navigate to res/drawable-hdpi (this also may be drawable-hdpi-v4 depending on your theme, I haven't quite figured out why this is)
Scroll down until you see the status_battery icons near the bottom - if there are not images for every percentage - then no mod exist's and you can skip using apktool for this step.
How;
For either change you will follow this process to decompile To gain access to the XML/PNG files that contain these text values, we will need to decompile the framework-res.apk file from the rom.
Copy framework-res.apk from the rom and place in the APT folder created earlier.
Rename this to something shorter such as "FW.apk" for easier command lines
Start a command prompt (in windows 7 type "cmd" in the search bar within start menu)
Navigate to the APT folder, For example;
Code:
CD c:\Users\brandon\Desktop\apt
Type
Code:
apktool d FW.apk
This will decompile the .apk into a folder called FW within the APT folder, allowing you access to the files. I will cover the actual changes in a later post.
At this point you have the files in a folder and they can be edited how you see fit (should you choose to just edit the stock ones vs. actually porting already changed ones).
You'll notice when examining the folder that there are quite a bit more files. Also, you will be introduced to the .9.png file type, which essentially is just a .png file that has some black lines embedded in the file to instruct android how to resize and reuse the image within the framework.
Any edits made to these files must be made carefully, as to not alter the integrity of these black lines. When the file is recompiled, the lines will disappear but will be included (if you tried doing this without decompiling - your photo editor would nix these lines and android wouldn't know how to size them)
If all your edits were complete, you would then recompile the file through apktool. (I will continue with the theme porting guide in the next step, this is just a good reference point for these steps.)
Type this into the command prompt
Code:
apktool b FW framework-res.apk
This would then create the framework-res.apk file in the APT folder, however there is an important step here. During this process the META folder is lost, and the AndroidManifest file is corrupted.
Delete the AndroidManifest.xml file from the new framework-res.apk
Copy the META-INF folder and the AndroidManfiest.xml file from the ORIGINAL framework-res.apk (now named FW.apk in this example) and place it in the new framework-res.apk using 7zip (do not extract the file, open the archive with 7zip.)
At this point, your framework could be ready for replacing in your theme.zip (will be covered later) with the edit's you've made Or if you're learning how to port theme's, continue reading.
Guide Part 2....
Preparing for Theme Porter
Okay now that we have some of the side process out of the way, let's get back to the guide.
Determine if you need to make any XML edit's for battery or text color changes and perform them per the processes detailed below. If you do not need to make them, you may skip this step completely and move on to using theme porter.
Correcting Accurate Battery Mod Animations-
Follow this guide to make the changes to the framework to use the new charging animation images and will allow you to then use theme porter to swap the .png files
Decompile the framework-res.apk from the ROM download (I usually just rename this to EE19.apk or whatever the rom is i'm working with)
Decompile the framework-res.apk (I first rename the framework-res.apk file to NEW.apk (or whatever you wish) Note: It will typcially give you errors (unless it's theme'd correctly) but you're just after some code from a few .xml files so don't worry.
In the NEW folder Navigate to
Code:
\res\drawable-hdpi\
or
\res\drawable-hdpi-v4\
Copy all of the battery charging .png's and drag them to a folder on your desktop. Then open the EE19 folder within APT (the one you decompiled from the rom you're working from) Drag those images into the /res/drawable-hdpi-v4 directory replacing any existing ones.
open the following file in notepad++
Code:
\apt\NEW\res\drawable\stat_sys_battery_charge.xml
Also open the same file within the EE19 decompiled folder
In the THEME xml file select all and copy
In the EE19 xml file, paste this replacing the text. Then save it overwriting the original.
At this point, the battery mod is done and the new .png files exist so that theme porter can do it's work (And the xml is there to make it works when it get's to your phone). If you don't have any text edits to make, you can recompile the apk (as stated in steps in first post) and move on to steps below (skipping the section on changing text).
Changing text colors-
If you have determined that the text in the theme is different from the rom framework (I.E. Text on notifications, menu's, etc.) then you will follow these steps to locate where these changes need to be made.
If you haven't already, decompile the framework-res.apk from the Rom.
Next, determine what text color edit's you need to make and then use this wonderful reference to determine which actual files those edit's correspond to.
Locate the file you need to edit in the decompiled folder, and open it with 7zip.
Typically removing the "inverse" reference on the color line will change it from black to white, or white to black and is the easiest/best way to alter colors in a ROM. (For a quick note, searching for "menu" in the styles.xml files located in /values/ will give you the items you need to change, watch for _bright references for the dividers, change those to _dark instead.
Once you are done making these edits, recompile the folder as stated in first post. And move on to using theme porter.
Using Theme Porter-PAY CLOSE ATTENTION HERE.
Now that you have the appropriate prep-work done, the easy part finally comes. (Hopefully)
Copy and paste the applications & framework-res.apk twframework-res.apk files from the THEME.zip into the appropriate folders within the OLD folder in theme porter.
Now copy and paste the same files that you copied from the theme.zip, now from the rom (EE19 for example) to the NEW folder in theme porter.
Once all files are in appropriate folders, run the Script.bat file in theme porter. Use a selection of "1" and press enter.
Theme porter will now copy all of the .png files from one .apk to the other (where the folder names are an exact match)
NOTE:At this step, you may have issues where the images aren't brought over (This typically only effects the framework files and just depends on how the file was generated/edited). This can be detrmined by opening the .apk in 7zip and pulling out the res folder, where you can view the files (you will see if it's been changed or not) If it hasn't, you will need to make sure the folder within the Themed .apk's are the exact same as the ROM you're themeing and re-run the theme porter script. (meaning you need to add or remove the -v4 ending depending on where the previous themer placed the themed files)
If you're lucky, everything is done at this point and you can move on to packaging a flashable update.zip.
Packaging A Flashable Update.Zip
A flashable package is simply a .zip file (stored as "store" in 7zip, no compression) that is made up of META-INF and System folders. The META-INF folder is very important as there is a big difference between using one from a ROM (pick and pick) and a theme (NeonGT) You will need to download a theme and pull the META-INF folder out so that you can use it in your theme ports. This is to ensure you have the correct script (edify or ammend) typically now we're using edify so use one from one of the H57 theme's via baked_tator The system folder should contain two folders "framework" and "app" each of which will hold the respective .apk files you have been working with. (but could also contain a "Media" folder for changing bootanimation.zip files, basically any files within the folder structure you create (matches the system structure) will be replaced when flashed. So be careful not to include things I haven't listed here unless you know what you're doing. And be sure to test these things before even thinking about a release.
Create the following folder that can be re-used with any new theme port, it's the easiest way to keep things organized and not lose track of files.
Create a new folder on your desktop called New Theme
Within that folder paste in the META-INF folder from another EE19 theme.
Create a new folder called "system"
Open system and create two new folders "app" and "framework" (and "media" if you are including the bootanimation.zip from the theme (which typically will work on our phone)
Place approprate files from the NEW folder within theme porter into these folders, respectively
Back up so that you see the META-INF folder and System folder, select those two, right-click and select "add to archive" in the 7zip menu.
Name the file "EE19 ThemeName VX.zip" and select "Store" for the method
Drag this to your desktop and this will be what you will place on your SD card for flashing.
Test the theme thoroughly to make sure everything ported over and everything still works (make sure to test USB, even color XML edits can cause odd issues) and get help from others to make sure the bugs are out.
If you run into issues, check the next post for possible resolutions.
BE SURE TO CREDIT THE PROPER CREATORS!!! I can't express this enough, I have a format for the way I do release posts, feel free to copy it if you'd like but either way make sure you make it known that it's not your work!
FAQ / Common Issues / Other Resources
Common Issues:
Images do not transfer to new framework.apk files.
(typically the applications all have the same folder names, so no problems occur here.)
As stated in the guide, all folders within each res folder within each .apk file used in theme porter must have exact matching folders/files for the .png to actually transfer. If it's been edited with apktool, it typically has the -v4 extension.
Troubleshoot your issue by opening the resulting .apk file in 7zip and comparing to the downloaded theme file in 7zip. You may have to pull the res folders out and look that way to actually see which images didn't transfer.
First thing to check is the folder names within the res folder, if the rom folder's names are "drawable-hdpi" and "drawable-land-hdpi" and the theme has "drawable-hdp-v4" then you need to remove the -v4 from those folders and run theme porter again.
NOTE: I've also run into situations where both folder's existed in the .apk file, meaning both drawable-hdpi and drawable-hdpi-v4 folders were there, but only one actually had the themed .pngs. In this case it was the drawable-hdpi folder that had the themed ones, but I needed it to be -v4, so I deleted the existing -v4 folders and renamed the others to -v4 - this also slimmed the rom because you really don't need the extra folders/files (nor wan't them!)
Some times icons don't exist on other phones, or they are completely different icons. I.E. with 2.2 fascinate theme's the Silence icon does not exist and therefore would need to be pulled from another theme or created to be fixed. This can be done with 7zip, no need to decompile the file if you're just swapping .png files (in the final framework-res.apk .
[*]Problems after testing theme.
This has happened to me on all sorts of levels;
Problems Restoring - Sometimes after testing theme's you'll go to restore and things will not be right when you boot, FC's and whatnot. Best case scenario you can restore to a vanilla restore (meaning your rom + any app's you wanted, but no theme's) or just flash your rom to fix.
Problems with icon's not being correct on a restore or a flash.
Same as above, sometimes things just go awry when you're flashing theme on top of theme, so i'ts best to start from the rom. Make a restore point with your rom + all your apps, then you can always go back to it and flash your day to day theme - this will give you the least trouble.
Phone stuck in airplane mode, setting is disabled.
I had this happen to me randomly once, no idea why but if you do run into this the only thing that fixed it for me was an odin back to a full build. No restore or flash would fix it. Typically your problem should be solved with a fresh flash of your rom, but sometimes going to a full build with odin is the only way.
FAQ:
Post them and we'll get them answered and edited in here. So far I've tried to cover everything I knew of in the guide .
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Other Resourcs:
Great guide by nitsuj17 on how to theme
Hex Colors
Free Photoshop Alternative
XML Color Edit Guide - in case you missed it above - credits to KBanause
wow, you rock bde. thanks for your time and help with this, I will be following it to help you guys out with stuff more.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
sageDieu said:
wow, you rock bde. thanks for your time and help with this, I will be following it to help you guys out with stuff more.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, and thanks, I'm glad to share what I've learned with the community
Great write up,ive read through it several times. Just wish I hadn't traded my desktop for tattoo work this weekend. ..
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
man you write some good tutorials...
Very thorough and still easy to understand, Great work!!
Very nice! Just fixed the white on white text in my super light port. Big Thanks!
Great write up!
So, I tried using apktool to decompile the framwork-res.apk and it worked fine, recompiled it and everything was good, are these the same steps I would use for other APK's such as in the apps folder (i.e. Settings.apk) because I cannot get them to work I keep getting brut.androlib errors
bwot75 said:
So, I tried using apktool to decompile the framwork-res.apk and it worked fine, recompiled it and everything was good, are these the same steps I would use for other APK's such as in the apps folder (i.e. Settings.apk) because I cannot get them to work I keep getting brut.androlib errors
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually if you get errors in compiling there have been things added or removed after compiling, this is sometimes caused by using theme porter for example.
Apktool works on any apk, but i'ts fussy about what's there before it recompiles. Try decompiling and recompiling with no changes, if it doesn't work then it won't work on that .apk (to my knowledge). You basically will always need to start with one of the deodexed apks from phidelt's pick and pack, then add changes while i'ts decompiled, then run theme porter after it's recompiled if needed.
And glad you all appreciate it
I vote sticky on this how-to...very good write up and it makes my life easier!!!
Definitely sticky
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Thanks for the good reading bde. great tutorial.
Hey thanks, glad to share the wealth
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
I followed this guide and made XML editing for Framework-res.apk to change font colour in the Menu using Notepad++, but after xml edit, cant build the framework.apk, it says sources have changed and does not build the apk. Am using apktool for this. Any suggestions how to go about it. Or somebody can guide, how can I change the menu background so that Menu texts are visible?
trip007in said:
I followed this guide and made XML editing for Framework-res.apk to change font colour in the Menu using Notepad++, but after xml edit, cant build the framework.apk, it says sources have changed and does not build the apk. Am using apktool for this. Any suggestions how to go about it. Or somebody can guide, how can I change the menu background so that Menu texts are visible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated in an above post, try decompiling the framework-res.apk you are working with - without any edits and see if it will recompile with no error. If it doesn't then re-read my guide
Ok thanks will check it.
Never mind, I figured it out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I did some major fixin' on the OP, hope it's more clear!
"How To Make Widget Skins Transparent"
TOOLS needed: 7zip or Winrar and ApkManager v4.9* by Daneshm90 of xda
1. Transfer the apk from your phone to your computer. It's probably in a place like data/app or data/data or the like
2. Open the apk with 7zip (or Winrar). Do not extract the whole thing, just open it. Inside you'll see a folder called "res"; transfer that somewhere on your computer.
3. Inside the res folder you'll see a bunch of folders. The images you want to edit are usually in a folder labeled "drawable", but you may have to look elsewhere
4. Find the background image you want to edit. It might be labeled widget_bg or something helpful like that.
5. Edit it how you want. In the case of transparency, you want to delete the background and make it entirely transparent. Save it in the same format and do not change the name. (Note- if your file has .9.png in it, you're dealing with something else. I can't really help you on this)
6. Drag the res folder with your modified images back into the archive, using 7zip. You might want to use a duplicate of the apk, just to have the original on hand in case something goes wrong.
8. Place the modified apk into the place-apk-here-for-modding folder in the APK Manager folder
9. Open up script.bat. Select your project using option 22.
10. Do the following things- Extract APK (1), Zip APK (3), zip as regular apk (2), sign apk (4)
At this point you should have a signed version of the apk in the place-apk-here-for-modding folder. You can transfer it to your phone now and install it. Or install it directly onto your phone through apk manager if you have ADB enabled.
*Apk Manager 4.9 - Modifying Ur Apk
Features:
- Extract, Zip apk's.
- Optimize pngs (ignores .9.pngs)
- Zipalign apks
- Sign apks
- Push to specific location on phone
- Incorporates brut.all's apktool
- Pull apk from phone into modding environment.
- Batch optimize apk (Zipalign,optipng,or both)
- Quick sign an apk (Batch mode supported)
- Batch Ogg optimization
- Compression level selector (monitor status above menu)
- Batch install apk from script (option 16)
- Logging on/off has been removed. Instead a log.txt is created which logs the activities of the script organized using time/date headers
- User can change the max java heap size (only use if certain large apks get stuck when decompiling/compiling apks) (Option 19)
- Improved syntax of questions/answers
- Error detection. Checks if error occured anytime u perform a task, and reports it
- Read log (Option 20)
- U can now set this script as ur default application for apks. When u do, if u double click any apk it will install it for u.
- Supports batch installation, so if u drag multiple apks into the script (not while its running) it will install them all for u. U can ofcourse drag a single apk as well
- Added framework dependent decompiling (For non propietary rom apks). (Option 10). Checks whether the dependee apk u selected is correct.
- Allows multiple projects to be modified, switch to and from.
Instructions (Windows):
- Place apk in appropriate folder (Any filename will work, if running for first time folders will not be there, you must run and then the folders will be created)
- Run script
- Minimize the script
- Edit files inside the project folder
- Maximize the script
- Allows to modify system apk's using apktool but ensures maximum compatibility in terms of signature / manifest.xml
Orignally created by Ilangoadigal from other forum
LINK FOR DOWNLOAD
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZJTFFLI7
http://depositfiles.com/en/files/x33e5g04v
http://www.zshare.net/download/801778048c8cfcab/
http://uploading.com/files/d3mm5616/apk_manager_4.9.zip/
For those who have problem downloading from filesharing sites
Whole thread dedicated to this forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=990014
Sorry mate if its allready been posted but the link you gave dosn't open
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
[THEMING -Basic] - How 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\
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\ 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\ .
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\
6. Click and simply DRAG the PNG file(s) from
your desktop to \res\drawable-ldpi\
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
HIT THANKS IF I HELPED YOU - IT
COSTS NOTHING ;]
Thanks to emompong
Sent from my GT-I8262 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Or u can use xposed framework
With the apps
1,gravity box
2,ex themer
3,etc
It contains different icons for signal bar,battery,etc
Sent from my GT-I8262 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
sethukrishnan said:
[THEMING -Basic] - How 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\
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\ 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\ .
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\
6. Click and simply DRAG the PNG file(s) from
your desktop to \res\drawable-ldpi\
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
HIT THANKS IF I HELPED YOU - IT
COSTS NOTHING ;]
Thanks to emompong
Sent from my GT-I8262 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Alot... bro!!
It's a really very helpful and easy method.
i change my SystemUI according to my taste.
bcoz of you.
a thumbs up for you.
v_singh said:
Thanks Alot... bro!!
It's a really very helpful and easy method.
i change my SystemUI according to my taste.
bcoz of you.
a thumbs up for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't quote the whole OP please.
Gesendet von meinem GT- I8260L mit XDA App
I just shared some useful info...
Anyway don't forget to hit thanks:thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I8262 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks!!!!
Sent from my C6602 using XDA Free mobile app
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
________________________________