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[Q] How to edit .xml files within and .apk

Im not trying to re-engineer an app, but I simply want to check out an apk to look at the placement of a certain line of code. When i open up the files within the apk though, i get a bunch of nonsense. How do I edit the files within the apk...i know theres a way, or else we wouldnt have custom roms.

Apktool (or some wrapper like Apk Manager). It's quite outdated, so you won't be able to decode some newer apks though.

Brut.all said:
Apktool (or some wrapper like Apk Manager). It's quite outdated, so you won't be able to decode some newer apks though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gahh, i was hoping there would be an easier way than that xP...I experimented with apktool, but it wasnt recognizing the .apk i was typing in...i just suck with command prompt stuff
....thanks anyway though

schwartzman93 said:
gahh, i was hoping there would be an easier way than that xP...I experimented with apktool, but it wasnt recognizing the .apk i was typing in...i just suck with command prompt stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brut.all also mentioned APK Manager in his post which is a script wrapper for his apktool that automates much of the process. It's available at the link I gave for both Windows and Linux. All you should need to do is run the script, place your apk in the appropriate folder created by the script, have the script decompile your apk, then you can find the decoded xml file(s) of interest.

thanks guys

i was having a bit of trouble with apk mananger, i couldnt get it to do anything with this one app, i would tell it an action and it just closed the script
EDIT: I figured it out

Hi guys, i'm using APK Manager and i was able to change the xml without having any trouble by decompressing the apk. I'm wondering what i need to do in order to resign the APK. I have already tried to compress the apk and then sign it, but streight away after I installed the apk i got in boot looping.
The file i'm talking about is the framework-res.apk
Any suggestion?
Thanks in advance.
Edit/
Solved.
Basically i was trying to sign framework-res.apk, instead i have found the solution in this forum that actually worked fine for me:
Code:
1. Place your original "framework-res.apk" into "\place-apk-here-for-modding\" folder
2. Run "script.bat"
3. Set Project (22) and choose the "framework-res.apk" (1)
4. Decompile (9)
5. Place or overwrite new Xmls and PNGs in "\projects\framework-res.apk\res\drawable or drawable-hdpi"
5. Recompile (11)
6. Answer "Yes" when it asks wheter it is system file
7. Answer "Yes" when it asks "would you like to copy over any additional files...?"
8. Script is paused => (don't press a key)
9. Go to the "keep" folder (it's in the same folder than "script.bat")
10. In this "Keep" Folder,
- delete "resources.arsc" file
- delete originals "stat_sys_battery.xml" and "stat_sys_battery_charge.xml" from the "keep\res\drawable" folder
- delete all originals PNGs that were meant to be edited
11. Go back to "script.bat" and press a key to let him finish the job
12. Your new "framework-res.apk" has been created in the "\place-apk-here-for-modding\" folder. It's called "unsignedframework-res.apk".. but he's not working yet.
13. Unzip all the content of the "unsignedframework-res.apk". You should have 5 objects (3 folders, 2 files).
14. Zip these files with Winrar/Winzip (whatever) but you must choose "No compression" method to zip it.
15. Rename this zip into "framework-res.apk".
15. Put it into an update.zip and it should be OK to flash trough the recovery mode.
Thanks anyway!

[Android 4.0][GUIDE]Port ICS transition animations on EVERY ROM & EVERY PHONE

Because some people asked me, I wrote this tutorial that explains how to port ICS transition animations on EVERY ROM & especially on EVERY PHONE!!!.
1) First of all, you need to download and install APK MANAGER:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
2) Extract with WinRAR, from the ROM you want to modify, the file framework-res.apk, that you can find in the directory \System\framework\.
3) Go to the apk manager folder and place the framework-res.apk file in the folder "place-apk-here-for-modding".
4) In the apk manager folder, double click on the file "Script". A cmd window will open.
5) Where it says "Please make your decision", write "22" (Set current project) and enter. Then enter "1" (to choose the first apk) and enter. Then enter "9" (Decompile apk) and enter.
The script will decompile the framework-res.apk.
6) Now go to your apk manager folder, go to Projects\framework-res.apk\res\anim\.
In this folder there are the animations of your rom. They consist in some .xml files decompiled.
7) Download this:
http://www.mediafire.com/?1qjwtotg1r8umm1
8) Copy the files from the folder "anims" of the zip downloaded into the anim folder and you are asked to replace the files; choose yes. Then copy also the files from the folder "other_files" to the anim folder.
9) Now go to your apk manager folder, go to Projects\framework-res.apk\res\values\. Edit the file integers.xml and put these two lines under the line of "shortAnimTime":
<integer name="config_activityShortDur">150</integer>
<integer name="config_activityDefaultDur">220</integer>
Save.
10) Return to Script. Enter "11" (Compile apk) and enter.
The script will rebuild the framework-res.apk.
11) You are asked if this is a system application. Enter "y" and enter. Then a second question appears. Enter newly "y".
12) Then after it processes, Don't press anything & DON'T CLOSE THIS WINDOW!!! A new folder "keep" is created in the apk manager folder. Go inside it and delete the file "resources.arsc". Now go inside keep\res\anim\ and delete every file with the same name as every file of the "anims" folder of the zip downloaded.
Then return to Script and press enter. It processes, then if everything went ok, in the folder "place-apk-here-for-modding" a file "unsignedframework-res.apk" is created. Copy it outside and rename it "framework_res.apk".
13) Now you can create a flashable zip or you can simply push it to your system (but you have to sign the apk).
CONGRATRULATIONS!!! YOU ARE DONE!!!
And if you think this tutorial is useful, CLICK THANKS!!!
Now I'm satisfied and i can continue studying phylosophy for tomorrow test...
P.S.: If you think that this post can help or interest people of other forums (with other devices), please share this post and also give credit to me!!!
Video of this mod working:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf1U_30Ngfk

capez said:
Work in progress
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHAAOOON, that's great, that's the post I was looking for mate !
This is what we should expect on this forum : knowledge sharing ! Work sharing and ROM/THEME/APPS sharing is great but knowledge is even better.
If I can test something ...

capez said:
Work in progress
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this work with every devices ?? Wow... Cant wait to do this!!!
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

Finally DONE!!!

cool animations, thanks!!!

(Replaced)

got bootloops on my desire hd.. running glanet ics..

Rotation animations??
I already installed the CM7 transition animation zip from your other thread.. So, thank you in case I haven't appreciated your work
Does this one have screen rotation animation too?

digkong said:
got bootloops on my desire hd.. running glanet ics..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you pushed the modded framework-res.apk directly into the phone?

Do you think [Android 4.0 ICS] should be in the title in this form? It's a little misleading.

Hmm...It started FC. Removing my links for now. Gonna see why.

Works great
Great guide. It worked for me.
Oddly though, I replaced my framework-res.apk through root explorer, set all the correct permissions, and when I rebooted, my google accounts were deleted, along with my contacts and google music library.
Not a problem though, Ill just have to relogin to them.

Great, it works very well. I maybe found a more simple way to do it :
1. Dowload ApkTools package I've done here :
http://www.multiupload.com/Q6YSAF2MH3
2. Unzip it to your harddrive and put your FrameWork-res.apk in it,
3. Click on "decomp.bat"
4. A new "unpack" directory has been created, with decompiled files in it,
5. Download this:
http://www.mediafire.com/?1qjwtotg1r8umm1
6. Copy the files from the folder "anims" of the zip downloaded into the anim folder and you are asked to replace the files; choose yes. Then copy also the files from the folder "other_files" to the anim folder.
7. Now go to your apk manager folder, go to Projects\framework-res.apk\res\values\. Edit the file integers.xml and put these two lines under the line of "shortAnimTime":
<integer name="config_activityShortDur">150</integer>
<integer name="config_activityDefaultDur">220</integer>
Save.
8. Patch the anim files in it, and edit the xml,
9. When finished, just click "recomp.bat" to get a new compiled file "framework-res2.apk",
10. Juste rename the file and put it in a update zip file, you can use this one and replace the framework file in it by yours :
http://www.multiupload.com/PPMFV9Y316
Should work !!!
PS : If your framework-res.apk contains .9.png files, decompilation will fails. No problem with standard CM7 framework-res.apk, but some custom themed ROM can have the problem. Don't know how to fix that, maybe the 1st solution with APK MANAGER work better !?

capez said:
Did you pushed the modded framework-res.apk directly into the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used root explorer..
hmmm.. it maybe beacause i did not set permissions right...
great it worked after i set the permissions.. thanks for ur work will post this guide in dhd forum too..

nmeuret said:
Great, it works very well. I maybe found a more simple way to do it :
1. Dowload ApkTools package I've done here :
http://www.multiupload.com/Q6YSAF2MH3
2. Unzip it to your harddrive and put your FrameWork-res.apk in it,
3. Click on "decomp.bat"
4. A new "unpack" directory has been created, with decompiled files in it,
5. Patch the anim files in it, and edit the xml,
6. When finished, just click "recomp.bat" to get a new compiled file "framework-res2.apk",
7. Juste rename the file and put it in a update zip file, you can use this one and replace the framework file in it by yours :
http://www.multiupload.com/PPMFV9Y316
Should work !!!
PS : If your framework-res.apk contains .9.png files, decompilation will fails. No problem with standard CM7 framework-res.apk, but some custom themed ROM can have the problem. Don't know how to fix that, maybe the 1st solution with APK MANAGER work better !?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this is the problem someone is having...Someone must compare your version and mine, to see which one works and which not. (Obviously with a non-cyanogenmod rom )

Update done for CM7 Nightly 176 (latest) :
http://www.multiupload.com/J88VTO2SU6
---------- Post added at 07:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:59 PM ----------
capez said:
Maybe this is the problem someone is having...Someone must compare your version and mine, to see which one works and which not. (Obviously with a non-cyanogenmod rom )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in the APK MANAGER post they say :
>Optimize pngs (ignores .9.pngs)
So it should work better !! (but as I'm lazy, I still use APKTOOL one click solution )

I got instant bootloops! How? Can u patch for me??
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

nmeuret said:
Update done for CM7 Nightly 176 (latest) :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a heads up. I downloaded your file and you renamed your framework-res wrong. There's a space between "framework-res" and ".apk" so it won't overwrite the original.

this does not have the rotation animation..
anyway to get that..

dawgpound6985 said:
Just a heads up. I downloaded your file and you renamed your framework-res wrong. There's a space between "framework-res" and ".apk" so it won't overwrite the original.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOpppsss, thanks, fixed here :
http://www.multiupload.com/J88VTO2SU6

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

[Q] Different method to edit an Apk: differences?

Hi to all! What are the differences between this:
Rename the *.apk to *.zip
Extract the *.zip file
Edit whatever you want
Compress all files again
Rename the *.zip to *.apk
and this:
Download ApkTool and "install" it
Using CMD navigate to the *.apk folder
Use this command "apktool d app_u_want_edit.apk"
Edit whatever you want
Use this command "apktool b app_u_want_edit"
???
Thanks in advance.

apktool
Francoiky said:
Use this command "apktool d app_u_want_edit.apk"
Edit whatever you want
Use this command "apktool b app_u_want_edit"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
Using apktool be more change.
Normally you do not make changes to the file classes.dex and resources.arsc included in the APK files.
.

ze7zez said:
.
Using apktool be more change.
Normally you do not make changes to the file classes.dex and resources.arsc included in the APK files.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I would change graphics only I could simply unzip and zip again, right?

As long as they are not .9.pngs then this will work but it will only work for images. I would advice learning apktool as this is the proper way to do it and you have less chances of messing something up. Alot of images are indexed and if not done properly can lead you to a boot loop
Sent from the Bat Cave

[HELP][DECOMPILING] I can't install/use the modded apk

Hi, okay guys, i wanna ask something. I was able to decompile, recompile, sign apk (using 7-zip) last year. Then, somethings happened to my laptop. I have to install a new windows 8.
All i have done is :
1) Installing JRE 7u45 64 bit and JDK 7u40 64 bit
2) Pulling SemcGenericUxpRes.apk, installing it by typing on the command "apktool if SemcGenericUxpRes.apk"
3) Pulling framework-res.apk, installing it by typing on the command "apktool if framework-res.apk"
4) Decompiling some app. After that, i typed on the command "apktool b XXX" where XXX refers to the decompiled folder
5) Drag and Drop the META-INF folder from the original to the new one
6) Pushing to my Xperia Miro. But the app doesnt show up on the launcher
7) When i recompile SystemUI.apk, signing it, then pushing it to system/app, setting the permissions, then using Restart SystemUI app, its worked. But after i restarted my phone, my SystemUI is gone
Does anybody here have the same problem with me?
Here is my Specification of my laptop :
Acer Aspire E1 -471G
Windows 8 64 bit version
JRE and JDK installed as ive told you above
Apktool, tried from version 1.5.1PR2 until 1.5.2 version
7-zip version 9.20 64 bit version
Winrar version 5.00 64 bit version
The last time i was able to recompile and use the modified apk was one year ago. The specification is same like above. Help me, please! :crying:

Did you sign your new apk?

PulseDroid said:
Did you sign your new apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for your reply. Okay, in this post : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2011325 its showed me to copy the META-INF folder. And ive already copy that folder. Its failed to install in my phone. I tried using Adb Install xx.apk but shows me this :
"Failure [INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_NO_CERTIFICATES]"
And when i push it manually to /data/app/ or /system/app/ it doesnt showed up to my launcher.
Ive tried to zipalign it, but still error. So, what is wrong with my phone?

What certificate did you use in Zipalign?

Certificate from the original apk. Drag and Drop the META-INF folder using 7-zip

Skip the META-INF copy step.
Rather use this

Okay, ive downloaded the application.
So, ive just decompiled the SystemUI.apk. Which one should i select? Thanks for your help