Any way to theme phones any more? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been trying to skin my phone and run into a problem I can't seem to theme where the navigation bar is Eg using uccw you can't place nothing or when using docks on launchers it places a rectangle that stops above nav bar. I know with lollipop there is no xposed framework
Sent from my Nexus 5

You decompile the apk packages, change what you want and recompile.

Lethargy said:
You decompile the apk packages, change what you want and recompile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to decompile and recompile. You can just copy/paste same named png-s in .apk/res/drawable nodpi or drawable xxhdpi for our device. That works for all apps from factory image.
Regards, Zagor

Is it possible to theme nav from homescreen only so I can give it its own background
Sent from my Nexus 5

zagorteney said:
There is no need to decompile and recompile. You can just copy/paste same named png-s in .apk/res/drawable nodpi or drawable xxhdpi for our device. That works for all apps from factory image.
Regards, Zagor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recompilation is required to edit things like XML. Signing properly is also important.

Lethargy said:
Recompilation is required to edit things like XML. Signing properly is also important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whith respecr dear Lethargy! You don't need to decompile and signing properly stock app. For example: if you want to change almost all of UI, you just have to change images in framework-res.apk. You don' t need to do things mentioned before. When I was on Xperia I made this way too UI look like AOSP as possible.
I think that for noob is enough to know that. But off course, if you are UI designer and developer that isn't enough.
Regards, Zagor

zagorteney said:
Whith respecr dear Lethargy! You don't need to decompile and signing properly stock app. For example: if you want to change almost all of UI, you just have to change images in framework-res.apk. You don' t need to do things mentioned before. When I was on Xperia I made this way too UI look like AOSP as possible.
I think that for noob is enough to know that. But off course, if you are UI designer and developer that isn't enough.
Regards, Zagor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For replacing a .png it might be okay, but in no way are you going to modify anything else that way. Recompiling is the PROPER way to do it.

So in short someone like me I'm out of luck
Sent from my Nexus 5

tonyt3rry said:
So in short someone like me I'm out of luck
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your launcher supports it you can hide the navbar then attempt to use something like Zooper Widget to imitate them on the bottom, but other than that, you have to recompile SystemUI.apk.

Wouldn't I need it for when I'm in apps
Sent from my Nexus 5

tonyt3rry said:
Wouldn't I need it for when I'm in apps
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my post again, I said on the launcher.

Can you tell me what launcher supports it I know if I had pie or what ever it is called I could hide it
Sent from my Nexus 5

Related

[Q] framework-res.apk problem

In "framework-res.apk/res/layout" when I edit the "status_bar_expanded.xml",
even if I add one dot and delete it again and save the file, it doesn't work
anymore and it stucks on my bootanimation, and loops over and over.
I use "apk manager" for decompiling and compiling the framework-res.apk.
Does any one know what the problem is?
Thank you?
sohrab1985 said:
In "framework-res.apk/res/layout" when I edit the "status_bar_expanded.xml",
even if I add one dot and delete it again and save the file, it doesn't work
anymore and it stucks on my bootanimation, and loops over and over.
I use "apk manager" for decompiling and compiling the framework-res.apk.
Does any one know what the problem is?
Thank you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean add one dot?
kay_kiat88 said:
what do you mean add one dot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the code obviously. ie he cant seam to save file without it breaking, even if removing what he added prior to saving.
TheATHEiST said:
To the code obviously. ie he cant seam to save file without it breaking, even if removing what he added prior to saving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know it's obviously to the code. upload your .xml let me take a look.
also ensure that the /(yourdirectory)/apktool/framework/1.apk where 1.apk is your original framework-res.apk and /(yourdirectory)/apktool/framework/2.apk where 2.apk is your original tw-framework-res.apk
statusbarexpanded
Hey
Do any know what @id/plmnLabel and @id/spnLabel refers to? Im speculating it has something to do with service provider.. Since the theme of framework is set to Black, the service provider text color is black as well, so ive made edits to
...Color=?textColorSecondary on both (removed Inverse) ive not tested this, maybe u have Kay?
biopsin said:
Hey
Do any know what @id/plmnLabel and @id/spnLabel refers to? Im speculating it has something to do with service provider.. Since the theme of framework is set to Black, the service provider text color is black as well, so ive made edits to
...Color=?textColorSecondary on both (removed Inverse) ive not tested this, maybe u have Kay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope i haven't tested it but u can read here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9066440&postcount=1
android:id="@id/plmnLabel". This is the Carrier name
android:id="@id/spnLabel". This is the Provider name
this post is useful for froyo.
but i'm already on gingerbread. for gingerbread, read: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9978779&postcount=62
all working great ..
Tnx k - ur right still on froyo
kay_kiat88 said:
what do you mean add one dot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean you even can't make a small change in that xml.
kay_kiat88 said:
i know it's obviously to the code. upload your .xml let me take a look.
also ensure that the /(yourdirectory)/apktool/framework/1.apk where 1.apk is your original framework-res.apk and /(yourdirectory)/apktool/framework/2.apk where 2.apk is your original tw-framework-res.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is my "status_bar_expanded.xml"
I just want to change some colors. I did the same thing for other xmls like
"status_bar_latest_event_content.xml" and it works perfectly, but for that
one, it stucks on my bootanimation. when I compile the xml I get no error
but I don't know what the problem is.
For that 1.apk and 2.apk, no I didn't do that.
I'll try it and report back.
sohrab1985 said:
Here is my "status_bar_expanded.xml"
I just want to change some colors. I did the same thing for other xmls like
"status_bar_latest_event_content.xml" and it works perfectly, but for that
one, it stucks on my bootanimation. when I compile the xml I get no error
but I don't know what the problem is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u use wrong definisions it wil stall.. What color is this in your file android:textColor="#ff7bad00" ?
After compiling did u copy the manifest and metainf folder to the new framework Res?
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
biopsin said:
If u use wrong definisions it wil stall.. What color is this in your file android:textColor="#ff7bad00" ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's the color of operator name in status bar and that "clear" button, and I changed it to "#ff000000"
zenkinz said:
After compiling did u copy the manifest and metainf folder to the new framework Res?
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I don't know what those "manifest" and "metainf" are, because I changed some xmls and I'd had no problem with them, So I thought that's the way to compile and decompile framework-res.apk.
Could you plz tell me what should I do? Thanks.
sohrab1985 said:
Honestly, I don't know what those "manifest" and "metainf" are, because I changed some xmls and I'd had no problem with them, So I thought that's the way to compile and decompile framework-res.apk.
Could you plz tell me what should I do? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought u already have this covered because it sounded like you have no problem with other XML except this.
But if u have not heard of the two files/folder I have hightlighted chances are you don't have them in your newly compiled apk which will cause bootloop.
After compiling ur apk you should see that meta-inf folder is missing. U need to copy that from the original API, along with manifest.XML to the new apk.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
zenkinz said:
I thought u already have this covered because it sounded like you have no problem with other XML except this.
But if u have not heard of the two files/folder I have hightlighted chances are you don't have them in your newly compiled apk which will cause bootloop.
After compiling ur apk you should see that meta-inf folder is missing. U need to copy that from the original API, along with manifest.XML to the new apk.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's right, I've had no problem with any xmls without copying those files until now, but thanks to you I can edit this one, too.
Thank you so much.

Themers Help - need to identify theme elements

All theme builders, plz help me out here. I am building my own custom theme by modifying framework and I need to get to the png' of the elements which i have highlighted in the attached image. I have tried some probable pngs but they turned out to be wrong ones and messed up the theme.
Thanks in advance!
thats in the xml files mate.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
bbsrailfan said:
All theme builders, plz help me out here. I am building my own custom theme by modifying framework and I need to get to the png' of the elements which i have highlighted in the attached image. I have tried some probable pngs but they turned out to be wrong ones and messed up the theme.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2qyU5yL0fE,click my thanks bar if this helps cheers,and follow install instructions here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1226873
The top image is system/app/Conversations.apk/drawable-hdpi/conv_drop_down.9.png
Since it is a .9.png you will need to go through some extra steps to change it (decompile, etc.). Search how to work with .9.pngs here or on Google.
I think phillu97 may be right about the second element (day sent bg) being in the xml.
bodomfan said:
watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2qyU5yL0fE,click my thanks bar if this helps cheers,and follow install instructions here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1226873
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has nothing to do with what he wants to change....
AyDee said:
The top image is system/app/Conversations.apk/drawable-hdpi/conv_drop_down.9.png
Since it is a .9.png you will need to go through some extra steps to change it (decompile, etc.). Search how to work with .9.pngs here or on Google.
I think phillu97 may be right about the second element (day sent bg) being in the xml.
This has nothing to do with what he wants to change....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh whoops, i didn't see that he also wanted to edit the first one :3
but, yerh, it would be in xml files. I've done alot of modding, and what I've done is made teh bg transparent, and the day thingie #000000 [black] at 70% transparency
phillu97 said:
oh whoops, i didn't see that he also wanted to edit the first one :3
but, yerh, it would be in xml files. I've done alot of modding, and what I've done is made teh bg transparent, and the day thingie #000000 [black] at 70% transparency
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Phillu... which xml files are the ones which you modified? And which lines did u change the code?

[DEV QUESTION] APK Decompile Enable Single Screen Non-Scrolling?

Hello,
I have a question about modifying APKs.
I have just decompiled the Apex Launcher APK, and I would like to change the Homescreen Settings to display the wallpaper as a "Single screen non-scrolling"
Does anyone know which XML file this would be under? And what values should I change to make this happen?
Thanks for any help.
troby86 said:
Hello,
I have a question about modifying APKs.
I have just decompiled the Apex Launcher APK, and I would like to change the Homescreen Settings to display the wallpaper as a "Single screen non-scrolling"
Does anyone know which XML file this would be under? And what values should I change to make this happen?
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Maybe you will find some joy HERE
malybru said:
Hi,
Maybe you will find some joy HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link.
I have found that the Scrolling Settings for Android are within the Workspace.smali file.
Does anyone know exactly what line of code would need to be changed? There is over 19,000 lines in this file, so anyone that has experiance in this would be amazing, thanks. My only goal is to have the OS start with "Single screen non-scrolling" enabled instead of the "Multi screen scrolling" that is enabled by default.
Ok, so I have uploaded a copy of the Workspace.smali I am working with. I have found references at line 4201, 16220, and 18887 that deal with scrolling and wallpaper dimensions. Could someone look over this and let me know if any of these line are able to be modified to change the scrolling? Thanks.
Apex launcher has this in setting to change wallpaper mode. Why are you trying to modify apk then? Just trying to understand your purpose.
webharsh said:
Apex launcher has this in setting to change wallpaper mode. Why are you trying to modify apk then? Just trying to understand your purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I am developing a ROM, and I am trying to learn how to modify smali files to control certain parts of the system, so that I can have preset settings already activated as soon as a ROM is flashed.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app
troby86 said:
Because I am developing a ROM, and I am trying to learn how to modify smali files to control certain parts of the system, so that I can have preset settings already activated as soon as a ROM is flashed.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll be easier for you if you just compiled it from source. It'll also be easier to locate the needed line that would need to be changed.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

dark themed google now launcher!

Can anyone address me to a dark themed google now launcher? I had it in Thyrus dark theme for terminus rom and, since I don't know how to extract that feature (for my own personal use, of course) from the theme, I was wondering if there's a ready-made version somewhere.
Thanks for any help
There's one in themes and kappa section
rootSU said:
There's one in themes and kappa section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kappa section? You mean here in the nexus 5 area?
astrovale said:
Kappa section? You mean here in the nexus 5 area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. Sorry, my keyboard often corrects "apps" to "kappa".
Yes, the nexus 5 themes and apps section. There is a dark theme. It has different parts, such as settings.apk and Google launcher
rootSU said:
Haha. Sorry, my keyboard often corrects "apps" to "kappa".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile text correction is wonderful
Lethargy said:
Mobile text correction is wonderful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Not sure why it thinks I'm spelling out Greek letters.
rootSU said:
Haha. Sorry, my keyboard often corrects "apps" to "kappa".
Yes, the nexus 5 themes and apps section. There is a dark theme. It has different parts, such as settings.apk and Google launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. I'll look for it. Could you tell me which one, if at all possible? I don't if this is the right place to ask, but I sure know you're the right person to ask something to! What makes a theme specific to a rom or group of roms? I'd like to know because I'd love to learn how to make my own themes or use some theme for my purposes (I hope there's nothing against the unwritten rules of this world).
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
astrovale said:
Thanks a lot. I'll look for it. Could you tell me which one, if at all possible? I don't if this is the right place to ask, but I sure know you're the right person to ask something to! What makes a theme specific to a rom or group of roms? I'd like to know because I'd love to learn how to make my own themes or use some theme for my purposes (I hope there's nothing against the unwritten rules of this world).
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few material / dark themes. I had a look but it wasn't in the one I thought. That's either because it was the wrong one or it had been removed. Maybe ask in each thread if they theme Google launcher. I've definitely seen it but I thought it was the one by vivek.
As for why themes are ROM / build specific...
Themes are a combination of replacing images and editing XML files. These are mostly in framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk
The easiest way to make a theme is to use these apk from a specific ROM. However, these apk ate specific to a specific ROM or build. For example ROM SlimLP has different features to stock so therefore has different code in these apk, so wrong apk, phone will boot loop. Same is true between 5.0.1 and 5.0.0 etc
There are more complicated ways to theme using things like ZipThemer. This will add your changes to the files that are on the phone already. This means it is more compatible than the easier method, as long as you don't change files that have special code from the Dev in them.
rootSU said:
There's a few material / dark themes. I had a look but it wasn't in the one I thought. That's either because it was the wrong one or it had been removed. Maybe ask in each thread if they theme Google launcher. I've definitely seen it but I thought it was the one by vivek.
As for why themes are ROM / build specific...
Themes are a combination of replacing images and editing XML files. These are mostly in framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk
The easiest way to make a theme is to use these apk from a specific ROM. However, these apk ate specific to a specific ROM or build. For example ROM SlimLP has different features to stock so therefore has different code in these apk, so wrong apk, phone will boot loop. Same is true between 5.0.1 and 5.0.0 etc
There are more complicated ways to theme using things like ZipThemer. This will add your changes to the files that are on the phone already. This means it is more compatible than the easier method, as long as you don't change files that have special code from the Dev in them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the explanantion. I will investigate a little more along the line you indicate.
Happy new year and thanks again (already hit the button!)
Theoretically, if i have a theme for a specific rom but for different update (same Google version, same build), i could extract the the file, replace the framework and system apks with the ones of the new update, re-compress the file and then flash it as a new theme? Seems a bit too easy, but IT makes sense, I think.
rootSU said:
There's a few material / dark themes. I had a look but it wasn't in the one I thought. That's either because it was the wrong one or it had been removed. Maybe ask in each thread if they theme Google launcher. I've definitely seen it but I thought it was the one by vivek.
As for why themes are ROM / build specific...
Themes are a combination of replacing images and editing XML files. These are mostly in framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk
The easiest way to make a theme is to use these apk from a specific ROM. However, these apk ate specific to a specific ROM or build. For example ROM SlimLP has different features to stock so therefore has different code in these apk, so wrong apk, phone will boot loop. Same is true between 5.0.1 and 5.0.0 etc
There are more complicated ways to theme using things like ZipThemer. This will add your changes to the files that are on the phone already. This means it is more compatible than the easier method, as long as you don't change files that have special code from the Dev in them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theoretically, if i have a theme for a specific rom but for different update (same Google version, same build), i could extract the the file, replace the framework and system apks with the ones of the new update, re-compress the file and then flash it as a new theme? Seems a bit too easy, but IT makes sense, I think.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
astrovale said:
Theoretically, if i have a theme for a specific rom but for different update (same Google version, same build), i could extract the the file, replace the framework and system apks with the ones of the new update, re-compress the file and then flash it as a new theme? Seems a bit too easy, but IT makes sense, I think.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99.9% no.
too good to be true!

[Q] [Request] Modified NavBar DPI for Stock Lollipop 5.1

Hi all,
I've been searching for two days a way to reduce NavBar's DPI in Lollipop 5.1 Stock rom because they look too big to me. Since different people are looking for it (from what I've read), I would ask if someone that is able in this sector could kindly make a flashable zip for everyone (I really don't know how to... maybe with a guide I could try by myself).
Thanks in advance.
If you can't get that, get SoftKeyZ. Has keys of smaller size.
Sent from my Nexus 5
zerosum0 said:
If you can't get that, get SoftKeyZ. Has keys of smaller size.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man but... this app only changes softkeys' dimensions not navbar's dpi... I
If no one wants to make this flashable zip this thread can be closed.
Thanks.
Sott said:
Hi all,
I've been searching for two days a way to reduce NavBar's DPI in Lollipop 5.1 Stock rom because they look too big to me. Since different people are looking for it (from what I've read), I would ask if someone that is able in this sector could kindly make a flashable zip for everyone (I really don't know how to... maybe with a guide I could try by myself).
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've modified the navbar to 20dpi on stock 5.1 and using it without any issues.
You need to do change some variable values in framework-res and SystemUI apks as well as resizing the navbar icons.
Attaching a screenshot here to give you an idea about how it looks. Let me know if you need the flashable zips.
inimaitimepass said:
I've modified the navbar to 20dpi on stock 5.1 and using it without any issues.
You need to do change some variable values in framework-res and SystemUI apks as well as resizing the navbar icons.
Attaching a screenshot here to give you an idea about how it looks. Let me know if you need the flashable zips.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you man! Could you explain how to change those values? I would make them 36 dpi but I wouldn't disturb you making a flashable zip...
Sott said:
Thank you man! Could you explain how to change those values? I would make them 36 dpi but I wouldn't disturb you making a flashable zip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow this link. It will give you a generic idea about how to resize the navbar. This tutorial is for kitkat, but the steps are more or less same. You need the latest apktool jar file and java 7 installed in your system.
Since lollipop some core things are changed most probably because of selinux and security stuff, so you need to use the manifest and meta inf files from the original apk otherwise device will boot loop.
Also you need to downsize the softkey icons in the System-UI apk, else it'll look ugly after resizing.
Finally if you lowered the dpi of your device, then resizing the navbar will increase the gap between the softkeys, some people will like that, but I prefer the keys to be as close as possible so that thumb's reach can be minimal. let me know if you want that mod too. Good luck.
Thanks man, but it looks too difficult to me... I don't know anything about decompiling, java, etc...
By the way thank you very much for spending your time answering my questions.
I'll stay on Chroma until GB is compatible with 5.1.
Sott said:
Thank you man! Could you explain how to change those values? I would make them 36 dpi but I wouldn't disturb you making a flashable zip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could make me one....PMEASE!!!!
Sent from my Nexus 5
Sott said:
Thanks man, but it looks too difficult to me... I don't know anything about decompiling, java, etc...
By the way thank you very much for spending your time answering my questions.
I'll stay on Chroma until GB is compatible with 5.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using Chroma ever since it was available for N5, but came back to stock because google maps was FC'ing continuously. Downloaded the latest chroma just yesterday night and still thinking of trying that once again to see how maps behave this time. Regarding navbar, typing the 'how to do' is much longer than modding the apk
zerosum0 said:
You could make me one....PMEASE!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can make it for you, what navbar dpi you prefer? I hope you are running stock rooted.
inimaitimepass said:
I was using Chroma ever since it was available for N5, but came back to stock because google maps was FC'ing continuously. Downloaded the latest chroma just yesterday night and still thinking of trying that once again to see how maps behave this time. Regarding navbar, typing the 'how to do' is much longer than modding the apk
I can make it for you, what navbar dpi you prefer? I hope you are running stock rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I add myself to the discussion because on the web you can't find anything. For KitKat were available some zip file to flash via custom recovery on rooted device compatible with the stock ROM, but for Lollipop anything yet! 40 dpi would be perfect

Categories

Resources