[Guide] How To Edit Skin .apk's - Desire HD Themes and Apps

Hi all.
I thought i would write a basic guide on how to modify a skin apk the way YOU want it. There are some great skins being made, but often the colour scheme is not the way you might like it. I am new to android so if i have made any mistakes please let me know and i will correct ASAP.
Firstly i will say if you modify any skin, please DO NOT post it unless you have the previous developers permission. This is IMPORTANT. They are for personal use only.
First you need to install the following on to your PC:
Android SDK Here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/installing.html
Java JDK and JRE Here: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
Auto sign Here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=473580
A good photo editing tool. I use photoshop.
Once installed open the android sdk and download the relevant Android Platforms.
Download the skin apk you want to modify. The apk can be opened with winrar. There will generally be 3 folders a xml and arsc. The two we need to look at are assets and res.The assets folder contains the preview pic and the wallpaper for the skin. The res folder contains all the png files. In res, the drawable folder contains the xml's. drawable-port-hdpi contains the png's for the home screen like the softbar and sense clock. drawable-land-hdpi contains the pngs used in land scape. drawable-hdpi contains the bulk of the png used in the skin
The following is how i changed the carbon fiber orange skin to green.
Extract the Carbon fiber apk. Then i wanted to change to colour scheme from orange to green so i used the res/drawable-hdpi from the evolution skin by extracting with winrar as this uses green png's. Copy the green png from the extracted evolution res/drawable-hdpi to the extracted carbon fiber res/drawable-hdpi. You will need to go through each png and just replace the orange png as the carbon fiber skin has some parts in this file.
Then take a look at the png's in the extracted carbon fiber res/drawable-port-hdpi. You will see the ones used for the home screen button colours (there the one's that are orange) Here is were photoshop comes in. You can remake the buttons or simply edit the colour of the existing png's your choice. I also changed the colour of the clock numbers from silver to green. Then replace your modified pngs with the ones in res/drawable-port-hdpi.
Next you can change the wallpaper and preview pic in the assets/image.
Now you need to add the modified folders with winrar. Open the original orange carbon fiber.apk with winrar and drag the modified assets and res folders from the modified extracted carbon fiber, to the archive. It will now replace the folders. Then close winrar.
Next you need to resign the apk with autosign for it to install. Please read the instructions on the autosign thread. Once auto sign is set up just right click on the modified carbon fiber.apk and click resign APK, wait a few seconds and job done!
I hope this info comes in useful. If i have missed anything please let me know and i will add it.

That's great! Thanks!
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

original_ganjaman said:
I hope this info comes in useful. If i have missed anything please let me know and i will add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the guide. This will come in really useful!
Sent from my DHD

Dear original_ganjaman:
First thanks for your guide.
I had Edit Skin .apk's.
But when I change the png that name is lockscreen_arc_incall.png in res/drawable-hdpi.
It always can't show on lockscreen.
Can you tell me why.
Thank you.

laphone said:
Dear original_ganjaman:
First thanks for your guide.
I had Edit Skin .apk's.
But when I change the png that name is lockscreen_arc_incall.png in res/drawable-hdpi.
It always can't show on lockscreen.
Can you tell me why.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That png is for when you are receiving a call. Edit lockscreen_arc.png, thats the one you want.

original_ganjaman said:
That png is for when you are receiving a call. Edit lockscreen_arc.png, thats the one you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer

original_ganjaman said:
Hi all.
I thought i would write a basic guide on how to modify a skin apk the way YOU want it. There are some great skins being made, but often the colour scheme is not the way you might like it. I am new to android so if i have made any mistakes please let me know and i will correct ASAP.
I hope this info comes in useful. If i have missed anything please let me know and i will add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear original_ganjaman:
How can I change name of skin??
I try use apktool to do.
But apktool like can't decode skin's apk
I got way to change name of skin
Thanks

I downloaded a win rar for a dock,
and I have no idea how to get it onto my phone, I have tried to read this, but I'm just soo confused I don't get it.

superdaddy said:
I downloaded a win rar for a dock,
and I have no idea how to get it onto my phone, I have tried to read this, but I'm just soo confused I don't get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which part are you stuck on? I don't understand how far you have got.

original_ganjaman said:
Which part are you stuck on? I don't understand how far you have got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded this dock and wanna put it on my phone.
http://dutchlimits.deviantart.com/#/d324v1v

superdaddy said:
I downloaded this dock and wanna put it on my phone.
http://dutchlimits.deviantart.com/#/d324v1v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is for launcherpro. I don't use this sorry. it is not a skin but a whole dock replacement.
I have only been using android for around 2 weeks, so i am new to this.
Edit: i took a look and it is a skin for launcher pro. install instructions seem easy: Taken from the readme.txt:
Install:
- Download launcherpro
- On home: Press menu -> Preferences -> Appearence -> Dock background -> Custom

Can anyone tell me, after edit the apk file, how can i change the name of the skin and author?

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks!
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

thnx!
thnx guy, this is useful 4 all the newbies on the field of edition skins!! xP

*Yawns* - Old thread is old. If you want to say thanks, use the button.
*Puts Thread Back To Sleep*

*Yawns* - Old thread is old. If you want to say thanks, use the button.
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Related

[MOD][Metamorph] Dialer (AOSP 1.6)

I was making one of many themes that i decided not to finish when i get to the boring part of editing the 9 pngs and changing the color of all them and thanks to stericson metamorph app. i decided i would share some parts of it. Here's the dialer should work with (Aosp 1.6).all i ask if you add it to a theme just give me credit for my work thx.
This dialer will not work with the Eclair dialer
sorry for the screen shots are from ddms
looks great! ill try it out
This looks awesome!!! Would love to see it in different colors and (if I dare to ask) ported to eclair dialer.
Thanks for contributing!!!!
how did you get the background to be like it is?
i am plaining on porting it to the eclair dialer. just don't know when i will have the time to. as for how i did it.i set the image of the gradient image in the back of the keys i made and and the numbers i added .as you can see i was going for the blackberry look but added my own text field the blackberry one was to plain simple to make but plain. cut them out to the size i needed
kron2 said:
i am plaining on porting it to the eclair dialer. just don't know when i will have the time to. as for how i did it.i set the image of the gradient image in the back of the keys i made and and the numbers i added .as you can see i was going for the blackberry look but added my own text field the blackberry one was to plain simple to make but plain. cut them out to the size i needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried several times using GIMP to change the colors of some of the 9.png files in the drawables-finger folder in the Contacts.apk file. It just will not work out for me. All I do is use the colorize option or the channel mixer. The pictures (specifically the btn_dial_action_left_pressed.9.png, etc) will not show up right on the phone. I can't figure it out. If you can, I'd like to know.
i don't use gimp i use paint.net and a 13 year old cope of adobe photoshop.after you make the color change did you use the 9 png. tool you will need to
kron2 said:
i don't use gimp i use paint.net and a 13 year old cope of adobe photoshop.after you make the color change did you use the 9 png. tool you will need to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the png 9 tool in the AndroidSDK package and was reading Damnitpud's walkthrough. The Eclipse part is what gets me because I don't understand it.
Binary100100 said:
I tried the png 9 tool in the AndroidSDK package and was reading Damnitpud's walkthrough. The Eclipse part is what gets me because I don't understand it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if eclipse is installed and set up right look at rogro 82 gde post there is source to make themes for his app all i do is add my 9 pngs to the drawable folder he added some help files to set it up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=569409
Kron2, do we need to apply to constacts.apk, phone.apk and framework-res.apk for this to work?
There are these 3 files listed. Which one?
htcmagic said:
Kron2, do we need to apply to constacts.apk, phone.apk and framework-res.apk for this to work?
There are these 3 files listed. Which one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is for metamorph and will not work with the eclair dialer.you will need to pick all the apk.files to install for it to look the same .in framework is the top tab images
kron2 said:
It is for metamorph and will not work with the eclair dialer.you will need to pick all the apk.files to install for it to look the same .in framework is the top tab images
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.

[ICON] (Update 27 FEB) Icons "Victorian Time" + .psd file (512x512) to make your own

[ICON] (Update 27 FEB) Icons "Victorian Time" + .psd file (512x512) to make your own
I added some Icons in the wrong topic (sorry for that) so there was a suggestion I should open a new topic. Here it is. In the first post just a few examples, in the 2nd post the zipfiles with the PNG files and some nice Steampunk backgrounds.
I made them in 100x100 and in 150x150. If you have an X1, the 150x150 are just the right size for you ;-)
If there are any requests please feel free to ask and I will see if I can make something for it. I made the icons for the programms I frequently use.
Actually these are part of a Wisbar Advance Desktop theme I am working on, but it can take ages before I finish it I quess, as I am never satisfied. The goal is to make a complete steampunk theme out of it.....
The PSD file (512x512) is on page 2 POST 11 (on top of page 2)
Enjoy
Cheers,
Arnold
And here are the zipfiles:
In total around 35 icons per category (100x100 or 150x150) and 2 backgrounds. Please take the backgrounds from the zip file, they are better in quality.
Cheers,
Arnold
They look great! Thanks for this!
They do look great. I generally use my own icons but it is tempting to have a page where I use your icons especially for "bookish" related apps like Booklist Lexicon wikipedia wolfs translator and so on where they in my mind would be ideal.
Gongrats with your new thread and thank you for a fine contribution to the community
teach
Very very beautiful icon....
very nice job...
256x256 was better
Looks beautiful... Hope to see more soon...
thank you for your nice words. I think 256x256 are far to big as you can hardly can get 2 next to eachother on WVGA. With this size I have 4 on a row and just have a seperate page with shortcuts to my most used applications.
Cheers,
Arnold
These are very beautiful, no doubt they took quite a bit of time to make. Have you considered removing the text from the icons? This would allow the icons to be used for programs or functions other than those specifically stated.
well, I put the texts on it as I obviously made this for my own theme at first. But if you want I can put an empty background here so you can paste your own icon on it...
Cheers,
Arnold
hi,
i think that "sharing" of template (.psd, or for gimp) is very nice idea
so we can decide to place or remove text, paste our inner content of icon etc.
thank you very much
Okay, no problem, now you can make your own ;-)
Here is the zipfile of the bigger PSD file. 512x512 pixels, you can decide how big you want to have it now ;-)
Enjoy,
Cheers,
Arnold
PollPixx said:
well, I put the texts on it as I obviously made this for my own theme at first. But if you want I can put an empty background here so you can paste your own icon on it...
Cheers,
Arnold
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will work. Thanks.
cool icons...looks illusive
nice icons
I have tried to download these icons twice and on both occasions it says that the zip files are currupted. Anybody know whats going on with thses
well, I just saw your post and tried to download the zipfiles I posted and it went okay, no complains further on and it is downloaded quite a few times, so no idea what is going on...
Cheers,
Arnold
Love these! Folder?
LOVE these icons! Thank you SO much. Question from a total noob:
I've tried icons before using total commander to place them in the \windows folder. Only one or two would actually show up after soft reset.
Do I place these directly into the \windows folder? There is an icon folder that appears empty in the windows folder - not there?
After that, do I need to do anything else beside soft reset? Have not had too much experience with registry and usually need step by step - which the wiki does not appear to help with.
Thanks again and would love to see a donate button?
FOLLOW UP: I copied the files in the folder to the \windows folder and soft reset. Nothing changed. Anything I am missing? Thanks.
vtmorp said:
LOVE these icons! Thank you SO much. Question from a total noob:
I've tried icons before using total commander to place them in the \windows folder. Only one or two would actually show up after soft reset.
Do I place these directly into the \windows folder? There is an icon folder that appears empty in the windows folder - not there?
After that, do I need to do anything else beside soft reset? Have not had too much experience with registry and usually need step by step - which the wiki does not appear to help with.
Thanks again and would love to see a donate button?
FOLLOW UP: I copied the files in the folder to the \windows folder and soft reset. Nothing changed. Anything I am missing? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, coincedence, I just made the donate button as I spend days making other icons and wallpapers for WP7 themes ;-) Here it is! Thanks bro!
Well, if you use them in WAD2 just put them in your storage card and add widget using them as the image.
Cheers,
Arnold
i love this~~~
How to use without WAD2
Actually, I am not using WAD2. I am currently just running energy rom cookie monster and wanted all the icons to be different. So I copied the files to the \windows folder and soft reset. But nothing changed. Is there a way to use these icons without a different ui?
Thanks. Peace. Michele

[Q] ?s about themeing

I really want to theme my phone, is there any tips to make it easyier
an also theres no meny png files that im not sure what changes what, is there a guide of any sort for that or anything.
I got editing images down but im still gettin lost on changing things
an out of curioisy is there a good themer out there that would be willing to work with me personally so im not gettin mixed results
here ya go..this should get you a start
http://www.google.com/cse?q=how+to+...ub-2900107662879704:fs7umqefhnf&ie=ISO-8859-1
Great resource here
im not sure if im wording this right, but to theme an app u open that apps apk. to theme a widget u open that widgets apk. right?
So what all does framwork control?
still tring to get it togather what png's edit what on my phone
Essentially yes. Most of the app's .png's will be in the respective .apk, although if it's a Sense ROM then a lot is stored in the 'com.htc.resources.apk'
The 'framework-res.apk' holds all the files for like the notification area, the pull down menu, status icons, buttons, tick boxes, radio buttons etc...
The best way to familiarise yourself with it all is just to have a look through the image folders and see what you see.
not much luck, im gettin lost, so ill be back in a cuple days let u knw if i got it yet, if i cant come up with it, ill just make a list of things i want done an see where it goes.
Are you on a Mac or PC?
Keep in mind, you have to sign it to get it to install if you unpack it. After weeks of failed signing attempts (I still cant get them to sign) I found a way around this though...just don't unpack it Use 7zip on PC or I am on a Mac so I use Springy. Replace what you want and you are good to go.
Let me know if you need more help with this method. It isn't the way everyone else does things, but it works for editing things and making it what you want.
@reanger91878 I was just looking into start some theming and was trying to figure out if using a Mac put me at a disadvantage... but I guess since I found you I'll know who to ask if I run into a problem. So I guess I'm gonna get Springy and see what I can figure out. (I've never done this crap before).
:edit: boo it costs money, any free options? or will the non-licensed version work for me?
Alright
heres what i want done
I have NFX Sprint 2.31.651.7 STOCK Odex Update3.
Lock screen bar where its grey i want black
All screens under settings an phone options like device1 pic 1 want there its white to be black an the black letters white with a green boarder.
Device2 pic: want top an bottom where its grey to be black save with bookmark widget an calander app
Device3: white section black an the letter white
Device4: change all screens from white to black an white lettes an the grey buttons at the bottom to green same with clock, messages, music and photos
Device5: i want the ui buttons at the bottom like that but for it to be Phone in the middle app drawer on the left an add to home on the right
Invert all menus uder browser
so if some one would be willing to help with what xml an pic files i edit to do it, or some one helps me put it togather it would be awsome an id be very thankful
BuddahWolf01 said:
@reanger91878 I was just looking into start some theming and was trying to figure out if using a Mac put me at a disadvantage... but I guess since I found you I'll know who to ask if I run into a problem. So I guess I'm gonna get Springy and see what I can figure out. (I've never done this crap before).
:edit: boo it costs money, any free options? or will the non-licensed version work for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a Mac does not put you at a disadvantage per se...kind of, but there are workarounds
You don't have to use Springy, that is just what I use. The key is to find an Mac application that can open up a .zip file without extracting it, because once you extract, you need to resign (no big deal really, but for whatever reason my computer won't properly sign). I think the free version of Springy lets you open up a ROM of a certain size? Can't remember...but if you are editing a theme, they should open, because most are under 15MB. You can also just search around for other Mac apps that handle zip files and find one that does not extract. Let me know what you come up with and what you need help with...I gained much knowledge here, and will gladly pass on what I have gleaned.
DubsideWICKED said:
heres what i want done
I have NFX Sprint 2.31.651.7 STOCK Odex Update3.
Lock screen bar where its grey i want black
All screens under settings an phone options like device1 pic 1 want there its white to be black an the black letters white with a green boarder.
Device2 pic: want top an bottom where its grey to be black save with bookmark widget an calander app
Device3: white section black an the letter white
Device4: change all screens from white to black an white lettes an the grey buttons at the bottom to green same with clock, messages, music and photos
Device5: i want the ui buttons at the bottom like that but for it to be Phone in the middle app drawer on the left an add to home on the right
Invert all menus uder browser
so if some one would be willing to help with what xml an pic files i edit to do it, or some one helps me put it togather it would be awsome an id be very thankful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big tasks Don't know if anyone will actually be able to do it for you, but check the resources above to get an idea where to start. It's the whole "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime" idea.
Open up your ROM and check the framework-res.apk and see what you find...but you are looking to do more than just framework edits...
ranger61878 said:
Big tasks Don't know if anyone will actually be able to do it for you, but check the resources above to get an idea where to start. It's the whole "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime" idea.
Open up your ROM and check the framework-res.apk and see what you find...but you are looking to do more than just framework edits...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of what all i want edited what is controlled by frame work an then would the rest be Apk files in the system app
my biggest problem is im not understanding what xml files change what an some of the pngs idk what they change
edit: I found post that said this, is that a pretty good way to descride it.?
app folder - This folder contains all of the apps that will be installed during an update or wipe. You will need to extract only the apks of the apps you wish to change the icon and graphics for.
-Launcher.apk - This file is in the app folder and contains the menu launcher tab, clock, google search widget, wallpapers and some other things.
framework - This folder contains framework-res.apk, this is where the bulk of your editing will take place.
When you open a apk you will see:
assets - This will contain images, sounds and other content used by the programs. Not always used!
META-INF - This contain the encryption data of the update.zip.
res - This folder contains all of the png and xml files. The xml files are used to format the UI, these can be used to change the locations of things on the screen. The xmls need to be unencrypted first. Depending on the apk there can be a bunch of folders under the res folder but we will only concentrate on the drawable ones.
-drawable - The png files in this folder are displayed wheather the keyboard is open or closed. The majority of the files are here.
-drawable-land - These are the files that will show when the keyboard is open. There won't be as many files in these folders. Most of the time the programmer will re-organize the layout with an xml file.
so basically everything is a picture that i want changed an xml files control text color an placement of where things are or what?,
im try my best to but thoes darn xml files are messing with me lol
To start, don't mess with the XML files. Just make changes to the PNG files. Once you get familiar with changing icons and status bar colors, then you can start messing with XML files. Let's say you want a different alarm icon.
Look in the DeskClock.apk under res/drawable-mdpi. You would find an icon(PNG) you want to substitute with, size it to the same size as ic_launcher_alarmclock.PNG, name it the same name and replace the original in the apk.
Use adb to push the apk back to your phone. I would then reboot and then enjoy your new icon.
Some icons will be in drawable-mdpi and some just in drawable. No need to change hdpi on our phones.
The majority of your status bar icons and base OS icons will be in framework-res.apk.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
poashll said:
To start, don't mess with the XML files. Just make changes to the PNG files. Once you get familiar with changing icons and status bar colors, then you can start messing with XML files. Let's say you want a different alarm icon.
Look in the DeskClock.apk under res/drawable-mdpi. You would find an icon(PNG) you want to substitute with, size it to the same size as ic_launcher_alarmclock.PNG, name it the same name and replace the original in the apk.
Use adb to push the apk back to your phone. I would then reboot and then enjoy your new icon.
Some icons will be in drawable-mdpi and some just in drawable. No need to change hdpi on our phones.
The majority of your status bar icons and base OS icons will be in framework-res.apk.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
You can also do it on your computer...don't extract, just open, replace, close, put on SD and flash (after you nandroid...just in case )
iv been looking an looking, but cant seem to find a black stock theme
with stock htc green when a button is pressed, any one kno off a stock black theme i might be over looking
still havent figured ths out, an im having problems because im odexed?
DubsideWICKED said:
still havent figured ths out, an im having problems because im odexed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes more than likely your only have trouble theme and odexed rom. Try a rom that is deodexed or I heard the have some deodex sripts that will do it.
ASimmons said:
Yes more than likely your only have trouble theme and odexed rom. Try a rom that is deodexed or I heard the have some deodex sripts that will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright is there a performance or memory difference between odex an deodex
Does this same process apply with adw? If so, does that mean theming aosp and cm6 are equally as easy?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

[TUTORIAL]Customizing App Icons

Customizing an app with icons of choice:
App considered in example: Settings.apk
Archive software: winrar
Image editor: GIMP Portable
Download and install software needed, if not already present:
An image editor that lets you work on images, a little advanced preferred so the transparency of icons is not lost. I used GIMP portable version since this won't create any registry entries and would be un-intrusive on my system.
Winrar to extract files from the app.
Copy the Settings.apk from /system/app folder to some temp folder, say /sdcard/temp using an app like Root Explorer
Connect the phone to computer and copy this app from temp folder to computer
Download and install winrar on computer
Note: I used winrar, you can use any archive manager of your choice as long as you can open the apk file with it
Open Settings.apk with winrar
Enter the folder "res"
You will find a few folders here. Copy the folder "drawable-hdpi" to desktop.
Open this folder and turn on image previews.
This folder contains the icons used in the app. Select the icons you want to update.
Creative part here: Search for icons that appeal to you, or you feel would appeal to public if you plan to release it public. Don't worry abt the size, but ensure they are atleast 96x96.
Sizes as per my preference:
App icon as seen in app drawer: 96x96
Internal icons in settings: 64x64
The (b) above may not always hold good. You could try with one size, and then try resizing to best fit the app you are working on.
Open the icon you downloaded in GIMP and resize it.
On toolbar: Image --> Scale Image --> Type in the width and height you want (pref in pixels to be accurate) and click "Scale"
Save the file.
Give this file the same name as the icon you want to replace.
Repeat steps 11 through 13 to resize all the icons you want to replace.
Please make sure the icon that is visible in app drawer is atleast 96x96.
Copy these new icons into the "drawable-hdpi" folder overwriting the existing files.
Open Settings.apk with winrar
Enter the folder "res"
Enter the folder "drawable-hdpi"
Drag and drop all the icons in our "drawable-hdpi" on desktop into this folder in winrar
Close winrar (it is auto saved).
Move the "drawable-hdpi" to recycle bin (do not delete it at this point)
Open Settings.apk again in winrar, and extract the "drawable-hdpi" folder to desktop.
Open this folder and make sure all the icons are present in it as per the updating you just did.
Move this file to phone to some location say /sdcard/temp
Open root explorer and move this file to /system/app
You might consider backing up the current Settings.apk file to Settings.bak before copying the new file there (it is always recommended to backup the existing app in case you wanted to revert)
Thats' it. You now have a new look settings app.
*** All standard 'messing with system outcomes' disclaimers apply ***
Word of caution. Non stock apps may not update correctly in the market after doing this.
whiteguypl said:
Word of caution. Non stock apps may not update correctly in the market after doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this could cause an issue 'cos all I am updating here are some images, not any XML or anything.
Edit: I haven't so far tried it on any apps I bought from market so far.
Great write up...
Thanks for doing this...It takes the mystery out of changing things around some.
Mac
I was actually looking into this and am very glad you put up a tutorial. Thanks a lot!
If you simply want to change the app icon on the homescreen as opposed to the app drawer, download Desktop VisualizeR. Great and simple app that allows you to pick and choose icons for different apps. Really fast to do if all you want is home screen and don't care about app drawer.
danrubi said:
I was actually looking into this and am very glad you put up a tutorial. Thanks a lot!
If you simply want to change the app icon on the homescreen as opposed to the app drawer, download Desktop VisualizeR. Great and simple app that allows you to pick and choose icons for different apps. Really fast to do if all you want is home screen and don't care about app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. Changing just the home screen icon can be done even through Launcher Pro shortcuts. This changes the icon whole. This way it gets changed with the new one in the drawer, and retains the new one even when u create a shortcut wherever u want.
nice write up diablo.
this will help people who might want to make a theme, or customize their phone or whatever, but have no idea where to start.
di11igaf said:
nice write up diablo.
this will help people who might want to make a theme, or customize their phone or whatever, but have no idea where to start.
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Click to collapse
Thanks dilli.
Did u like my settings app customizations? Would it be worth considering to put them into our green and blue themes?
Nice write up but for making only minor changes, such as with swapping out a few images, isn't it much easier and faster to just use ninjamorph?
newter55 said:
Nice write up but for making only minor changes, such as with swapping out a few images, isn't it much easier and faster to just use ninjamorph?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is assuming with no tools. Just the basic editors. And like I said, this is my first step, and I don't even know any tools.
im trying to install these signal bars.
ive tried following these steps but going into framework-res instead of apps for the signal bars, but when i went to paste the folder back into the framework-res / res folder it just made a copy outside of the framework-res and nothing has changed
bignate78 said:
ive tried following these steps but going into framework-res instead of apps for the signal bars, but when i went to paste the folder back into the framework-res / res folder it just made a copy outside of the framework-res and nothing has changed
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Click to collapse
Open framework-res.apk in winrar. Browse to the folder u want within winrar. Drag and drop the files there.
If u can wait abt an hour, I can upload my version of customized 3.0 FF ROM. Incidentally I have customized a couple icons in framework-res.apk, and happen to include the same signal icons. U could use my framework apk if u wanted to.
Will this change anything on my phone besides the signal bars?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bignate78 said:
Will this change anything on my phone besides the signal bars?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Nope. Only a few more icons here n there like changing some icons to green that were initially with no color. Changed the sync icon. Rest all the same.
Unrar the file and u will get an apk file. Copy this into /system/framework folder on ur phone using an app like root explorer, and reboot immediately (ignore any FCs).
Cause I dnt want to change what's done to my phone besides the signal bars.
And thanks a ton for the help!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bignate78 said:
Cause I dnt want to change what's done to my phone besides the signal bars.
And thanks a ton for the help!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can extract the files from the apk and compare the images between existing and this one. Hardly any changes.
Let me recall:
1. Sync icons
2. Wifi icons
3. Some icons color changed to green, and some error icons to orange (these were colorless earlier)
diablo009 said:
U can extract the files from the apk and compare the images between existing and this one. Hardly any changes.
Let me recall:
1. Sync icons
2. Wifi icons
3. Some icons color changed to green, and some error icons to orange (these were colorless earlier)
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Click to collapse
ok cool let me look at them and if i like them could you possably change the colors?
bignate78 said:
ok cool let me look at them and if i like them could you possably change the colors?
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10char
diablo009 said:
10char
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is there anyway i can send my framework and have you change the bars and basically change what would be green in yours to blue in mine?

Changing statusbar background image

Hi, i need help with changing statusbar background image.
I pulled SystemUI.apk, decompiled, changed images
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\status_bar_background.9.png
and
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\statusbar_background.9.png
but it wont let me compile it again, it gives some errors...am i doing this right?
kristjanp said:
Hi, i need help with changing statusbar background image.
I pulled SystemUI.apk, decompiled, changed images
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\status_bar_background.9.png
and
\SystemUI\res\drawable-hdpi\statusbar_background.9.png
but it wont let me compile it again, it gives some errors...am i doing this right?
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Click to collapse
The images are a .9 type. That means there is a black border around the images which you can't mess with. You need to get the original pictures, and do it again, but without touching the borders. So in gimp, that means you should use colorize, or colorfy.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Didn't quite understand that, can anyone do it for me?
I added the SystemUI file and the statusbar file.
Thanks
kristjanp said:
Didn't quite understand that, can anyone do it for me?
I added the SystemUI file and the statusbar file.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use 7-zip for it
wil also work and never gives errors
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium thank me if you think you can thank
I have also wondered about this. If I changed one of those statusbars in a theme that was a .9 png to a standard screen width statusbar image, and renamed the png to statusbar_background.png in the drawable folder and in the XML, would that work? Or would I need to make other changes?
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
So someone can do it for me ?
Didnt work will try again
kcls said:
I have also wondered about this. If I changed one of those statusbars in a theme that was a .9 png to a standard screen width statusbar image, and renamed the png to statusbar_background.png in the drawable folder and in the XML, would that work? Or would I need to make other changes?
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm 99% sure that won't work. I say that because I've modified images and in renaming, I accidentally deleted the ".9" leaving just ".png". My tweaked image did not show up and instead, it still displayed the stock.9.png.
I'm gonna assume that you know how to modify .9's correctly. If not, here is a new tutorial I just saw without even searching. There are several others out there both here and on you tube. I could help as well if need be.
As long as you know how to modify and recompile .9.png's, here is a nice little shortcut for modding any system apk as the OP originally inquired about. Start by decompiling your apk. Modify whatever .9's you want and use one of the MANY tools (one is linked in the tutorial above) to recompile each individual .9.png. Once all of your .9.png's are recompiled, open the COMPILED apk you are modding using 7zip as someone mentioned above. (Left click, go to 7zip, open archive) Then navigate to res/drawable-hdpi/ and just drag your new, modified images in to the folder overwriting the old ones. Close the 7zip window and you are all done. Pretty simple. MAKE A BACK UP (just in case) and then adb push it to your system folder or use root explorer to copy and paste it.
I'd love to go into more detail, but I gotta run. I hope this helps a little. Trust me, I am no computer guy. A year ago, I didn't even know what "root" meant. I've learned everything from reading these forums and having some questions answered by other helpful users. Good luck
kcls said:
I have also wondered about this. If I changed one of those statusbars in a theme that was a .9 png to a standard screen width statusbar image, and renamed the png to statusbar_background.png in the drawable folder and in the XML, would that work? Or would I need to make other changes?
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually just change the Status Bar backdrop in the Mdpi folder, then sign it.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using Tapatalk
Problem is, some statusbars can't use a .9, as they aren't a solid color the whole way through. Excellent writeup by the guy a couple posts above me by the way. But I just wonder what the best way to change the statusbar background from a .9 to a full 320xWhatever (for mdpi) png is. Can it be done? Am I being clear? Because sometimes I don't make much sense
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
kcls said:
Problem is, some statusbars can't use a .9, as they aren't a solid color the whole way through. Excellent writeup by the guy a couple posts above me by the way. But I just wonder what the best way to change the statusbar background from a .9 to a full 320xWhatever (for mdpi) png is. Can it be done? Am I being clear? Because sometimes I don't make much sense
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly can't speak for every rom or every phone, (and maybe this isn't exactly what you are referring to) but this is an old statusbar I made for a MIUI theme that worked just fine as a .9. If turned horizontal, the middle stayed the same size and both of the solid colored sides would stretch. Actually, the sides are a black to grey gradient.
Try this....
Draw9patch is the tool used for creating .9 images, it is included in the android sdk.
1 .Navigate to the tools folder at the dos prompt and type Draw9patch.
2 .Drag and drop the image to be edited into the window that opens up when you hit return.
3. Press press shift and select one pixel at two corners of the image (diagonally opposite)
Then simply save 9 patch image from file menu.
Make sure you name it as-- yourfilename.9.png
It works for me anyway
shanman-2 said:
Draw9patch is the tool used for creating .9 images, it is included in the android sdk.
1 .Navigate to the tools folder at the dos prompt and type Draw9patch.
2 .Drag and drop the image to be edited into the window that opens up when you hit return.
3. Press press shift and select one pixel at two corners of the image (diagonally opposite)
Then simply save 9 patch image from file menu.
Make sure you name it as-- yourfilename.9.png
It works for me anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So with this tool, you can take a full blown statusbar, say the one a few posts above, or one with gradients and such, and make it into a .9? I wish I'd known about that earlier!
Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.2'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
If u use ninja morph it will work

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