Related
Ok, so I know a lot of you are looking for a simple process to get the animation screen changed on non-hero/htc builds. Well, we can do it.
First, animated gif images dont work for google builds as of yet (at least that I've heard of), so scrap that idea right now.
The google boot animation is a combination of two images:
android-logo-mask.png
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
and
android-logo-shine.png
(images taken from Dude's 1.3RC1)
Now, the way this works is as so:
android-logo-shine is the color in the background. it scrolls across repeatedly, and that white stripe on there makes it look like it's got a light glimmer on it. android-logo-mask is the actual image. When it's all put together, it looks something like this (imagine the background color scrolling across as your phone is loading)
now, I've played with this some and my current logo is 256x265. The logo cant really be any wider than 256 pixels or it will crop off the edges of the screen. The shine has to match the image in height, but the width is fine at 512.
there are multiple methods for doing this. first is the old-school method for people who like to do things the old fashioned way.
So heres what you do: (VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMrn3n_ayHI)
1.)take your favorite rom and favorite unzip program (i use winrar). open the rom up and navigate as follows:
system--->framework
2.)you will see a file called framework-res.apk. open this file (again, winrar works good for this).
3.)open the assets folder, then open the images folder.
4.)you will see the two png files i mentioned above. extract them both to your desktop, but DO NOT CLOSE THE FILE BROWSER (unless you want to navigate to that folder all over again).
5.)now comes the fun part: editing your images. this is where it gets a little more complex:
-on the mask, any area you want the scrolling color to show up must be TRANSPARENT. You can put just about any text or image on there that you want, but the scrolling color from the shine image will not show through without the transparency.
-the shine image can be any colors you want, so feel free to play around with some schemes until you come up with something you like.
6.)after you're done and you've saved both images the way you want, put them back in the same folder you took them out of (framework-res.apk\assets\images)
7.)once you've put them back in, you have to resign the whole update. this is a very easy process that is laid out for you in this thread that stericson put together.
8.)throw the newly signed update.zip on your sd card, boot into recovery mode, flash, and reboot. you'll be happy with the result.
Just to give you guys a little taste, heres what my FIRST design looked like:
(just use your imagination to picture the red/white background scrolling across the android and lettering)
A couple things to point out for you artists: the "shorty's android" and the android outline are the only transparent parts, so they will show the scrolling color. The "1.5 customized" and android eyes are solid colors, so they dont scroll/change/nothing.
Now, at this point in time, I havent found any way of adding music like the htc/hero builds can do. If anyone figures that out, let me know and I can add it to this tutorial, with credit to you, of course.
Enjoy your spiffy new boot animations guys, and please post some screens here so we can all admire your work.
New addition guys: for those having trouble with the directions, I made a video tutorial to help out! Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMrn3n_ayHI
Next, and probably the easiest method of doing this is to use METAMORPH! If you dont know what metamorph is, well, you're behind the times and need to check out this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=591329
If you are familiar with using metamorph to at least install themes on your device, then you're set.
So how do you do it using metamorph? Simple.
First, you're going to create a brand new folder and title it "bootanimation" or whatever you choose.
Now, inside that folder, you're going to have several files in order for this to work right.
1. The folder stack where the boot animation will go (explained below)
2. the .thm OR .xml file depending on which version of metamorph you have. If you're not sure: free version uses .thm files. Pro/Donate version uses xml.
Now, creating these things is SIMPLE. The folder stack is going to be the same every time for boot animations. In your folder that you have already created and should be staring lovingly at, create a new folder called "framework-res". THIS FOLDER NAME MUST BE EXACT, as must all the ones that follow. open the folder you just made and create a new one inside it called "assets". Open the assets folder and create a new folder inside it called "images". I know it seems tedious, but thats the LAST folder you have to create, I promise. The last step here is to open the images folder and place inside it your android-logo-mask.png and android-logo-shine.png files. after you've done that, move back out to the original folder and get ready to create your .thm or .xml file.
Now, .thm files for bootanimations are simple. open notepad and put in the following:
any
any
framework-res.apk
/system/framework/
Then save the file (NOT AS A .TXT FILE) as bootanimation.thm
Now, when saving the file as indicated above, the name of the .thm file MUST be the same as the name of the folder you originally created. So if your folder, and thus your final zip file, is named purplebuttmonkey, then your .thm file must be named purplebuttmonkey.thm. Simple enough?
Now, creating the xml files is a bit more complex for the average user and certainly a bit much to put into text, so I'll simply defer you to the master, Stericson himself, in a nifty video he made to educate you how to do it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq4AuHKzNFo
So fast forwarding:
Once you've created your folder stack, your .thm file or .xml file and are ready to move on, all thats left to do is to create your zip file! Guess what, these dont have to be signed either! Hooray! So open your favorite zip program (again, I recommend winrar) and create a zip file out of the original folder you made. After that, put it on your phone, load up metamorph and go to town!
Also, metamorph is nice because it eliminates having to re-sign everything every time you want a new animation. All you have to do is replace the two png files in the folder stack you made, re-zip it and morph it once its on your phone.
NEW:
Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy Boot Animation: http://www.4shared.com/file/XWXh6pT6/HHGBoot.html
YOU MUST HAVE METAMORPH. For right now (4/25), only the pro version will work. Stericson is updating the free version to XML on the 30th. After that, this will work for everyone!
NEW ADDITION: Burlyskink made an excellent html applet for testing out your designs so you no longer have to flash an update in order to see what the finished product looks like! You can find this little gem here. Many thanks to Burlyskink for this!
Many thanks to noonski and mikey for helping get this out of the dogpile. Show your mods some love guys!
Finally!!!
Nice work bro!
I'm am that guy who goes through much trouble w/ a lot of these upgrades mods and graphic tweaks do to the fact that im a visual learner not so much the literal. Do to minimal knowledge on the graphic's aspect, i need a first hand basis tutorial like this one to successfully complete these mods!! \
ThankS a million and Hope to start seeing many more VIDEO TUTORIALS like this around, touching on different area's of graphic designing/software modding for the G1..
Thanks again to all dev's/themers(HEAVY HITTERS!): Manup456("headcrack"), Moonsspoon, Stericson, DudeofLife, koush, Tehseano, Haykuro, Cyanogen, Twisted, Jwange, Diaztradenic, Doubleokneegro, Jborque, MarcusMaximus04, LucidRem, JAC, And of course last but definitely not least The Godfather, The man/The Myth JESUSFREKE!!! and for anyone that i did not mention you know who you are thanks a million!!
I've added these two png's to my update.zip\framework\framework-res.apk\assets\images\
I've been able to reboot with them in the apk now, but it's just a black/blank screen. Does anyone see any reason why they wouldn't be able to be merged into the apk?
I've gotten a log but at the moment, I'm not seeing anything very telling....
you did sign the file and reflash the update, correct? cause I just downloaded your two png files, loaded, signed, flashed and it works just fine for me.
heya,
i have tried to edit JFv1.51 CRB43-us but when i go into the folder i dont not see a .apk file i see .cramsf is there a way i can do it on these themes???
OP,
Mind sharing your red/white background?
EDIT: Just tried this. Edited my own files, repacked into framework-res.apk under assets & images. Resigned the update & all I got was a black screen. Does the framework-re.apk have to be pulled out of the update & edited, then resigned? Or can it just be edited from within the update.zip itself? I am using 7zip if that helps
EDIT2: Just tried pulling the framework-res.apk to edit the images but it didn't work. I placed the original images back in & that worked. I don't get it. The files are the same dimensions. But my images were bigger than the original as far as bytes go. I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I don't know how to get them any smaller. I tried pnggauntlet but it didn't seem to work. O well I'll stick with the stock stuff but continue playing with it till I get it
Beast84 said:
OP,
Mind sharing your red/white background?
EDIT: Just tried this. Edited my own files, repacked into framework-res.apk under assets & images. Resigned the update & all I got was a black screen. Does the framework-re.apk have to be pulled out of the update & edited, then resigned? Or can it just be edited from within the update.zip itself? I am using 7zip if that helps
EDIT2: Just tried pulling the framework-res.apk to edit the images but it didn't work. I placed the original images back in & that worked. I don't get it. The files are the same dimensions. But my images were bigger than the original as far as bytes go. I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I don't know how to get them any smaller. I tried pnggauntlet but it didn't seem to work. O well I'll stick with the stock stuff but continue playing with it till I get it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont have the original red/white because i'm using a much different background now. the easiest thing i can recommend would be to open the original shine image with photoshop, go image>adjustments>hue/saturation and drag the hue slider until you achieve the desired color. Oh yeah, and edit the image height to match your mask image.
As far as the other two problems, you can do it from directly within the zip. watch the video tutorial at the bottom of the OP, shows you exactly how to do it step by step.
Thanks for the tutorial Kusotare,just thought I would add that I use 320 x 480 images like Dude/Manup did in his 1.1 and 1.2 builds and they dont cut off the sides at all.Both of my themes use 320 x 480 boot animations if anyone wants to grab one as a template feel free they are in my signature.
kusotare said:
you did sign the file and reflash the update, correct? cause I just downloaded your two png files, loaded, signed, flashed and it works just fine for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I can include the two pngs to my update.zip/resign/flash, and then I just get a black screen now instead...tried fixing permissions/chmod'ing the file as well....still just getting a blank screen after rebooting.
kusotare said:
I dont have the original red/white because i'm using a much different background now. the easiest thing i can recommend would be to open the original shine image with photoshop, go image>adjustments>hue/saturation and drag the hue slider until you achieve the desired color. Oh yeah, and edit the image height to match your mask image.
As far as the other two problems, you can do it from directly within the zip. watch the video tutorial at the bottom of the OP, shows you exactly how to do it step by step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it exactly how it was done in the video & still I get a black screen. The phone boots up fine but no animation
Beast84 said:
I did it exactly how it was done in the video & still I get a black screen. The phone boots up fine but no animation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try doing it through winrar. I've had problems with 7zip in the past, which is why I use winrar to do it.
i did this through 7zip. you can modify a whole update (for example, you love a theme but hate the vanity boot screens authors sometimes force upon you) by bringing up the context menu (right click) on the update.zip, then 7-zip>open, after that, navigate to system/framework, and at framework-res.apk just right click again and select "Open inside", and then navigate to assets, pull the two files to your desktop, edit them however you want (or if you already have your own just skip pulling them out), and then just pull the files back to the window and close, it's going to ask you if you want to save, just say yes or ok, and that's it, the update is all good to go (no need to re-sign or anything, i can confirm it works that way)
I've used WinRAR and 7z, no dice.
Threw this together to test.
Thanks for that, kusotare!
I used an adb-based approach:
1.) I pulled the framework-res.apk from /system/framework via adb
2.) then I put my modified PNGs (attached) into it
3.) I wanted to adb push framework-res.apk back onto /system/framework, but there was no space left on device.
4.) so I created a symlink (ln -s /system/sd/framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk) to my Apps2SD partition.
5.) awesomely, it worked on the first try.
Edit: There is some kind of error with the scrolling background, it's maybe too big. Also, the blue doesn't look as good on the G1 screen as on my laptop. Firmware Information: JF 1.51 EU, 62.505.20.17U_2.22.19.26I, 2.6.27-00392-g8312baf [email protected] #1 CRB43
Edit: Okay, apparently, using Apps2SD for this is not a good idea. It can get you looped. However, it's easy to use adb to get out of it again by removing the symlink and repushing the original framework-res.apk . There is an even better solution for everyone with the current Google Maps from the Market - just erase the default /system/app/Maps.apk which is ignored anyway (according to adb logcat).
I swapped the splash out 5+ times now, and the phone boots up reliably. There is a very small possibilty of problems while using the phone, going to bed now and exploring that tomorrow. (It's 4:11)
Autarkis said:
Thanks for that, kusotare!
I used an adb-based approach:
1.) I pulled the framework-res.apk from /system/framework via adb
2.) then I put my modified PNGs (attached) into it
3.) I wanted to adb push framework-res.apk back onto /system/framework, but there was no space left on device.
4.) so I created a symlink (ln -s /system/sd/framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk) to my Apps2SD partition.
5.) awesomely, it worked on the first try.
Edit: There is some kind of error with the scrolling background, it's maybe too big. Also, the blue doesn't look as good on the G1 screen as on my laptop. Firmware Information: JF 1.51 EU, 62.505.20.17U_2.22.19.26I, 2.6.27-00392-g8312baf [email protected] #1 CRB43
Edit: Okay, apparently, using Apps2SD for this is not a good idea. It can get you looped. However, it's easy to use adb to get out of it again by removing the symlink and repushing the original framework-res.apk . There is an even better solution for everyone with the current Google Maps from the Market - just erase the default /system/app/Maps.apk which is ignored anyway (according to adb logcat).
I swapped the splash out 5+ times now, and the phone boots up reliably. There is a very small possibilty of problems while using the phone, going to bed now and exploring that tomorrow. (It's 4:11)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried the ADB version when I first started, thinking "you know, pushing the framework-res would certainly be much easier than manually repacking and resigning the whole update". Then I ran into the same problems you did and decided that the method I eventually settled on and posted here was going to be much easier for most people than trying to solve the million adb-how-to questions that would eventually come up. Glad you got the adb method working well though.
Thanks for confirming that, kusotare!
In anticipation of the adb-who-what questions you mentioned, let me state it for all to see:
First: All adb questions are answered in the forum. Use search, or Google. I heard they have this nifty search engine. I don't know where it'll get them eventually, but for the moment you can find pretty much everything using Google.
Second: I don't support adb - I love it!
Custom
I was bored and decided to make an electric version. I'll fool around with it with some newer ideas later.
As usual... open framework-res.apk, drop+replace in assets/images, sign.
I'm beginning to think that it's something that Paint Dot Net does, because I can use the png's in the first image and they work perfectly, as soon as I edit the mask or the shine not changing the name or size by too much it craps out on me (it updates, but just goes to a black screen for the animation)...
Anyone doing this with pdn, or are you guys all using GIMP/Adobe?
Paint Dot Net users: do not save with 32 bit, do not allow it to choose for you or it won't work for you. Much aggravation dispelled now...
After a lot of trial and error, here it is. Pretty simply you will be able to change your lockscreen background to whatever your liking is.
This has been mentioned to be working on both MDPI and HDPI resolutions.
This mod works only for CM7, as it includes the rotary lockscreen code.
IMPORTANT This will alter your framework-res.apk folder, and this means you will lose your current accounts and sync settings. So backup with titanium first (or whatever you use). ALSO, NANDROID TO BE SAFE
I've made 2 versions so far:
1) First version is your normal lockscreen, with altered background. Nothing else is changed.
2) Lockscreen with altered clock. Moved to the top-left to leave more space for your new background to show. Here's how it looks:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
FIRST STEP - How to apply Lockscreen for the first time
1) Included are 2 CustomLockscreen .zip files. Choose wether you want the edited clock version or not, then go ahead and download
2) Use either metamorph, or simply overwrite in your own framework-res.apk files the contents of the zip file (if you overwrite, make sure you leave out the .xml file in the ROOT of the zip)
3) Apply Metamorph, or use your own framework-res.apk and push it via adb.
4) Reboot. Note this also changes your home background picture, just simply change it to your normal one. Don't worry, the lockscreen one won't change after you change your home background.
STEP TWO - After having applied the first step, you need to do this to change image everytime you want to
1) Download the ChangeLockscreen.zip
2) Use metamorph to extract the zip then exit metamorph
3) Mount your phone to your pc and place your 320x480(MDPI) or 480x766(HDPI) picture in /sdcard/AndroidThemes/ChangeLockscreen/framework-res/drawable
4) Go back to metamorph, choose "Pick existing theme" and Navigate to the ChangeLockscreen folder, and choose the ChangeLockscreen.xml
5) Apply
6) Reboot
7) Change home wallpaper again.
NOTE Use a 320x480 JPG IMAGE (MDPI) OR 480x766 JPG IMAGE (HDPI) of your liking and place it in /drawable named as default_wallpaper.jpg
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Extract your framework-res.apk from your current rom
Boot in recovery and enable USB toggle
Code:
adb shell mount /system
adb shell rm /system/framework/framwork-res.apk
adb push /the-folder-you-extracted-your-framework-res/framework.res.apk /system/framework
Reboot
NOTES MDPI devices use the normal zips. HDPI devices use the HDPI zips.
If you like this, please THANK away
Contact me
Twitter
Suggestions, problems etcetera, please post here so others can help as well. Let me know if this works for you.
Changelog
V1.0 Out 25/1/2011
Just wanted to confirm that this also works on HDPI devices. I built the keyguard XML into my framework on my EVO and it works perfectly.
where´s the difference to [Custom] Lockscreen Background ? (besides of not changing frameworks-res.apk)
rori~ said:
where´s the difference to [Custom] Lockscreen Background ? (besides of not changing frameworks-res.apk)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't actually seen what is edited in your xml, but seeing the name of the files they seem to have the same layout, except yours targets /drawable-hdpi (which doesn't exist in MPDI or LDPI screens).
Tried to morph it (because as i said i was too bored to decompile your xml), and it doesn't seem to work. Have you included the rotary lockscreen code?
+ the small edit to the clock position.
I'm sorry for not seeing it earlier (i did search online, but didnt come across it, could have made my life easier). All i found on the net was an eclair edit of the lockscreen, and based on that, and on what png's were already included on the framework-res.apk files in CM7, i decided to use that obvious choice (default_wallpaper)
@gomorrah
Thanks for letting me know
petsasj said:
I haven't actually seen what is edited in your xml, but seeing the name of the files they seem to have the same layout, except yours targets /drawable-hdpi (which doesn't exist in MPDI or LDPI screens).
Tried to morph it (because as i said i was too bored to decompile your xml), and it doesn't seem to work. Have you included the rotary lockscreen code?
+ the small edit to the clock position.
I'm sorry for not seeing it earlier (i did search online, but didnt come across it, could have made my life easier). All i found on the net was an eclair edit of the lockscreen, and based on that, and on what png's were already included on the framework-res.apk files in CM7, i decided to use that obvious choice (default_wallpaper)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob
What I did was for cm6 and could been used on any resolution, just has to be updated to cm7 and can be easily used as a morph after every nightly.
For cm7 I did this now
im a little lost on how to change the whole lockscreen like your where u have the 4 lock/unlock . how do i get my lockscreen like that. please help
notnice564 said:
im a little lost on how to change the whole lockscreen like your where u have the 4 lock/unlock . how do i get my lockscreen like that. please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you be a little more specific? What's going wrong with your case?
1)You need metamorph. Download it from the market.
2) Flash either CustomLockscreen_petsasj.zip (normal clock in lockscreen) or CustomLockscreen_WITHCLOCK.zip (edited clock)
Then for simply changing the picture, use the other script, ChangeLockscreen.zip.
Extract it in Metamorph, insert the picture of your liking in /sdcard/AndroidThemes/drawable/default_wallpaper.jpg (use the mentioned picture sizes depending on MDPI/HDPI)
Edit: Wrote the steps again, should be easier to understand (was in a hurry yesterday, sorry)
gomorrah said:
Just wanted to confirm that this also works on HDPI devices. I built the keyguard XML into my framework on my EVO and it works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell my how you did this on your EVO? I have tried applying both ZIPs through metamorph and I always end up with this grass screen. Also, the clock is higher in my image than the one in the original post.
If there is a way to do it through Root Explorer, I don't mind doing...just need to know the steps. Metamorph has never wanted to work correctly on my phone that's why I had abandoned it long ago.
thetaman said:
Can you tell my how you did this on your EVO? I have tried applying both ZIPs through metamorph and I always end up with this grass screen. Also, the clock is higher in my image than the one in the original post.
If there is a way to do it through Root Explorer, I don't mind doing...just need to know the steps. Metamorph has never wanted to work correctly on my phone that's why I had abandoned it long ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like the xml edits in HDPI phones are a bit off, as the screens are higher, and that makes sense.
Thetaman, i posted an update for HDPI Devices, get that from the first post.
Petsasj,
Thanks for trying to help. I extracted your CustomLockscreen_WITHCLOCKHDPI.zip in Metamorph. I get some kind of error message when extracting in Metamorph, I think, but it flashes so quickly and is a long message I'm not sure what it says or means. Do you get a message?
I then select Pick Exiting Theme and see a CustomLockscreen_WITHCLOCKHDPI folder. I click on it and there is a CustomLockscreen_WITHCLOCKHDPI.xml file and a framework-res file. If I dig into the framework-res file and get to drawable-hdpi and click on it, it shows no files. Screenshot below. However, if I follow the same path through Root Explorer to the same location it shows the default_wallpaper.jpg. Why do I see it in Root Explorer and not in Metamorph? I'm guessing whatever the problem is, this is why when I apply it in Metamorph...it never changes off the Green Grass screen (default Android)?
I have no idea what could be wrong. I'm sorry =/
What can be done is this:
Get your Rom's framework-res.apk, then:
1) Navigate to the HDPI zip file from the first post, and copy the /res/layout folder content.
2) Open your framework-res.apk (the one you extracted from your rom) with Winrar, navigate to /res/layout and paste (this should overwrite the two files)
3) Use a picture of your liking, sized @ 480x766, named it default_wallpaper.jpg and place it in /res/drawable-hdpi
4) After having added those two files in your framework, use adb to adb push your framework back in place
This is how, if you don't know:
Code:
adb remount
adb shell rm /system/framework/framework-res.apk
adb push C:\framework-res.apk /system/framework
adb reboot
You can copy these lines in, so long as the edited framework-res.apk file is in the root of your C:\ drive. Let me know.
Just want to confirm this is working on my G2 running GingerVillian 1.5
Caused a bootloop on my inc running CM7
Is it possible to tell me which changes i have to do in the keyguard_screen_tab_unlock.xml? I want port it for the Milestone CM7 by nadlabak. I've tried to use your version but it ends in reboot loop.
Also to add the content from yours into the MS Version fails. Hopefully u can help me. In attachement the original framework-res.apk from the lastet Version.
TIA
bandit79
downloading now
fckd my dell , via this lockscreen help needed
petsasj said:
After a lot of trial and error, here it is. Pretty simply you will be able to change your lockscreen background to whatever your liking is.
This has been mentioned to be working on both MDPI and HDPI resolutions.
This mod works only for CM7, as it includes the rotary lockscreen code.
IMPORTANT This will alter your framework-res.apk folder, and this means you will lose your current accounts and sync settings. So backup with titanium first (or whatever you use). ALSO, NANDROID TO BE SAFE
I've made 2 versions so far:
1) First version is your normal lockscreen, with altered background. Nothing else is changed.
2) Lockscreen with altered clock. Moved to the top-left to leave more space for your new background to show. Here's how it looks:
FIRST STEP - How to apply Lockscreen for the first time
1) Included are 2 CustomLockscreen .zip files. Choose wether you want the edited clock version or not, then go ahead and download
2) Use either metamorph, or simply overwrite in your own framework-res.apk files the contents of the zip file (if you overwrite, make sure you leave out the .xml file in the ROOT of the zip)
3) Apply Metamorph, or use your own framework-res.apk and push it via adb.
4) Reboot. Note this also changes your home background picture, just simply change it to your normal one. Don't worry, the lockscreen one won't change after you change your home background.
STEP TWO - After having applied the first step, you need to do this to change image everytime you want to
1) Download the ChangeLockscreen.zip
2) Use metamorph to extract the zip then exit metamorph
3) Mount your phone to your pc and place your 320x480(MDPI) or 480x766(HDPI) picture in /sdcard/AndroidThemes/ChangeLockscreen/framework-res/drawable
4) Go back to metamorph, choose "Pick existing theme" and Navigate to the ChangeLockscreen folder, and choose the ChangeLockscreen.xml
5) Apply
6) Reboot
7) Change home wallpaper again.
NOTE Use a 320x480 JPG IMAGE (MDPI) OR 480x766 JPG IMAGE (HDPI) of your liking and place it in /drawable named as default_wallpaper.jpg
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Extract your framework-res.apk from your current rom
Boot in recovery and enable USB toggle
Code:
adb shell mount /system
adb shell rm /system/framework/framwork-res.apk
adb push /the-folder-you-extracted-your-framework-res/framework.res.apk /system/framework
Reboot
NOTES MDPI devices use the normal zips. HDPI devices use the HDPI zips.
If you like this, please THANK away
Contact me
Twitter
Suggestions, problems etcetera, please post here so others can help as well. Let me know if this works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to install this lockscreen and i ****ed my dell, it just restart again and again, like blinking screen on dell logo again and again, please help guys tried factory reset via recovery mode,nothing happened
cannot make it....return boot loop on my CM7
any help?
doesnt work with GSB CM7. It either puts it in a bootloop or doesnt change it period.
btw, great surprise with the changelockscreen.zip wallpaper
Cant get this to work on G2 using cm7 rc1 meta freeze when installing the costum lockscreen zip
Sent from my G2 using XDA App =)
Hello all, I'm fairly new to the android modding, but I figured out a way to modify the stock battery icon in the status bar to show the percentage.
By default the I927 stock rom is setup to show in increments of 5%. after following CarpeNoctem's guide for rooting the device, I was able to extract the framework-res.apk in the system and change the battery icons. in order to do this you need to have installed on your device, Root Explorer, NinjaMorph, and BusyBox. You also need to have a file manager like Astro, but it's much easier to use the usb cable and insert the icons using the pc.
I have included the complete framework-res.apk file that already has the icons inserted and a compressed file of the icons if you would rather insert them your self. If you plan to inserrt them on your own, just simply overwrite the files in the framework-res.apk with the ones in the compressed file. use NinjaMorph to extract the framework-res.apk then connect the usb cable to your pc and when you are done, disconnect the usb, open NinjaMorph and repack the framework-res.apk. Be sure before you reboot to set the permissions of framework-res.apk to rw-rw-rw- with root explorer. just to be safe use root explorer to make a backup copy of that file and check the permissions to see what they are before making any changes.
Remember there is always a risk of bricking your device. use the information at your own risk.
dbrannon79 said:
Hello all, I'm fairly new to the android modding, but I figured out a way to modify the stock battery icon in the status bar to show the percentage.
By default the I927 stock rom is setup to show in increments of 5%. after following CarpeNoctem's guide for rooting the device, I was able to extract the framework-res.apk in the system and change the battery icons. in order to do this you need to have installed on your device, Root Explorer, NinjaMorph, and BusyBox. You also need to have a file manager like Astro, but it's much easier to use the usb cable and insert the icons using the pc.
I have included the complete framework-res.apk file that already has the icons inserted and a compressed file of the icons if you would rather insert them your self. If you plan to inserrt them on your own, just simply overwrite the files in the framework-res.apk with the ones in the compressed file. use NinjaMorph to extract the framework-res.apk then connect the usb cable to your pc and when you are done, disconnect the usb, open NinjaMorph and repack the framework-res.apk. Be sure before you reboot to set the permissions of framework-res.apk to rw-rw-rw- with root explorer. just to be safe use root explorer to make a backup copy of that file and check the permissions to see what they are before making any changes.
Remember there is always a risk of bricking your device. use the information at your own risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your work, mind posting a screenshot to show how it looks?
vil33 said:
Thanks for your work, mind posting a screenshot to show how it looks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to, but I'm still new to this, have to figure out how to take a screen shot of my phone to post!
I did find a small bug while testing my own mod. I lost all of my contacts after modding the framework-res.apk file! For now please backup your contacts through google or another app.
dbrannon79 said:
I would love to, but I'm still new to this, have to figure out how to take a screen shot of my phone to post!
I did find a small bug while testing my own mod. I lost all of my contacts after modding the framework-res.apk file! For now please backup your contacts through google or another app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either long press the home button + power or install a screen shot app.
Ok thanks, here are two screenshots.
Losing contacts, I mean the accounts like google and Facebook are removed, and your wallpaper is reset. You'll have to go back and add those accounts back.
this "MOD" is called the "Accurate Battery Mod" you should change the title of the thread....
TRusselo said:
this "MOD" is called the "Accurate Battery Mod" you should change the title of the thread....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, title has been changed.
Here's a couple more shots. If anyone wants a different style icon make some requests, I'll begin some work on different styles. If y'all can find online or extract the framework-res.apk file that has the icon sets you want, post them and I can use them to make custom sets. I believe I can,also change the other icons like the wifi and signal icons too.
Can somebody please make a video guide? I have no idea, or somebody post exactly what I need to do? Do I download the two files on my phone? On my computer? If I download on computer, do I choose "Open to see files"? where do I put it? etc..
extremely helpful mod. I currently have been using a series of widgets from the android store to show the percentage/time left, but this is what I was truly after.
Using a rooted AT&T ROM, and was extremely easy to install and operate.
I commend you on your efforts, and speaking for myself, I came over to the Samsung Captivate Glide from the HTC Tilt2 (windows mobile 6.5.3/various energyROMs), and I look forward to all the MOD's and other goodies that are made for the SCG.
I feel so dumb >_< How did you do it, could you tell me briefly?
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"lightbox_download": "Download",
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Tickle My Android - Over Seven Years Old And Still Going Strong!
Download version 16.5 from here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261743827
Click The Box Below For The Changelog:
Version 16.5 - Fixed apktool 1.5.2. usage, new future-proof option for reusing original signature
Version 16.4 - Extra decompiling option, colour options available Version 16.3 - Apktool 2.4.1, new decompiling option, decompile then recompile option added
Version 16.2 - Bug fixes, AOSP framework integration, Java help integration
Version 16.1 - Bug fixes
Version 16.0.0.1 - Complete rewrite and redesign with emphasis on speed, efficiency and ease-of-use
Click The Box Below To See The Credits:
(All The People I Have To Thank)
Big thanks go to these people, without their hard work none of this would be possible:
@Brut.all, @iBotPeaches, @scrosler and @JesusFreke.
I actually have a lot more people to thank than that.
So many, in fact, that it now crashes the website if I try to list them all!
So thank you so much to everybody who's helped over the years. You're all amazing people!
Click Here For Frequently Asked Questions And Help
TMA is a quick, powerful and easy-to-use tool that uses a piece of java called "apktool" to decompile and recompile Android app's.
Along with that, Tickle My Android offers the ability to:
decompile and recompile multiple files in a batch,
sign APK and JAR files
zipalign APK files,
create flashable ZIP files,
let you choose between multiple versions of Apktool
lets you theme up to eight different roms or devices at the same time,
use the tool in different languages
control the tool by keyboard or MOUSE!
To use Tickle My Android, you will need:
- a rooted Android phone or tablet with USB Debugging enabled and a custom recovery installed,
- any version of Android on that device,
- a Windows PC (XP or above) with the phone or tablet's drivers installed,
- Java Runtime Environment 8.0 or above installed to your PATH (http://www.java.com/en/download/help/path.xml),
- a USB cable to connect your device to the PC,
- patience and a little common sense
If you're running Android 4.3 or above, you'll also need to give USB Debugging permission on your phone when this sort of message pops up on the screen:
(Thanks to @carl1961 for the picture)
Download the latest version from the link at the top of this post and run it. (Please don't look in the 'Downloads' tab - it's not working right now.) This is a self-extracting archive which, once it's extracted everything, will put on your PC a new folder called "Tickle My Android". This is where the tool runs from.
The "_WorkArea1", "_WorkArea2", "_WorkArea3", "_WorkArea4", "_WorkArea5", "_WorkArea6", "_WorkArea7" and "_WorkArea8" folders we'll talk about later.
The "tool_files" folder contains various files Tickle My Android needs to run. Don't touch these!
The "user_files" folder holds different versions of Apktool, as well as the different language files.
And the "Tickle My Android" exe file starts the tool. Double click on that and away we go!
How To De/recompile An App
If you want to know about decompiling and recompiling APK and JAR files, take a look at the second post in this thread. There's a lot to talk about!
How To Add An Application To A Flashable ZIP
Head to the third post in this thread to find out how to add APK and JAR files to a flashable ZIP!
What Happens If It Goes Wrong?
Tickle My Android has been designed to be easy to use but the very nature of Android means that things might not always go smoothly.
If you're having problems, look at the 4th post in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25621684&postcount=4 This is the FAQ post which should hopefully be able to help you out.
If you're still having trouble, please feel free to post in here. Include your "history.txt" and I'll try to get to back to you as soon as I can!
How To Say "Thanks"..
TMA is free and always will be. You can use it as much as you like, you don't owe me anything.
But, if you want to give something back, please consider placing one of the banners below somewhere in your signature.
Your support lets me know I'm doing something useful and it keeps this tool alive!! Spread the word!
XDA:DevDB Information
[TOOL] Tickle My Android - Decompile & Recompile With Ease, Tool/Utility for the Android General
Contributors
Ticklefish
Version Information
Status: Stable
Current Stable Version: 16.3
Stable Release Date: 2019-11-30
Created 2018-11-30
Last Updated 2019-12-03
XDA:DevDB Information
[TOOL] Tickle My Android - Decompile & Recompile With Ease, Tool/Utility for the Android General
Contributors
Ticklefish
Version Information
Status: Stable
Current Stable Version: 16.5
Stable Release Date: 2020-03-12
Created 2018-11-30
Last Updated 2020-03-12
How To De/recompile An App
Decompiling and recompiling an Android app for the first time can seem quite complicated and time-consuming, but it really isn't once you know what you're doing.
First you'll need to choose which WorkArea you want to use. There are eight WorkAreas in total, which means you can easily work on up to eight different rom's or devices without having to reset the tool everytime you want to change from one to the other.
Inside each WorkArea are five folders. The '_in' folder is where files about to be decompiled go, the '_working' folder contains the results of that decompiling and the '_out' folder contains the recompiled files. There's also a "Frameworks" folder, which will contain the framework files you've installed. You can pretty much ignore that last one most of the time.
(When you first use TMA, you'll be in WorkArea 1 by default.)
To decompile an app, you'll first need to put the relevant APK in the "_in" folder. You can either copy this into the folder yourself or you can 'pull' it from your Android device. If you want to pull the file, this next section is for you. If you don't, skip ahead to the one after that.
How To Pull A File
First select the "Pull File From Device" option.
This gives you the option of pulling some of the most commonly modified system apps, or any other file you wish.
Choose which file you want to pull and the tool will try to do that for you. If the pull fails, it could be that you don't have the adb drivers installed on your PC for your particular device, or the file doesn't exist, or any one of a number of things. Have a look in the "history.txt" file that's automatically generated to see what's going on.
That's actually all we need to know about pulling - it's really not that complicated. Once you've pulled all the files you need, you can move on to decompiling them. But you might need to install your frameworks first..
How To Install Framework Files
If you want to modify a system app (like SystemUI.apk or framework.jar) you'll need to install the right framework files. These are files that contain resources that are shared amongst most of the system apps. Those resources need to be made accessible to apktool (the program that does the actual decompiling) or the app won't decompile fully and it won't work.
There are many framework files available. Stock Android only comes with one (so far) and it's called "framework-res.apk". OEM's like to include their own, though, just to make life more interesting. Samsung used to have "twframework-res.apk" in their rom's before replacing it with "samsung-framework-res.apk". Framework files are found in "system/framework" on your devices internal memory and should be an APK file with "res" in the filename. You need to make sure you install every framework file in your rom to ensure a system app decompiles, so make sure they all are put in the "_in" folder.
Select the "Install Framework File" option and choose whether you want to install all the framework files in your WorkArea or some individual ones. You can select up to five individual files to install in one go.
If the tool isn't able to install the files you'll be shown an error, otherwise you'll go back to the install menu. If you've installed all the framework files you need to, go back to the title menu because we're finally ready to do some decompiling!
How To Decompile A File
Select the "Decompile File" option and choose whether you want to decompile all the files in the "_in" folder or individual ones.
Once you've chosen your files, you'll be asked whether you want to decompile with "Standard" or "Advanced" settings. This is new to Version 16 of Tickle My Android. Apktool has a lot of different options when it comes to decompiling and you can now choose which ones you want to use. The standard settings will just make the tool try to decompile the entire file, as it used to in previous versions. The advanced settings let you control the process a little better..
These are the main decompile options available for the latest version of apktool available at time of writing (2.4.0.). Full explanations of each are available on the apktool github here: https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/documentation/#decode. To give you an idea though, you can use "Don't Decode DEX Files" if you don't want to modify any smali files, which makes the decompile a lot faster!
Choose your options and the tool will try to decompile your file for you. If it succeeds the decompiled files will be in the "_working" folder, if not you'll get an error message. The full details of that error will be in the "history.txt" file.
Once your app is decompiled you will be free to modify it however you like. Change images, alter layouts, add functionality..whatever you want to do. When you're done, you'll need to recompile your app to be able to use it again.
How To Recompile A File
Select the "Recompile File" option and choose whether you want to recompile all the files in the "_working" folder or individual ones.
Once you've chosen your files, you'll again be asked if you want to recompile with standard or advanced settings.
You can find explanations of the first few options on the apktool github again: https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/documentation/#rebuild. It is very important to know what the options that you've selected but there are two that's worth paying extra attention to..
"Copy Original "AndroidManifest.xml" And "META-INF" Folder" - Modified system apps need to be signed with the same 'key' as the original app, or they won't run. This option ensures that the original key is used on the new app. If you want to change the Manifest file, though, you'll need a different key which involves disabling signature verification. That's a bit more complicated than this tool allows for..
"Use "aapt2" [apktool_2.3.2+]" - More recent apps can be constructed with a newer version of a tool called aapt. If you're trying to modify a file made with the newer version, you'll need to have this option actve for the recompile to work. There's no easy way to tell if this is needed or not so, if you get an error, try again with the option turned off.
(Different versions of apktool will have different options. Selecting an option that isn't available on the version of apktool you're using will cause an error.)
There are also options to sign and zipalign your recompiled apps. Signing uses a generic key and zipaligning can sometimes break V2 signature checks so, if you've no idea what that all means, it's best to leave these options alone until you know you need them.
And TMA has an option to put your recompiled apps into a ZIP file that you can flash in a custom recovery. I'll go into this in more detail in the next post but I always recommend replacing system apps this way. It's much safer than trying to replace them while the phone is running.
Choose your settings and sit back while the tool does its thing.
Once it's finished you'll get a message saying the file recompiled...or one saying it didn't. If it didn't, you can find the full error text in history.txt.
If your file recompiled, you'll find it in the "_out" folder. It's now ready to go back to your phone.
It's up to you how you do that but the route I always recommend above all others is using a flashable ZIP file. Check out the next post if you want to know more!
How To Create A Flashable ZIP File
Once you've got a recompiled app, you need to put back to your phone. If you've modified a system app, I always suggest using a flashable ZIP file in recovery. That way you're replacing part of the system, while the system isn't running. Using a file manager app, or using adb, is asking for trouble. I've broken a tablet that way and nearly a phone as well.
Tickle My Android can create that flashable ZIP for you and it's really easy to do so. You can either tell the tool to do it as soon as the app's recompiled, or use the dedicated option on the title screen.
To start, select the "Create Flashable ZIP File" option from the title screen. You'll then be asked if you want to use files from the "_in" folder or "_out" folder. This can be handy if you want to make a flashable ZIP of the unmodified apps. I normally have at least one of those containing my original SystemUI.apk just in case a mod goes wrong.
Next you'll be asked to choose your files. You can add up to five files to the flashable ZIP. Once you've confirmed which file, or files, you want to use you'll be asked where those files are going in the ZIP.
Make sure your apps go back to the right folder. If you put a modified framework-res.apk in the "system/app/" folder, for instance, those modifications won't be actioned.
Once you've chosen where the files are going, you'll next be asked what filename you want the ZIP file to have. TMA will automatically generate one for you based on the current date and time, but you can have whatever filename you want. Make sure not to use too many special characters or it could confuse the tool and/or the recovery. If you want to use the default filename, just press ENTER.
The tool will now ask you to confirm all the details.
If you're happy, then the ZIP will be made and placed in the same folder as the tool.
Copy this to your phone, flash it in reoovery and enjoy! But always, always, always make sure you have a backup first!!
F.A.Q.
Having trouble using Tickle My Android?
Something not making sense?
Something not working the way it should?
Read on..
Q. I can't de/recompile something!
A. With Android being open-source, more and more companies and developers are putting their own spin on the OS and it's not unusual to find that something won't compile even when there's no obvious reason why it should.
I can help..but you need to do something for me first.
In the tool's folder, you'll find a file called 'history.txt'.
Share that file with me and let me know a little bit about what's going wrong.
That should give me enough information that I will be able to fix your problem.
Please be aware that I won't be able to help you without this information.
Q. I'm getting a 'Java Not Installed" error...but I do have Java installed!!
A. You may have Java installed...but you probably don't have it in your PATH.
TMA is a batch file, which runs in a command-line environment. If you don't have Java in your PATH, the tool won't be able to access it and won't be able to do any decompiling or recompiling at all.
Adding Java to your PATH is actually a lot easier than it seems. Have a look at the official guide here: [url]http://www.java.com/en/download/help/path.xml[/URL]
(Big thanks to @carl1961 for the pictures!)
required SDK &other tools?
Sent from my GT-S5660 using Tapatalk 2
si_bolang said:
required SDK &other tools?
Sent from my GT-S5660 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, everything that's needed is included. You do need to have the right drivers installed but that's about it.
Ticklefish said:
Nope, everything that's needed is included. You do need to have the right drivers installed but that's about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, how do i get transparensy statusbar? i use cm 7.2 can it work then ?
Edit: Great tool btw
Decompile your framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk, then use the Change Status Bar Color option.
It should work on your rom but not every launcher supports transparent statusbars. Let me know how you get on!
Oh,and thanks!
Sent from my SK17i using xda premium
Just wondering if you could make these for me with your tool cos i'm likely to do something wrong if I try it myself lol.
I don't want on screen buttons.
How to change status bar in cm7.2 to make look like miui status bar
Like This :
First off, thank you! This seems like a great useful tool. The problem im having is that following the steps above, whenever i get to where i decompile the apks and its says the files are placed in the "working" folder, nothing is in there? What could i be doing wrong?
Thanks for your help
Hi,
Awesome tool, I was really excited when I found this. But I am running into some issues. I am running Thundershed (cm7) on HTC thunderbolt, computer is win7. When I try and "pull" I get a quick "unexpected error" message and your tool closes. I have manually pulled framework out of the system and put it in the "in" folder, tool sees that it is there, but when I try to decompile, I get the same unexpected error. The only thing I have managed to get this tool to do is reboot my device.
ok, i was able to get a screenshot of the error.
X-Droidinary said:
Just wondering if you could make these for me with your tool cos i'm likely to do something wrong if I try it myself lol.
I don't want on screen buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this can be used to do a lot of the modifications you have in those images. The ICS battery icon is available from the battery icon menu. Changing the position of the clock is relatively simple but exactly how you do it depends on your exact rom.
Sent from my U20i, SK17i, GT-P1010 or something else entirely.
X-Droidinary said:
Just wondering if you could make these for me with your tool cos i'm likely to do something wrong if I try it myself lol.
I don't want on screen buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this can be used to do a lot of the modifications you have in those images. The ICS battery icon is available from the battery icon menu. Changing the position of the clock is relatively simple but exactly how you do it depends on your exact rom.
Sent from my U20i, SK17i, GT-P1010 or something else entirely.
themisterwilson said:
First off, thank you! This seems like a great useful tool. The problem im having is that following the steps above, whenever i get to where i decompile the apks and its says the files are placed in the "working" folder, nothing is in there? What could i be doing wrong?
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. How far do you get with the decompile process? Can you share a screenshot please?
Sent from my U20i, SK17i, GT-P1010 or something else entirely.
trainriderben said:
ok, i was able to get a screenshot of the error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I know what's going on here. When it says to press x to cancel or any other key to continue, do you press RETURN on its own or do you press another key first (like 1, a or similar)? One of the quirks of MS-DOS is that if you only press RETURN, it enters the character you used last time you just pressed RETURN.
In other words, it gets confused and closes the tool. Try typing a letter or number then pressing RETURN. If that doesn't work, let me know!
Sent from my U20i, SK17i, GT-P1010 or something else entirely.
Ticklefish said:
Hmm. How far do you get with the decompile process? Can you share a screenshot please?
Sent from my U20i, SK17i, GT-P1010 or something else entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing it completed the decompiling process, it didn't give me any errors or force closes or anything. It just doesnt show up in the working folder..
themisterwilson said:
I'm guessing it completed the decompiling process, it didn't give me any errors or force closes or anything. It just doesnt show up in the working folder..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not decompiling at all. Odd. Looks like I need to include an error check at that point.
What happens if you try the decompiling option in the theming menu?
Can you share your framework-res.apk? I'll try it out on my version and see if I can't work out what's going on.
Sent from my U20i, SK17i, GT-P1010 or something else entirely.
One noob question. Is this work on ICS device completely?
Hi there.
The greatest thing about Android is that you can change just about every element of the U.I, and if all you want to do is change a few images it's as simple as copying and pasting, but this guide will teach you how to...
[*]Use ADB Commands
[*]Deodex
[*]Decompile
[*]Recompile
[*]Sign
[*]Zipalign
...in an easy to follow manner that will have you theming your own apks in no time. There are many many GUI programs which I'll link to below that automate the following process but experience has taught me that it's important to know the basic process for when those programs don't work, are no longer maintained or you just don't like them for whatever reason etc, and to be honest command line editing for me is just as quick, and I personally prefer the ability to have everything in one folder. So lets begin.
Some Requirements:
A Rooted Phone.
A BACKUP OF YOUR PHONE!
Java - Do this first if you don't have it installed already.
Notepad++ - An essential program for xml editing!
Photoshop or Gimp - You'll need one of these for image editing.
7-Zip or WinRar - Required for apk editing.
Patience. :silly:
Use Linux or a Mac? See the following threads for more information on using apktool on other Operating Systems...
[WIN/LINUX][Decompile/Compile] Quick Mod Tool 4.0 [decompile and compile with speed]
APK Manager for Mac OS X
[Linux][UTILITY][TOOL] APK Multi-Tool
[tutorial] decompiling,recompiling and signing in linux (27-01-2013)
How to install and use Apktool with Ubuntu
Quick Tips;
.apk files are applications on your Phone, but when they''re on your computer you can browse them exactly like you would a .zip file, so set your default zip program as the default program for handling apks which will makes things much easier when working with them.
Download themes for your Phone, for other Phones too even and compare the res folders and screen shots of the theme as that will give you a good idea of what image you need to look for when modding your own apks.
If all you want to do is change images then you don't even necessarily need to decompile, you can just drag and drop images in to an apk to replace a stock image so long as they have the same file name.
For more complex mods like changing text colors and layouts (.xml files) and editing .9 png images then you will have to decompile.
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Most of us will have Java already installed, but if you don't then get it installed before doing anything else. To save you the time and hassle of figuring out what else you need to download etc I've made a zip for you to download which contains Apktool and ADB.
Download APKTool_CMD.zip to a location of your choice, preferably the C:\ drive which will give you a folder to work from. This is how mine currently looks...
Once your folder is setup, java and other tools installed, you're going to want to get any apks you want to theme off your Phone and there are numerous different ways to this, but we're going to use adb commands to pull files to your computer so we need to open a command prompt window in your Apktool folder. To do this simply hold the shift key then right click your mouse in the Apktool folder and select "open command window here", or just click on the included command prompt.bat.
I like to pull the whole system as soon as I'm rooted as it gives me a backup of stock files which I can then copy and deodex to be themed.
The command to pull your whole system is...
Code:
[B]adb pull /system/ Z1C_368[/B]
...you can choose something other than Z1C_368 as your folder name but it will create that folder in your Aktool folder. Alternatively you can just download individual folders, the commands are as follows...
Code:
[B]adb pull /system/app/ Z1C_368 app
adb pull /system/priv-app/ Z1C_368 priv-app
adb pull /system/framework/ Z1C_368 framework[/B]
...or pull individual files...
Code:
[B]adb pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk[/B]
...so now you should have a APKTool_CMD folder with another folder within it and at least your app, priv-app and framework folders in that, which we can use for the next step.
The tool I use is this - [Tool/Utility] JoelDroid Lollipop Batch Deodexer. While I will deodex all the files I've pulled to my computer experience and battery life has taught me to only deodex the apps I've themed on the phone, rather than run a fully deodexed ROM.
Before you can do anything else you need to install your framework-res.apk and SemcGenericUxpRes.apk/twframework.apk, which will put two apks at C:\Users\YourPCName\apktool\framework which are the resources apktool uses to work its magic. The two commands to install your two resource apks are...
Code:
apktool if framework-res.apk
apktool if SemcGenericUxpRes.apk
The command for decompiling is...
Code:
[B][U]apktool[/U] [U]d[/U][/B] framework-res.apk
...which will create a folder named like for like except for the .apk extension, and in this folder is where you'll find a couple of folders, the main one always being the res folder as it's in this folder that you'll find your images and xmls to edit. First glance of a decompiled res folder can be overwhelming, 596 folders in my frameworks, but we only need to focus on a handful in the majority of apks, and they are...
drawable
drawable-xhdpi-v4 (drawable-xxhdpi-v4 depending on your device)
layout
values
...you may need to delve into others sometimes but it's very rare that I've had to.
Once you've finished making your mods you need to recompile your apk using the following command...
Code:
[B][U]apktool[/U] [U]b[/U][/B] framework-res
...notice you only use the folder name here. If you get any errors here due to a bad edit apktool will usually tell you, in a roundabout way, you just need to read the code it throws up then retrace your steps, correct any bad edit and try again. If all goes smoothly you'll now have a new folder called dist, which contains your newly modified apk, but you can't use that just yet.
This is where 7-Zip or WinRar comes in to play. We need to extract from the original apk the Android.Manifest.xml and META-INF folder, into the dist folder, then from the new apk extract the resources.arsc also into the dist folder, then drag and drop all three files back into the new apk, but NOTE, it's important that you choose store as the compression method, any other will break the apk, and if you replace a broken framework-res.apk you will bootloop.
And signing is as simple as that. Alternatively you can use the following command...
Code:
[B]java -jar signapk.jar testkey.x509.pem testkey.pk8[/B] framework-res.apk.apk framework-resS.apk
...notice the extra "S", the output name has to differ from the input name otherwise it will give an error, if done right it will create a new apk called framework-resS.apk, just remember to rename it back to the original before using it on your Phone.
[TOOL] pySignare - Quickly Sign APKs [Windows]
Signing For The Play Store
If you plan on Publishing a Theme or any other app/apk to the Play Store then using the above method to sign your apks just wont work because you need to give it an individual signature that is unique to you, thankfully @AndroidGraphix has written a great guide that will show you how, it's a bit more fidgety than the above method but simple enough to follow...
AndroidGraphix said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Noobs guide to signing an APK with a Private Key
DISADVANTAGES OF UNALIGNED APKs
Quite understandably, situation would be reserved for unaligned application packages. Resource reading would be slow and memory usage would be on the higher end of the spectrum. It would also depend on how many unaligned applications are present. For example, if less number of applications with an unaligned home application, you’d see slower application launch times. This is the best case scenario. For a worst case scenario, having a number of unaligned applications will result in the system repeatedly starting and killing processes, struggling with lags and huge battery drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- SOURCE
Move your new signed apk into your APKTool_CMD folder, you can overwrite your original if you want, and use the following command...
Code:
[B][U]zipalign -v 4[/U][/B] framework-res.apk ZAframework-res.apk
...notice the ZA, zipaligning creates a new apk which has to be named different from the original, but use what you want, it'll need renaming again before you use it.
So now we need to transfer your apk back to your Phone, you can do it by copying to your SD, then to your system, change permissions, then copy to the right folder, but that's not only time consuming but highly tedious too, so a simpler method is to use adb using the push command as this allows us to push straight to the system overwriting the original with the correct permissions too. To use this method you'll need you'll need an unsecure kernel and/or Chainfires adbd Insecure app. Try the app first but if you still can't mount and push files read this thread - [HOW TO]Make your favorite kernel adbd insecure to run ADB as root on /system and try again.
Rename your zipaligned apk to it's original name, then we need to mount the system before we can push direct to the the system, and the command for that is...
Code:
adb remount
...then we need to make sure we're pushing our apk to the right folder on the Phone, so for the framework-res it's...
Code:
[B][U]adb push[/U][/B] D:\Xperia\Z1C_368\APKTOOL\framework-res.apk /system/framework
...yet for the SystemUI it's...
Code:
adb push D:\Xperia\Z1C_368\APKTOOL\SystemUI.apk[B][U] /system/priv-app/[/U][/B]SystemUI
...if it's any one of those two then generally you need to reboot, so just type...
Code:
adb reboot
...your Phone will restart and if you've done everything right your new mods should be displayed, happy days. So that's it for how to use command prompt for modifying apks.
So now you know how to prepare an apk for editing your going to want to theme it obviously, and the following links will help you with that.
XML 101 - XML Modding Made Easy!
How To Edit Resources
The Ultimate Android Themeing Guide
[GUIDE] Smali coding guide for beginners
[Reference] Interactive Phone Modification [GUIDE]
[TOOL] Android Drawable Resizer Tool
[GUIDE] Want to learn how to theme?
[Guide] demystifying build.prop [Valid entries]
General Questions about Themes GO HERE!!!!!
[INFO] Custom framework-res.apk resources.arsc using vendor overlays
[Tutorial][NICS Themer] Create Your Own Themed apk & Become a Themer
U.I Modding
Tutorial :- Changing App Icons
[TUTORIAL]How to Theme Your MMS
[How-to] Edit the "About Phone" display
[Tutorial][VIDEO] Add/integrate apps into Settings app!
[TUTORIAL] Where to find the colors for making a theme
[MOD][GUIDE]LockScreen Clock with seconds[ANY ROM]
[TUTORIAL] How to add various framework/Settings mods
[TUT][JB] HOW TO THEME SystemUI.apk for TOTALLY newbie!
[HOWTO] Integrating/Adding applications to the settings menu
[TUTORIAL][ICS][GB][JB]How to change Android's black background
[GUIDE][Ultimate]Theme Apps To Dark Theme | Theme Whole System | Newbies Here! 12/11
Text...
Text Color Guide
[GUIDE] Tips for themers
[GUIDE][REF]Changing System Text Settings
Statusbar...
[MOD][TUT] Merge The WiFi And Signal Icons
[GUIDE][MOD][SYSTEMUI] How to add 0.00KB/s meter on statusbar GB/ICS/JB
[TUT] How To Center The Clock On The Statusbar..And Move Other Icons As Well!
[How-To]Removing Battery Percentage, Adding Toggles,Battery Circles to Statusbar
[GUIDE][Mods][All Devices]How to add/ Change Clocks to Analog/ Digital with Seconds
The three best/most popular GUI programs are...
@Diamondbacks - Virtuous Ten Studio
@Ticklefishs - [TOOL] Tickle My Android
@BDFreaks - [Tool]Advanced ApkTool
...there are others but these are I what I tend to see referred to the most.
TIP:
Restoring modified files if you mess up is easier and quicker with a CWM.zip, especially if you're modifying any framework apks! Just because an apk might build with no errors doesn't mean it won't give you any when installed to the Phone.
I hope after reading this explanation you're left wondering what all the fuss is about, as it really is quite simple. I'll use the following two images, btn_default_pressed_holo.9 & status_bar_close_off.9 to illustrate the basic point of the borders...
Decompiled .9pngs:
Recompiled .9pngs:
Those borders control which part of the image is stretched (Left & Top) and where on the image content will be displayed (Right & Bottom). We'll use Draw 9-patch which is for editing the borders of decompiled .9pngs and lets you see how the image, when stretched, will be displayed on the Phone. Notice that the borders are different sizes, well that's because I only want/need a certain part of the image to stretch to get the desired look on the Phone.
...in the image below the left side shows the stretched image and desired effect should look on the Phone and the right side shows how it would look if I had edited the borders incorrectly or used none at all...
You can get away by not using a border but you would need to edit your image to specific dimensions to accommodate for the stretching, for example it might look fine for a simple OK button but it might not look right if you used the same .9png for a screen press which stretches the whole length of the screen, so you're better off just using them to begin with, plus you'll more than likely get errors down the line while decompiling or recompiling your apk.
The use of the border is made even more clear when you add text to an image. For my status_bar_close_off.9 I've filled all four sides of the image (except for an empty pixel in all four corners as that is the max amount of border you can use) as I need it to stretch the image just how I've edited it...
...but if I used the same sized left side border as the btn_default_pressed_holo.9 then this is how it would look on the Phone...
...which is obviously not the look I'm trying to achieve, as the left side border is causing the image to stretch incorrectly.
So that's basically it, depending on the image you're editing you can usually leave the borders alone but if you create one from scratch then you might need to play about with them if your images doesn't look quite right when used on the Phone. Here's a few links that will assist you further, especially the batch editing...
How to edit .9.pngs
[TUTO] Create your 9.png !
[UTILITY][TOOL] 9patchPngSuite [Windows&Linux]
How to draw NinePatch images with Photoshop - .9.PNG
[TOOL][Multi-Platform][.9.png][ALL DPIs] Android Resizer Tool
[Tutorial][Commentary] How To Batch Edit .9PNG/PNG Images
[tool] 9compiler - batch process for themers android
ClockworkMod Recovery zips are used for flashing individual files to whole ROMS and can be a life saver if you push a badly edited apk to your Phone that results in a bootloop. There's also a few programs that can assist you with that too, but if all you're doing is replacing a few files all you really need is a template, then it's just a matter of creating the Phones folder setup in the zip which is simply creating folders: system\app - system\media\audio etc then dragging and dropping your files into it. A basic understanding of the updater script is essential, a ROM.zip will more than likely wipe your Phone whereas a Theme.zip may just replace files but it might delete some also.[/QUOTE]
See below for a CWM.zip Template but first some helpful links...
[Tool]easy flasher v4 (ur own update.zip)
[Tool][Windows/Linux] Android Flashable Zip Creator
[Utility-Tool][DEVandThemers]CWMflashpack.zipCreatorV1{TheCollective}w/EdifyScripting
ERRORS encountered in CWM Recovery
[TUT] [for NOOB] editing updater-script for noobs!
[TUTORIAL] Making Flashable ZIPs, EDIFY Script, ZIP Signing & Key Creation
This is my Restore_zip which is set up so you can add your own files to the framework and apps folders in the main system location, but you can easily add other folders to it if you want to add things like fonts, tones or anything else, just remember to add folders within folders if that's where the files you want to include are such as tones, media\audio\alarms for example.
If you navigate to META-INF\com\google\android you will find the updater-script which controls how the zip works and the text you see when you run it in CWM. As this zip is just for basically over writing files you don't need to edit anything except for a few lines...
...this is how I've edited it for my theme...
...so just edit it using Notepad++ to your liking.
When adding files to your zip add them using Normal as the Compression Method...
...Remember to remove the text files I've added otherwise they will be flashed to your folders too.
And that's pretty much it, the only way you're really going to learn is by reading then putting into practice what you've read and picking stuff up along the way, fortunately there are numerous guides for numerous mods and tools to help with a variety of tasks.
Notable credits and thanks to @iBotPeaches and @Brut.all for making it possible with - Apktool
Useful Suff...
rovo89 said:
In this thread, I'm presenting a framework which gives you the possibility to modify your ROM - without modifying any APK (developers) or flashing (users)!
...
Advantages:
No need to modify any APKs. This means:
No need to decompile, change things in smali, compile, sign, ...
It will work for odexed and deodexed ROMs.
Your mod is not bound to a specific version of the ROM. Unless there is a major change in the methods called for a certain functionality, your mod will continue to work even when you upgrade your ROM. Hell, it will probably even work with different ROMs.
Multiple mods can be installed at the same time, even if they change the same package. So you can use these battery icons and those quick toggles. Even hooking the same method twice is possible. Of course, this only works properly if the mods are not trying to do incompatible things.
It does its magic at runtime. That means you can implement options to let the user decide if they prefer the bikeshed to be painted in red or blue. Or you can have some extra logic for certain ROMs without building different mod versions.
It can be disabled easily without having to reflash.
It's open source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- [FRAMEWORK ONLY!] Xposed - ROM modding without modifying APKs
Annex1 said:
CM10.1-THEME_BOOK
Theme book was created by Annex and Ebs512. I've been asked alot of questions from how to get started? what do I need to get started? to What Graphics program do I use? etc. We made a real simple theme guide to help get you started. This is in Layman Terms.. Nothing fancy.
ONLY THING FANCY IS MY FLASH BOOK
YOU MUST HAVE A FLASH PLAYER INSTALLED TO VIEW THIS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- [GUIDE] HOW TO THEME CM10.1 - Animated Book
[Guide] Porting XTheme themes
[How to] XMLGenerator.jar + batch script v2.0
[Guide] Xposed Framework/TabletUI (Noob-Friendly)
[Tool] Drawable XML generator for CM7 theme chooser
[Guide] How to port themes to T-Mobile Theme Chooser
[Tool] [Theme Creator] [CM/Avatar] Theme creator tool
[INDEX][WiP] List of APPs & MODs that use XPOSED Module
[Tool] nhnt11's XML Generator Revived V2+Extended UPDATED!
[DEV/GUIDE]Creating APKs for use with TMobile Theme engine
[Tool][PortCx] Port CM Themes to Xtheme Engine in One Click!
Theme-Porter [v1.0] [Any Firmware / Rom Compatible] [WINDOWS]
[GUIDE] T-mobile theme engine for the faint at heart (non-linux users)
[1/30/2013] Mega 4.2.1 BlackBean Theme Template [XXHDPI/XHDPI/HDPI/TVDPI]
[MOD][XPOSED][4.0+] XThemeEngine beta5 - Theme engine for any rooted phone
[APK][Xposed] ResXploit : Theming your android the easiest way! No decompiling APKs!
-·=»‡«=·-[JB][CM10] Theme Engine Template Updated To V4 [8-7-12][XHDPI/HDPI]-·=»‡«=·-
Hi Guys, I tried to do a small tweak to my ROM like just a color change to signal bars, as mentioned in the XDA university, but once the apk is pushed to system/app and restarted, it went to bootloop. I just changed the color of a image file using GIMP (as mentioned), then dint work, so just tried decompiling SystemUI.apk and then recompiling then folder without any changes and push to system folder, even that dint work, then i saw this thread, i tried the replacing the resources.arsc from old apk (opened using winrar, and dragged to my folder), the opened my new recompiled SystemUI.apk with winrar and added this resources.arsc file which i extracted with compression option as Store, then pushed it bcak to /system/app folder , every time i pushed i connected the phone in recovery mode. But still in bootloop, the moment i replace the apk with original one, it works, can some one pls point out what am I doing wrong ?
Hardware - I9100 - galaxy S2
ROM - JellyBAM 3.3
Kernel - Siyah 5.1+
thanks,
merin
merin_83 said:
Hi Guys, I tried to do a small tweak to my ROM like just a color change to signal bars, as mentioned in the XDA university, but once the apk is pushed to system/app and restarted, it went to bootloop. I just changed the color of a image file using GIMP (as mentioned), then dint work, so just tried decompiling SystemUI.apk and then recompiling then folder without any changes and push to system folder, even that dint work, then i saw this thread, i tried the replacing the resources.arsc from old apk (opened using winrar, and dragged to my folder), the opened my new recompiled SystemUI.apk with winrar and added this resources.arsc file which i extracted with compression option as Store, then pushed it bcak to /system/app folder , every time i pushed i connected the phone in recovery mode. But still in bootloop, the moment i replace the apk with original one, it works, can some one pls point out what am I doing wrong ?
Hardware - I9100 - galaxy S2
ROM - JellyBAM 3.3
Kernel - Siyah 5.1+
thanks,
merin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There
Try using 7zip to update the apk instead of winrar. if that doesn't work, post your logcats,
Thanks
trevd said:
Hi There
Try using 7zip to update the apk instead of winrar. if that doesn't work, post your logcats,
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try that when i get back home today, and is there any option i need to set when using 7zip like store mode ?
thanks,
merin
hi, I tried with 7zip, 1st i just opened the recompiled zip with 7zip and dragged and dropped the resources file from original apk to this archive, and pushed to phone , still boot looping, and then tried to right click on the resource file from original apk, and selected add to 7zip archive, and changed the archive format to .zip/compression mode to Store and saved, then pushed to phone, still boot looping. So here i have attached the logcat, hope that is correct how i have done it, after rebooting the phone, i typed in consle logcat > log.txt and it was waiting for device, once in boot loop i did ctrl + c, then it exited. Please let me know if you need more info, do i need to attach my original SystemUI.apk and framework-res.apk ??
Happy New Year !!!
thanks,
merin
Nice tuts I will try at home :thumbup:
Sent from my ST18i using xda premium
merin_83 said:
then i saw this thread, i tried the replacing the resources.arsc from old apk (opened using winrar, and dragged to my folder), the opened my new recompiled SystemUI.apk with winrar and added this resources.arsc file which i extracted with compression option as Store, then pushed it bcak to /system/app folder , every time i pushed i connected the phone in recovery mode. But still in bootloop, the moment i replace the apk with original one, it works, can some one pls point out what am I doing wrong ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
Are you copying the AndroidManifest.xml and META-INF folder from the original to the new apk too?
Actually i did the exact thing you said yesterday, when i found in the youtube, and it worked thank you!, but dint copy the resource file (but had some fc's when opening camera 1st time), may thats the reason,,, so i should copy AndroidManifest.xml and META-INF and resource file ?, and is this a standard procedure when we do a recompile every time ? or it varies with situation ?
thanks,
merin
Hey hi guys....can any 1 tell me how to set boot image which i want hmmmmm
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda app-developers app
merin_83 said:
so i should copy AndroidManifest.xml and META-INF and resource file ?, and is this a standard procedure when we do a recompile every time ? or it varies with situation ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's how I do it every time and never have an issue (unless I've screwed up somewhere), so yes.
sagar4all007 said:
Hey hi guys....can any 1 tell me how to set boot image which i want hmmmmm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh okey thank you XperienceD, does it make a difference if we just use apktool or Androidsuite for decompiling and building ?
thanks,
merin
merin_83 said:
oh okey thank you XperienceD, does it make a difference if we just use apktool or Androidsuite for decompiling and building ?
thanks,
merin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think androidsuite uses apktool for its decompiling and build it just uses it through a ui as apktool is command line so its more a preference of use for you
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app
ttibbetts83 said:
I think androidsuite uses apktool for its decompiling and build it just uses it through a ui as apktool is command line so its more a preference of use for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. I've set this up for when such programs don't always work.
How about some links for how to guide for Ubuntu user and some links on .XML file editing I was doing .apk mods on windows then started messing around with Ubuntu and find its I little more work to get it setup but all an all it to me is a better environment for android then windows IMOA
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app
ttibbetts83 said:
How about some links for how to guide for Ubuntu user
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a quick search for android theming ubuntu there doesn't seem to be a lot of information for it, and this post...
Nikkopt said:
What and where have you heard about Ubuntu helping on theming? It depends on personal taste and choice. You also have much more tools to help you graphically on windows and mac os.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from this thread - Which version of Ubuntu is recommended for theming? suggests why.
here are some links for ubuntu installs that will help with .apk modding on ubuntu for those who want it
how to setup apktool on ubuntu
http://my.opera.com/ubuntunerd1/blog/2012/08/20/how-to-apktool-with-ubuntu-under-construction
ubuntu version of paint.net
http://pinta-project.com/
xaraxtreme looks to be a good program from what i have read but i have not tryed it out yet
http://www.xaraxtreme.org/download.html
gimp is avalable through ubuntu software center and for .xml ubuntu has built in editer software just by right click and open with text editer
hex color website http://www.procato.com/rgbfind/
Nice guide my friend :good:
if anyone get apktool doesn't work on apk JB 4.2.2 ROM you can use this Latest apktool http://d-h.st/cze
Rizal Lovins said:
Nice guide my friend :good:
if anyone get apktool doesn't work on apk JB 4.2.2 ROM you can use this Latest apktool http://d-h.st/cze
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Rizal.