Database Users

◄ GUIDE ► Customizing ROM Graphics and Interface

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What is this?
This is an elementary reference/guide that I would like to share with anyone interested in customizing or modifying the Graphical User Interface of their custom ROMs - which includes, but is not limited to backgrounds, toggles, system icons etc.
It is based completely on my experiments playing around with ROM elements, as well as help from users across the web.​
Yet another How to Theme guide?
Yes. And No.
Themes are an excellent way to achieve our purpose, and provide much varied levels of customization. They are much more extensive and require knowledge which is outside the scope of this guide.
Themes do not replace any system files or images. Instead, they create references via XML files, which direct your OS to use that which is supplied by the theme instead of the stock elements.
This gives greater flexibility and compatibility, and is without doubt a lot safer.
However, in this guide we will be directly manipulating, modifying and changing the system files and images of your custom ROM instead of taking the XML route. This will only help to alter what you pack beforehand inside your ROM. Not that which you may add later from the device.
Both methods have their appeal, and we will not debate on that.​
DISCLAIMER
As with all guides and tutorials, please proceed with caution. If the end-result is to your liking, give yourself a pat on the back. But if something goes wrong, please don't come running for my head.
Before you jump to searching for a suitable tool to de-compile apk files, please note that we do not require to de-compile any apk or jar files for this purpose. We are simply working on image elements (PNGs ONLY) which can be replaced without any fuss.
The posts that follow will be updated and improved upon regularly based on your views and opinions. Kindly do not take to petty quarrels. If you find something objectionable, please report to the moderators and let them choose the course of action.​
By the end of these few posts, if you are able to create something that gives you satisfaction, please share it with others too.
Your creations, no matter how 'unique' will all be gladly put up here.​​
--

What to edit?
---
Let us begin by extracting the ROM package to a directory.
When you open this new directory, you will find that it contains the following 3 components -
A folder called META-INF
A folder called system
Another file named boot.img
It is the folder named system, that we are concerned with. But when you open this folder, you again find yourself looking at numerous other folders.
For our purpose, we require only the folders named app and framework.
{
"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"
}
Let us begin with the app folder.
The app folder evidently contains the apk files that you have chosen to package with the ROM. It is inside these apk files that our images reside.
As stated earlier, for the purpose of this tutorial we do not need any tools to de-compile the apk files. We treat them as simple archives.
We choose Contacts.apk to start with. This is the apk file that we would want to edit for changing our dialer background.
Open this apk file as you would open any other archive using WinRAR, 7-Zip etc. You should now see the following inside -
Folder named META-INF
Folder named res
XML file named AndroidManifest
Two other files namely, classes.dex and resources.arsc
Now enter the res folder and you find several more folders with prefix drawable, layout, menu and mipmap. Without going into details as to what each folder is for, I would just say that it is the bunch of folders having the prefix drawable and mipmap that we are concerned with.
:good: The mipmap folders usually contain the app's icon which appears in the app drawer, or other places as relevant. The images are usually the same in all folders - xhdpi, hdpi, mdpi.​
The xhdpi icons are somewhere around 96-100px. This is completely upto you to decide how you want your app icon to look like.
The hdpi icons are usually about 75% of the size of xhdpi, while mdpi are a further 66% of hdpi icons in size.
The images are all in PNG format. To edit them you would require a suitable program. I personally use Adobe Photoshop. Other useful ones are GIMP, Pixlr Studio, fotographiX, Corel Photopaint, Microsoft Picture Manager - or any combination that suits you.
In case you want to work with vectors (graphics that use vectors and mathematical functions to describe images rather than fixed bitmaps. As a result the images can be cleanly scaled to any size without losing fidelity.) there is nothing better than Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.
Once you are done with creating your custom icons, save them in PNG format and rename them to the exact name of the stock PNG that you are substituting.
:good: It is always advisable to keep your PNGs the same dimensions as the ones you are replacing. Try not to over-do them. I am sure you wouldn't want a 500 kB PNG file ​
Once you are through creating icons for the xhdpi folder - just copy them all and paste inside the other folders - hdpi, mdpi. Take care that you don't forget to re-size them!
hdpi ~ 75% xhdpi
mdpi ~ 66% hdpi
Now time to edit other elements. We first start with the dialer background. So where exactly is the image for this?
:good: Dialer Background can be found at /res/drawable-nodpi/
The image we want to edit is background_dial_holo_dark.png​
This image is usually 512 X 512 px in dimension. In my experience, this works well if your image is a texture or a pattern (nothing better than a seamless texture). However, if your idea of a dialer image involves using distinct entities etc, you would like to keep your dimensions around the same ratio as the Galaxy Note screen resolution. Otherwise, you will find that the image actually gets stretched vertically once on the phone, and looks really bad.
Next comes the drawable-xhdpi folder. In almost all apk files, this is one folder that you don't want to miss with regards to graphical customization.
You will find loads of PNG images here - each of which can be modified as per your whims and fancies.
You could get started with a few prominent PNGs - ones which you come across or ones that you 'notice' more than the rest. I have tried to list a few that would be worth starting on -
contacts_widget_preview.png
dial_num_9_wht.png (and other digits)
ic_contact_picture_180_holo_dark.png (and the other 'light' counterpart)
:good: Have a look at the other drawable folders. Experimenting is the only way you can know what changes what ​
You can follow the same procedure to customize images inside the Mms.apk, Phone.apk or any other apk for that matter! All you need to do is open the apk file as you would any archive, look for the drawable and mipmap folders under /res
Here I would like to discuss a bit about 2 important apk files -
Settings.apk and SystemUI.apk
These 2 apk files contain the bulk of images that we look to customize. And hence the special mention. The methods remain the same. We look for the same folders as discussed previously. I would just be helping to speed-up things and tell you which image appears where.
SETTINGS.APK
As before, we look for the drawable and the mipmap folders.The mipmap folders will contain the apk icon that represents the module. It is named as ic_launcher_settings.png
Start with the mipmap-xhdpi folder and simply duplicate your custom image into the other mipmap folders. DO NOT FORGET to re-size and rename.
Next we come to the all-important drawable-xhdpi folder, which again contains the bulk of the images we would like to customize. You will find icons here that are find elsewhere too. So which one is which? Where does it appear on your device?
This being the Settings apk that you are editing, the images in the drawable-xhdpi folder appear when you are inside the System Settings menu. This is where we usually set our -
Wireless and Network Preferences (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Data Usage etc.)
[*]Interface Preferences (Launcher, Lock screen, Themes etc)
[*]Device Options (Sound, Display, Storage, Battery, Apps etc.)
Here is how the menu looks when customized using graphics from the Cobalt Theme. (Though this was achieved by explicitly applying the theme, the same can be done by replacing those files in the ROM itself)
The images usually have the prefix ic_settings before them, which should make it easy for you to identify which ones you want to edit.
...to be continued....
---

under const

toxicthunder said:
under const
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
patience.

Nice

Can be very useful, and sort of unique - visual instruction is the key. Can exactly help me with somehing I've tried to do. Great thread.:good:
And adding one step-by-step (with pics) example of re-doing graphics, preferably, contacts/dialer, would be even perfect

This is not a good guide mate...
Where do u decompile the apks so u dont break the .9.png or where do u warn people for them ?
You will create overloading systems with this guide.
When theming the only proper way is to decompile the apk and edit the images then compile the apk again.
I bet none of the apks u did like this can compile because they all have broken .9's.
The system can not find the borders of these images and will create drain.

I think you miss the point.
Before jumping to conclusions on whether this is a good guide or not, please read what I have written.
We are dealing with png files here and NOT 9pngs
PNG files can very well be simply dropped over to replace in the apk.
Most of the icons - toggles, backgrounds, status bar icons etc are ALL png files.
You can simply open the apk files and replace the PNGs you want,
As for the .9png files, though I havent even touched upon them (If you could read the 'to be continued'), you can edit the .9pngs this way too as long as it is limited to color overlays and not with changing the geometric vector dimensions.
Thanks for dropping by..
I am sure users will find your point and our subsequent discussion helpful

Robbie Hood said:
This is not a good guide mate...
Where do u decompile the apks so u dont break the .9.png or where do u warn people for them ?
You will create overloading systems with this guide.
When theming the only proper way is to decompile the apk and edit the images then compile the apk again.
I bet none of the apks u did like this can compile because they all have broken .9's.
The system can not find the borders of these images and will create drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm point. As of now above it has been discussed to modify the .png files. Hence not an issue.
Toxic u would want to put a cautionary note about modifying the .9.png files

@abhi aao ... all set up

toxicthunder said:
I think you miss the point.
Before jumping to conclusions on whether this is a good guide or not, please read what I have written.
We are dealing with png files here and NOT 9pngs
PNG files can very well be simply dropped over to replace in the apk.
Most of the icons - toggles, backgrounds, status bar icons etc are ALL png files.
You can simply open the apk files and replace the PNGs you want,
As for the .9png files, though I havent even touched upon them (If you could read the 'to be continued'), you can edit the .9pngs this way too as long as it is limited to color overlays and not with changing the geometric vector dimensions.
Thanks for dropping by..
I am sure users will find your point and our subsequent discussion helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your guide states modifying .png and .9.png mate ....
remember what you write
We are simply working on image elements (PNGs, .9PNGs etc) which can be replaced without any fuss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Robbie Hood said:
your guide states modifying .png and .9.png mate ....
remember what you write
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you are correct.
But where does it say "How to modify .9pngs"
as I said - under construction

Oh god no time toplay silly kids games.
Justput up a warning if u even know what the .9s exactly are.
If a guide is under construction leave it on ur pc and drop it when its finished.
U can really mess up peoples phones

.9pngs?
Sorry, not much know-how about graphic designing.

Give it a rest guys
Robbie - Toxic is a web designer and that too of an elite class...so he knows what he is doing!! Though your point is valid and well taken ! :good:
Toxic - No harm in putting up a cautionary note as i stated earlier.....many people here you know will mess things up and then flood the Q&A and this thread. So prevention is better than cure

removed reference to .9s under disclaimer.
Thanks Robbie

toxicthunder said:
.9pngs?
Sorry, not much know-how about graphic designing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://developer.android.com/tools/help/draw9patch.html here you go mate
---------- Post added at 12:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:50 PM ----------
abhisahara said:
.many people here you know will mess things up and then flood the Q&A and this thread. So prevention is better than cure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are a wise man

toxicthunder said:
patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh how cool!!! i didn't have to PM or ask you about this, you already created a Thread, this is really helpful for us newbies how want to learn mean while ill keep playing with the building from source part of the custom Rom, thanks toxic!!!

Since xda-university is going to be launched soon, advancing this thread is pointless.
Thread Closed

[GUIDE]Ultimate Guide[Decompiling][9 pngs][Theming]

The Ultimate Guide​
Preliminary Requirements:-
PC with Windows(Please avoid Windows Vista)
Java JRE or JDK
APK Multitool
framework-res.apk, SystemUI.apk, twframework-res.apk, com.htc.resources for installing
7-zip
Notepad++
Android Device for testing
Photoshop or equivalent image editing software
android-sdk(for 9 png editing)
Lots and lots of patience and mind
What this guide includes:-
Main Part:
1. Easiest Decompiling and Recompiling Guide *Must Read before continuing*
Theming Part:
2. APK png resources(General Location of General pngs)
3. Explanation of 9 pngs and how to edit or make them
4. How to Batch edit pngs (Not 9 pngs) (Changing color, etc)
All of us like if all things are present in one guide
This guide covers topics like decompiling, 9 png editing, theming in a very newbie friendly manner.
I have worked upon this guide to make it so that no problem arises during performing certain tasks which I faced.
I have covered workarounds such that they ensure LEAST no. of errors while performing these tasks.
However, if even then any problem arises, I am always there to help you out :laugh:
Main Part:
Decompiling: [MUST READ]
We are assuming that you have installed JAVA, Android SDK and apk-multitool without any problems
1. Copy your mobile's framework-res.apk, SystemUI.apk and twframework-res.apk in others folder in directory where you have extracted apk-multiool
2. Open Setup.bat. Choose 2 :- Installing Framework-res
{
"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"
}
Setup.bat​
Choose 1 (framework-res.apk)
Choose 2 (twframework-res.apk) [similarly install OEM specific files such as com.htc.resources , etc]
Choose 4 (SystemUI.apk)
Window will close each time you choose an option
You will have to restart Setup.bat each time
3. Now place the apk you want to edit in place-apk-here-for-modding
4. Now open script.bat. (If you see any error, either you haven't installed JAVA and SDK[adb] or they aren't implented, Please install them properly before continuing). Click any key to continue
APK-Multitool Window​
5. You will see the above window. Now, make sure you have installed all frameworks and Compression level is set to 9.
6. Now, we will choose our project. Click 24. A list of files present in place-apk-here-for-modding will be in front of you. Choose any file
7. Click on 9. Now decompiling will be in process.
8. After it is complete, go to projects folder, you will see a folder with the name of apk you decompiled
Decompiled apk example​
If it is decompiled properly, then there will be apktool.yml file in it
9. Do your modifications. Now, you can edit .9.png files (they will be discussed later) and xml files which were uneditable first
You will notice that there will be many new folders which weren't present in compiled form of apk. These all folders are generated from a file called resources.arsc present in compiled form which is absent in decompiled form
Such an example is of values folder which contains crucial xml files like styles.xml, strings.xml, ids.xml, etc
Always open xml files with Notepad++, it will mark commands and syntax making it look aligned and making it easy to understand
Example of decompiled xml file ​
Also, you can edit 9 patch files also which will be changed from now on
Example:-
We will discuss 9 png in detail later on
10. After you have done your modifications and you are ready to recompile the app, choose 11 (Compile System APK) if you are editing System App or 12(Compile Non-System App) if you are editing other than System App
11. a) If System App:-
After some time it will ask that if you want to copy additional files other than signatures to ensure less amount of errors, then choose y
After extracting some files, it will ask you to delete files from keep folder
Simply go to keep folder,
If you edited any pngs and there are many and you are lazy enough to delete one by one, then delete the whole folder in which you edited pngs
If you edited any xml file, then delete that xml file AND ALSO DELETE RESOURCES.ARSC
Why? Because we told that values and several other folders are generated from resources.arsc while decompiling
Now, if we don't delete resources.arsc, the modification we did in values folder will be reverted to original state
After doing this, go to script.bat again and press any key to continue
11. b)If its not system app:
Just recompile it and sign it man through the menu in apk multitool man.
It is easy as hell. Tutorial of non-system app has been ended here
12. Now, you will get another apk name System_ apkname.apk
Open both apks as archives by 7-zip
13. Last and most important step:-
Just drop the files you edited from new apk to old apk in correct folders. By now, you may have understood that resouces.arsc INCLUDES your edited xmls
14. Now, the final apk is not System_apkname.apk but apkname.apk (the original file you started with). Push it and enjoy
This is a work in progress.
Will add more things soon
Don't hesitate to ask any questions about anything
Credits:
@d3cka for teaching best about 9 pngs
@deathnotice01 for helping me
Miscellaneous Google and xda posts

Theming Part​
General APK png Resources
Here I will tell you where to find some pngs to theme your Phone
Note: Here I will tell location of pngs but that may differ based on modification done to your ROM by OEMs or devs. These pngs are found after decompiling or extracting the apk files. For more reference, read this.
In this part, there is only brief information, but for a very good guide, please go here. I haven't covered it all up as d3cka himself has done a marvellous job in making that guide. All the things present in that guide should solve all your queries.
General location of apks:
SystemUI.apk - /system/app/
framework-res.apk - /system/framework/
twframework-res.apk - /system/framework
framework.jar - /system/framework/
lidroid-res.apk - /system/framework/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Variable list:
I have referred to some locations as drawable-xdpi. X here stands for
X: m, l, h, xh
Meaning pngs can be in drawable-mdpi, drawable-hdpi, drawable-ldpi, drawable-xhdpi depending on resolution of your phone
In some places, I have just added * in order to fill spaces that are not common in each png
[?] means maybe only for GB or Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery Icons -
(i)Ice Cream Sandwich/Jelly Bean: SystemUI.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/stat_sys_battery**.png
(ii)Gingerbread: framework-res.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/stat_sys_battery**.png
Status Bar icons - SystemUI.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/
Note, some, however very few status bar icons are also present in framework-res.apk
Platlogo - framework-res.apk/res/drawable-nodpi/platlogo*.jpg
(image that pops up when repeatedly clicked on Android Version)
In Gingerbrad, its a single file but in ICS and JB, they are many images.
Default Wallpaper - framework-res/res/drawable-xdpi/default_wallpaper.jpg
Default Lockscreen Wallpaper[?] - framework-res.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/zzzzzzzz_default_lockscreenw.jpg
On stock based HTC roms, the default wallpaper location is specified in the.build.prop (so the dev can either swap out the image, or change the path)
The default wallpaper path for HTC roms is /system/customize/resource/wallpapers_a_00.jpg (Thanks to CNExus)
Spinners[GB] - framework-res.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/spinner_****_**.png
(The loading circles)
Menu Icons - framework-res.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/ic_menu_**.png
These icons may also be present in twframework-res.apk for Samsung Touchwiz ROMs
Notification Toggles
(i)With lidroid 15 toggles : lidroid-res.apk/res/drawable-xdpi/
(ii)Without lidroid mod : SystemUI.apk/res/drawable-xdpi
These were some general pngs of system apps that may be used to theme the phone. You can find respective pngs to theme in their apks.
Will add more soon...
9 PNG Discussion
These are special types of pngs that can be stretched to fit the need of program or different scenarios or cases. It contains 1 pixel lines on each border of different lengths for different things
As told above, we can't edit 9 png in compiled form as it will lose these lines which define its properties. So, we first need to decompile apk in order to edit 9 pngs
So, after decompiling apk, open 9 png in Photoshop and select the part inside that 1 px border and edit anything you want (Hue, Saturation, Bevel, Emboss, ANYTHING)
Now save it (save it as a normal png and then rename it as .9.png because photoshop doesn't recognise 9 png extension and image will loose its RGB format)
Explanation of 9 png:-
You can read this for more information
If you have doubt that you have gone wrong somewhere or you have made a new png from scratch and want to test if it is correct or not:
(Check all 9 png files you edit as they can cause Force Closes or bootloops)
Go to folder where you extracted android-sdk and go to tools folder and open draw9patch.bat
A window like this will open up:-
Drop you 9 png here
A new window will open with you 9 png on it
Tick on show bad patches
If you see red rectangles, you have a bad 9 patch image. You will need to delete or add those lines in png to remove all red boxes. If you want to delete, press Shift and start moving cursor over lines you want to delete. You can choose method of hit and trial to remove all rectangles and move the lower scale to see how your image size is adjusted
Or you can do what I do:
1. Remove all lines
2. Add single dot on top centre and left centre border of image (That can be taken as stretchable area)
3. Add lines on right and bottom of image where you want to fill content. Now, click on Show Content
The purple area you see in image is the content area (Text will be filled there. Eg:- Popup Menu)
4. Now, you can adjust these lines acoording to your need that what you want for stretchable area and content area until an unless there comes an red triangle
5. When it is done. Save the file. DONE
Easy, isn't it?
That's what theming is
Batch Editing pngs in Photoshop
Well the scenario is you have 200 pngs and you want to change their color, hue, add effect to them, etc. Definitely not worth the time you will spent doing this one by one. So, here, I will cover how to batch apply same edits on to your infinite pngs. Here, I am taking example of changing color of battery png from green to purple, you can apply any attribute to your image in the same way. I repeat it is not for .9.png files. Read above guide for reference
Let's start
1. First copy all your pngs you need to edit in a separate folder. I have made a folder named Battery Base and pasted my all pngs of battery there.
Now create another folder where your edited pngs will be saved. For eg:- Battery Done. (Don't create it inside Battery Base folder)
2. Open Adobe Photoshop and Choose Window>Actions or Alt+F9
3. Click on the note like file (Create new Action)
Rename it to anything you want . I have chosen Battery_color
Then click on Record. Now, you will see that red circle is enabled and now everything you do on image will be recorded and will be applied on each image.
4. Now, do this very carefully, don't miss any step.
We will do every thing that we want Photoshop to do with each file we want to edit.
a) So, first we want Photoshop to open the image. So , click on Open and choose any png from Battery Base folder (Choose a file with more color so that you know what color exactly your file will be after editing. That is why I chose 90 percent battery here).
b) Now, after opening, we want to change Color of png from green to purple. So, choose Image>Adjustment>Hue and Saturation or Ctrl+U
A dialog box with 3 sliders will appear. Move upper slider to change color. You can move other slider to change saturation and brightness if you want. Now, if you got it right, click on OK.
Every step of yours is being recorded, so don't do unnecessary stuff you don't want to do on other images. Nonetheless, if you have done it, then Drop down the Battery Base Action in action palette and you will see your every action there, If you want to delete any action , you can delete it from there. You can also add any action before pre completed action by clicking above that action and performing it.
Now, you can do anything you want to be done on your rest of pngs.
c) Now, we want Photoshop to save this png to carry on working on others. So, Go to File>Save as... and save it as a png in Battery Done folder. Photoshop will ask you to choose, so choose smallest compression and no interlace.
d) Image is saved but we also want Photoshop to close the png so that it does not open 200 tabs for editing 200 pngs. So, click on close (Small cross on title bar of png). If, it asks that do you want to save changes to png . Say no, because if you say yes, the png in Battery Base will be changes and when batch processing is done, that png in Battery Done will be of different color that all others.And also, your all green pngs in Battery Base folder will turn purple too. But we want purple images in Battery Done and green in Battery Base.
5. Now, we hae done what we want, so, we will stop recording the Action. Click on that square in Actions Palette.
6. Fun Starts. Now we will do the batch processing.
Go to File>Automate>Batch
In the dialog box, Choose the action to be Battery_Color (or obiviously any action you created)
Source folder: Battery Base
Destination Folder: Battery Done
Tick both Override Action 'Open' commands and Override Action 'Save as' commands
Click on OK. Sit back for 3 to 5 minutes(204 pngs) and TADA
You can apply any action in same way. Such as bevel, glossy, pale, etc to innumerous amount of pngs

Why APK-Multitool?​
Yeah, why not just apktool or VTS (Virtuous Ten Studio)
But, when working with certain system apk files, there is a feature of APK Multitool that comes in very handy and that is, making a keep folder and asking you to delete stuff which you modded to then make an apk file. Certain files in apk do not need to be touched which can be easily controlled by APK Multitool.
Note: This is no way against VTS in any form
As I was making a guide which ensured least amount of errors, I chose APK Multitool, because we can easily fix those known errors od Status Bar disappearing or this and that :victory:
apktool is very minimalistic but not too user friendly for a newbie. And it may return with huge amount of errors if not used correctly.
So, APK Multitool is a perfect balance in between simplicity and work power

FAQ

Oops
Last One left

Awesome guide areeb..
Will include this guide in the index for sure
-asdf-

Will be a great guide for me
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Great guide.

Good info. Nice work :good:

This is a good guide, very good one. But, I've found that the latest APK Multi Tool doesn't work for Android 4.2.2 apks.
Does this one work? Any solution?

krazzyvishal said:
This is a good guide, very good one. But, I've found that the latest APK Multi Tool doesn't work for Android 4.2.2 apks.
Does this one work? Any solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for notifying
You can try downloading this - http://d-h.st/cze and replacing the previous files with the new files in others folder
It's by Rizal Lovin from his guide here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2195680
Or you can notify the bug (if it's a bug ) here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1310151

Best theming guide i ever seen
i love ur ,9 pngs method and how u explained us more deeply about them
Thanks

krazzyvishal said:
This is a good guide, very good one. But, I've found that the latest APK Multi Tool doesn't work for Android 4.2.2 apks.
Does this one work? Any solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try some of the suggestions in my guide. Link below.
From me to you.

great guide for starters
all hail to areeb

iamareebjamal said:
So, after decompiling apk, open 9 png in Photoshop and select the part inside that 1 px border and edit anything you want (Hue, Saturation, Bevel, Emboss, ANYTHING)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what i do if i want to keep the .9.png border intact:
Open my .9.png.
Select>All.
Select>Modify>Border. Set width at 1 pixel.
Select>Inverse.
Edit>Cut.
Edit>Paste special>Paste in place.
Layer>Arrange>Send to back.
This splits the the border from the image allowing you to edit the image freely without affecting the 9patch.
I'll attach my action i created to automate the process.
Extract the action from the zip.
Window>Actions.
Select dropdown menu.
Load actions> select split.9.atn
One final thing. Photoshop has no problems with the .9.png extension. When you save your image (save for web) it will show as .png, just insert .9 into the name. I've never had a problem.:good:

Appreciate! Great guide

dully79 said:
Here's what i do if i want to keep the .9.png border intact:
Open my .9.png.
Select>All.
Select>Modify>Border. Set width at 1 pixel.
Select>Inverse.
Edit>Cut.
Edit>Paste special>Paste in place.
Layer>Arrange>Send to back.
This splits the the border from the image allowing you to edit the image freely without affecting the 9patch.
I'll attach my action i created to automate the process.
Extract the action from the zip.
Window>Actions.
Select dropdown menu.
Load actions> select split.9.atn
One final thing. Photoshop has no problems with the .9.png extension. When you save your image (save for web) it will show as .png, just insert .9 into the name. I've never had a problem.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for suggestions
About last thing, I never said anything about Photoshop having problems with .9.png files
Maybe words appeared different from what they meant

iamareebjamal said:
Thanks for suggestions
About last thing, I never said anything about Photoshop having problems with .9.png files
Maybe words appeared different from what they meant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, my bad. I didn't mean it had problems. What I was trying to say is you can just add the .9 without any problems.
Normally I just copy the nines into a separate folder, work on them, then when saving double click and replace. Doesn't save much time with a handful, but when you have quite a lot it all adds up. Plus you still have the originals incase of an error.

dully79 said:
One final thing. Photoshop has no problems with the .9.png extension. When you save your image (save for web) it will show as .png, just insert .9 into the name. I've never had a problem.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're using a step or two more than you need to layer the border, and to save I just merge the layers, save and close.

XperienceD said:
I think you're using a step or two more than you need to layer the border, and to save I just merge the layers, save and close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What steps are they? When it's automated using the action it takes less than a second.
Everyone has their own technique, personally I think merging layers and saving is redundant as they are merged when saved.

[IDE][3.x] APK Studio - IDE for Reverse Engineering Android APKs

[IDE][5.x] APK Studio - IDE for Reverse Engineering Android APKs
APK Studio is a cross-platform IDE for reverse-engineering (decompiling/editing) & recompiling of android application binaries within a single user-interface. It features a friendly IDE like layout, with a code editor which support syntax highlighting for Android SMALI (*.smali) code files.
{
"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"
}
Details & Download:
Github
Links:
Homepage
Download
Source
Issue Tracker

I look forward to trying this out I am to the point when I use command line stuff I start to fall asleep lol.
Sent from my immorality and my HTC One V using Tapatalk 2 sponsored by the letter mmm donuts... DOH!

Great one http://forum.xda-developers.com/images/smilies/good.gif
but it lags during compiling
any help ??

Please brief about the problem?
ewa3h said:
Great one http://forum.xda-developers.com/images/smilies/good.gif
but it lags during compiling
any help ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide me with some sort of brief with what you meant with "it lags during compiling"?
Did it recompile or not?
What you were recompiling (if that ain't confidential)?
That would help me recreating the issue so that I can check with it & fix the issue when I get back at home!
Lastly, thanks for your feedback! :cyclops:

Thank you!
I wanna try it!

THANK YOU
This is a great TOOL! I tried this out and it works great. I didnt experience any LAG what so ever... Love the features! Been looking for a apktool like this forever. Cant stand typing all the freaking cmds... NICE JOB!!!! and for the negative feed back about the lag..... I think its your lame computer thats lagging not the app:good:

can someone give a little how to use guide? I'm a noobie

Thanks man!
XxTeXx07xX said:
This is a great TOOL! I tried this out and it works great. I didnt experience any LAG what so ever... Love the features! Been looking for a apktool like this forever. Cant stand typing all the freaking cmds... NICE JOB!!!! and for the negative feed back about the lag..... I think its your lame computer thats lagging not the app:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you know what, I's waiting for such response!

Easy man!
harveyr4 said:
can someone give a little how to use guide? I'm a noobie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey harveyr4! It's quit easy & self-explanatory! You go to File > Open APK > browse to your APK file & select it..., wait & watch the status bar! You will then be presented with the real thing inside You can double click any smali file from package (use package explorer on the left), edit it then you can recompile it from the Build menu!

i love develper i try and i poste :laugh:

Error during decompile process
Is it possible to log the decompile process, so that we know where possible errors occur?
I've tried some apk's from the CM10.1 ROM (Settings, SystemUI) and some others like Apollo, Effem and it hang on "Unexpected error occured when extracting"
EDIT: It seem that there is a problem with backing up the original apk, because there is no dist folder in Settings-apkstudio folder

Hmm hmm! I will add it...
lahmizzar said:
Is it possible to log the decompile process, so that we know where possible errors occur?
I've tried some apk's from the CM10.1 ROM (Settings, SystemUI) and some others like Apollo, Effem and it hang on "Unexpected error occured when extracting"
EDIT: It seem that there is a problem with backing up the original apk, because there is no dist folder in Settings-apkstudio folder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I see! maybe some wrong permissions or something is there. I'll try to reproduce it on an XP machine & will check on it. Also, thanks for the suggest. I'll implement a debug console in upcoming Java/SWT version for logging batch output.

Error on Extracting
Why does it show "Unexpected occurred error when extrating"

vaibhavpandeylive said:
APK Studio is the first IDE (don't know If I should call it like that ) that allows out of the box decompiling, editing & then recompiling of android binaries easily (editing of .smali files with Syntax Highlighting). No need to configure Notepad++ for bit of changes.
You can use it for editing ,decompiling, recompiling, rebuilding APKs or just have a look at How Did They Do It? . I tried to make it as promising as it could be in 4 days of design & development.
So that every piece of code is visible and a well developed editor which allows editing of codes. It comes with more than bunch of features in it.
If you are tired of using command line tools (still appreciate them APKOneClick, APKTOOL & DCompiler as they form the foundation of this one too), this is the tool for you.
This software will ease the way of reverse engineering APKs from now.
Download it & post your suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great work mate, looking forward to trying it! does it also allow you to decompile .jar files?
also feel free to check out my qiuckmodtool for features!
ewa3h said:
Great one http://forum.xda-developers.com/images/smilies/good.gif
but it lags during compiling
any help ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats the specs of your pc?
apktool needs to parse all the lines in the smali code, then needs to convert it, then convert the XML files, then build resources.arsc then pack..
on a pc like mine(1.8GHZ 512MB ram) takes atleast a 2 minutes to compile anything, to compile setings.apk takes 12 minutes.

Working on it, under development.
ricky310711 said:
great work mate, looking forward to trying it! does it also allow you to decompile .jar files?
also feel free to check out my qiuckmodtool for features!
whats the specs of your pc?
apktool needs to parse all the lines in the smali code, then needs to convert it, then convert the XML files, then build resources.arsc then pack..
on a pc like mine(1.8GHZ 512MB ram) takes atleast a 2 minutes to compile anything, to compile setings.apk takes 12 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am working on an SWT/JFace cross-platform version (especially crafted because no GUI tool for the purpose on linux). I already added the functionality of decompiling from APK/JAR. You can even open individual .smali files in it's syntax highlighted editor. It will be announced soon right here.
As for the specs, I develop on AMD 64-Bit machine 3.6 GHz, 8GB Corsair XMS3, WD Green 1TB 6GBPs SATA-3. Everything just goes fine with it. But I don't think waiting time is an issue we should bother about. I needed a GUI & made one. Didn't care about that. When I use APK_OneClick, it takes almost same. Mine just takes some extra time to decompile the JAR into individual Java source files while jDecompile (APK_OneClick uses) reads from JAR directly. So it might be faster.

Hey man,
Just decided to give your app a go. A couple of things that I would like to bring up (and these may or may not be unique to me?
some back ground info on my rig. Windows 7 64Bit release, I am running 8GB of HyperX RAM, Core Duo Quad OC 3.8Ghz installed on Intel 3 gen 180GB SSD and running as fast as lightning! Java version is 1.8.0 64Bit. Windows env is set correctly also. Latest SDK. I am running apktool version apktool_2.0.0b9.jar
1). Man talk about lag!!! It took more than 10min (close to 15 actually) to decompile a simple app like PasswordSafe? Any clues or indications as to why?
2).Does not inform the user if it is still decompiling or not? i.e no progress bar? Yes it lists the files in the GUI in the bottom bar, but when an app is pause
3) Now that it's decompiled....now what? This application does seem to do anything more after it has completed decompiling? It cannot detect any valid apk in any directory I pointed it at, source code or no source cute?
4.) What is the idea/ place behind it? I see both APKTool and dex2jar decompilers.....output is in java class files (suggesting only dex2jar was executed?)...no smali files?
5).If the results ARE only meant to produce the java class output, then has this been tested with the Android IDE development environment?
No manifest has been produced? To date I have yet to find any application that can decompile to java and recompile the application either as a standalone or inside of Android Studio /Eclipse IDE's? So if your claim is correct that you can indeed recompile from decompiled java resources then I EAGERLY WAIT FOR YOU TO RESPOND
Man I have tried EVERYTHING, and I mean everything with exception of JEB noteably because of its heft $1000 price tag and nothing has been able to do this successfully has been able to do this :-|

Hmm
Jarmezrocks said:
Hey man,
Just decided to give your app a go. A couple of things that I would like to bring up (and these may or may not be unique to me?
some back ground info on my rig. Windows 7 64Bit release, I am running 8GB of HyperX RAM, Core Duo Quad OC 3.8Ghz installed on Intel 3 gen 180GB SSD and running as fast as lightning! Java version is 1.8.0 64Bit. Windows env is set correctly also. Latest SDK. I am running apktool version apktool_2.0.0b9.jar
1). Man talk about lag!!! It took more than 10min (close to 15 actually) to decompile a simple app like PasswordSafe? Any clues or indications as to why?
2).Does not inform the user if it is still decompiling or not? i.e no progress bar? Yes it lists the files in the GUI in the bottom bar, but when an app is pause
3) Now that it's decompiled....now what? This application does seem to do anything more after it has completed decompiling? It cannot detect any valid apk in any directory I pointed it at, source code or no source cute?
4.) What is the idea/ place behind it? I see both APKTool and dex2jar decompilers.....output is in java class files (suggesting only dex2jar was executed?)...no smali files?
5).If the results ARE only meant to produce the java class output, then has this been tested with the Android IDE development environment?
No manifest has been produced? To date I have yet to find any application that can decompile to java and recompile the application either as a standalone or inside of Android Studio /Eclipse IDE's? So if your claim is correct that you can indeed recompile from decompiled java resources then I EAGERLY WAIT FOR YOU TO RESPOND
Man I have tried EVERYTHING, and I mean everything with exception of JEB noteably because of its heft $1000 price tag and nothing has been able to do this successfully has been able to do this :-|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings!
1) The long decompilation time is because of the decompilation of JAR produced by dex2jar to individual .java files. Unlike others, I didn't want to just fire up jDecompile with the JAR path to browse sources. I wanted individual files so that I (atleast) could open & compare smali & java files for same class in two tabs while editing smali code.
2) There is a progress bar at bottom with current file status being updated each time on the label (in status bar) to keep the user informed.
3) After SUCCESSFUL decompilation, loads up the tree on left with apk-directory structure & opens up found AndroidManifest.xml. Then you can browse smali code from the tree edit & recompile.
4) There MUST NOT be any class files at all. Procyon decompiler directly outputs .java files from the .jar. It should not spit out the OP code.
5) The java source output IS NOT MEANT from recompiling from it. It is just to COMPARE & CHECK what we are editing in SMALI code.

i tried to run your apkstudio to decompile apk, but it always stuck at this stage, do you know why?

I Am Working On It
rbnkho said:
i tried to run your apkstudio to decompile apk, but it always stuck at this stage, do you know why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been getting a lot of messages saying people stuck at decompilation. I've decided to discontinue Procyon's decompile as at most times, it fails to decompile obfuscated code.
If editing the application & recompiling is your intention, then you can restart APK studio, and this time choose Open Directory from File menu. Navigate the browser to the extracted folder location & it will show up the files, and yes..., you can recompile back after edits from there.
The decompiler is producing errors when converting from OP to Java code from JAR produced by dex2jar.
Sorry for it is taking long, but this time in new version..., I'm developing it precisely taking care of each 'n every bug reported yet.

Thanks mate. I am looking forward to it I like the concept of this.
I didn't see any real clear step by step instructions on how to use it correctly but for now I will just hold off till you have something a bit more concrete.
Also I don't mean to burst your bubble hear where I say this but you do realise that Dex2JAR is extremely limited in its functionality! You won't get even half the classes that are needed. I have proven this many times.
I am looking to port across Android DARE. If you haven't checked it out already maybe you should take a look at it? it Does heaps more classes, almost to the point where I can set up a project in Eclipse, but not quite.
There are two other applications that do similar things to yours on XDA. One by broodplank called APKtoJava and another is a very popular studio called VirtuousTen Studio. APKtoJava is really focussed on Decompiling and setting up an apk project ready for eclipse whilst also allowing the user to edit smali code. VirtuousTen is aimed at a similar approach to yours and looking at the code side by side next Java classes and smali.
All use Dex2JAR so all are very very limited in their methodology. The best I have found so far is to decompile in Linux using Android DARE and then bring the results back into Windows and decompile again in VirtuousTen, then delete the Java results only keeping the directory structure and then dumping the Android DARE Java files in the directory. Side by side it is perfect.
Only problem is I absolutely hate the Windows 8 interface force fed to us. I don't have Windows 8 and the version I do have in a VM I have made it look like 7 cause I hate the look so much lol!
So if you can withstand that about VirtuousTen then it pretty much does what yours does.
Have a look and check them out

[TOOL][NoobFriendly]EAIT:Easy Apk Image Themer

Today I am proud to present my new creation EAIT - EASY APK IMAGE THEMER.
DISCONTINUED
I don't use Windows anymore, so any support for this script/app is dropped.
Download from Mediafire or from ATTACHMENT.
I see sometimes peoples get very shocked after they see my modded versions of whatsapp, so I thought lets make something which helps to *any* normal android user to edit any apk.
Keep in mind that this is not much advance tool and won't be able to do all editing.
So what exactly is EAIT, it's a simple tool which extracts APK to let you edit images and then compress it back to .apk to install on your phone.
What you need?
JRE 6/7 -download it from java.com
Any good image editor like l Photoshop, GIMP or Paint.net
steps:
1. Download .rar from above.
2. Extract in C:/
3. Take backup of app(by ES explorer) you want to edit and move it to "PLACE-APK-HERE"
4. Run main application "easy apk image themer" from folder.
5. See your current apk will be listed on top.
6. Press 1 and enter to extract
7. Minimize the window and go to 'Project' folder. You'll find appname.apk folder, click on it.
8. Browse through "res" folder and see images inside drawable folders. Edit then with help of Photoshop/GIMP/Paint.NET.
Warning: rules of editing
>never edit "imagename".9.png files or you may get force close.
>If you want to replace image then choose something that has same resolution
9. After all editing maximize the window you previously minimized.
10. Press 2 and hit enter, wait for a while.
11. Press 3 and hit enter wait for a while.
12. You will find Signed-appname.apk in your "place-apk-here" folder
13. Send that app to your phone and install ( you may need to Un-install previous one)
14. Enjoy... and press thanks if you liked it
Report any bugs/problems here only.
Some images
{
"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"
}
the result:-

reserved

bump

Here is a Mediafire mirror for you
I've always wanted to make an inverted Facebook app, so I might give this a shot. Thank you for your work

I’m not trying to rain on OP’s parade, but out of curiosity, aren’t there similar tools for Windows already? Sometimes with even better GUIs like elesbb's GUI APK Tool

This looks like APK Multi Tool, minus all of the extra features. Even the folder structure is the same.

please help
i did everything as mentioned in ur tutorial. i colored some whatsapp smiles. and recompiled the apk and signed it. uninstalled my previous whatsapp and installed new one. but whenever i try to open a new contact to chat with it force closes. am attaching the edited apk. plz help me.
i didnt changed any resolution of images. just coloured them.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/ew7rgzz6qaa95uu/signed_whatsapp.apk

Interesting tool, would love it if i'd see screenshots and shared apks of modified apps! :good:

Great work.!!!
Hi Ankush,
You can use the Mediafire mirror.
http://www.mediafire.com/view/2zomqhmuoknb0gm/APK-Image-Themer_3.rar
BTW, amazing job now I can theme my apps...:good::good:

Downloaded
Ankush menat said:
Today I am proud to present my new creation EAIT - EASY APK IMAGE THEMER.
Download from dropbox
Please provide me mediafire mirror(mine account is not working properly)
I see sometimes peoples get very shocked after they see my modded versions of whatsapp, so I thought lets make something which helps to *any* normal android user to edit any apk.
So what exactly is EAIT, it's a simple tool which extracts APK to let you edit images and then compress it back to .apk to install on your phone.
What you need?
JRE 6/7 -download it from java.com
Any good image editor like l Photoshop, GIMP or Paint.net
steps:
1. Download .rar from above.
2. Extract in C:/
3. Take backup of app(by ES explorer) you want to edit and move it to "PLACE-APK-HERE"
4. Run main application "easy apk image themer" from folder.
5. See your current apk will be listed on top.
6. Press 1 and enter to extract
7. Minimize the window and go to 'Project' folder. You'll find appname.apk folder, click on it.
8. Browse through "res" folder and see images inside drawable folders. Edit then with help of Photoshop/GIMP/Paint.NET.
Warning: rules of editing
>never edit "imagename".9.png files or you may get force close.
>If you want to replace image then choose something that has same resolution
9. After all editing maximize the window you previously minimized.
10. Press 2 and hit enter, wait for a while.
11. Press 3 and hit enter wait for a while.
12. You will find Signed-appname.apk in your "place-apk-here" folder
13. Send that app to your phone and install ( you may need to Un-install previous one)
14. Enjoy... and press thanks if you liked it
Report any bugs/problems here only.
Some images
the result:-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will try it soon cool tool will try to mod some apps
+1 Nice tool

himanshu.khanna said:
i did everything as mentioned in ur tutorial. i colored some whatsapp smiles. and recompiled the apk and signed it. uninstalled my previous whatsapp and installed new one. but whenever i try to open a new contact to chat with it force closes. am attaching the edited apk. plz help me.
i didnt changed any resolution of images. just coloured them.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/ew7rgzz6qaa95uu/signed_whatsapp.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've edited one .9.png which is causing FC

So from what I am seeing, this allows you to easily edit images in apps. Does it however facilitate color changing? I'd like to theme facebook into the one team blackout has

asdfasdfvful said:
So from what I am seeing, this allows you to easily edit images in apps. Does it however facilitate color changing? I'd like to theme facebook into the one team blackout has
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Facebook is mostly coded with HEX color codes and not Images...
You should use APKtool by brut.all
There are tons of guide available for How-to-theme-with-Apktool on XDA follow them.

Ankush menat said:
Facebook is mostly coded with HEX color codes and not Images...
You should use APKtool by brut.all
There are tons of guide available for How-to-theme-with-Apktool on XDA follow them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mhm... Apktool keeps on giving me issues. I guess I'll just love without theming
Sent from my One S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

thanks but,
Ankush menat said:
You've edited one .9.png which is causing FC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do i identify that which one is .9.png file? any suggestions?

himanshu.khanna said:
how do i identify that which one is .9.png file? any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the Image...
Those image files who have name like name.9.png will be visible as name.9 in Windows dont edit them

please help
Ankush menat said:
See the Image...
Those image files who have name like name.9.png will be visible as name.9 in Windows dont edit them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see i edited these files and they dont have .9.png in there name.View attachment 2479108

Sure, this is similar to some of the other apk editors out there like ApkTool/ApkMultiTool but this is NEWB friendly as the op expressed. I think this is a great program for someone just starting to learn about the android os and curious about themeing their own applications. Wish I had this tool when I first started themeing with apk multi tool. Without all the fluff and extra features, this software will be very helpful for users who are specifically interested in modifying the look of their applications. Good job Ankush

Anyone have any tips on editing Hangouts.apk? More specifically I would like to modify the emoji. Does framework-res.apk need to be included or something?

Sub'ed
OK so far so good, anyone know the name or where in the APK folder (which drawable folder) I could find the background images. I am working on the facebook messenger from my Sprint GS3.
Well I managed to edit the color of one of the pictures inside an app (ended up using the clock app) and now I cannot get it to install. I deleted the old clock and tried installing from es and also flashing from TWRP but could not find the file there (guess because it was not a .zip). Has to be in system/app folder.

[GUIDE] How To Modify Framework-res for WHITE NOTIFICATION TEXT - Noob Version

White Notification Text and YOU
~
How to...
Decompile - Modify - Recompile - Sign
Your Framework-res.apk
~
GET WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE​
Disclaimer: This is how I went about getting white notification text on my sprint s8+ running @partcyborg's latest U2 Rom. Whatever you do to your device is your business and if you brick your device it is also your fault! I do not take responsibility for your actions. That being said, enjoy! ...at your own risk. MUAHAAHA! ...sry
So basically I followed the instructions @envy~ laid out in his bodhisattva_V3 theme. I'm not a dev by any means so I figured I would record the steps I took when modifying my framework-res to share for us fellow noobs. There's a bunch of color values that can be changed, most of which i'm too lazy to test. Together we may be able to find all the values we need for the perfect white notification text arrangement. Once you get the process down pat, its really quick and easy to crank out zips to test for yourself. word.
Tested on galaxy s8/s8+ with snapdragon. Should work on all kinds of devices, long as you change the right values.
Prerequisites:
-- Need root.
-- download/install apktool and TickleMyAndroid (TMA) and take note of their installed folder locations. Make sure you have latest versions, update apktool by downloading the latest .jar file from their thread and put it in your "apktool" folder. I renamed it from apktool2.0.3.jar to just apktool.jar and that seemed to work nicely.
-- I put TMA and apktool in same parent folder for convenience.
-- Install notepad++ because its pimp, and we use it later.
-- Use a root file explorer to grab your "framework-res.apk" located in (root)/system/framework, copy and paste it to your PC.
-- Make a backup of your framework-res.apk by copy/pasting the file somewhere and add ".bak" to the end of the full filename.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MAKE!!!!!BACKUPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you mess up and get a boot-loop, I believe the(an) easy way out is to just boot into stock recovery and factory reset(then restore). Factory reset wipes your internal SD along with whatever else. So BEFORE FLASHING YOUR MODDED FRAMEWORK-RES, go ahead and backup EVERYTHING. Use TiBu, use flashfire to do a FULL BACKUP. Copy paste your entire internal SD onto your external SD card or on your PC. If you are backed up then you should have no problems moving forward. In fact, if it comes down to it, your phone will be thanking you for the factory reset.
Anyways, If you have a better way to recover from a boot-loop in this scenario please share if you want. If your not familiar with backing up/restoring data (without custom recovery) please reconsider this... "Do I really need white notification text?" If the answer is "yes!" then lets go!
The good thing about this method and using TickleMyAndroid is that TMA will just error out if you messed up somewhere along the process. If it doesn't error out, then you did everything right and the zip should flash fine and boot successfully.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MAKE!!!!!BACKUPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks and credit go out to:
@envy~ for his framework fix
@iBotPeaches for apktool
@Ticklefish for TickleMyAndroid
@partcyborg for his incredible GalaxyS8 and GalaxyS8+ Roms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------​
1. Put original framework-res.apk in TMA workarea folder - "C://.../TickleMyAndroid/_workareaX/_in"
2. Open "Tickle My Android.exe" from inside your TickleMyAndroid folder.
Enter 5 - setting menu.
Enter 1 - Change active work area. Enter (#) - Of the Workspace "_in" folder you chose before.
Enter y - for yeah.
Enter x - to go back (twice).
Enter 3 - theming menu.
3. (I DN IF THIS IS NECESSARY, BUT IT MAY BE CRUCIAL, SO DO IT)
Enter 3 - Install Framework on PC.
Enter 1 - (should be your framework-res.apk from inside the ".../_in" folder)
Enter y - for YES FOOL! Press any key...
4. Enter x - to back up to the theming menu.
5. Enter 5 - Decompile files.
Enter 1 - Decompile Files (again).
Enter 1 - framework-res.apk. THEN behold, "...[This Will Overwrite Any Existing blah blee blee]"
Enter y - for YUSSS
6. Decompiling in progress (in second window) If you were too busy to watch this elegant automated miracle of technology happen, and the second window is gone, THIS IS OK, so press any key to continue....
7. Enter x - to back dat azz up, to the theming menu...
8. Enter 1 - Explore "_working" Folder, to explore the decompiled framework-res.apk
9. Navigate to framework-res.apk\res\values, locate "colors.xml" and left click right click to choose "Edit with Notepad++"
10. Here (as recommended by @envy~ in his thread) you can change these three values for a good look. But If you wanna go further to change more text/icon color values that remain unaffected you are going to have to look around, change some other color values and see what happens ya know, trial and error!
Example: If you wanna know what color say "ff669900" is, just google #669900. There's a good site where u can easily grab darker or lighter shades of a certain color value to suit your theming needs. Cool!
11. Ok these are the three values mentioned by @envy~ you can change. I decided to just go all white ("#ffffffff") everywhere I could:
Code:
<color name="notification_title_color">#ff252525</color>
<color name="notification_info_color">#ff8c8c8c</color>
<color name="notification_text_color">#ff515151</color>
Changed to...
Code:
<color name="notification_title_color">#ffffffff</color>
<color name="notification_info_color">#ffffffff</color>
<color name="notification_text_color">#ffffffff</color>
In an attempt to make more stuff white I edited these values too with success...
Code:
<color name="notification_icon_default_color">@color/notification_default_color</color>
<color name="system_notification_accent_color">#ff607d8b</color>
Changed to...
Code:
<color name="notification_icon_default_color">#ffffffff</color>
<color name="system_notification_accent_color">#ffffffff</color>
12. Ok once you are done making history, SAVE it.
13. Enter 9 - Recompile Files.
Enter 2 - Recompile App with Original Signature.
Enter 1 - framework-res.apk
14. To keep any changes to "AndroidManifest.xml" OR NOT TO Keep Any Changes To "AndroidManifest.xml"?... THAT, is the question.
Enter n - FOR NO!
15. Add Recompiled File To ZIP Workspace?
Enter y - for YUP.
16. Enter 4 - Add "system/framework/" File To Project.
Enter 3 - Create Standard Zip File.
Enter y - Creating Standard Flashable ZIP File From Files In Existing Project To Destination Folder: "c:\ticklemyandroid".
Just hit ENTER - to use given filename... or not.
Enter y - Overwrite dat shiii.
17. Recompiling in another window. If it's successful... press any key to continue...
18. Go to C://Ticklemyandroid and grab the latest flashable zip u made, rename if u want (good idea to rename it regarding the colors you chose). Put flashable .zip on Phone and flash via flashfire (choose "flash zip or OTA", select "Mount /system read/write", disable everroot, then flash)
19. and 20. PROFIT
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If you guys notice any black text on black background or similar situations... sometimes its the app's theme and sometimes its a sammy theme thing from what I can tell. If yall have little problems/solutions like this and wanna share maybe we can help/learn from each other. Its def not a perfect solution but its better than nothing. I freaking love my white text, amoled black all day son!
I'll Post some screenshots of my results so far in just a sec... this post took forever.... need a break.

Screenshots... yay.
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monroe0328 said:
Screenshots... yay.
View attachment 4438752
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use rom control

kin201303 said:
i use rom control
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to be more specific? What rom control are you talking about. Those screenshots look great!

monroe0328 said:
Care to be more specific? What rom control are you talking about. Those screenshots look great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i edit framework.jar + SystemUI.apk
i use rom control to change the colour

kin201303 said:
i edit framework.jar + SystemUI.apk
i use rom control to change the colour
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so care to share which values you have changed in either of those? Also still not clear on which "rom control" you are talking about. Is this a rom control included with a custom rom? Is it a play store app?

monroe0328 said:
Ok, so care to share which values you have changed in either of those? Also still not clear on which "rom control" you are talking about. Is this a rom control included with a custom rom? Is it a play store app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62296264&postcount=2741
[Guide] Custom Notification Background TEXT Color Android L
edit
framework_yes\smali\android\app
Notification$BigTextStyle.smali
Notification$Builder.smali
Notification$InboxStyle.smali
Notification$MessagingStyle.smali
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/source-code-6thgear-romcontrol-v2-devs-t3411916
[SOURCE CODE][DEV TOOL][SDK 21+]6thGear RomControl v2.+ for Devs

@kin201303
Man tdunham and rompnit are freaking beasts... I was lucky enough to experience their greatness from beginning to end on the s5 MOAR project. In fact my dad still uses my s5, has MOAR rom and ktoons amazing kernel. Still runs great. Haha he doesn't know how lucky he is!
Ahh I remember the good days, real time theming. Literally every bug was annihilated and improved upon. Those guys are great. The most all inclusive rom ever made.
I'll have to spend some time on your recommendation here. May be a bit of a learning curve but I'll figure it out. Good stuff.
My guide was meant for noobs like me. But I welcome more advanced and thorough solutions like this. Thank you so much!

monroe0328 said:
@kin201303
Man tdunham and rompnit are freaking beasts... I was lucky enough to experience their greatness from beginning to end on the s5 MOAR project. In fact my dad still uses my s5, has MOAR rom and ktoons amazing kernel. Still runs great. Haha he doesn't know how lucky he is!
Ahh I remember the good days, real time theming. Literally every bug was annihilated and improved upon. Those guys are great. The most all inclusive rom ever made.
I'll have to spend some time on your recommendation here. May be a bit of a learning curve but I'll figure it out. Good stuff.
My guide was meant for noobs like me. But I welcome more advanced and thorough solutions like this. Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is my guide see the gif

What is this .gif telling me.
Are you saying this tdunham guide for android L is applicable for Andoid N on our s8's?

monroe0328 said:
What is this .gif telling me.
Are you saying this tdunham guide for android L is applicable for Andoid N on our s8's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lockscreen AnalogClock add AnimatingImage

kin201303 said:
lockscreen AnalogClock add AnimatingImage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's cool. I can dig it. I'm more interested in figuring out how to use this rom control. I want ALLL WHITE notification text.

monroe0328 said:
That's cool. I can dig it. I'm more interested in figuring out how to use this rom control. I want ALLL WHITE notification text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
example
SystemUI.apk\res\layout
notification_stack_bottom_bar_for_block.xml
<com.android.colayaya.rz.Text android:textSize="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_text_size" android:textStyle="bold" android:textColor="@color/bottom_bar_button_text_color" android:gravity="center_vertical" android:id="@id/block_button" android:background="@drawable/notification_bottom_bar_button_ripple_bg" android:focusable="true" android:clickable="true" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_height" android:text="@string/block_notification_text" android:singleLine="true" android:includeFontPadding="false" android:textAllCaps="true" android:fontFamily="sec-roboto-condensed" android:layout_marginEnd="18.0dip" key="colayaya_block_notification_text_color" />
C:\TickleMyAndroid\_WorkArea1\_working\UnclControl_For_S8.apk\res\xml
notification_panel_prefs.xml
add
<com.wubydax.romcontrol.v2.prefs.ColorPickerPreference android:title="block_notification_text_color" android:key="colayaya_block_notification_text_color" android:summary="choose the color
" android:defaultValue="\#ff505050" />
SystemUI.apk have key
romcontrol have key
you want any color
my english is bad

kin201303 said:
example
SystemUI.apk\res\layout
notification_stack_bottom_bar_for_block.xml
<com.android.colayaya.rz.Text android:textSize="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_text_size" android:textStyle="bold" android:textColor="@color/bottom_bar_button_text_color" android:gravity="center_vertical" android:id="@id/block_button" android:background="@drawable/notification_bottom_bar_button_ripple_bg" android:focusable="true" android:clickable="true" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_height" android:text="@string/block_notification_text" android:singleLine="true" android:includeFontPadding="false" android:textAllCaps="true" android:fontFamily="sec-roboto-condensed" android:layout_marginEnd="18.0dip" key="colayaya_block_notification_text_color" />
C:\TickleMyAndroid\_WorkArea1\_working\UnclControl_For_S8.apk\res\xml
notification_panel_prefs.xml
add
<com.wubydax.romcontrol.v2.prefs.ColorPickerPreference android:title="block_notification_text_color" android:key="colayaya_block_notification_text_color" android:summary="choose the color
" android:defaultValue="\#ff505050" />
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great and all, but if you really want to help people like me, your gonna have to give some general context of use.
How do you take advantage of rom control specifically for notification text color? Set up process? Forgive me if that's asking to much, but pretend your doing this for your first time. Even if it's a broad step by step summary, that would help put people on track with what you are advising.
Your English is fine tho, thanks!
Is there a gui for rom control, or an apk? Maybe that's what I'm missing here.

monroe0328 said:
This is great and all, but if you really want to help people like me, your gonna have to give some general context of use.
How do you take advantage of rom control specifically for notification text color? Set up process? Forgive me if that's asking to much, but pretend your doing this for your first time. Even if it's a broad step by step summary, that would help put people on track with what you are advising.
Your English is fine tho, thanks!
Is there a gui for rom control, or an apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you goto download a rom use his rom control
i edit for you
you must understand

kin201303 said:
you goto download a rom use his rom control
i edit for you
you must understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh I see...
This is NOT anapplication. This is a SOURCE CODE
So you import the ROM somehow and use rom.control to make the changes.
You say you can make the changes for me? All white notification text. If yes what do you need from me?

monroe0328 said:
Ahhh I see...
This is NOT an
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<TextView android:textSize="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_text_size"
change to
<com.android.colayaya.rz.Text key="colayaya_block_notification_text_color" android:textSize="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_text_size"
file Credits RZ

kin201303 said:
<TextView android:textSize="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_text_size"
change to
<com.android.colayaya.rz.Text key="colayaya_block_notification_text_color" android:textSize="@dimen/bottom_bar_button_text_size"
file thank RZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this a flashable with edits for white text? Ok nvm. Like I said, a little over my head. I got buddy who can help me with your advice.

Rom Control?
Hey @kin201303 i was trying to use rom control but keep getting this error " Project with path ':6thgeardebloater' could not be found in project ':app'. "before i can do anything with it at all any ideas?

RealGroot said:
Hey @kin201303 i was trying to use rom control but keep getting this error " Project with path ':6thgeardebloater' could not be found in project ':app'. "before i can do anything with it at all any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same.