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[DEV/GUIDE]Creating APKs for use with TMobile Theme engine

First of I want to say that I am not a developer. I don't have programming experience nor do I know a whole lot about this particular subject. I hope that sharing what I have found so far will help anyone else who wants to do something similar. With the help of voodoo55 I have successfully created and compiled APKs for use with the TMobile theme engine. Although this appears to be a great idea for the experienced developer because it will make themes cross device compatible it probably isnt going to be such a big hit with the normal joe blow themer such as myself for a few main reasons.
1. You have to be running linux and tapped into the CyanogenMOD github.
2. You're probably going to need to know a bit of xml coding (which I didnt when I started).
3. You're going to have to know how to decompile and edit .9 PNGs.
4. You're going to have to know how to compile APKs un linux as well​
None of these in themselves are all that complicated or hard for that matter, just tedious and very time consuming for the average themer. I am not going to get into specifics or xml code details here. As I am not a developer and dont know much about this stuff all I am going to do is tell you how these APKs function and what files need to be changed in order to compile them. Also, you'll find out the time consuming problem with compiling these APKs and how to fix it. Im just too lazy to sit here and manually fix hundreds of images.
Please remember these instructions are not very detailed but give a general idea on the direction you will need to take to make this happen. Also, for anyone who knows more about this than I do, please, feel free to correct me.
Step 1 - You are going to need to have a working linux distro running.​Step 2 - You need to follow the instructions located here minus the last step to get the source from Cyanogen's github.​Step 3 - Once #2 is complete and you have downloaded the source to the ~/android/system directory, you will find the current uncompiled source for the TMobile themes "Androidian" and "Cyanbread" in the ~/android/system/vendor/tmobile/themes directory.​Step 4 - The experienced Dev would probably start completely from scratch here but I didn't so I'm not going to tell you how. As template, make a copy of the Cyanbread folder and renamed to your theme name.​Step 5 - Here we are going to want to edit some files to make the compile possible with. In "your theme" directory there is a filed named Android.mk. In a txt editor you will need to change the following line:
Code:
LOCAL_PACKAGE_NAME := Cyanbread
to
Code:
LOCAL_PACKAGE_NAME := yourthemename
Step 6 - Edit the following lines in AndroidManifest.xml by replacing Cyanbread with your theme name.
Code:
<manifest
xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
xmlns:pluto="http://www.w3.org/2001/pluto.html"
package="com.tmobile.theme.Cyanbread"
android:hasCode="false">
<uses-feature android:name="com.tmobile.software.themes" />
<theme
pluto:themeId="Cyanbread"
pluto:styleId="@style/Cyanbread"
pluto:name="@string/theme_name"
pluto:preview="@drawable/preview"
pluto:author="@string/author"
pluto:copyright="@string/copyright"
pluto:wallpaperImage="@drawable/wallpaper"
pluto:styleName="@string/style_appearance_name"
pluto:ringtoneName="Shocking"
pluto:ringtoneFileName="media/audio/ringtones/Shocking.mp3"
pluto:notificationRingtoneName="Teleport"
pluto:notificationRingtoneFileName="media/audio/notifications/Teleport.mp3">
Step 7 - Open up the res/values folder. There are two files in this particular template that need to be edited, strings.xml and themes.xml.
In the themes.xml you will need to change this line of code
Code:
<style name="Cyanbread" parent="@android:style/Theme" />
to this
Code:
<style name="yourthemename" parent="@android:style/Theme" />
and in the strings.xml you are basically doing the same thing by replacing "Cyanbread" everywhere with "yourthemename"
Code:
<resources xmlns:xliff="urn:oasis:names:tc:xliff:document:1.2">
<string name="app_name">Cyanbread Theme</string>
<string name="theme_name">Cyanbread</string>
<string name="style_appearance_name">Cyanbread</string>
<string name="author">T-Mobile MSD</string>
<string name="copyright">T-Mobile</string>
</resources>
it should look similar to this when edited
Code:
<resources xmlns:xliff="urn:oasis:names:tc:xliff:document:1.2">
<string name="app_name">youthemename Theme</string>
<string name="theme_name">yourthemename</string>
<string name="style_appearance_name">yourthemename</string>
<string name="author">You are the author</string>
<string name="copyright">there is no copyright on open source</string>
</resources>
Ok, so far this isn't to complicated but from here on out it gets a little more tricky for the average joe. Let me try to explain how these APKs work. Basically the xml files in the theme APK tells android to look in its own folders for, basically, substitute PNG images for the ones currently in the your framework and system/app packages on your phone. Pretty simple, no big deal. There are numerous xml files located in the various folders within the APK but I'm only going to talk about the two main ones need. In the res/xml there is a file named redirections.xml and android.xml. The redirections.xml basically tells the Tmobile theme picker thingy what other xml files to look at to find the source for the replacement PNGs. The main one being android.xml. Android.xml tells the OS on your phone what replacement PNGs to use for the theme. This will replace images that would normally be used from the framework-res.apk. There are other xml files in this directory as well, each one is correspondent to any APK in /system/app on your phone that you wish to theme. For instance com_android_systemui.xml will correspond to /system/app/SystemUI.apk. It works the same was that the android.xml file does and can be edited in the same way as well.
Hope that wasn't to confusing.
Step 8 - Now you will notice there are res/drawable-hdpi and res/drawable-mdpi folders in here as well. Here is where you will add new PNGs for your theme. Personally I deleted the entire contents of the folder and started over. Im not going to get into the specifics of what PNGs to replace as any themer should be ok with doing this. You can place images from any /system/app/*.apk as well but for now I am referring to the framework-res.apk. Once you replace your PNGs you are going to have to create an associated link in the android.xml.​
Please note: Any .9 PNGs you replace will HAVE, IT IS A MUST, to be decompiled and the borders edited correctly for the APK to compile correctly.
Step 9 - Open the android.xml file. Initially you will see lots of code but since you are starting over you will want to delete everything between these two lines.
Code:
<resource-redirections>
</resource-redirections>
Once this is complete we will now add the code you will need so it will find the PNG you replaced. For instance, if you placed an edited stat_sys_battery_40.png in the res/drawable-hdpi folder you are going to need to add this line of code the the xml file inbetween the <resource-redirections> code
Code:
<item name="drawable/stat_sys_battery_40">@drawable/frameworks_res_stat_sys_battery_40</item>
I hope you can see how the code corresponds to the PNG name as well. You can basically name the image anything you want as long as the code above is told to where to look.​
The same this would apply to any other xml file for their associated APKs as well.
Step 10 - Here you will want to edit the res/xml/redirections.xml file. You will see it has tons of stuff in it but again you will want to remove anything are not using. If you are only using say, the android.xml and the com_android_systemui.xml it would look similar to this:
Code:
<theme-redirections
xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
xmlns:pluto="http://www.w3.org/2001/pluto.html">
<package-redirections android:name="android"
android:minSdkVersion="7"
android:resource="@xml/android" />
<package-redirections android:name="com.android.systemui"
android:minSdkVersion="7"
android:resource="@xml/com_android_systemui" />
</theme-redirections>
Step 11 - Now for the final test of whether or not you edited everything correctly you will need to compile the APK. Open a terminal window and type
Code:
cd ~/android/system
and then type
Code:
make yourthemename
If you have edited everything correctly you APK will be compiled and can be found in the ~/android/system/out/target/product/supersonic/system/app folder. If it doesnt compile it will give you pretty specific errors in the terminal window that you could can go by to correct your problems.
And now for the BAD NEWS !!! The troubles I had while doing this was mainly with .9 PNGs. It seems that a ton of the .9 PNGs us normal themers use have been in some way corrupted d/t being edited incorrectly. Most of the borders are not done correctly. One of two things will happen: 1. They will not decompile correctly or 2. the will not compile correctly with the theme due to faulty editing. This is a simple fix but is extremely time consuming. And I, like most of us, simply don't have the time to fix each .9 I use in my themes for build each APK. Normal PNG changes are no problem however. I hope people will experiment with this as I have and will continue to do in my free time but for now I am going to stick to creating themes the old fashioned way. I do sincerely hope Cyanogen plans on placing his "UI Tweaks" section back into "CM Settings" as well for those of us who dont plan on building theme APKs.
Once again, I AM NOT a developer, so I probably couldn't answer any more advanced questions but feel free to ask. I'm sure there are plenty of people here who can. I just wanted to share my findings and what I did to make these APKs. The "Androidian" theme varies slightly if plan on using it as a template.

Hi! Thankk you so much for your tutorial, all works fine and apk is ok and properly installs on my N1, but if i try to upload the apk on market, it says me "The icon for your application is not valid. Please use a 48x48 PNG.".
Obviously, i checked twice my icons, and searched for a solutions on the net, and for the most of people with this problem it was due by a "\n" in the app name, and not from the icon. But i have not "\n" in my app name, and icons are right, so i can't figure out what is the error due to...
Can you give me some help?
Regards and sorry for my english!

do you happen to know how this would be done on windows?
Currently I have the CyanBread template / source off t-mobiles github page and have a working SDK and eclipse plugin. I am capable of making unsigned or test signed apps and have compiled a few simple apps myself, which worked fine.
Now when I Run As or export unsigned app (as done previously) the theme manager say that the theme was NOT compiled correctly.
I have done this with an unedited version and a minimalist version containing only a few of the SystemUI and framework-res files and removed from the xml correctly, the images in use are the ones which came with the template and so should not be the problem.
I must say that I would not have been able to edit this much without your explainations, so TYVM! truely awesome! And when this works I have an awesome theme half developed , I'm itching to finish.
I've read something about a modified appt.exe to allow the theme manager to assign res images differently or something, this i cannot seem to find. or figure how to bypass. I understand that in linux, you can just pull the whole repository and get it as you stated above, but surely its possible in windows???
any and all help welcome! I'm no dev, but I'd love to be able to theme like this! no more update.zips!
------
p.s. I don't want to do it in Linux virtual box fyi, and even if i did repo/adb (in VM only) currently seem to be broken at my end.

Maybe this links are useful too:
http://code.google.com/p/tmobile-themes/
http://code.google.com/p/android-theme/w/list
From "haxzamatic":
I also have a theme template on github with all AOSP graphics so you can start with stock graphics. I put a ton of work in behind the scenes so we can see some awesome themes for this system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://github.com/haxzamatic/Templatebread-

Ganii said:
Maybe this links are useful too:
http://code.google.com/p/tmobile-themes/
http://code.google.com/p/android-theme/w/list
From "haxzamatic":
http://github.com/haxzamatic/Templatebread-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks alot for taking the time to reply, but i have read the first 2 links before and it only has instructions for getting the full repository in linux, as for the templates they are all quite similar, althought that one by haxzamatic is one of the "fullest" ones I've seen. This I'm sure is not the problem, as i can compile the template after importing it as a project in eclipse but it will NOT apply.
I have even made a signed apk and installed it off the SD, it installs fine, but wont apply.
I suppose i should get repo working in my linux box.... but i do think its silly the appt wasn't released for windows and linux.... any more advice?

I compiled my theme this morning, and it finished with no errors but when i go to install it doesn't work. The apk looks good, so Idk.

trock79 said:
I compiled my theme this morning, and it finished with no errors but when i go to install it doesn't work. The apk looks good, so Idk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be using the AAPT from T-Mobile git to support the theme resource IDs in resources.arsc. The stock AAPT will not generate the IDs expected by the theme manager.

weareallkosh said:
You have to be using the AAPT from T-Mobile git to support the theme resource IDs in resources.arsc. The stock AAPT will not generate the IDs expected by the theme manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the method I used. When I go to install the apk it fails.

trock79 said:
That is the method I used. When I go to install the apk it fails.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get the modified AAPT from?

NickHu said:
Where did you get the modified AAPT from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From here http://code.google.com/p/android-theme/wiki/TMobileThemeEngine
and here http://pastebin.com/3i7xLBTU

If the instructions in this thread are followed everything works and applies correctly. I am getting the code from the cyan github.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

t3project said:
If the instructions in this thread are followed everything works and applies correctly. I am getting the code from the cyan github.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is fine if you want to work with the png's that are included with cyanbread theme, but I have more than what is included that theme and do not want to add all the commits just shy of a thousand more png's.

Anybody know how to change the color of the text on [just] the pulldown? I've been fiddling with no luck so far...
Thanks!

Hi t3project, I made a script following your instructions that may help on build apk theme:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12050403#post12050403

trock79 said:
That is fine if you want to work with the png's that are included with cyanbread theme, but I have more than what is included that theme and do not want to add all the commits just shy of a thousand more png's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use any png you want and as many as you want as long as you add the resource the the appropriate xml. they just have to be decompiled pngs and correctly edited for compiling. same thing goes for template them xml. just add the appropriate resource to the xmls and you can use whatever or howmany ever you want.
i did have a script that did this in about 2 seconds for you but i cant find it at the moment

You dont need a linux box for it to compile, install the windows android sdk, eclipse + eclipse adt, git clone the androidian theme, create a new android project in eclipse, choose create from source and select the androidian folder, build and enjoy.

How can I just download the t-mobile bit (and gingerbread, or whatever is the barebones minimum for this)? Its downloading all the devices cyanogen supports, and thats just a waste of my time/disk space/internet connection (which is particularly slow)

items name
This is about /res/xml/android.xml.
how to do so that we can know where the drawable position located? I'm confused what the name of the image that I would change.
examples where the position of the image and name in the /res/xml/android.xml.
{
"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"
}

APK Manager Ver 5.0 - Makes Modifying Ur Apk A Breeze (Windows/Linux)

no longer supported visit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1310151

Can this be used to change the main icon of an app?
Also can it be used to theme an app?
Thanks for this!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

jameslfc5 said:
Can this be used to change the main icon of an app?
Also can it be used to theme an app?
Thanks for this!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes and yes

the script in v5.0 the command numbers are the same as in 4.9 ie, to read log it's still option 21 in 5.0, but under the about option it says v5.0 is this correct, or should the command numbers be different...

I keptthe options the same there is some more tweaking that needs to be done and not being the original guy who wrote this I am reluctent to change it much. This is basically a unofficial release of his script until he decides to make more updates to this but feel free to report anything that does not work or if you see a patch I might of missed or over looked a change needed
Sent from my Droid using XDA Premium App

Wow! I was looking at APK Manager 4.9 just last night but didn't download it since I noticed it hadn't been updated since last year.
I just happened to Google again right now, and noticed this 5.0 that was just released this morning.
Thanks for updating this. I'll be playing around with it tomorrow...

I'm stumped...I'm trying to run this on Vista. I have Java installed, but when I run the script I get:
Java was not found, you will not be able to sign apks or use apktool
Press any key to continue . . .
I realize this is probably not a problem with your tool, but I'd appreciate any help offered to get it working.
***Edit*** Found my problem. When I set my path for Java I used a : instead of a ; it's working perfectly now.

I have yet to be able to decompile an app with dependencies using option 10, the managers says to drag the dependee apk in this window or type its path, I can't drag and drop anything to the manager and I don't understand type in its path, do I type the path of the location of the apk on my computer or what? Also where should the framework-res be installed, in the other folder? I didn't install apk manager in my Android folder where my SDK is located it's just on my computer under a general file/folder, does it matter where it's installed? Please help, I've asked this question on the 4.9 thread but got no response...
oh yeah I forgot to mention that the apps I'm trying to decompile using option 10 are non system apps like the ones that you get from the market that can't be decompied using option 9...

has the linux version script been updated to include the option for installing resources for dependecies

adude247 said:
I have yet to be able to decompile an app with dependencies using option 10, the managers says to drag the dependee apk in this window or type its path, I can't drag and drop anything to the manager and I don't understand type in its path, do I type the path of the location of the apk on my computer or what? Also where should the framework-res be installed, in the other folder? I didn't install apk manager in my Android folder where my SDK is located it's just on my computer under a general file/folder, does it matter where it's installed? Please help, I've asked this question on the 4.9 thread but got no response...
oh yeah I forgot to mention that the apps I'm trying to decompile using option 10 are non system apps like the ones that you get from the market that can't be decompied using option 9...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
realy no one...

This is perfect. I've been finding myself playing with quite a few apk's lately and going through a bunch in order to test them. This will save me quite a few steps. Thanks.

Great update. Thanks

Here is a log of the error when decompileing an apk. It works fine in 4.9 with apktool 1.3.1 but gives this error in your 5.0. I have seen this where one version of apktool will decompile the apk but the newer version will not.

+1
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App

adude247 said:
I have yet to be able to decompile an app with dependencies using option 10, the managers says to drag the dependee apk in this window or type its path, I can't drag and drop anything to the manager and I don't understand type in its path, do I type the path of the location of the apk on my computer or what? Also where should the framework-res be installed, in the other folder? I didn't install apk manager in my Android folder where my SDK is located it's just on my computer under a general file/folder, does it matter where it's installed? Please help, I've asked this question on the 4.9 thread but got no response...
oh yeah I forgot to mention that the apps I'm trying to decompile using option 10 are non system apps like the ones that you get from the market that can't be decompied using option 9...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you need to make sure the path has no empty parts
C://androidfiles/apk_manager_5.0 is fine, C://android files/apk_manager_5.0 would create issues.
You only need to install new framework`s in the following cases:
1. You decompile a system apk from a different Android platform then before (Froyo, Gingerbread eg.) - in that case you install a new framework-res.apk
2. You decompile a system apk with dependencies to a 2nd framework like in Sense ROM`s or Samsung ROM`s - in that case you will in case of Sense install a new com.htc.resources.apk
You can install these with 10 option and just drag the framework in the bottom of the script window. In the rare case this fails (never happened to me), you can manually install frameworks in apktool:
open a terminal/command prompt
cd into the folder, where your apk is located
(in this example sensation)
now type this:
apktool if framework-res.apk sensation (sensation will be a tag name of the framework)
and then after type this:
apktool if com.htc.resources.apk sensation (sensation will be a tag name of the framework)
You don`t need the tags, but in case you are working on multiple projects with apktool, it makes sense. In any case I doubt you will have issues, if you drag framework to the correct area.

zelendel said:
Here is a log of the error when decompileing an apk. It works fine in 4.9 with apktool 1.3.1 but gives this error in your 5.0. I have seen this where one version of apktool will decompile the apk but the newer version will not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.3.1 is always good to have, since sometimes new apktool versions create issues (and vice versa). For that reason I always have several versions on hand so I can just drag them in "other" folder when needed.

Exactly how do I change the path to include adb.exe, which in Android SDK 12 is in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools path.
Because Every time I launch the script in APK Manager, I get this message "Adb was not found. You will not be able to manipulate the files on your phone". I would really like to get this working. Thanks guys.

Hi.
I would have preferred to have figured this out for myself but I'm stumped here. An unmodified framework decompiles ok but any other apk fails.
{
"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"
}
I've attached the log and the unmodified apk I'd like to mod.

Hi
Im trying to edit the framework-res.apk from my rom, to change the battery icons.
Im using APK manager to decompile the apk, then i replace the stat_sys_battery pngs with 30 custom ones. after that i edit the stat_sys_battery.xml and zzzstat_sys_battery.xml to include my pngs at specific battery percantages.
that all goes well, but when i try to compile the .apk i get some errors.
first i have to type y or n i its a system app.
i press y and enter
after that it says to navigate to /apkmanager/keep and delete all files i edited.
but all files in this folder is the stock ones (IE unedited)
i have tried a bunch of things:
1. do nothing and continue
I end up with a 4 KB unsignedframework-res.apk containing onlt meta info
2. I delete the stock versions of the files I edited
I end up with exactly what was in the keep folder, an .apk without the files which I deleted
3. I delete the stock versions of the files I edited, and replace them with my modified files
I end up with what seems to be what i need (when i open the .apk in 7-zip i see all of my pngs and xmls) but when i flash it i end up with the battery unknown icon
Can anyone enlighten me??

Ok, I have no more Java or adb.exe issues. The problem is, once I choose 9 to decompile, the cmd window closes and nothing gets decompiled. Any workaround for that? I tried to change the compatibility to XP sp3 but no help.

[HOWTO] Apk Manager ICS - decompile apk's

Hey guys iv had trouble discovering a version of apktool that would actually work on Samsung stock firmware !
Although I think I may have just found one which can decompile: HERE
This is confirmed working on CM9 .apk files.. Samsung on the other hand has been troublesome im hoping one of the dev's can offer some sort of explanation.
CRASH COURSE FOR NOOBS
First things first, you can to extract your "framework-res.apk" from "system/framework" of your rom.
You will then have to set your framework file in apktool.. Two ways of doing so:
If you have apktool installed in C:\Windows open a CMD window and type the following command: "apktool if framework-res.apk".
or
You simply rename your framework-res.apk to "1.apk" and place it in "C:\Users\<YOURUSERNAME>\framework".
You then want to extract "Apk Manager ICS" from the zip you downloaded & then place the apk you want to modify in "place-apk-here-for-modding" folder.
At this stage you can open up "Script.bat" which will execute a CMD window with a bunch of different options..
Enter "22" to set your target project, then "9" to decompile. Once the decompile completes you can then navigate to the "Apk Manager ICS/projects" folder where you will see the decompiled source of the apk.
Make your modifications to the apk and take note of the files you have edited, this is important.
To recompile select option "11". If errors persist this may be due to a incorrect commands/functions you have used in your modifications, review the log..
Navigate to "Apk Manager ICS\place-apk-here-for-modding" where you will now find a "unsigned<APKNAME>.apk". This is a recompiled version of the original apk! Or semi depending on the errors you received.
Open this file with 7zip/Winzip or what ever you use and extract the files which you had modified from the apk.. eg. SecContacts.apk\res\layout-ar-rAE\call_detail_delete.xml
You then want to open up the original apk in "Apk Manager ICS\place-apk-here-for-modding" just named "<APKNAME>.apk" in 7zip/Winzip overwrite the files with the ones you have just extracted from the unsigned version. By using this tactic you will keep the original signatures on the .apk..
Post back your results.. If anyone can add any information to this post please feel free too ! I just though id share my experiences so far.. Hopefully someone can shed a little more light!
Good luck !

God dam it, cant get it compiling anymore.. Someone figure this out please..

Well my experience with Apk Manger has been that the same one I've been using for Gingerbread works just fine on ICS, so no need for a new one necessarily. But I did find that sometimes Apk Manager could not decompile certain apks...where APKTOOL could. I do like to use Apk Manager, so I found success by decompiling them with APKTOOL, then transferring the files over to the projects folder of Apk Manager, then the rest you just do normal.
As for your instructions on how to use Apk Manager,
you did a good job describing the fundamentals of how to decompile, and recompile but I find the major flaw in your instructions is when you say "I had recieved errors when doing so.. ignore this for now." DON'T ignore that! That is saying you have an error
So if you get that error when it asks you yes or no, choose "no" and it will abort. Then type "21" and a red CMD screen will popup and run and error log. Its not real easy to read, but if you do it you will find your mistake in your edits. Correct these mistakes until you DO NOT get any errors, then proceed.
If you do this correctly and receive no errors then the "unsigned<APKNAME>.apk" that will be created in the "place-apk-here-for-modding" folder is done. Pull it out and remove the unsigned part.
The copy and paste method just leaves room for more errors, IMO. Ones that are not logged.
Good Luck!
X

EXPERIMENT said:
Well my experience with Apk Manger has been that the same one I've been using for Gingerbread works just fine on ICS, so no need for a new one necessarily. But I did find that sometimes Apk Manager could not decompile certain apks...where APKTOOL could. I do like to use Apk Manager, so I found success by decompiling them with APKTOOL, then transferring the files over to the projects folder of Apk Manager, then the rest you just do normal.
As for your instructions on how to use Apk Manager,
you did a good job describing the fundamentals of how to decompile, and recompile but I find the major flaw in your instructions is when you say "I had recieved errors when doing so.. ignore this for now." DON'T ignore that! That is saying you have an error
So if you get that error when it asks you yes or no, choose "no" and it will abort. Then type "21" and a red CMD screen will popup and run and error log. Its not real easy to read, but if you do it you will find your mistake in your edits. Correct these mistakes until you DO NOT get any errors, then proceed.
If you do this correctly and receive no errors then the "unsigned<APKNAME>.apk" that will be created in the "place-apk-here-for-modding" folder is done. Pull it out and remove the unsigned part.
The copy and paste method just leaves room for more errors, IMO. Ones that are not logged.
Good Luck!
X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input, I agree with you 100% about the error section.
My question is tho how are people decompiling camera.apk & contacts.apk to make these great mods we see.. there MUST be a way to successfully compile a sammy .apk.
Works perfectly fine with AOSP/CM9 you can decompile & recompile no problems..

I just use this great tool for decompiling samsung apks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1053227
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

firefds said:
I just use this great tool for decompiling samsung apks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1053227
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck recompiling tho ?

I also use apkmanager i got two sets of apktool i use..
also some apk's like secsettings.apk you need to raise the heap size
for good decompile and recompile..
No problems decompile and recompile on any file cm9 or sammy roms
if you want i help you sort your prob PM me
Greets
Dragon

Wanam has provided a working APK Manager which can be found in the OP of this thread.

And also I created a batch script method for simple decompiling and recompiling but only for framework-res.apk.
I havent used any of the other repacks. I could modify it to use any apk if there is a need.
Its in my sig anyway and definitely works with framework-res.apk

fOmey said:
Any luck recompiling tho ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.
There is a bug in apktool.jar though.. there are problems with the decompiling of some plurals.xml which you need to fix manually
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

firefds said:
Yep.
There is a bug in apktool.jar though.. there are problems with the decompiling of some plurals.xml which you need to fix manually
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a quick start guide to these manual fixes?
Framework-res.pk is the only file I can't recompile.

So i had a strange problem.
I do everything like this manual.
But every Time when i want to replace the framework-res.apk after it hangs in bootprocess. Its the same when i do nothing in the .apk, Just decompile and recompile.
I had this Problem on every Tool.
I want to mod the framework from CM9 on my Galaxy S2.
So what can i do? Whats the Problem?

nobnut said:
Wanam has provided a working APK Manager which can be found in the OP of this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I confirm : working for me

I followed the instructions in the first post and got up to running Script.bat, but then I got the dreaded "Java not found" even though I have the latest java installed.
I read that the environmental variables need to be edited. Could someone give me an idea as to what the PATH should look like? Thanks in advance.

D1358531 said:
I followed the instructions in the first post and got up to running Script.bat, but then I got the dreaded "Java not found" even though I have the latest java installed.
I read that the environmental variables need to be edited. Could someone give me an idea as to what the PATH should look like? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy the path to /bin folder inside the java directory..usually c:\program files\windows\java_jdk7\bin...and then right click on computer shortcut and select properties..click on advanced and then environment variables..in the pop up box..click a new path and paste the path to the bin folder..apply it and the save it..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

zoot1 said:
Copy the path to /bin folder inside the java directory..usually c:\program files\windows\java_jdk7\bin...and then right click on computer shortcut and select properties..click on advanced and then environment variables..in the pop up box..click a new path and paste the path to the bin folder..apply it and the save it..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I should type "PATH" for the variable name? This will replace the PATH value that is already there, correct? Can there be any spaces in the path?

D1358531 said:
So, I should type "PATH" for the variable name? This will replace the PATH value that is already there, correct? Can there be any spaces in the path?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{
"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"
}

zoot1 said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks...I'll try it ina bit. Will I.need to reboot?

D1358531 said:
Ok, thanks...I'll try it ina bit. Will I.need to reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

zoot1 said:
I don't think so..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, that didn't work...I think I have to include the Apk Manager ICS in the path somewhere, maybe even the Script.bat?

[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.

[SOLVED]Liddroid toggles

i was trying lidroid togle on my system ui ddlk1
this was my procedure--
1 download all 3 files lidroidsysemui ,lidroid res and quicksettings.apk
2 decompile systemui and lidroidsystemui
3 copied the contents from lidroidsystemui smali folder to systemui smali folder , did not replace just copied from smali of lidroid to smali of systemui
4 i got copying message if you want to merge these folder,since 'com' folder was common to both,clicked yes
5 modified the statusbarservice.smali file
6 recompiled apk
7 opened with 7zip and copied the classes.dex to system/app
8 copied systemui.apk to syatem/app and lidroid-res to system/framework
9 quicksettings.apk to system/app
10 rebooted phone but i didnt got any status bar.the wallpaper is to the top
help me

have you set the correct permissions for all the apks
they should all be rw-r-r
you can also use a tool that will actually do everything for you except edit the manifest if you want to enable flashlight
you need to have notepad++ installed to be able to edit the smali file as per instructions on the thread
also if you have edited the manifest to enable flashlight you need to resign the apk
link to tool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2181597

abhishekr700 said:
i was trying lidroid togle on my system ui ddlk1
this was my procedure--
1 download all 3 files lidroidsysemui ,lidroid res and quicksettings.apk
2 decompile systemui and lidroidsystemui
3 copied the contents from lidroidsystemui smali folder to systemui smali folder , did not replace just copied from smali of lidroid to smali of systemui
4 i got copying message if you want to merge these folder,since 'com' folder was common to both,clicked yes
5 modified the statusbarservice.smali file
6 recompiled apk
7 opened with 7zip and copied the classes.dex to system/app
8 copied systemui.apk to syatem/app and lidroid-res to system/framework
9 quicksettings.apk to system/app
10 rebooted phone but i didnt got any status bar.the wallpaper is to the top
help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give me systemui.apk (I don't have DDLK1, I use DDLE1)
and I will do it for you.

well i am giving you my systemui.apk but i want to learn how to do this
so plzz help me
edit--
also found that the compiles app cannot install.please tell me why??

abhishekr700 said:
well i am giving you my systemui.apk but i want to learn how to do this
so plzz help me
edit--
also found that the compiles app cannot install.please tell me why??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am working on your systemui. I did not find this post, because you did not mention/quote me.
If you need help then just mention me/someone by "@hnkotnis"
Anyway you cannot install that apk by Package Installer. (Also cannot install other system apps)
You need to use Aroma File Manager (my 1st choice), Root Explorer (My 2nd choice) or System Apps Installer (This has some problems sometimes).

hnkotnis said:
I am working on your systemui. I did not find this post, because you did not mention/quote me.
If you need help then just mention me/someone by "@hnkotnis"
Anyway you cannot install that apk by Package Installer. (Also cannot install other system apps)
You need to use Aroma File Manager (my 1st choice), Root Explorer (My 2nd choice) or System Apps Installer (This has some problems sometimes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok i have root explorer but how to install apk using it
it gives the option of opening with default package installer

abhishekr700 said:
ok i have root explorer but how to install apk using it
it gives the option of opening with default package installer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FIRST BACKUP OLD SystemUI.apk to SD Card.
I have tested this apk but still make a backup.
(BONUS ALERT!!!) I ADDED FLASHLIGHT FIX ALSO!
I have attached apk, download it.
Put it in SD Card (anywhere)
Open Root Explorer, Go to apk location long press and click copy.
Go back...back... till root.
Click system ====> app
In upper right corner there is mount r/o. if it is mount r/o click button to make r/w.
Make it like this
{
"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"
}
Then press paste.
Find and long press systemui.apk ====> permissions.
Give permissions as rw-r--r--
Reboot phone.
DONE!

hnkotnis said:
FIRST BACKUP OLD SystemUI.apk to SD Card.
I have tested this apk but still make a backup.
(BONUS ALERT!!!) I ADDED FLASHLIGHT FIX ALSO!
I have attached apk, download it.
Put it in SD Card (anywhere)
Open Root Explorer, Go to apk location long press and click copy.
Go back...back... till root.
Click system ====> app
In upper right corner there is mount r/o. if it is mount r/o click button to make r/w.
Make it like this
View attachment 2630076
Then press paste.
Find and long press systemui.apk ====> permissions.
Give permissions as rw-r--r--
View attachment 2630077
Reboot phone.
DONE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey i followed your steps but on rebooting phone the statusbar was same as before no lidroid toggles??
BTW pm me your facebook id we will talk there

abhishekr700 said:
hey i followed your steps but on rebooting phone the statusbar was same as before no lidroid toggles??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added flashlight fix.
Try this one.
If this gives same error, there is one more possible error.
Try this. If this gives error, then I will go to solve that remaining doubt.
BTW No facebook id. Please respect my privacy.
If you want to contact me use XDA PM.
I was always...am always...will be always on XDA

hnkotnis said:
I added flashlight fix.
Try this one.
If this gives same error, there is one more possible error.
Try this. If this gives error, then I will go to solve that remaining doubt.
BTW No facebook id. Please respect my privacy.
If you want to contact me use XDA PM.
I was always...am always...will be always on XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no change :sorry:
pm me your facebook plzzzzzzz
i will keep it to myself only

just use the lidroid tool I gave earlier with an unmodded stock system ui
once done flash that and check that everything works except flashlight
for flashlight add this to the activity in the android manifest
Code:
<activity android:theme="@*android:style/Theme.NoTitleBar.Fullscreen" android:name="com.lidroid.systemui.quickpanel.FlashlightActivity" android:clearTaskOnLaunch="true" android:launchMode="singleTask" android:configChanges="keyboardHidden|orientation" />
resign the apk - important since you have changed the manifest you must resign
put in a flashable and zip and flash with system mounted
note - you cant put it in the rom zip and reflash - the status bar will disappear most likely due to signature mismatches as all system apps need to be signed with the same key so if thats what you are doing re-sign all your system apps with the same key or you could maybe edit the framework to allow multiple signitures

abhishekr700 said:
no change :sorry:
pm me your facebook plzzzzzzz
i will keep it to myself only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try with this one.
Sorry. No FB id.

hnkotnis said:
Try with this one.
Sorry. No FB id.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
huh....no change
gonna try the too given by marcussmith2626

marcussmith2626 said:
just use the lidroid tool I gave earlier with an unmodded stock system ui
once done flash that and check that everything works except flashlight
for flashlight add this to the activity in the android manifest
Code:
<activity android:theme="@*android:style/Theme.NoTitleBar.Fullscreen" android:name="com.lidroid.systemui.quickpanel.FlashlightActivity" android:clearTaskOnLaunch="true" android:launchMode="singleTask" android:configChanges="keyboardHidden|orientation" />
resign the apk - important since you have changed the manifest you must resign
put in a flashable and zip and flash with system mounted
note - you cant put it in the rom zip and reflash - the status bar will disappear most likely due to signature mismatches as all system apps need to be signed with the same key so if thats what you are doing re-sign all your system apps with the same key or you could maybe edit the framework to allow multiple signitures
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried the tool no success !!!!!!

abhishekr700 said:
tried the tool no success !!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
trust me it works - make sure you actually have a status bar before you flash
if you are flashing with a statusbar that has already disappeared it wont bring it back!

marcussmith2626 said:
trust me it works - make sure you actually have a status bar before you flash
if you are flashing with a statusbar that has already disappeared it wont bring it back!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i flashed when i had a status bar

abhishekr700 said:
i flashed when i had a status bar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is that your unmodified systemui you have posted on page one?

marcussmith2626 said:
is that your unmodified systemui you have posted on page one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes

abhishekr700 said:
yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash this in cwm with system mounted

marcussmith2626 said:
flash this in cwm with system mounted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no change
am i doing something wrong???
hnkotnis gave me lot of systemui.apk i tried update.zip by you and by myself
what is happening????????????????????????