Database Users

[Q] Compiling APK

I decompiled an apk and made some changes to the xml files in it but I'm having issues compiling it again. I've used apktool and apk manager to try to do it and I get what looks like an apk but I can't get it to show up when I push it to my emulator. Am I missing something here? Any help would be appreciated, I'm new to android programming.

You're pushing it to /system/app/ I assume?

illogic6 said:
You're pushing it to /system/app/ I assume?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You assume correctly. I just don't think the apk is being compiled correctly. I see it in the /system/app folder on the emulator but that's as close as it gets for me.

Don't make it harder than it has to be, forget signing the apk and using that method. Simply open the apk your editing with winrar highlight the res folder, press delete, then copy over the res folder with the edited xmls. Hit okay, and push to /system/app, that's what i do. The other method is just to complicated and time consuming.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

bubby323 said:
Don't make it harder than it has to be, forget signing the apk and using that method. Simply open the apk your editing with winrar highlight the res folder, press delete, then copy over the res folder with the edited xmls. Hit okay, and push to /system/app, that's what i do. The other method is just to complicated and time consuming.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill give that a try when I get home. It has been time consuming... thanks bubby, I love your rom

Ok, I tried bubby's method, and it show up now in the emulator but I'm getting FC. I was wondering if not transferring the xml back to binary could be the cause? I've seen lots of articles on how to translate the binary xml to human-readable xml but I can't find anything on transferring it back to binary.

[Q] editing framework-res.apk

Hey guys I need a bit of help..... I was trying to edit the drawables on my gf 's Eris in the framework-res.apk and when I recompiled the Rom and tried to flash my changes recovery tells me that the update script couldn't be verified due to framework-res.apk and aborts the installation.... what am I doing wrong? Do I need to sign this apk or something to make it work correctly? I did this on my Droid incredible the other day with no problem. I know there was another thread on this further down in Dec but unfortunately it didn't give me the answers I need...
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

elixir911911 said:
Hey guys I need a bit of help..... I was trying to edit the drawables on my gf 's Eris in the framework-res.apk and when I recompiled the Rom and tried to flash my changes recovery tells me that the update script couldn't be verified due to framework-res.apk and aborts the installation.... what am I doing wrong? Do I need to sign this apk or something to make it work correctly? I did this on my Droid incredible the other day with no problem. I know there was another thread on this further down in Dec but unfortunately it didn't give me the answers I need...
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume from reading your post that you updated the framework png's inside a Rom Zip package... You don't need to sign the framework, but you do have to resign the Rom Zip file. Try re-signing the rom file, that should get it working...

Macrodroid said:
I assume from reading your post that you updated the framework png's inside a Rom Zip package... You don't need to sign the framework, but you do have to resign the Rom Zip file. Try re-signing the rom file, that should get it working...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any input on how to sign Rom files? I've never signed anything before

elixir911911 said:
Any input on how to sign Rom files? I've never signed anything before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sign it using gnarlycs kitchen.
Edit: another thing you could have done is just pushed your modded frameworkres to its folder and rebooted the phone.
Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk

elixir911911 said:
Any input on how to sign Rom files? I've never signed anything before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
find zip signer i believe its called u can use that

tazzpatriot said:
find zip signer i believe its called u can use that
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Click to collapse
Sterricson Zip Signer, or get SignApkTool from the market and sign it on your phone... Just make sure you use the test-keys for the rom file...

I used zip signer from the market.... is there anyway I can use this to sign apk 's like HTC messaging and HTC IME so that I can edit drawables in those apps?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

elixir911911 said:
I used zip signer from the market.... is there anyway I can use this to sign apk 's like HTC messaging and HTC IME so that I can edit drawables in those apps?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Y don't u just download the kitchen so u can do it easier and do a bunch together...I think someone said this already I forget lol I need to look haha

Well I know how to sign sips I just want to know if I can sign apps like HTC messaging so they'll install on my device.... if I unzip and rezip afile it won't install on my device... will signing it fix this?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

i could never get that **** to recompile correctly. i gave up.

I use apk manager to decompile, compile, and sign apks. Unless I'm adding pngs I'm which case I use apktool. If your just editing or replacing what already exists apk manager is the easiest way in my opinion.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

elixir911911 said:
Well I know how to sign sips I just want to know if I can sign apps like HTC messaging so they'll install on my device.... if I unzip and rezip afile it won't install on my device... will signing it fix this?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those won't install...you need to push them to system/app and reboot. No need to sign them unless you resign a whole rom.zip

Conap said:
Those won't install...you need to push them to system/app and reboot. No need to sign them unless you resign a whole rom.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right.. thanks for adding that Conap. Also I was re-reading and just wanted to add as well that you don't want to unzip an apk to modify it and then zip it.. Use one of the other tools mentioned.. apktool or apkmanager

CondemnedSoul said:
That's right.. thanks for adding that Conap. Also I was re-reading and just wanted to add as well that you don't want to unzip an apk to modify it and then zip it.. Use one of the other tools mentioned.. apktool or apkmanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also for pc 7zip works good also. Just right click the file 7zip open archive drop your png where you want it. Close the apk and push it to system/app or where ever it came from.
If your on ubuntu just click your apk and drop your pngs. You don't even need an apk tool.
dinc¦rockin' the stock root

wildstang83 said:
Also for pc 7zip works good also. Just right click the file 7zip open archive drop your png where you want it. Close the apk and push it to system/app or where ever it came from.
If your on ubuntu just click your apk and drop your pngs. You don't even need an apk tool.
dinc¦rockin' the stock root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does work as well but doing it that way you will need to optimize the .9's if you change them also. xultimate works great for that.

CondemnedSoul said:
That does work as well but doing it that way you will need to optimize the .9's if you change them also. xultimate works great for that.
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Click to collapse
Oh cool. I never really optimized any of them. What does that do?
dinc¦rockin' the stock root

ok big time mess up...I downloaded apk manager....I used the command prompt to adb pull Browser.apk. I put this in the modding folder and used the script.bat file to extract the apk....I edited my files annd hit re zip apk and chose the option to retain signature for system apps. Then when I adb push back it seems to work fine but when I reboot browser doesnt show up in my app list!!!!! help please!!! where did I mess up? I even tried to zip align to see if that would fix it.....If I try to use coommand prompt to adb push the original browser.apk back into place it says error read only file system.....I'm locked out! ah!

elixir911911 said:
ok big time mess up...I downloaded apk manager....I used the command prompt to adb pull Browser.apk. I put this in the modding folder and used the script.bat file to extract the apk....I edited my files annd hit re zip apk and chose the option to retain signature for system apps. Then when I adb push back it seems to work fine but when I reboot browser doesnt show up in my app list!!!!! help please!!! where did I mess up? I even tried to zip align to see if that would fix it.....If I try to use coommand prompt to adb push the original browser.apk back into place it says error read only file system.....I'm locked out! ah!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To push the original browser, /system needs to be mounted as r/w which can be done with the command "adb remount"
As for the problem with the modded browser not showing up, try this:
Code:
adb shell chmod 644 /system/app/Browser.apk
adb shell chown 0:0 /system/app/Browser.apk
#now reboot into recovery, wipe cache and dalvik-cache, and reboot

the string you typed for the modded browser....i type that into a normal command prompt not into apk manager correct? I tried to put my normal browser back with adb remount and it still doesnt show in my app list but if i look with a file explorer the apk is in the right place....why wont it show up?

OK i actually pushed my old browser successfully and it wouldnt show in my app list....I then followed your instructions and did adb shell chmod and chown and reboot wipe dalvik and cache and it still wouldnt show up. I really dont wanna have to flash a recovery image....
edit: If it has any importance this is actually on a droid incredible i was testing for my gf's eris. So idk if it changes anything that this is actually an inc.

Creating 9 patch PNGS for theming!!

Alright, last week or so, I said I was going to try working on themes and after a few days finally got the whole 9 patch PNG jargon figured out!!! It was a pain in the ass figuring out how it all worked and even after searching i was still unclear.
Software you will need:
Adobe Photoshop or equivalent to edit your PNGs, adjust transparency, add effects)
Android SDK Tools and SDK starter package
Xultimate-d9pc.exe and repsective .zip file (this converts the raw .9.png into a working .9.png)
draw9patch (included in the SDK Tools) *I am working on another way to cut this step out since it is what takes the majority of time*
Java JDK (For Android SDK Tools to work)
Android SDK: Click Me! Android SDK r12 Do all the updates for the tool packages.
Xultimate-d9pc: Click Me!! Extract this into the Android SDK Tools Folder!! VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Java JDK: Click.. for 64 bit Windows Click.. for 32 bit Windows
I have uploaded all of these to my website for your convenience. I don't have the quickest server, so be patient with the downloads!!
Sorry for no audio in the video either. I didn't have a Mic hooked up and figured a video tutorial would be enough. Below is a youtube link and the pasted instructions from the youtube video.
WARNING: the steps below look intimidating, but really are quite easy after you grasp the idea.. I created so many steps to keep the total n00b in mind.
Step 1: Send the .apk that you want to modify from your phone to your email (or transfer your way of choice)
Step 2: copy the .apk somewhere on your harddrive (I put all my android stuff including tools and SDK in an 'android' folder as you will see in the video)
Step 3: open up the .apk in 7zip and navigate to the drawable folder (in this case; res >> drawable-hdpi)
Step 4: highlight all the pngs and .9.png's you would like to modify and copy them to a folder (this is where you will make your edits outside the .apk and compile them at a later time)
Step 5: Open the .9.pngs in photoshop and have some fun! (use your creativity to add overlays, borders, glows, etc.) tip: don't get to complicated, because you will need to pick split/stretch points later for the 9 patch conversion.
Step 6: When done modifying the .9.pngs, just save and overwrite the files you would like (in the case of the MMS app, the same image is used for multiple bubble files)
Step 7: Open up ONLY the .9.png's in the draw9patch tool located in your android SDK tools folder. Add the 9 patch data as shown in the video. Tip: some people only add one middle top and middle left split point/pixel, but i find its usually easier to add TWO points for the top and left quadrant as you will be picking your EXTENTS of where you want the content to be.
Step 8: On the right and bottom quadrant, create a solid line connecting the respective pixels together. These two steps will add the information to the PNG of where to split and stretch from, while also giving constraints of where the content can go.
Step 9: After all the 9 patch images are saved in draw9patch, if you open them you will notice the black pixels you just created. Do NOT, DO NOT try and recompile the .apk at this point, thinking you are done.. the bubbles (in this case) will look like crap, because you are not finished yet.
Step 10: Copy (or move) the newly created .9.png's into the ORIGINALS folder for the xultimate.exe software.
Step 11: Run the xultimate.exe. This will take about 2 seconds or less.
Step 12: naviigate through the 'done' folder and you will notice the .9.PNGs no longer contain the black border pixels!!! CONGRATS!!!
Step 13: Copy all modified images back into the open 7zip .apk archive and overwrite all the existing.
Step 14: replace your current .apk on your phone with this 'new' .apk and enjoy!!
and finally...
Tutorial -couldn't get youtube tags to work.
*If anyone is wondering why I Copied to the REV 2 folder but did the tutorial on the REV 1 folder, I was just demonstrating how to copy the files, but was working on my theme in the Rev 1 folder. DONT BE CONFUSED!!*

Thank you kind sir!
-Sent from my Random Epic.

This could be useful enough to move to Themes and be stickied with dreams tutorial.

Only reason I didn't throw it in those forums yet was that I figured a few people could try it and review the process before it became a 'good' tutorial. I know sometimes a tutorial is easy to understand or works for some people, but others have issues or don't understand the directions as well.
I hope this works for everyone and people are less intimidated to mess with this type of stuff!!
Relating to my other thread, I will continue to work on the MMS and Swype theming, I just wanted to get this together so everyone can start theming!

Wow, this looks very "easy"
Maybe I'll finally be able to edit .9.pngs without help
/sig
Avelnan said:
Phones are going to come to life someday. Take note: LG Optimus line. ASUS Transformer. And now the Nexus Prime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Why not just use apk manager to decompile, edit the .9.png's leaving the black outer border pixels alone, then recompile the apk, extract the modded png's, then copy them into the source apk?

shane6374 said:
Why not just use apk manager to decompile, edit the .9.png's leaving the black outer border pixels alone, then recompile the apk, extract the modded png's, then copy them into the source apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine in some instances, but it wouldn't really allow you to create .9pngs that are of a different size....
Also...I would think editing them in say GIMP only would "corrupt" the draw9patch data? It seems to me that it's more than just having a few pixels as borders and guidlines, it's also the files data in relation to those pixels
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

squshy 7 said:
That's fine in some instances, but it wouldn't really allow you to create .9pngs that are of a different size....
Also...I would think editing them in say GIMP only would "corrupt" the draw9patch data? It seems to me that it's more than just having a few pixels as borders and guidlines, it's also the files data in relation to those pixels
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Editing with gimp wouldn't and doesn't corrupt the image from what I know. That's why your able to compile the image after editing it with gimp without error.
Sent from my SPH-D700

ac16313 said:
Editing with gimp wouldn't and doesn't corrupt the image from what I know. That's why your able to compile the image after editing it with gimp without error.
Sent from my SPH-D700
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. What I do is cut all but the 1 pixel border into a new layer, edit that layer, merge the layers and save. I understand the concept the op is stating, but all of this can be done with the method I said as well. If you want to completely change, or add png's you will need to also make xml edits to add the image there or change container sizes, which is done by decompiling with apk manager. The only thing you might have to do is run the images throught the draw9 tool, but in most cases you wouldn't even need to do that.
Sent from shane6374's Epic via Tapatalk

also, if you see the black bars, you are dealing with a previously edited rom/apk. when you build from leaks or official google aosp releases you dont have that. very nice work mr. socks

I have a question. How do you create a new 9.png to use, for example with miui lockscreen. I dont really get that. Do I have to create the 9.png as the same as the original 9.png on the lockscreen. just wondering. Any help would be appreciated
thank you

cowsquad said:
I have a question. How do you create a new 9.png to use, for example with miui lockscreen. I dont really get that. Do I have to create the 9.png as the same as the original 9.png on the lockscreen. just wondering. Any help would be appreciated
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends on what image it is and what you want it to do. Some aspects that you might think are controlled by an image might actually be controlled by a xml file.

shane6374 said:
It really depends on what image it is and what you want it to do. Some aspects that you might think are controlled by an image might actually be controlled by a xml file.
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Click to collapse
Is there a way to find what aspects are controlled by a xml file.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

cowsquad said:
Is there a way to find what aspects are controlled by a xml file.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Sure, you can take the name of the image and search for it in the xml files. Very easy to do with windows explorer. I use it to fine images and color codes all the time. If you know how to read the xml file you can see how it all works.
I don't know what file you're wanting to edit, but that might help. I'd throw up some resources I've used for you but I'm at work right now.

shane6374 said:
Sure, you can take the name of the image and search for it in the xml files. Very easy to do with windows explorer. I use it to fine images and color codes all the time. If you know how to read the xml file you can see how it all works.
I don't know what file you're wanting to edit, but that might help. I'd throw up some resources I've used for you but I'm at work right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever you have time, could you email me those resources. That will be appreciated. Pm and I send you my email
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

cowsquad said:
Whenever you have time, could you email me those resources. That will be appreciated. Pm and I send you my email
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start with this one here. If you have sdk and draw9patch in the tools folder, you can use this to help guide you. There was one other site I found when I was starting out themeing, but I'm not finding it right now.
http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/draw9patch.html

i tried to run the ultimate.exe but i get an error, my ant/res doesnt exit. how do i fix that

cowsquad said:
i tried to run the ultimate.exe but i get an error, my ant/res doesnt exit. how do i fix that
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Click to collapse
I don't even know what that is. Do you have sdk installed?
Sent from shane6374's Epic via Tapatalk

shane6374 said:
I don't even know what that is. Do you have sdk installed?
Sent from shane6374's Epic via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do. I have sdk, eclipse and java set up already. I'm gonna reinstall everything now and see the results.

Battery mod links

Ok, So after copying 200 or so png's in the Drawable_xlarge_mdpi and the drawable_mdpi folder, I get my image mods after flashing.
But, they still only show the stock number of images, 9 or 10. Charging works ok.
So somewhere, there are some xml files I need to edit to reflect the filename additions?
Or am I missing something else?
A501 HC 3.2
Thanks guys and girls!

Battery_Charge.xml & Battery_Discharge.xml should be what your looking for.
Sent from my DROIDX using Xparent Red Tapatalk

DRTMI said:
Battery_Charge.xml & Battery_Discharge.xml should be what your looking for.
Sent from my DROIDX using Xparent Red Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I kind of figgured those were the xml files I was looking for. Problem is, I'm playing hell with de-compiling my framework-res to be able to edit the xml files.
Can't make much progress with the apktools available, even when including the dependancy apk's. So clearly I am a noob with decompiling framework-res
So my next question, is there any difference between a com gen 1 stat_battery_charge.xml; for the a500 and 501? If not, is it feasible to switch the modified xml to replace the current stock one?

here is how i mod those files as well as the icons and so on
i copy the system ui.apk to a folder on my desktop
i open it with winrar.. DO NOT EXTRACT IT.. pull out the folder containing the png files or xms you want to edit.. Just drag and drop them to another folder..
edit them to your hearts desire.
open the system.ui apk again in win rar.. drag the edited folder back into the system.ui.. push it to your tablet.. to say download folder..
then copy it to the original place it will ask you to replace say yes.. your tablet will CRASH .. REBOOT then if you edited the files corectly it will boot and show your changes.
i dont know if this is the correct way easiest way .. but IT DID WORK FOR ME.. USE AT YOUR OWN DESCRESSION..

I could send you the apktool I am using. Its the only one I have found that works worth honeycomb.
Sent from a phone.

NunHugger said:
I could send you the apktool I am using. Its the only one I have found that works worth honeycomb.
Sent from a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be much appreciated Just send a link, and thanks!

erica_renee said:
USE AT YOUR OWN DESCRESSION..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Erica! That's what I've been doing Actually, wanted to do some editing to the xml files itself. It's easy for png's, at they don't get compiled.
Anytime we take the first step, and install iconiaroot, we do so at our own discretion

Here's an updated apk_manager if you prefer that method.
I normally use a CWM zip since I have to reboot anyway. You can usually start with any theme zip and just make sure their updater-script copies /system to /system and just look through the zip to see what it copies, and if it looks normal, you can make the directory structure the same but copy your own over the old ones (and delete any orginal files that you won't be overwriting). i.e. it should look like:
system/app/SystemUI.apk
system/framework/framework-res.apk
system/fonts/blah.ttf
Just drag your files into the zip in the same place and use it.
And then as a precautionary measure, just do this once or any time you mess with more files (for inexperienced modders): Make a 2nd copy of that zip and call it blah-revert.zip then copy the orginal files over those modified files. Once you have both zips on the device, if anything goes wrong you can flash the revert to get back quick.

[Tutorial] Unpack and repack apk's using APKmanager for theming

IMPORTANT - APK extraction is needed only when you are going to edit or replace png's for theming. If you want edit xml's, you need to decompile the apk instead of extracting it.
If you want to decompile an apk, read this tutorial - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1664292
1) Download apkmanager ( http://apkmultitool.com/downloads/Apk_Manager_5.0.2.zip ) and install it
2) Put the apk you want to decompile in 'place-apk-here-for-modding' folder.
3) Double click on 'script'
4) Ignore the 'adb not found' command and press enter
5) Type 22 i.e. 'set current project' and press enter.
6) Type 1 and press enter
7) Type 1 again and press enter to extract
8) Wait until the extraction finishes.
9) Minimize command line and go to projects -> filename.apk -> change/edit the required png's
Warning - Do not edit 9.pngs or replace them just like that. They are not normal png's. For mor info on how to edit 9.png's, follow music.soul's tutorial - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1559154
10) Switch back to command-line, type 3 and press enter.
11) If it is a system app's apk, type 1 and press enter. If it is a normal apk, type 2 and press enter.
12) Wait until the command-line comes back to its initial look.
13) Go to 'place-apk-here-for-modding' folder, your new file will be unsignedfilename.apk
14) Copy the file to SD card, rename it and remove 'unsigned' from file's name.
15) Push the file to original folder using root explorer and set proper permissions.
EG - If you modded framework-res.apk, push your new file to /system folder. Set permissions to rw-r--r-- and then move the file to /system/framework folder.
PS - Make a nandroid backup before doing this if you modded framework. Backup the original app's apk in case something goes wrong
Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2

Excellent guide

evil_penguin said:
Excellent guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2

APK manager is the only thing I need? Or do I also need Java SDK and Android SDK. For theming only.

Thanks dude! now I will start to mod my stock LUBKPL rom to my personal preferences and if it goes fine I will share my mods. Now in Mexico there are president elections and I work for one of the 4 countenders so I will star my mods before July 5 here are a LOOOOOTTTT of work rite now!

kevin03 said:
APK manager is the only thing I need? Or do I also need Java SDK and Android SDK. For theming only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only need apkmanager and a good image editing software like photoshop.
Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2

How about unpacking and repacking roms? How do I do that?

Woho. One more awesome guide. Thanks dev
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

Both the guides are very clear and detailed, I think they are eligible enough to be featured on XDA news. What say guys? How can I submit his threads for XDA news?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

kevin03
7zip.It's easly

Rishris said:
Both the guides are very clear and detailed, I think they are eligible enough to be featured on XDA news. What say guys? How can I submit his threads for XDA news?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, that's too much. I did not write the guides to get featured on XDA news. I just wrote them to help newbies. And I dont think they consider such normal stuff for XDA news. Thanks for the appreciation anyway
Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2

So I got the apk manger from the link you posted and followed all directions, but when I get to the step where I decompile the apk, i get an error.
I've attached a picture maybe this will help.
what im trying to decompile is a MMS.apk from my nexus.
thanks in advance and sorry for reviving an old thread.