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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"
}

[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.

[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????????????????????????

[GUIDE] How to get GravityBox mods on your Pixel even though Xposed no longer works!

Hi all!
I was extremely disheartened when I discovered that XPosed and thus GravityBox would not work on my Google Pixel (or any phone with Nougat for that matter).
There are so many little tweaks to the OS that GravityBox can enable and I felt like I could not live without them. Having the day of the week in the status bar was a big one for me. It was such a big deal to me that I spent days messing with my Pixel, accidentally bricking it and wiping it and restoring it more times than I want to admit, just to get the day of the week in the status bar. Now I know I could have just downloaded an app that did it, but they always required a separate program running at all times and I hated that idea, especially since Android has the feature built-in.
So the problem is that GravityBox was able to modify the SystemUI.apk, but Xposed and thus GravityBox does not work with Nougat. Manually editing the SystemUI.apk on my Pixel always caused a lockup where SystemUI would crash and I could not boot my phone.
So after several weeks trying to figure this out, and with the help of other members, I was able to get these GravityBox-like tweaks to work on the Google Pixel! (though I definitely need some help getting code to make other tweaks, so if any of you know the codes of other tweaks, post them please!).
Anyway:
{
"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"
}
(as you can see I was able to unlock new SystemUI settings in the stock Android settings menu, as well as the date and day of the week in my status bar)
Step 1:
Make sure your Pixel is rooted with Magisk. I am using V12 because V13 caused my phone to be unusable for some reason (even with the Pixel guide). If you need the Magisk version that is for the Pixel specifically; the download, as well as a great guide, is available here: https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/install-magisk-your-pixel-pixel-xl-0177522/
Step 2:
Create a backup in TWRP. Use TWRP 3.0.2.0-RC1 for saltfish/Pixel. I had issues with RC2 not restoring my backups properly. When you choose backup, select the following: Boot, System Image (not system!), Vendor Image (not Vendor!), Data, and EFS. I have zero issues restoring my pixel with those selected (and System and Vendor de-selected). You don't have to do this step, but I like to do it in case a mistake is made.
Step 3:
After you have Magisk installed, you will need to download the zip from the link below. I titled it magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip.
Please excuse the silly file name. I had to make so many different zips that I had to give them weird titles so I knew which ones worked and which ones didn't.
Install that Zip in TWRP. Reboot.
You should now notice in your status bar that you have the day of the week and the date. You will also have a new option in your System UI Tuner settings called "Navigation Bar". This will let you edit the navigation bar to your heart's content; as well as the option to remove the brightness slider if for some reason you'd want to.
In short, Android has these options built into the OS, but they don't have easy ways to enable or adjust them. I have no idea why. Anyway, long story short: XML files need to be edited to enable these types of settings or features. These tweaks are NOT separate programs constantly running on your phone which is why I love them.
Anyway you might not want the tweaks I included which is fine (day and date in status bar and extra options in settings menu). All you need to do is delete the layout and xml folders I created (and the XML files inside them) in magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip\eviltheme\system\priv-app\SystemUIGoogle.apk\res
You will see later on how you will use the folders and files you create in the zip to make changes you like!
So back to the beginning: directly messing with your systemui.apk can be dangerous, @djb77 was nice enough to create a Magisk module that allows you to make these XML edits, without messing with your systemUI.apk. It basically finds these changes on your phone and makes the changes when your phone boots. It's great and safe, but unfortunately does not work with the Pixel due to the dual partitions the device has. @Tulsadiver is an awesome member of the XDA community and edited the module to work with the Pixel. Tulsadiver's edited module is what is inside of the magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip I provided below, with the only difference being I added my XML edits that allows for the day of the week and date in the status bar, and the extra options unlocked in the SystemUI Tuner in the settings menu.
You can see where my edited XML files are in the zip and it will help you understand how this all works. Extract my magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip and you will see a bunch of folders and files. Open the EvilTheme folder, then system folder, then the priv-app folder. Then the SystemUIGoogle.apk folder (it is named SystemUiGoogle.apk but it is NOT an apk. It is just a folder with that name). If you did not notice yet, this is how the actual SystemUIGoogle.apk is stored on your Pixel. SystemUiGoogle.apk is stored in the system/priv-app/SystemUIGoogle/ folder on your phone. So basically, this magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip structure sort of "mimics" where things reside on your system folder. You will see if you decompile your SystemUIGoogle.apk that inside it has a /res folder and a /layout and /xml folder (amongst others) and you will notice the magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip has it, too. Those contain the changes I made to enable what I mentioned.
Step 4
You might notice if you look at my XML files in the magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip, they are a garbled mess. This is because they need to be in the "recompiled" format on your phone. You will notice if you decompile the SystemUiGoogle.apk, that those same XML files are nice and readable. So if you want to make any tweaks, you need to decompile your SystemUiGoogle.apk, edit the XML files you like, then recompile. Then because you are only using the XML files (and not the recompiled SystemUiGoogle.apk), you would use 7zip to unzip the SystemUiGoogle.apk and pick out the files that you edited. This time they will be a garbled mess, which is what you want. You then add them to their respective folder in magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip
If you need help decompiling and recompiling the SystemUiGoogle.apk, I can help.
Get Tickle My Android here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633333
Make sure you get it up and running by following the directions there.
I will guide you through decompiling and recompiling since it is a bit different because Google renamed systemui.apk to SystemUiGoogle.apk for who knows what reason.
Once it is running, Go to the "settings menu".
Now select the "change favorite files" menu.
Press 1 and make that favorite file system/framework/framework-res.apk
Now go back to that menu and press 2 and make that favorite file system/priv-app/SystemUIGoogle/SystemUIGoogle.apk
Again we are doing this because TickleMyAndroid won't be able to find those due to them being renamed on the Pixel.
Now go back to the main menu, and choose the Theming Menu
Now choose the Pull Menu
Choose the option near the bottom that says Pull/Set Favorite File and pull AND install the 1st one (system/framework/framework-res.apk). You will only need to do this once. You do not need to do this again in the future unless you use a new computer or something.
Now you want to decompile your SystemUIGoogle.apk that is on your phone.
"Pull" the file from the favorites option; making sure you select the 2nd one this time. SystemUIGoogle.apk will be pulled from your phone and decompiled.
You will find the decompiled SystemUIGoogle.apk in your Tickle My Android folder, and in the \_WorkArea1\_working\SystemUIGoogle.apk folder (like on the zip I uploaded, this SystemUIGoogle.apk is the name of a folder and is NOT an apk!).
Now say you want to edit your status bar to have the date and day of the week in the status bar (make believe there are no folders or files in eviltheme/system that already do this for you). The code for that is this:
The file that needs to be edited is res\layout\status_bar.xml
Find this line: com.android.systemui.statusbar.policy.Clock and remove that entire code block and replace it with this:
Code:
<TextClock android:format12Hour="EEE MMM dd h:mm a" android:format24Hour="EEE HH:mm" android:textAppearance="@style/TextAppearance.StatusBar.Clock" android:id="@id/clock" android:paddingLeft="3.0dip" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_gravity="bottom" android:singleLine="true" />
Save the XML file.
Now we need to put that file in the magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip in the proper location and flash it in TWRP. But remember, we can't put in the "easy to read" .XML. It needs to be the garbled one you get when the apk is compiled. So in TickleMyAndroid, simply go to "recompile app with original signature" in the the "quick menu". Choose SystemUIGoogle.apk. Find the recompiled one that was just created. Unzip it (yes you can unzip an apk!) and look for status_bar.xml
Take this status_bar.xml and place it in the magiskXDAhelperWORKSnavbarENABLEd4.zip in the \eviltheme\system\priv-app\SystemUIGoogle.apk\res\layout folder and that's it! Flash the zip in TWRP and when you reboot, you should see your changes! Congrats! You've successfully "edited" your SystemUI.apk without ever touching the original file, and without needing to stay on Marshmallow to use XPosed/Gravitybox!
Since this took me such a long time to figure out (even with the help of XDA forum members!) I figured a nice guide like this would be helpful to others and I could pay it forward.
I am going to reserve the next post for us all to post nice systemui XML and other edits that will give us nice custom tweaks! So if you know some, please reply with them because finding them online can be a nightmare (not to mention some of them I have yet to be able to find!).
Enjoy!

This space will be reserved for useful customization edits and tricks forum members may come across. They are very difficult to find, so any would be appreciated! Also feel free to add a "wish list" and I will add it to this page.
XML code edits:
To get the navigation bar edit menu to show up in SystemUI settings:
edit: res/xml/tuner_prefs.xml
Before this line:
<Preference android:title="@string/other" android:key="other" android:fragment="com.android.systemui.tuner.OtherPrefs" />
Place this:
Code:
<Preference android:title="@string/nav_bar" android:key="nav_bar" android:fragment="com.android.systemui.tuner.NavBarTuner" />
(do not erase any code. Just place that line before the other line).
-------------------------------------------
To put the Day of the week and date in the status bar:
edit: res\layout\status_bar.xml
Find this line: com.android.systemui.statusbar.policy.Clock and remove that entire code block and replace it with this:
Code:
<TextClock android:format12Hour="EEE MMM dd h:mm a" android:format24Hour="EEE HH:mm" android:textAppearance="@style/TextAppearance.StatusBar.Clock" android:id="@id/clock" android:paddingLeft="3.0dip" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_gravity="bottom" android:singleLine="true" />
You can change the format of it where I put in "EEE MMM dd h:mm a" and make it look the way you like:
d.............Day Of Month (single digit) 7
dd.......... Day Of Month (double digit) Zero, 07
EEEE......Day Of Week (Full) Monday
EEE........Week Day (Short) Mon
MMMM....Month (Full) AUGUST
MMM.......Month (Short) AUG
MM..........Month (double digit) 08
M............Month (Single digit) 8
yyyy........Year (Full) 2013
yy............Year (Short) 13
h..............Hour (12 hour, single digit) 8
hh............Hour (12 hour, double digit) 08
H.............Hour (24 hour, single digit) 8 20
HH...........Hour (24 hour, double digit) 08 20 (Note: some roms use kk instead)
m.............Minute (single digit) 9
MM..........Minute (double digit) 09
s..............Second (single digit) 9
ss............Second (double digit) 09
a..............Marker AM/PM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to @Spannaa for posting that code back in 2014!
WISH LIST:
This is for a list of tweaks that were available in Xposed/Gravitybox that I have not been able to find the code for. Feel free to reply to this thread and I will add your wishlist to this one!
1) automatically have all volume sliders expanded instead of just the one Android thinks you want to adjust
2) Adjust brightness by moving finger across status bar (this used to be an option in Android when you enabled SystemUI Tweaks so it definitely can be enabled; I just can't find the code for pure Android)
3) Enable holding the back button to force close the foreground app.
4) Allow pressing the back button twice quickly to enable/disable auto-rotate
5) Allow moving the text entry cursor back and forward using volume buttons
6) Battery percentage only (no icon) in status bar
7) Automatically default to file transfer mode instead of charging when plugged into a computer
8) Put screen shot and "restart to recovery" options in power menu

Very nice work and detailed information. That's what XDA is all about!
I wonder if other Xposed modules such as Xinstaller or App Settings work similarly to Gravity Box.
Your method seems reminiscent of tweaks that can be performed by editing db files with SQL editor apps.

xdadevnube said:
Very nice work and detailed information. That's what XDA is all about!
I wonder if other Xposed modules such as Xinstaller or App Settings work similarly to Gravity Box.
Your method seems reminiscent of tweaks that can be performed by editing db files with SQL editor apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Yeah a lot of these things are as simple as editing an xml file. I just wish it were easy to find what edits do what around the web.

[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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------​
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.