[Theme Making] Tutorial for theming beginners

[Theme Making] Tutorial for theming beginners - Nexus 5 Themes and Apps

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Hello guys ,in this tutorial I'm going to show you main steps to make a CM11 Theme , compatible with the newest theme engine .
I'll provide as much help as I can , stating here that I'm a themer for only two week , I started theming with @EnricoD who really helped me and guided me through this way .
So let's start off
Requirements:
* There's a template available to download on GitHub , made by elelinux .But @EnricoD made it simpler , thank him , also support elelinux by getting his theme Great Freedom on the Play Store
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By2Nq4_gBuTQWktfb2xTc2dGR1U/edit?usp=sharing
It is pretty stable , and good enough to make a complete theme .
*Download Android Studio , which is going to be used to compile the Great Freedom project , and make it available as .apk format to install on your ROM.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/installing/studio.html
*Android Studio won't work without the JAVA JDK , which you can download in the link below :
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html
*You MUST have a ROM which includes the newest CM Theme Manager (T-Mobile Theme Manager) firstly introduced in the CM11S .
*Working brain
*PC, with a decent internet speed , believe me we had enough difficulties with enricocid downloading that android studio on a slow internet :/ .
*Time and Patience .Patience because you're going to test the theme you made many times .
You can ask questions , I know how it feels to be a beginner , so don't worry I , @EnricoD , and other users here will do their best to help you

1st Steps on theme making
Here we are , assuming that you have downloaded the Android Studio , the template , and set them properly .
What are we going to work on ?
We are going to work on the template , but know that you won't touch anything except the assets folder .
When you go to that folder (assets ) you'll see a bunch of folders .
The one you need for UI theming is overlays folder .
Let's say you are going to theme Paranoid Android or CM (it doesn't really matter , however they differ !) , you'll get the SystemUI.apk from the ROM.zip (exactly here : ROM/System/Priv-app) , decompile(I'll cover you here too ) it and you'll get another folder called systemUI filled with FOLDERS
How it looks :
Then edit whatever you want (except the .9.png's , I'll also cover that for you).In my case I have edited all the photos (.png's) with Photoshop CS6
I'm done with editing the drawable-xxhdpi , you may edit whichever folder you want , drawable-xhdpi etc.
Then I go to the template/GreatFreedom-cm-11.0/Assets/overlays/ and create a folder there with the name | com.android.systemui | and create another folder inside the com.android.systemui named res and then copy the whole folder you have themed in the SystemUI , in my case it is drawable-xxhdpi .
If you want to edit drawable-xhdpi or any folder for the systemUI , you need to create a folder with identical name in the overlays/com.android.systemUI .
Then if you want to edit framework-res , continue with the same steps (decompile >edit>create a folder in overlays named | android | )
Understand the logic , every part of the app has a special name , which you can find it in the AndroidManifest.xml of the app you decompile , here's an example :
So understand , example : you want to edit the XXXXXXXX.apk , you decompile it , get it's name path in the AndroidManifest.xml , and create a folder in the overlays with the name you took in the AndroidManifest.xml .(I'll take some main system apps path names and will give them to you )
Simple right?
Now we're getting into a simpler step , building the .apk with Android Studio

Building the .apk with the Android Studio
Open up the Android Studio .
Then click File -> Import Project... then locate where the template is .
And then compile the project
Hint : you may use Ctrl + Shift + F9 combo to compile it .
Then get the .apk , found here :
Install it , and that's it , you got a theme now

Filepaths to some main packages
Names to the main packages filepath :
android (framework-res.apk)
com.android.dialer (Dialer.apk)
com.android.email (Email.apk)
com.android.keyguard (Keyguard.apk , lockscreen theming)
com.android.settings (Settings.apk)
com.android.systemui (SystemUI.apk)
You may ask for another one , I'd be happy to help you

Reserved
Credits :
@elelinux for the template he provided , he sacrificed maybe hours and hours for us .
@EnricoD for providing the simplified template.zip .Half of this thread is his , he guided me greatly and patiently throughout this process .
 @ibanez7 for his great tutorial on how to decompile an .apk
CyanogenMod team , for making a theme manager for us .
And everyone that guided me through this way

Reserved
What is decompiling ?
Decompiling is a process , in which you get every part of an app (.apk) , it is so simple , where you only need basic knowledge on Command Prompt (CMD.exe) , as I said , I got to cover you with a simple tutorial :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2251719
How can I edit .9.png's ?
They're same as any .png file , but if you edit it , you MUSTN'T touch /color the black parts/corners ,leave those parts black.

I've never used Android studio to build a Theme, always did it the old school ways. Does it also sign it, and can you use your own key?

Schoat333 said:
I've never used Android studio to build a Theme, always did it the old school ways. Does it also sign it, and can you use your own key?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean by key , but Android Studio is a small part of this tutorial , just to make the compiling , which is a fairly easy step to do .

blinqipa said:
Not sure what you mean by key , but Android Studio is a small part of this tutorial , just to make the compiling , which is a fairly easy step to do .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I should have been more specific. In order to install an application from with in Android, it has to be signed. Generally, you would sign it with the test keys that Google provides, and that would work. In order to put an item in the Play store, you have to use your own Keys tho. I'm just curious if the Android studio does this signing step.

Schoat333 said:
Sorry, I should have been more specific. In order to install an application from with in Android, it has to be signed. Generally, you would sign it with the test keys that Google provides, and that would work. In order to put an item in the Play store, you have to use your own Keys tho. I'm just curious if the Android studio does this signing step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably , I'm not a user of Android Studio , except that I use it for Theme Compiling .
I've heard that Android Studio lets you do so many things to make it available and compatible with Play Store , like it let's you choose whether the app to be mature or whatever .

Related

[Q]How Do You Install Custom Android THEMES

XDA,
Just wanted to know how can I, we add themes to our Android builds. For example, this UltraLinx Desire Theme Thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736987
I currently have Metamorph, but nothing is working for me. Just wanted to know if anyone is able to add custom themes and how.

misleading title, you shouldve put [Q] instead of [How-to]
but i belive i read that Metamorph does not work on the HD2.

mr_billionaire said:
misleading title, you shouldve put [Q] instead of [How-to]
but i belive i read that Metamorph does not work on the HD2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. Metamorph works for me, but check for each theme their compatibility.
For example, the metamorph theme often need for modding the toolbar, that you have cyanogen (shubcraft hd2 roms for example)
Changing battery icon often didn't need anything special and should work.
For exemple on my shubcraft build :
{
"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"
}
It can be tricky to know what works and doesnt on our distro, so always make a complete titanium backup before, in case your system doesnt boot anymore.

kuntri said:
XDA,
Just wanted to know how can I, we add themes to our Android builds. For example, this UltraLinx Desire Theme Thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736987
I currently have Metamorph, but nothing is working for me. Just wanted to know if anyone is able to add custom themes and how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change the title if you want more people to help you... I thought this was a how to...
I will be posting a how-to on my site soon...
In the meantime, for system themes: simply replace the the drawable-hdpi in framework-res.apk/res with the one from the theme you want. use adb push to put back into the phone.
On my build, since there's no recovery mode where we can safely change system files in use, I had to reset my email accounts and wallpaper settings after this...
no biggie...

pongster said:
Change the title if you want more people to help you... I thought this was a how to...
I will be posting a how-to on my site soon...
In the meantime, for system themes: simply replace the the drawable-hdpi in framework-res.apk/res with the one from the theme you want. use adb push to put back into the phone.
On my build, since there's no recovery mode where we can safely change system files in use, I had to reset my email accounts and wallpaper settings after this...
no biggie...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sichroteph said:
Wrong. Metamorph works for me, but check for each theme their compatibility.
For example, the metamorph theme often need for modding the toolbar, that you have cyanogen (shubcraft hd2 roms for example)
Changing battery icon often didn't need anything special and should work.
For exemple on my shubcraft build :
It can be tricky to know what works and doesnt on our distro, so always make a complete titanium backup before, in case your system doesnt boot anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mr_billionaire said:
misleading title, you shouldve put [Q] instead of [How-to]
but i belive i read that Metamorph does not work on the HD2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks fellaz

metamorph does work
I use the donator version and was able to successfully use the zen theme and a few more themes
however, I have been receiving issues with installing others (eg nextTang for example)
What I've been doing/done that hasn't worked is
I create a file in the root directory of my storage card, make the system folder and copy the theme files to the system (eg app, lib, res)
but my android gets a reboot sequence. It never boots after I apply the theme
I should clarify this is on shub 1.4b cm6 rc3 I tried that method
I also tried editing the htcupdate_leo.tar.gz in which the system file is in (copying the files from there) but I can't boot afterward. The boot splash reloops
any help is super appreciated
edit pongster where in the heck is your site????

Been tryingt to change the ugly stock sense theme all day without luck.
Tried metamorph even the pro version, then to replace files in root framework also creating framework folder in android build folder but nada, the phone will not boot after these tries. Kinda getting the feeling im not getting the right themes. Using darkstones latest.
Any links and howtos on successful theme installs?

inku79 said:
Been tryingt to change the ugly stock sense theme all day without luck.
Tried metamorph even the pro version, then to replace files in root framework also creating framework folder in android build folder but nada, the phone will not boot after these tries. Kinda getting the feeling im not getting the right themes. Using darkstones latest.
Any links and howtos on successful theme installs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with darkstones ROM's and builds you will need to delete the .odex file and the file you are about to push over before you can get it to work right. so in short the steps needed would be.
edit your theme to your liking
adb shell rm -r nameoforiginalfilestillonphone.apk /location/of/file
adb shell rm -r nameoforiginalfilestillonphone.odex /location/of/file
adb shell push nameoffileyouthemed.apk /location/you/deleted/from
adb shell reboot
this should work, but dont blame me if it doesnt.
i take no responsibility. this is simply what works for me when working with builds that have not yet been de-odexed

framework-res.apk does not seem to have a matching odex file. All the jar files have it but not apk.
ill give it a shot anyway.
no luck...
did however find out that placing the framework-res.apk on storage/android/root/system/framework does load it upon boot (saved my last crashed build by placing the original framework-res.apk there).
however have tried several framework-res.apk files from different themes... all of them crash my froyostone buid at the moment....sux :-(

[Tutorial]How to edit smali files // ZIP Kit prepared for you ^^

Tools needed :
My KIT for SMALI files (using options for each step )
Notepad++( Hexadecimal editor for *.xml )
This is an example of a smali file changed (in this case, Global.Actions.smali located in android.policy.jar)
_______________ Power Menu modded (smali changed) ______________
{
"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"
}
Open my zip kit ( recomended in a Theming Folder for example with apkmanager and all files you would like to mod )
What you get :
Baksmali
Baksmali ( executable Jar File )
Command.exe ( Shell file )
Notepad text with the two commands for decompile and compile already made for you ( just copy and paste into command.exe )
Smali
Smali ( executable Jar File )
1. So the only thing you need is to place your apk in the smali kit folder
2. To Decompile :
Code:
java -jar baksmali.jar -x yourfile -o classout
(classout folder can be renamed to whatever you want, doesnt matter until you dont forget to change the name too in the second command)
3. Make the modifications you want for smali files
4. To Compile again :
Code:
java -Xmx512M -jar smali.jar classout -o classes.dex
5. Copy and paste the file classes.dex into your apk _ you will overwrite the old one.
Thanks to Rafalense
Enjoy it

Thanks mate, it might be useful for some trick i'm gonna test.

Hi,
thanks for the guide and the advice.
But does the apk manager the smali decompile and compile too?
Could you give some hints where you can change what in smali?

Apk manager 4.9 and Smali/Baksmali
affmalg said:
Hi,
thanks for the guide and the advice.
But does the apk manager the smali decompile and compile too?
Could you give some hints where you can change what in smali?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late answer, have been busy with the last release of my theme
Apk manager decompile/compile xml files for apk
Smali/Baksmali decompile/compile smali files for apk
I am preparing a Tuto for both but a good start will be to check here and here

Yorzua said:
Apk manager decompile/compile xml files for apk
Smali/Baksmali decompile/compile smali files for apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay now i got that
I am preparing a Tuto for both but a good start will be to check here and here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know them both and they have been very helpful
But i would like to know more about things like that you deleted the powermenus headline.
I you have time could you look a that.
I just can't compile the apks any more, so my theme can't get an update

Apk manager 4.9 on xp windows
affmalg said:
Okay now i got that
I know them both and they have been very helpful
But i would like to know more about things like that you deleted the powermenus headline.
I you have time could you look a that.
I just can't compile the apks any more, so my theme can't get an update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
affmalg said:
Hi guys,
I am using Apk manager 5.0 with the latest updates and apk tool 1.3.1
I want to decompile, edit and recompile my SystemUI.apk.
My Roms framework-res is set as 1.apk
Decompiling of SystemUI.apk works (no errors)
To check that compiling works, i edit nothing, just removed the "-v4" from the drawable-hpdi folder.
I assume that the must be something wrong with the resource, the framework-res.apk which i placed as 1.apk
"Resource is not public" is the error.
Does anyone no how to solve this?
The curious thing is that with the previous version of the rom it worked when i was making my theme a week ago.
Now it doesn't work any more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you follow my Tuto, you should always use apk manager 4.9 editing framework as you want to mod xml __ even better with XP rather than any windows else.
Apk manager is not needed to decompile/recompile png's
you just forget zip and use instead 7zip which allow you to directly drag any file you want to another zip without decompiling/compiling.
Another rule is that you cant drag a xml from a zip to your hdd folder.
you must decompile the apk first. if the xml is already modded, then you can drag it everywhere and re-drag it where you want.
Never set framework-res as 1.apk
apk manager does everything for you, you just need to decompile,
set always level of compression to 0 in order to avoid issues during compilation work on the framework folder decompiled and just compile.
If you proceed step by step, you should be fine.
Note that systemUI.apk gives a lot of issues during decompilation
Smali files are included in systemUI so better use my tool for smali's files
Last one, i will prepare a tuto to take out the title in Power menu soon
If it helps you, please hit the thanks button

Sorry, a little OT, what's the name of the font?

font in my screenshots
grotesque02 said:
Sorry, a little OT, what's the name of the font?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The font in the screenshots is : Veggie burger
Hope it helps you

Thanks, and sorry for OT

Thread closed upon OP request.

[ TOOL ][ SYSTEM | NORMAL ][ APP - COMPRESSOR ] Cassini.1.1

How to Use?
Firstly, open up your C: Drive and then go to Program Files [Program Files (x86) in case of 64-bit system] folder, then just look for a folder named Divya Mamgai, go in it and you will find a folder named Cassini and that's it, it is your Main directory.
Now copy your apk files to the working directory of it, and then start the program.
Now just press enter to start compressing!
Wait for the process to complete, and all your apk files will be available to be used while saving a lot of data on your device in the build folder.
Download
Cassini.1.1 - [5.76 MB (6041289 bytes)]

Currently Compatible Apps
All System Apps, except - LatinIME.apk [ Results in force close of keyboard?! ]
Some PlayStore Apps.
Example of working - ZPlayer, Textra, Solid Explorer and even more!
Example of non-working - WhatsApp and especially all the games i had (!), please try it out and report me of what apps are compressible and what are not?

Screens
Cassini.1.1 -

Hit thanks if you like my work! [ ]

Change Log
Version - 1.1
Initial release with minimal features.
[Tool][Windows] Cassini.1.2 - App Compressor is Back!

thank you, perfect
thank you, perfect, that's what I needed

hugo.gabriel999 said:
thank you, perfect, that's what I needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome buddy!

does this work on unbutu 13.10? i guess it is for windows.
correct me if i am wrong.

Does app compression also boost file system performance in anyway? Regardless, this is great!

Su vaat che!

Are there any downsides such as a slower phone?

Could we have more info on what it does ?
Does it open apk res and compress them ?

really productive, that is. would definitely try it soon

Does this make any impact on receiving updates from the Play store? After updating would the apps be uncompressed?

by comparing at files which was compressed i can see Res and resources.arsc got compressed. and th compression ratio is great too. i was using similar method called Go Optimizer by gu5t3r without any isse and helped me saved more space in my phone.

try it out right now ... really awesome dude! thanks

this is the best tool! I'm a dev, so can I use this n the system apps of my roms before I make them into a flashable zip? Also, does this work on the framework-res.apk?

Have tried some system apps. But non of,them works after replace them.
SystemUI
Mms
Phone
Settings
Contacts
Camera
Sent from my Xperia Ray using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I respect your work but its not The Only of its kind!
as Dilesh Perera said,goptimizer like..
what is the png compression/optimization technique used?

Is this working on kitkat?

First of all sorry to not reply so late cause, I had exams and also the fact that I forgot to subscribe the thread.
I'm really sorry.

desalesouche said:
does this work on unbutu 13.10? i guess it is for windows.
correct me if i am wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right it is based on some of basic functions of Windows, also I don't think the setup might not work in Unbuntu.

DroidOnRoids said:
Does app compression also boost file system performance in anyway? Regardless, this is great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't know accurately but check out this rom - Hyperion Xperia U , I have used Cassini in it and it really helped my device to handle multitasking in a much better way. But I won't get my hopes up in getting better performance.

[TOOL][WIN] ZipCreator v1.5 - Easily Create Flahsable Zips With GUI

{
"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"
}
Hello! I have built a little windows app that allows you to easily create flashable zips. (tested on Nexus 5 (android 4.4) and Samsung galaxy S i9000 (android 4.3))
INTRODUCTION:
This program allows you to create flashable zips. Basically the program just creates directories needed
for flashable zip and place edited updater-script and selected apk or zip to right folder.
Then these folders are zipped with DotNetZip library. And voilà zip is ready to be flashed.
To use signing, make sure you have Java installed on your compuer.
CURRENTLY NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ANDROID 5.0 LOLLIPOP!
FEATURES:
- Creating flashable zips for user, system apps, framework-res.apk, bootanimation and build.prop
- Editing updater-script
- Drag & Drop functionality
- Signing created zip
Upcoming Features:
- Lollipop support
- Multi languag support
CHANGELOG:
Version 1.5:
- Simplified interface
- Improved code
- Minor bug fixes
Version 1.3:
- Added custom names option
- Rearranged options
Version 1.2:
- Android 4.4+ Kit Kat support (for apps in priv-app)
Version 1.1:
- Added signing zips
- Improved code and minor bug fixes
Version 1.0:
- Added more options
- Support for creating Zip's with multiple Apk's
- Completely rearranged UI
- Code improvments and bug fixes
Version 0.2:
- Kit Kat support
- Creating zips for build.prop
- Added options tab
- Bug fixes and improved code
- Added Microsoft.VisualBasic.PowerPacks.Vs.dll (thanks to @codelover)
Version 0.1:
- Beta relese (2014-01-29)
HOW TO:
Just drag an apk or zip to the textbox, and then follow message boxes for editing updater-script.
Name your zip and press enter. Zip will be saved to selected directory in options. There you can also
toggle message box pop-ups.
(great tutorial for editing/explaining updater-script http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2377695)
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
Anne Frank

Seems interesting.
Did you test it and can you give an exemple of what you did, it'd be nice.
Best regards
Franky

any plans for a osx version?

Dont Working

It won't open on my PC, windows 7 enterprise x86.

will it be possible to flash apk's + data as of a backup?

Dosen't Work !!!

Hi, I've yet to try the tool. Found you through the portal, Yay! Wanted to thank you for your work on this app, as it's something for which I've been looking. Thanks for your hard work, the development and for all future work on this app to come. Cheers!
tinydynamite00

I don't think Visual Basic Power Packs is installed by default, download it HERE.
@OrglCe, you might need to consider include 'Microsoft.VisualBasic.PowerPacks.Vs.dll' in your zip package, of cause, under same path with Ionic.Zip.dll.
EDIT: Logo expanded too much here.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers

codelover said:
I don't think Visual Basic Power Packs is installed by default, download it HERE.
@OrglCe, you might need to consider include 'Microsoft.VisualBasic.PowerPacks.Vs.dll' in your zip package, of cause, under same path with Ionic.Zip.dll.
EDIT: Logo expanded too much here.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can we creat stock rom zip by this tool
STOCK ROM SOURCE FTF FILES

It works! Windows 8.1. If you edit the installation hands 4.4 also works.

Awesome, cant wait for kitkat support

xyagnesh.davex said:
can we creat stock rom zip by this tool
STOCK ROM SOURCE FTF FILES
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1:good:

This app looks great.
What would be greater is that the support of kernel flashing, i.e. boot.img files.

Great work @OrglCe will be following the progress of this app!

I want to edit some system files (e.g. build.prop) using my own scripts, do I have to choose the "flash system app" option? My problem is to find the right update-binaries files, the ones from working zips failed and I have no idea about creating my own.
I wish there would be some equivalent tools for linux...

klenamenis said:
I want to edit some system files (e.g. build.prop) using my own scripts, do I have to choose the "flash system app" option? My problem is to find the right update-binaries files, the ones from working zips failed and I have no idea about creating my own.
I wish there would be some equivalent tools for linux...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "flash system app" option is only for flashing system apps. You can't use it to flash build.prop or any other system file.
But I will try make that option in the future releases.

sweeet good job!!!! :victory:

Can it made to add more than one to the zip?

alammori said:
Can it made to add more than one to the zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This feature will be added in the next versions of the app. I will try to make it as soon as possibile,

APK Tool For Windows

{
"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",
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APKTOOL FOR WINDOWS
First and foremost thanks to @iBotPeaches for his dedication to Apktool!
Because I can double-click more accurately than I can type, I made this up to avoid having to use command line and speed up modding the couple of apks that I try to keep up on. Maybe it'll help a few others speed up their process too.
Now, this is a Windows based GUI for Apktool. No command line needed. That said, you should be very familiar with already using Apktool via command line so you know the process that it follows and the corrective measures needed should errors pop up. You need to have the exact same setup as Apktool (Java in your environment path and current Java version AND relevant frameworks installed via apktool!! ). All that this does is provide a simple Windows style menu for the process. You can very easily update apktool.jar as @iBotPeaches updates it. Also, if you would like to add any switch to the decompile or compile command other than the typical (which is what I used) you can just modify the corresponding .bat file located in SupportFiles that APKTool For WIN calls on.
See the attached screenshots in the following post for the easy to follow layout and it's capabilities. It will install frameworks/etc, decompile, compile (with or without original manifest and meta-inf), sign (with testkey or your personal one), and display an apktool log.
As this directly uses apktool.jar, it will have the same quirks/issues such as this current one:
10/18/2016 - for apktool v2.2.1 regarding v2 signed apps - LINK
V4 - As I was posting this, I noticed there was an update to apktool.jar (v2.2.1) which I updated the file to reflect. I modded several apps with the earlier version but only attempted two apps with the updated one (didn't see any issue with either app but I'm still on MM). I haven't looked more in depth at this V2 signed apps issue yet to see if I can modify the signing.bat to account for it (it's 230am). I will update it if there is.
V5 - (1) Updated apktool.jar to 2.2.2 if you haven't already yourself and (2) added java version info in your log file on Decompile routine to help identify a beginners issue on determining whether or not you have java installed in your path

Copy apks to the "APKs_To Decompile" folder.
Copy your framework-res, twframework-res, systemUI as needed to the folder "Frameworks".
Install frameworks.
Running the APKTool For WIN.exe select Install Frameworks
Decompile.
Select Decompile .apk
Choose your apk.
Decompiled app will be in the Decompiled folder.
Compile.
Select Compile
Choose your app to compile.
(One backup will be automatically created if there is an existing one to be safe in the decompiled app's folder)
Choose to copy the original manifest and meta-inf if desired
Compiled apk will be in the Compiled folder
Sign.
Select Sign APK
Choose the apk to sign.
Choose to sign with the testkey or with your personal key (help file is included in the zip for initial setup for using your own key)
Signed apk will be in the Signed folder
APKTool Log
If an Error message is displayed after decompiling or compiling you can check the log.
It's also beneficial to clear the log sometimes.

reserved for future use, faqs, issues

hmmm......after being away for a while i'm checking back to see if anyone had issues with trying to use this....and.......
not a single issue/question/comment with nearly 100 downloads. you guys are GOOD!!! (unless y'all think it's pointless and are being too kind to comment )
in the next few days, i'll use it a bit more in depth with the updated source and see if anything needs tweaking

Great tool !! I like it , this is solve my problems.
thank you so much , please keep it up.

Small update - V5
1. Updated to apktool 2.2.2 in case you haven't already done so yourself.
2. Added your java version info to the log generated when you run a Decompile routine to help beginners identify whether or not java is in the required path

Database Users

welcome