hey there...i was wondering if anyone could take a sec to help a n00b out...
i've been working on a rom (6.5 build 23544) using Ervius visual Kitchen for gene by BesFen for a few days...i've finally found all the packages i want and made a few ones myself...i made a test rom and its running well...
but there's still one huge hole left in my finished build...so i just needed some help i.e. needed to know a few things
1. where do i change the the default splash screen (the orange windows image) that pops up after the boot screen
2. where to replace the startup gif image and wav sound
3. how to set an external theme as my default and removing the inbuilt themes that come bundled with the 6.5 builds
4. how to change the default icons (i have an icon pack as well a cab file of the same)
5. if there is a way to set up a shutdown animation and splash screen in the kitchen before creating the rom
6. edit any other settings and tweaks while still in the kitchen phase
7. change the start menu icons for the softkey buttons and start menu
8. edit the taskbar and softkey bar to make it transparent on the today screen as well as inside the menu
9. remove default ringtones and replace them with our own
i tried searching the net and going through the posts here but i'm drawing blanks...
i'd appreciate any solutions that come my way!!
solutions!!
found a few solutions myself...a lil' help from the boards...
if anyone else is interested in them, here they are-
1. the splash screen can be changed by replacing the welcomehead.96.png in the "SYS\28230\dpi_96_resh_240_resv_320\COMMON\Redist_dpi_96_resh_240_resv_320\" folder file with your own
while you're at it, you could replace the complete.96.gif file too
*but make sure that you have edited your images to the correct format and resolution before making the changes
2. the animated.gif and bootuphtc.wav files in the "kitchen\OEM\OLDGENE\COMMON\OEMOPERATORS" folder can be replaced with your own
4. add your icons in the "kitchen\SYS\28230\dpi_96\COMMON\Base_DPI_96" folder thereby replacing the default icons
*make sure that the names of the icons you add to this folder is the same as the default icons
6. to change the rom's date and give it your own name, make changes in the "mxipupdate_OEMVERSION_100.provxml" file in the "kitchen\OEM\OLDGENE\COMMON\OEMVERSION" folder,
this can be done by opening the file in notepad and making your changes in the 'value' section
do correct me or suggest an easier method if known to you
as for problems 3,5,7,8 and 9...research and testing is underway...hope to get past that hurdle soon...
use the attached folder and put it inside OEM
solve your ringtone by editing the *.rgu file and initflashfiles.txt file available in this folder
solve your theme problem by editing the *.rgu file and initflashfiles.txt file available in this folder
Note: I have used two different mp3 file for ringtone n message notification
vaibhav_batra_the_techguy said:
use the attached folder and put it inside OEM
solve your ringtone by editing the *.rgu file and initflashfiles.txt file available in this folder
solve your theme problem by editing the *.rgu file and initflashfiles.txt file available in this folder
Note: I have used two different mp3 file for ringtone n message notification
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried it out and yeah it works...thanx!!
any idea about gettin transparent task bars and menu bars??
i wanted to make them completely transparent, not transluscent...
i've gotten transluscent ones working in the start menu but i can't do anything about the today screen!!
i am also searching how to add new theme...but i found this is..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=650463&highlight=theme
saurabh88 said:
i am also searching how to add new theme...but i found this is..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=650463&highlight=theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could just add the theme you want ( in .tsk format) in the kitchen\SYS\Themes_Lang_0409_DPI_96_RESH_240_RESV_320 folder...
tried it out and worked well...
all you have to do is go into settings\today\ when the phone starts and select which one you want...
as for setting your own theme as default...clueless...
guessing you have to extract all files from the theme and place them in the kitchen\dpi_96\COMMON\Base_DPI_96 folder and edit dsm and rgu's from somewhere to set it as default
personally...i've found a loophole to the whole theme problem (pardon the pun) so i don't bother with it anymore
more solutions...
3. to remove the inbuilt themes like dvf green, vera wang red, etc. etc. just delete the theme_dpi_96 folder in the kitchen\SYS\23544\dpi_96\COMMON folder...
to add your own themes copy the .tsk files into the kitchen\SYS\23544\dpi_96_resh_240_resv_320\0409\Themes_Lang_0409_DPI_96_RESH_240_RESV_320 folder and delete the inbuilt .tsk files you'll find there
*NOTE*
for those who want to have a modified theme, i suggest editing the .png images in the folder mentioned below...the ones with "classicblue" "default" and "black" at the start of their name to your preference and leaving the classicblue.tsk file untouched so that this theme becomes your own in case you install another theme and want to go back to your edited theme
7. edit the .png images in the kitchen\SYS\23544\dpi_96\COMMON\Base_DPI_96 folder...
the softkey icons are the ones with names like default_toolbarIconBubbleButton.png...they're all around the same area, so easy to find...
for editing, i suggest using photoshop of you have it, else an easier alternative is the paint.net editor available at http://paint.net
8. now i couldn't get a transparent taskbar and softkey bar on the today screen without using titanium but i did manage to get it to be fractionally more translucent but editing the .png files found in the folder mentioned above
i'll attach the files if needed...
my ROM's coming along so i'll keep you posted with more solutions as they come along...have fun cooking!!
Suggestion
Remove all landscape theme files, bcs no-one uses the GENE in landscape mode and it will make the ROM lighter in weight
vaibhav_batra_the_techguy said:
Remove all landscape theme files, bcs no-one uses the GENE in landscape mode and it will make the ROM lighter in weight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the rom i'm working on (and using for testing purposes) doesn't have landscape theme files...i've just added the wallpaper for kicks...
thanx for the input though...its weird getting 275 views and just 3 replies...
Related
If so, can you explain how you did it because I haven't been able to figure it out yet. By the way, I've already tried all of the standard methods explained here on the forums.
I figured it out!
In Dinkn's glassy icons the facebook file name is: Start_Icon_HTC_facebook.png. This file resides in the windows folder. When you change the icon lt doesn't create a facebook.bmg in the cash. The solution is to make a copy of the original file, rename it to facebook.png and past it to the folder of your choice. Now when you use one of the icon changing programs to change the icon it will create the bmg file in the cash and the new icon will show in the quicklinks menu--sweet
i just used that ICON changer and it worked 1st time...
just hit the show all default icons...then from there..replace it with the one you want
Hi People
How We Change Toggle switches & Notification icons From Manila shortcut . I Have The New Icons But I Don't Know The Path In Registry Editor To Add The New Icon . I Just Need The Path To Edit Icons
Toggle switches / notifications are slightly different to program shortcuts....
If you have the new icons they are probably .png files or manila files right???
If so you need to copy them to /windows (on the device memory) and overwrite the ones that are already there......
you should take copys of the originals first though and keep them safe on your sd card in case theres a problem... you might need to "show hidden/system files" in your file explorer settings to be able to copy them........
hope that helps........
thanks its work
can i ask other small Q please . how can i change loading image when we run sofrware or do anything . the circle image i mean .
and thanks again ;*
not so sure about that one, I think its the same process though, you just need to find a suitable loading symbol, ive never changed mine though....
My laptop was stolen recently so I won't be able to help anyone out until I can get a new one. Thanks for stopping by though.
This is no longer a tutorial, just a simple user friendly Lock Ring Kit.
Please download the updated kit at the bottom of this post.
I will also take requests here for anyone who doesn't want to mess with it.
Since people are still rocking 2.3.3 ROMs, please specify if your ROM is 2.3.3 or 2.3.4 when making a request. There are subtle differences.
Also you have a few rosies to choose from, let me know which one you want. If you don't request something specific, I'll just make the default rosie. Rosie choices attached at the bottom of this post. If you would like a rosie I don't have here, let me know and I'll see what I can do to add it to the kit. Also, I've played around a little with themes enough to feel comfortable to help out wherever I can. So if you have a request that is not related to my kit, I still may be able to help you out.
All 2.3.3 requests I've done are posted on Post# 3 and Post# 4
2.3.4 version requests are posted on Post# 125 and Post# 126
Thumbnail gallery of all the Lock Rings I've made HERE
Links to my Lock Ring folders on Box.net
2.3.3 Lock Rings
2.3.4 Lock Rings
2.3.4 Lock Rings - Transparent Rosie
2.3.4 Lock Rings - Red Outline Rosie
First of all, this is intented for Deodexed ROMs on the EVO 3D. Other qHD devices may work as well but I cannot guarantee. For devices such as the EVO 4G (WVGA), use one of the tutorials below . While these mods have been working flawless on several ROMs, there is the occasional error. Just to be safe MAKE A NANDROID to go back to if something goes wrong. If you don't read up and just flash something, lock ring mods or any other, and something should screw up, you can't be mad at anyone but yourself if you've got nothing to go back to.
With this method, your ring will only show up on the default skin or the HTC supplied skins, Burgundy and BlueSky. Every custom skin has its own lock ring which overwrites the default. If you have a custom skin installed and would like a custom lock ring, go to my second post for a mini tutorial on editing custom skins.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I originally learned how to make these from this thread: [Tutorial] Sense 3.0 Custom Lock Ring Kit so big thanks to jmaher1023 for that.
Another thread to check out is [TUTORIAL] User-Friendly Custom Lock-Rings for Sense 3.0 (EVO 4G) by gamendorf. *Thanks gamendorf for the help with the batch file.
Also, you should stop by this thread [DEV-TOOLS] [MODE10] Mode10Tools now released ! and give thanks to Flemmard and Diamondback2010, the devs of the m10 tools that make all this possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Posted by Diamondback2010 in the m10 tools thread:
System-Requirements
You need a working .NET 4 Framework installation to run the M10Editor.
m10decoder and m10encoder should run in console-version without anything special.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instructions
1. Unzip the attached Lock_Ring_Kit_2.3.3.zip or Lock_Ring_Kit_2.3.4.zip to your C drive (C:\Lock_Ring_Kit_2.3.3) or (C:\Lock_Ring_Kit_2.3.4)
2. Pick your image and resize it to 271x270. For the image to show up correctly you have to rotate it 180 degrees and mirror it. Your image must be saved as a .png
3. Save your edited image as LockRing.png and move it to the root of your Lock Ring Kit
4. Run the batch file for the Rosie you want (look in "Rosie Screenshots" folder to decide)
5. A flashble zip file will be created at the root of your Lock Ring Kit. Rename it, sign it if you want, move it to your SD Card and flash in recovery
E3D_Lock_Ring_Kit_2.3.3.zip
Dropbox Mirror
E3D_Lock_Ring_Kit_2.3.4.zip
Dropbox Mirror
Recent Changes:
Added in Red Outline to the rosie choices
*Not that anyone actually reads the entire first post, but just for your information, making Lock Rings for GSM and Sense 3.5 is not possible yet. As of right now m10 tools is unable to decompile these m10 files. Until we get a m10 tools update for these we have no way to edit.
The above comment was really nothing more than a speculation. I went ahead and asked the devs of the m10 tools if they could confirm what I thought and this was his answer...
Diamondback2010 said:
Well yea, I have to leave you here without hope
This fusion apk uses the new type 14 images. There is no way atm to decode them
You just have to wait as well as the sense 3.5 crowd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big Thanks to Donators:
-NascarKid
-nuggyunlimited
-Foxworth
This is a quick tutorial for anyone who wants to edit just the lock ring of a custom skin. Honestly it's more to get you playing with M10Editor.exe.
Again, pick your image, resize it to 271x270, rotate 180 degrees, and mirror.
Inside the M10_Tools folder there is M10Editor.exe.
1. Open M10Editor.exe.
2. Click the Load File button and choose the skin.apk you want to edit.
3. Go to the m10 files tab and highlight the only m10 file shown (usually shared.m10)
4. Check the Decode Images check box.
6. Click the Decompile/Show button.
7. Once clicked, you'll be moved to the Editor tab.
8. Expand by clicking the arrow next to shared.m10.
9. Continue to expand until you expand Textures.
10. Scroll through Textures until you see the default (or sometimes modified) lock ring image.
11. Right click the image and choose Show in Explorer.
12. The image will already be highlighted when the explorer opens, copy the name of the highlighted file.
13. Change the name of your image to the one you just copied and drag or copy your image inside to replace it.
14. Close the explorer and go back to the Start tab in M10Editor.exe.
15. Click the Save File button. If you want to change the name of the apk when prompted, go ahead.
16. Sign the apk and install through a file explorer.
Sometimes you have to reboot for the lock ring to show.
Personally when I edit a skin, I also edit my ROMs fusion.apk and Idlescreen_Base.apk in order to remove traces of the default ring. Some ROM creators mod these apks for their ROM. If you know for sure that your ROM does not have a modded fusion.apk and Idlescreen_Base.apk you can simply use my lock ring kit to make your lock ring. If your ROM does have a modded fusion.apk and Idlescreen_Base.apk you should pull those files from the ROM and use M10Editor.exe to edit those files directly. The only m10 files you need to edit are the Default shared.m10 in fusion.apk and Lock_ring_motion.m10 in Idlescreen_Base.apk.
Requests
For 2.3.3 ROMs. If your on 2.3.4 and see something you like, post or PM me to get it converted. Or read the tutorial and attempt it yourself.
For 2.3.3 ROMs. If your on 2.3.4 and see something you like, post or PM me to get it converted. Or read the tutorial and attempt it yourself.
same here...
aannd another
And Ill join if thats ok with you guys!
And one more since Im on a role!
Does decompiling m10 files multiple times decrease the quality of the images in them?
triscuit1983 said:
Here's a quick tutorial of how to make lock rings for those who want to learn.
First of all, this is intented for Deodexed ROMs only. Also, with this method, your ring will only show up on the default skin. If you have a custom skin installed and would like a custom lock ring, go to my second post for a mini tutorial on editing custom skins.
I originally learned how to make these from this thread: [Tutorial] Sense 3.0 Custom Lock Ring Kit so big thanks to jmaher1023 for that.
If you want to, watch the video tutorial to get an idea of what to do.
DO NOT download the Lock Ring Kit attached in that thread, because the files included are not for qHD.
I've included a modified Lock Ring Kit for E3D here: E3D_Lock_Ring_Kit.zip
The E3D Lock Ring Kit and tutorial are about the same as jmaher1023's tutorial, but I changed the process and folder organization a little to hopefully simplify things.
Also, you should stop by this thread [DEV-TOOLS] [MODE10] Mode10Tools now released ! and give thanks to Flemmard and Diamondback2010, the devs of the m10 tools that make all this possible.
If you don't already have one, download an archiver like 7zip or WinRAR. I use 7zip.
To keep things simple, unzip the attached E3D_Lock_Ring_Kit.zip to your C drive (C:\Lock_Ring_Kit)
Inside the Lock_Ring_Kit you will see 3 folders (Copy Contents to Working, M10_Tools, Working), a zip file (Base_Lock_Ring.zip), and a doc file (Names & Commands.doc).
Now pick your image and resize it to 271x270. For the image to show up correctly you have to rotate it 180 degrees and mirror it. Save the edited image to a place of your choosing.
Now your ready to start creating the lock ring.
This is my method, step by step:
1. Open your Lock_Ring_Kit folder and (obviously) copy the contents of the Copy Contents to Working folder to the Working folder.
2. Open your Working folder and copy your edited image to the following folders - BlueSky1,Burgundy1,Default1, and Lock_ring_motion1.
3. Open the Names & Commands.doc and rename your copied images to the PNG Names. After renaming the images, move them into the inner folder and replace the existing image (eg. move the BlueSky png into BlueSky1\shared).
4. Open command prompt and change directory to C:\Lock_Ring_Kit\M10_Tools.
5. Go back to the Names & Commands.doc and copy and paste each of the m10 Commands into comand prompt and hit enter. This will compile new m10 files with your image inside.
6. Now you have to copy the newly compiled m10 files to their correct location within the Base_Lock_Ring.zip. The newly compiled m10 files are
in folders BlueSky(shared.m10), Burgundy(shared.m10), Default(shared.m10), and Lock_ring_motion(Lock_ring_motion.m10).
7. Copy the Base_Lock_Ring.zip to the Desktop or anywhere else you'd like.
7. Use 7zip (or WinRAR) to open Base_Lock_Ring.zip (eg. Right click>7-Zip>Open Archive)
8. Navigate to \system\app\fusion.apk\assests\BlueSky\drawable and drag your newly compiled shared.m10 file inside to replace the existing shared.m10. Do the same for Burgundy and Default. Use the back or folder up button to update the apk. A prompt will come up asking if you want to continue.
9. For Idlescreen_Base.apk, navigate to \assests\scenes\base and drag your newly compiled Lock_ring_motion.m10 inside to replace the existing Lock_ring_motion.m10. Back out to update the apk, and close the archiver.
That should be about it. You can rename the Base_Lock_Ring.zip to whatever you like. I'd say go ahead and sign the zip, but thats up to you. Put the zip on your SD Card, go into recovery and flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When doing step 3, if using Vista or Windows 7, make sure to omit the .png extension when renaming your edited image from the word document. You will end up with a .png.png and nothing will have changed.
Rydah805 said:
Does decompiling m10 files multiple times decrease the quality of the images in them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I've seen so far. But with the files I've provided in the E3D Lock Ring Kit, your only compiling. I've included the decompiled files for you to add your image and compile. Unless your talking about m10 files in general and not specifically the files I've included?
ducky1131 said:
When doing step 3, if using Vista or Windows 7, make sure to omit the .png extension when renaming your edited image from the word document. You will end up with a .png.png and nothing will have changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, you can simply delete the .png part in your Names & Commands.doc. I show all file extensions on my computer and I copy and overwrite the whole name, extension and all. If you want to show file extensions to be able to see .png on your image name, go to Folder Options in your explorer, go to the View tab, scroll down and uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types".
Here is a black Chevy logo I made for a friend using your lock ring kit, thought I'd share
Black Chevy Logo Lock Ring
Is there a way to edit the rest of the lock screen? Like the bar at the bottom where the lock ring sits on? I see what looks like the png for it in the images in the default, bluesky, and burgandy folders. I tried editing them and compiled them back to shared.m10 and ten flashing the zip but it didn't work. I was able to edit the background of the clock on the home screen this way and it worked but again I was unable to get the same result for the stuff at the bottom (the bar and soft buttons). Is there another place where these are edited or am I doing something wrong?
mikeaveli007 said:
Is there a way to edit the rest of the lock screen? Like the bar at the bottom where the lock ring sits on? I see what looks like the png for it in the images in the default, bluesky, and burgandy folders. I tried editing them and compiled them back to shared.m10 and ten flashing the zip but it didn't work. I was able to edit the background of the clock on the home screen this way and it worked but again I was unable to get the same result for the stuff at the bottom (the bar and soft buttons). Is there another place where these are edited or am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking that is probably within Rosie.apk but I don't really know. This m10 file stuff is new to me and I'm slowly learning. m10 files are reminiscent of cab files on windows mobile to me. I'm hope someone who has been doing full themes can comment on this.
triscuit1983 said:
I'm thinking that is probably within Rosie.apk but I don't really know. This m10 file stuff is new to me and I'm slowly learning. m10 files are reminiscent of cab files on windows mobile to me. I'm hope someone who has been doing full themes can comment on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh thanks, i'm poking around in there and that looks more like what I was looking for. Hmm so I wonder what all those png files in the m10 files in fusion are for.... Thanks for pointing me in the right direction though hopefully thats all I need.
Can one of you guys make an Indianapolis Colts lockring? Everything I make comes out looking like ass.
ducky1131 said:
Can one of you guys make an Indianapolis Colts lockring? Everything I make comes out looking like ass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this work?
Colts_Lock_Ring-signed.zip
thanks.....
Thanks a bunch for the tutorial! I made one for the guys...its a singe upper female anatomy part so I wont post it here...but it is pretty fully to drag it out into the screen If anyone is interested pm with your email. Not sure if im permited to host it here somehow so I wont. Working on other ones so I will update when I make some cool ones.
triscuit1983 said:
Not that I've seen so far. But with the files I've provided in the E3D Lock Ring Kit, your only compiling. I've included the decompiled files for you to add your image and compile. Unless your talking about m10 files in general and not specifically the files I've included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm speaking in general...?
After reading from articles , now more or less I got some idea on how to create a theme for a custom rom , but still there's something I don't know .
1) First , I extract files from a rom using 7zip . Then , I extract out the content of framework-res.apk and make some modifies / changes to those .png files . So , after completed those modifies , I just open archieve on the original framework-res.apk , drag and drop the one I modified to replace the original one ? After that , how do I pack it in .zip file that can be updated in open recovery ? .xml file shouldn't be modified right ?
2) What if I do this , I get a theme.zip made for the rom , and then I extract the contents of the theme.zip using 7zip , then again I modify the .png files and after completed , I packed it again by open archieve on the original theme.zip , drag and drop the one I modified to replace the original one ? Does this works ?
3) What if I modify other system apps such as calender.apk ? Using the same method , extract , modify , drag and drop , replace , then again how do I pack it in .zip file that can be updated in open recovery ? Is there any "bond" between those system apps and framework-res.apk ? Can I just modify anyone of both ? Or I have to modify both system apps and framework-res.apk to get it works ?
Thanks
nikctsh said:
After reading from articles , now more or less I got some idea on how to create a theme for a custom rom , but still there's something I don't know .
1) First , I extract files from a rom using 7zip . Then , I extract out the content of framework-res.apk and make some modifies / changes to those .png files . So , after completed those modifies , I just open archieve on the original framework-res.apk , drag and drop the one I modified to replace the original one ? After that , how do I pack it in .zip file that can be updated in open recovery ? .xml file shouldn't be modified right ?
2) What if I do this , I get a theme.zip made for the rom , and then I extract the contents of the theme.zip using 7zip , then again I modify the .png files and after completed , I packed it again by open archieve on the original theme.zip , drag and drop the one I modified to replace the original one ? Does this works ?
3) What if I modify other system apps such as calender.apk ? Using the same method , extract , modify , drag and drop , replace , then again how do I pack it in .zip file that can be updated in open recovery ? Is there any "bond" between those system apps and framework-res.apk ? Can I just modify anyone of both ? Or I have to modify both system apps and framework-res.apk to get it works ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what I know so far. I'm still trying to learn as much as I can:
1) If you are making a theme by trying to replace pngs in an existing framework-res.apk file, you can do this: open the apk file within your zip program, and edit the apk there (so you'll have two zip windows open. Once the apk is updated, close the most recent zip window. The first zip window should recognize that you've updated the apk file, and ask you to update the first zip window.
I've been playing around with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1432152
What it allows you to do is modify the files in Windows Explorer (or whatever file explorer you're using), and then let the script do the rest of the work for you. The actions it can do are: decompile apk, recompile apk, sign apk, created update.zip.
The xml files need to be edited if you want to achieve certain effects. For example, in the Gingerbread theme there are some edits that have to be made to a few xml files in order to achieve white text on black backgrounds on the popup menus. The nice thing about the framework flasher link from above is that it 'compiles' the files (meaning it will check if the .9.pngs are correct, and if your xml files point to correct assets), so you can go about doing xml edits and stuff without fear of bootlooping.
2) Yes, this should work.
3) If the updater script is a generic script (that is, it moves everything from the /system folder to /system, and /data to /data), then you can create directories in the update.zip that refer to whatever apk you want to replace, with the same structure as in Android. The cool thing about Metamorph, from what I gather, is that you can create folder structures with just the assets you want to replace, rather than the entire apk. This means that if you want to replace just a few images in Phone.apk, for example, you create a directory in the Metamorph script under /system/app/Phone/res/drawable-hdpi and add the images you want to replace in there. I think that's the way I want to create my themes from now on, I just need to figure out how to do it correctly
I tried the framework flasher , after located the framework-res.apk and run RunMe , it shows echo is off , the log process shows 'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
Do you have Java installed?
Mioze7Ae said:
Do you have Java installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No , I have no Java installed . Tried to install before but couldn't get the right version .
Java
I've yet to find one all inclusive theming reference. Just a lot of searching & reading & trial & error. This might be a good place to get started.
Edit: You'll also want to get the Android SDK
3rdstring said:
Java
I've yet to find one all inclusive theming reference. Just a lot of searching & reading & trial & error. This might be a good place to get started.
Edit: You'll also want to get the Android SDK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW , since I'm still too new to theming , I'm thinking of making my first step by changing the colour of a completed theme . This is what I'm currently doing : I extracted the files content of your DarkFroyo.zip and then extracted it's framework-res.apk . ( IT'S YOUR THEME , CAN YOU GIVE ME THE PERMISSION TO DO THIS ? ) I'm changing the original orange colour of all those icon to light pink using photoshop , then replace the original one . The files type are .png . Also , I changed the battery status icon and status bar background . However , I haven't touch those .xml files , I just leave it there . So after I complete , do I just flash it right away in my phone or I need to doing something like "sign" ? As for now , I don't have any idea about "sign" .
nikctsh said:
BTW , since I'm still too new to theming , I'm thinking of making my first step by changing the colour of a completed theme . This is what I'm currently doing : I extracted the files content of your DarkFroyo.zip and then extracted it's framework-res.apk . ( IT'S YOUR THEME , CAN YOU GIVE ME THE PERMISSION TO DO THIS ? ) I'm changing the original orange colour of all those icon to light pink using photoshop , then replace the original one . The files type are .png . Also , I changed the battery status icon and status bar background . However , I haven't touch those .xml files , I just leave it there . So after I complete , do I just flash it right away in my phone or I need to doing something like "sign" ? As for now , I don't have any idea about "sign" .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing the color in Photoshop is fine for normal ".png"s but ".9.png"s are special, they have a 1 pixel border with guides that define how they are stretched to fill a space (& are only visible is a decompiled state). Just editing a .9.png in Photoshop might break the .9 patch. Since you are trying to modify my theme it might also be wise to grab the "undo.zip" so if (when) something you try bootloops the phone you can flash the undo to get back to stock. I know had numerous bootloops when I was first starting out (still do occasionally).
3rdstring said:
Changing the color in Photoshop is fine for normal ".png"s but ".9.png"s are special, they have a 1 pixel border with guides that define how they are stretched to fill a space (& are only visible is a decompiled state). Just editing a .9.png in Photoshop might break the .9 patch. Since you are trying to modify my theme it might also be wise to grab the "undo.zip" so if (when) something you try bootloops the phone you can flash the undo to get back to stock. I know had numerous bootloops when I was first starting out (still do occasionally).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey 3rdstring. I noticed you release a new version of your theme for the ODEXED version of CM6. For APKs that have ODEX files (such as Phone), are you deodexing them using apktool, then reodexing them? A brief pointer would be nice!
molohov said:
Hey 3rdstring. I noticed you release a new version of your theme for the ODEXED version of CM6. For APKs that have ODEX files (such as Phone), are you deodexing them using apktool, then reodexing them? A brief pointer would be nice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the only thing I'm changing in any of the odexed apks are images. I use a Metamorph file with ZipThemer to build the update.zip (& undo) after I've decompiled / recomfiled framework-res for the white menu text & 10% battery increments.
3rdstring said:
No the only thing I'm changing in any of the odexed apks are images. I use a Metamorph file with ZipThemer to build the update.zip (& undo) after I've decompiled / recomfiled framework-res for the white menu text & 10% battery increments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I ask is b/c I tried pushing a modified Phone.apk to CM6, but it didn't pick up any of the changes I added (images only). It made me think that the assets were already prebuilt in the odex file, so changing the apk wouldn't do anything unless the odex file was changed too.
I also tried applying a metamorph script on top of the odex ROM, but it caused a lot of fcs. I think it's b/c of the ODEXing too.
EDIT: My bad. Phone.apk is the calling screen, Contacts.apk is the dialer + contacts. DOH!!!
My edits are pushed correctly
Hi welcome to my guide on the Basics of making and editing Skins for sense 4
Skins are incredibly easy to make and can be really good fun, they are also a good way for you to give back to the xda community without really breaking a sweat
What are Skins and how can i make them ?
Skins are HTC's equivalent to themes for The HTC sense U.I (Up to sense 5) and can change many things that you see in your phone, there are two main ways to create and edit the skins. The first and easiest way is using a popular program named VTS by the virtuous team which pretty much does all the tricky and confusing stuff for you, Which is good:good: or you can make it yourself and do all the work yourself, which is what my mini guide is all about :laugh: If you want to save yourself some time then download the VTS program and use this Guide http://www.virtuous-ten-studio.com/index.php/other-stuff/94-how-to-create-your-own-sense-skin
Requirements:
A phone or Device that actually runs Sense 4 *Duh
A computer or laptop that's newer then Windows 95
7zip or WinRar (google them if you dont have them already)
A programe called Notepad++
A brain & a bit of patience
Your HTC framework (com.htc.resources.apk)
And a base skin
1. Download the skin you want to use as a base for creating or editing (this will save a lot of time.) examples of base skins are ones we already have such as Matte/serene/aluminum which can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2038155
Your'e also going to want to get the htc framework .apk which is now known as "com.htc.resources.apk" from your phone found in the root of your device under system/framework/ ..... Make sure both of these apk files are in a folder on your computer where your going to remember
2. Now your going to want download this http://www.4shared.com/zip/Z8rB_hIS/file.html and extract it then put the FOLDER "APKTOOL" into a new folder called android and move it to the root of your'e C directory (or equivalent) Your'e also going to want to move both "Base skin.apk" and "com.htc.resources.apk" Inside the Apktool folder (just so its easier for you later)
After you've done this you're gonna want to install the framework and decompile the "base skin.apk" Use this guide to help you Decompile http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1989533
3. Okay so once you've successfully completed the above steps you can now finally edit the images of the theme as you please (the extracted should be in a folder in "C:\android\apktool"
In the folder named Assets you'll find 4 images in this folder you can: change the preview image that you would see in personalize before you select the theme, and the wallpaper that will be automatically set when you choose your skin in personalize
In the folder named res you'll see a load of different folders, but the only folders we care about for now is the folder called "drawable-hdpi" where you can edit .pngs as you like with a program like: Photoshop or Gimp. (Don't edit .9.png's though until your'e experienced)
As an example we can change the lock ring (see the screenshot below) (if you want inspiration for lockrings then check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22011398
In the res folder there is another folder called Values Edit Strings.xml with a program called notepad++. You'll see a line of text in the xml that says <string name="skin_name">Matte (or what ever the base skin was called)</string> you can edit "Matte" text to whatever you want the name of your theme to be e.g. " <string name="skin_name">Beats Skin by Joe</string>" then make sure you save.
4. So now you need to recompile the folder into an .apk refer back to this guide (the bit says finishing/recompiling finished project) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1989533
5 Now to finish it off you need to sign the .apk and align it, so use this https://code.google.com/p/apk-signer/
6. Now copy the Signed and aligned .apk to your device, and install it. :fingers-crossed:
*I don't take credit for any of the tools used in this guide, all i did was brought it all into one in this thread for you
However if you want to hit the thanks button then don't be shy about it
*I'll sort out the font and size of the text soon, add more screen shots, and make a video on how to do it so its slightly easier to see and understand
....
If you follow the simple steps above you'll get something like the Skin attached
Nice one! Added to Index.