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Trying to learn and I have yet to see a place for such basic questions. Also, there was a request for this type of information in my Sticky thread.
What is the difference? Both are done from Stericson... I've read he doesn't really use MetaMorph any longer (not sure if he does Ninja).
Metamorph is for theming... ninjamorph is for apps?
Is one better than the other?
Does a morph for one, work for the other?
Why morph vs. doing the flashes of a .zip file (old school way)......
Also... morphs... do they have to be specefic to your phone?
Would morphs for the Nexus work on our phone?
I know metamorph was suppose to make themeing easier and allow you to mix and match themes. Update.zip files couldn't to that easily. IIRC themes are specific to each device and ROM. I've seen ninja morph but have yet to use it. Would like to know how it works as well.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
To my understanding, Ninjamorph is for allowing you to extract and modify apk files to create the morphs on your phone (along with using something like silveredit to create the xml files). Metamorph just lets you apply the morphs.
I'd be curious to learn some more about this as well. I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=763439 about creating morphs which is helpful but still leaves me with questions.
s15274n said:
Is one better than the other? They do different things. So far I figured out that ninjamorph is good for unpacking .apks so that you can find what you need to modify/modify it. Metamorph does the actual replacing.
Does a morph for one, work for the other? They do different things.
Why morph vs. doing the flashes of a .zip file (old school way)...... This seems to be because a morph doesn't change much and it allows you to make updates and things easier. Not really sure other than what I read in one of the battery mod threads and since using them a bit it is much faster to apply a morph.
Also... morphs... do they have to be specefic to your phone? Yes because they replace specificly named things. If you try and use one on a different device or different rom it may not work because the file names will be different. I don't think there is a reason you couldn't modify that though.
Would morphs for the Nexus work on our phone? Would probably need to be updated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use them together... Want a quick tut?
Go to ninja and start a new project...
System/framework/framework-res.apk
You just extracted the files from the app... Inside the res/drawable-hdmi folder are the images you want to change...
Statusbar_background.9.png is the status bar color... If you click it it will ask what you want to replace it with... you can do the same think to any other pics...
Now make a new folder, My_Morph, add another folder here, framework-res, and now another res,
copy the android themes/workspace/frameworkresapk/res/drawable-hdmi (folder you just changed) and add it to the res folder you just made..
Now to make an xml doc... I have a tut/template here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=759329
and there is one by stericson in my sticky morph thread...
I use silver edit to create my .xml docs on my phone...
Add the My_Morph.xml to the My_Morph folder with the framework-res folder.. You just made a morph...
To test the morph first you can finish project with ninja.. It will rebuild the apk then install it... This is how I build half of my stuff...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Junk you're the man. I think I just found me some android crack to play with lol.
Vibe the XDApp
Firstly, I am using Mik's rom.. with pngs modified to my liking.. I have also searched around quite extensively for getting my questions answered.. but without any success.
I have been trying to mod the rosie launcher and am running into a few issues.
1. I can mod the icons pretty easily.. no problems there.. I can also remove the text "Phone" from the center icon.. but phone image is a little off center plus it is vertically offset (shifted a little up). I was told I can play around with the png image file and get that fixed.. however.. I am wondering if there is an xml file in particular that defines the x and y co-ordinates of the launcher icons. So yea.. I am verse with adb, decompiling, recompiling etc.
2. I am looking for a way to get the phone on the left and app drawer in the center.. any guidance with regards to this will be of great help to me. I am guessing this is somewhere in the smali files in Rosie.odex. I have decompiled it resulting in a bunch of smali files.. can someone tell me which particular one I am supposed to edit?
3. Wanting to know if there is any way to add a 4th button to the rosie launcher instead of the usual 3.
Again, I am looking for the know-how... NOT just a mod that I can apply via flashing.
I appreciate anyone who can direct me to a tutorial or a guide.
Thanks.
wow.. not a single reply!... I guess I would have gotten at least a few responses if I had posted this in the development section.
Grab one of my Rosie mods on theMikMik. It has the phone on the left and app drawer in the middle. grab one of those and mod it to your liking
chingy51o said:
Grab one of my Rosie mods on theMikMik. It has the phone on the left and app drawer in the middle. grab one of those and mod it to your liking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. but like I said "Again, I am looking for the know-how... NOT just a mod that I can apply via flashing.""
I want to know which xml files require the editing etc. I am surprised there are no Rosie Guides anywhere that explain which xml/smali files are commonly involved the typical mods.
Can anyone who is good with UOT Kitchen put together a walk-through? I was told it basically walks you through it, and to an extent it does, but it didnt work for me with my SystemUI and Framework-res from the UnNamed 1.3.1 ROM.
Sorry if this is a VERY Noob question but I'm having trouble with it.
I love the idea of being able to mod my own stuff without having to ask for everything. This is sort of asking to teach the horse to find water rather than giving it the water.
BTW this is the UOT kitchen I am referring to in case anyone is unfamiliar and wants to give it a go
http://uot.dakra.lt/kitchen/
What steps did you take?
I tend to upload the files first then proceed to adding the mods.
Did you pull the files off your phone or the zip file?
sent from the Dark Obelisk.
It was off my phone with ES File Explorer. I chose the mods i wanted to make then uploaded the files as the last step, sort of just going through the tabs in order left to right. Then I submitted it and waited, when it came up in the pick up section it said there was an error with it.
If someone can make a youtube video or something of them doing a successful mod? I think that can help, maybe also point out common mistakes or misconceptions people run into?
It seems like a very straight forward process but there seem to be several areas which can trip people up because its sort of a do-all tool for many devices and roms which don't necessarily interchange.
Edit:
I think I found my mistake, I've been playing with it and it seems I misplaced one file, I put twframework-res into the framework-res spot, i found framework-res and put that in the correct spot and the twframework-res into its spot.
Do I need to use all three files or will just framework-res do? I read in another post that you just need framework-res.apk for things like battery mods and other status bar items.
Edit2:
So I sort of got it to work, I did a custom battery and scroll bar but the overscroll glow didnt show up, not sure why.
There are a few screen shots of it and I'll up up the file if anyone likes it and wants to flash it, like I mentioned earlier I'm using UnNamed 1.3.1 so I'm assuming it should work with UnNamed ROMs. There is also a png of the battery, its the Jazzk one.
Normally just framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk are used for dropdown menu, animations, icons etc.
I'm guessing twframework-res.apk falls into the same thing, involving itself in everything like com.htc.resources.apk does for HTC Sense devices.
The kitchen said to include twframework-res.apk if you are using touchwiz, which from what I understand is what UnNamed uses.... but dont quote me on that haha
Unless your on an AOSP like CM7 then yes your using using touchwiz.
sent from the Dark Obelisk.
AntwanL said:
The kitchen said to include twframework-res.apk if you are using touchwiz, which from what I understand is what UnNamed uses.... but dont quote me on that haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if unnamed uses touchwiz 4.5, which i think it may, the reg tw-framework-res.apk won't work. You have to be sure its the stock tw launcher if your going to use the tw-framework file for UOTKitchen.
Enzopreme said:
if unnamed uses touchwiz 4.5, which i think it may, the reg tw-framework-res.apk won't work. You have to be sure its the stock tw launcher if your going to use the tw-framework file for UOTKitchen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesn't
From what I've learned playing around with decompiling the different system framework apks the touchwiz-res.apk is used when editing SystemUI.apk and Settings.apk which includes icons from the status bar and the system menus. The framework-res.apk contains the battery icon and things such as that.
Example: HTC Incredible if you wanna replace images/icons etc, you'd replace the icons with what you wanted in the drawable-hdpi folder. Where does the Flyer running HC pull these icons from by chance?
Hmm. Maybe one of the devs can chime in but I would try the framework-res or com.htc.resources apk's. From digging around in the framework those are the only two that make sense to me.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
Well i just looked in the SystemUI.apk and all the signal bar images and such are in there but they aren't the same icons being used..
But i know things like overscroll are located in the framework-res.apk
Yeah, I know that those icons are inside those apk's, just not sure which folder after the /res folder. I should've been clearer on that one, sorry about that!
If you asking which images your going to edit, it'll be the ones in drawable-mdpi. I've been unable to decompile apks on HC properly, so I haven't really played with theming on HC too much. But the few edits I've done that don't require a decompile, like replacing icons an whatnot, I've done to drawable-mdpi.
triscuit1983 said:
If you asking which images your going to edit, it'll be the ones in drawable-mdpi. I've been unable to decompile apks on HC properly, so I haven't really played with theming on HC too much. But the few edits I've done that don't require a decompile, like replacing icons an whatnot, I've done to drawable-mdpi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I have attempted to decomplie some apps, mainly the framework to toy around with things like screen annimations and beats audio but I can not get the apk to decompile.
Thanks for the responses guys! I'm looking into making an ICS style theme, gonna be tough!
Some of the icons swapped in drawable-mdpi don't change, so I'm assuming they're in com.htc.resources.apk...
This will be a lot of work to do. I will just have to keep playing with it when time allows.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
I have tried UOT Kitchen before, always was unlucky at having flashing errors.
My question is this... If I take a flashable theme, with permission from the creator, I should be able to use the scripts that they include for flashing? I am savvy with un-APKing zipping, signing and what not, is that all I would have to do to recreate a theme using my own images?
Thanks to everyone here!
Yes, the script you see other themes using can be changed out with your own, as well as the content. You can also just use the UOT Kitchen script. Credit given where credit is due, of course, but the script itself (IMHO) is not something you really need permission for.
Another tip, this from firsthand experience, when you're zipping everything up getting ready to flash, make sure you're zipping the contents of the theme folder (/META-INF/ & /system/) vs zipping the theme folder.
It sounds really stupid, but it took me forever to figure out why everything I did in UOT Kitchen perfectly but everything I did, using the same damn script, just froze. But ya gotta learn somewhere, right?
Remember when using the kitchen make sure u click amend scripting in the area where u load the apks... x2 uses 2. Something recovery.. if u don't click that there will be errors everytime
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Thank you, I think I've tried UOT 5 times but never had success.
Kevin, I tried the amend scripting, it solo didn't work.
I would much rather use my own images then those offered in uot kitchen.
I'm going to try to put a theme together this weekend, I haven't modded anything since BF2 wake island air show
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
Ok, how much do you know about themeing? Because if you are wanting to edit just the images(.pngs) you will need some info first...
You can "simply" take the framework-res.apk and systemUI.apk and go to the HDPI folder(or wherever the images are) and "drag n drop" to your desktop and edit those... OR you can take a .png that you wanna use(say one from another theme) and just drag n drop in the HDPI folder. And then, simply make a flashable .zip and your good to go.
.9s !!!
These are a PAIN if you dont know what you are doing.
If you are going to try and get into themeing, download APKManager and decompile the framework-res.apk ... go to a .9 image(i think its .png.9 or something of the like). When you load the image(say in GIMP) you will see black squares on the OUTSIDE of the image(like near the edges of the ACTUAL picture edge)... DONT TOUCH THOSE!!!! leave them there and make edits how you choose to the rest of the image. Once you are finished, just recompile(DONT SIGN AND YES! THESE ARE SYSTEM APPS!). Put in a flashable .zip and your set.
NOW Please note:
When you are doing the drag and drop method, make sure you are REPLACING an image and not ADDING more images.. catch the drift?
this is quick how to, hope it helps and good luck. let me know if you need anything else.
All the themes rock! I have poor eye sight (far sight) so my main concern always is status bar and the battery icon. I love being able to see the percentage, but some themes use smaller battery percentage text.
.9 seem like the stretchable area I'm beautiful widget... I understand that
Thanks Peperm1nt
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
I was thinking of trying out theming. That is until I looked at the crap load of images just thrown into one directory. lol. It may not be as hard as it looks but I havent looked any further than that yet. I still want to try something out though. Is there an easy way of figuring out what image does what on the phone? Like if I want to change some things, I have to know the name of the image. Well, to me, it looks like they aren't named plain and simple. Plus when they are just thrown into one directory its kinda hard to distinguish what is what. It was so much easier theming for webOS. lol
Js if u really look at the framework u will see all the images in the drawable hdpi folder are really a lot of the presses..tabs. status bar icons... over scroll glow theming takes a lot of time to build straight from scratch... any .9 PNG can be edited when it is decompiled in apk manager or apk multi tool just don't edit the black patch as peppermint said or u will not compile...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Kevin3328 said:
Js if u really look at the framework u will see all the images in the drawable hdpi folder are really a lot of the presses..tabs. status bar icons... over scroll glow theming takes a lot of time to build straight from scratch... any .9 PNG can be edited when it is decompiled in apk manager or apk multi tool just don't edit the black patch as peppermint said or u will not compile...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, one of these days ill download the tools and play with it. I've always enjoyed theming.
Sent from my MB870 using Tapatalk
I'm just trying to figure out the script to flash, is it the one in the google folder?
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
@js I know what you are saying about the desire to do it but the system isn't really what I would say themer friendly! Admittedly I am not the sharpest tool in the shade when it comes to some things (like the Android OS), so I would imagine that plays a big role in my intimidation of the whole thing.
What got me was the De-Compiling and Recompiling of everything just to change something. Not to mention the signatures and etc... perhaps one day someone will write a piece of software (be it windows based or Android in a shell on a PC) that will make it all pretty simple on that part. Till then I will prob. just enjoy and appreciate the work of others.
GL, Slim!
SlimMan said:
@js I know what you are saying about the desire to do it but the system isn't really what I would say themer friendly! Admittedly I am not the sharpest tool in the shade when it comes to some things (like the Android OS), so I would imagine that plays a big role in my intimidation of the whole thing.
What got me was the De-Compiling and Recompiling of everything just to change something. Not to mention the signatures and etc... perhaps one day someone will write a piece of software (be it windows based or Android in a shell on a PC) that will make it all pretty simple on that part. Till then I will prob. just enjoy and appreciate the work of others.
GL, Slim!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I agree about the decompiling and recompiling thing. When I had a webOS phone I created my own theme just by simply replacing the images and restarting the phone. With android, it seems you have to take the whole framework out, theme it and recompile the package file and flash it to the phone. Just seems a bit overwhelming.
Sent from my MB870 using Tapatalk
It's not that bad if you are just changing the images... Just timely. I suggest gimp to do the work. Another tip, some of the images are indexed. In gimp change from indexed to rgb...back to indexed, then rgb. Reason being that you are now able to add any color and doing it twice clears the pixelation...
What gets hard is smali editing and .xml editing. Let me know if you need help there.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Send a PM to "KTT16" on the Motorola Photon Forums, he is a great themer, let him know what you need help with, tell him you are running stock on the X2, he'll ask you for whatever files he needs, and he will help out.
By the way, if you are at all interested in a signature image, I can create one for you, just PM me, and I'll get on it.
Peperm1nt said:
It's not that bad if you are just changing the images... Just timely. I suggest gimp to do the work. Another tip, some of the images are indexed. In gimp change from indexed to rgb...back to indexed, then rgb. Reason being that you are now able to add any color and doing it twice clears the pixelation...
What gets hard is smali editing and .xml editing. Let me know if you need help there.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can batch process in PS.....and what is this bout clearing the pixelation...lol
Thanks I'll check it out
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
When you find a indexed image going to rgb pixelates the image...going back to indexed and then to rgb fixes this.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Peperm1nt said:
When you find a indexed image going to rgb pixelates the image...going back to indexed and then to rgb fixes this.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was p playing with you, all my online gaming and forum names have always had pixel, pixelated, pixelation, pixelized or any variety of pixel
Edit: swyponese
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
I am trying this out for the 1st time. My main goal is to create a transparent status bar for CM7. Will this make that "patch" I need for this?
Kevin3328 said:
Js if u really look at the framework u will see all the images in the drawable hdpi folder are really a lot of the presses..tabs. status bar icons... over scroll glow theming takes a lot of time to build straight from scratch... any .9 PNG can be edited when it is decompiled in apk manager or apk multi tool just don't edit the black patch as peppermint said or u will not compile...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i seem to be a complete idiot lol
im sitting here trying to use apk manager and have no clue how to go about it
i cant get it to friggin pull files, i have no clue what im doing tho lol
i been trying to find info on how to use it with the x2 but cant find jack that is actually useful.
time to go eat, clear my head, and get back to researching, im probably just missing something extremely easy i knoow, but hey, i havent had a working computer in years so yea, im kinda learning on the fly here, lol
Lol @ash
In apkm select the apk you want, then decompile... Make edits, recompile.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared