Ok, I'm going around in circles trying to find out if I can theme a rom. I've done themes, icons, UI (just the images, not the xml's or codes) I would love to create my own theme for a rom, but how does it work?
I wanted to create a rom but its difficult when you're not a code person. but I am good with photoshop. Can somebody tell me how to start a theme. There are so many good ones for other phones and I would love to create a nice one for the Eris.
what i would do is grab one of the themes that are available and take it apart and see how it was done, but best of luck man,
I personally have not made any themes but i do like to tweak things where i can, and that would be a step i take to figure something out.
snyluc13 said:
what i would do is grab one of the themes that are available and take it apart and see how it was done, but best of luck man,
I personally have not made any themes but i do like to tweak things where i can, and that would be a step i take to figure something out.
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thanks. I wanted to theme like the phone dialer, calculator, and maybe the drop down screen. Is that possible?
You can theme phone, kb, notification panel, etc...anything really
To theme the "system" stuff you need to modify framework-res.apk (can be found in /system/framework)
To theme anything else you just need to modify the .apk files, i.e. to theme the phone dialer you need to modify phone.apk and contacts.apk
To theme anything you will need to change the file extension to .zip (.apk changed to .zip) and then extract the file so that you can explore what is inside. Most image and xml files are stored in /res/drawable-mdpi
Once you have modified .png and xml files you will need to zip the file and then sign it so that it can be used on android. There are a number of tools for signing .apk files, just google it.
Hope this helps a little...
Related
Hello!
I'm trying to make my own Rom right now. With dsixda's Kitchen it isn't very hard to do so I thought I'd just give it a try. I'm taking a rooted official Update (Version: 2.10.405.2) as my base. Adding busybox runparts, the /data/app functionality, a2sd+, the custom bootanimation functionality etc. isn't a problem. Removing some apps like Maps, Facebook, Teeter (and so on) and adding some like Rom Manager, Neocore or Quadrant isn't a problem, too. But if I want to implement a theme like the Carbon Espresso Mod or a theme I made with the UOT Kitchen I'm getting bootloops at booting the phone. Here's what I do: I unzip the folder (for example a theme made with the UOT Kitchen) and I copy over the framework-res.apk from the unzipped folder to my Working Folder of the Kitchen (to system/framework) and I overwrite the original framework-res.apk.
And NO: I didn't choose a battery mod or a bootanimation in the UOT Kitchen....
Hope you guys can help me
I might be wrong but doesn't the new file have to be signed? I know there is a signing option in the kitchen.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
It's a system .apk so it doesn't have to be signed.
I can't shed any light on the subject, but here's a bump.
Are you replacing the whole "framework-res.apk" file? If so then you will need to resign your entire ROM. Why? When you change a system file ("framework-res.apk", "com.htc.framework.apk", "twframework-res", "rosie.apk", etc.) it no longer has a matching "signature" for all the files it serves images to. Plug your phone into your computer and open up "ddms" in your android_sdk > tools folder to watch what happens when the phone boots up.
A workaround (The way I do it, it's more fun IMHO) is to open up your .apk files in 7zip (or if you're on a mac BetterZip) and add the images from the themed .apk to your stock .apk. This way makes it so your original .apk has the same signature as your other system files yet has the new images from the other files that you wanted. I've had a lot of luck with this method. I don't know if it will still work if you change any .xml files as I have not messed with those yet.
I've subscribed to this thread so if you have any questions post back here or you can PM me if you want. I'm on XDA all day, every day so I'll try to help as much as I can.
Thanks for all the answers! Especially to you, mbobino. Is there a way to sign the whole Rom new? When I make my Rom at the End, the Kitchen signs it automatically, doesn't it? The idea with the images is very good, but if I want to implement a theme like Carbon Espresso it isn't that easy, 'cause Carbon Espresso isn't just a few images. There are several .xml's etc.
The reason you boot loop is mis matched resource ID's in the public.xml file. If you decompile the framework using apktool after adding your images using an archiver then recompile apktool will update the public file for you which saves you from pulling ID''s for every image. I have a video tutorial of how to set up apktool and decompile framework in my Rom thread. Changing images in app apk's won't cause you to boot loop just messing with the framework will.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
DomiKamp said:
Thanks for all the answers! Especially to you, mbobino. Is there a way to sign the whole Rom new? When I make my Rom at the End, the Kitchen signs it automatically, doesn't it? The idea with the images is very good, but if I want to implement a theme like Carbon Espresso it isn't that easy, 'cause Carbon Espresso isn't just a few images. There are several .xml's etc.
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The kitchen signs the .zip that you flash when you build it. It does not sign any .apks for you on its own. However, there is an option to sign .apks within the kitchen.
In my opinion, taking all of the images and figuring out how it all works is fun. I feel like I've already learned quite a bit from just digging around and moving files around.
As for the .xml files, you can decompile the .apk and edit them and then recompile the .apk. I'm actually looking into this today. It sounds like some work but hopefully I'll get it figured out.
Sounds like fun indeed So, I'll just have to try it. Where can I find the "Settings" for the Notification Bar? Thanks
The variois status*.xml files in the res/layout folder of the framework-res.apk and the status*.smali files in the services.jar.
What? If I want to implement a Theme made with the UOT Kitchen (without battery) I should just copy over those files to my existing res-framework.apk OR copy over the whole res-framework.apk (the new one) and sign it?
EDIT: Just tried it with a theme from the UOT Kitchen and it worked perfectly. I've just signed the res-framework.apk and the htc.com.resources.apk (or whatever) in the Kitchen, flashed it on my Phone and it just worked like a Charm. But I have got a 50% Transparent Notification Bar and all the system icons (Battery and time/date) are still black and not transparent! Has anyone got a idea where to change this? (.xml or whatever)...And does anyone know where I can find the HTC Wallpapers? I want to change them a little bit
HeyItsLou said:
The reason you boot loop is mis matched resource ID's in the public.xml file. If you decompile the framework using apktool after adding your images using an archiver then recompile apktool will update the public file for you which saves you from pulling ID''s for every image. I have a video tutorial of how to set up apktool and decompile framework in my Rom thread. Changing images in app apk's won't cause you to boot loop just messing with the framework will.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
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HeyItsLou, I looked up your ROM thread but couldn't locate the video tutorial.... do you mind providing the url? Specifically, I am trying to add to the list of wallpapers in a ROM. (I have setup apktool but not sure where/which folder to add my wallpapers in Framework-res.apk Launcher.apk before recompiling/signing). Thanks.
You COULD use the Theme Porter by daneshm90. It will only port the PNG s for it so things like clock colour n stuff will be lost, but it will get you alot closer...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=737526
Sent from my HTC Hero using XDA App
Thanks! But like I've written before in my Edit, I made it. The bigger theme (Carbon Espresso) wasn't a problem, too. I just had to sign the .apk's in system/app and system/framework (the kitchen doesn't do it by itself. You have to choose the option to sign a single .apk and then look, where the system/framework .apk's are...). Works great now!
DomiKamp said:
Thanks! But like I've written before in my Edit, I made it. The bigger theme (Carbon Espresso) wasn't a problem, too. I just had to sign the .apk's in system/app and system/framework (the kitchen doesn't do it by itself. You have to choose the option to sign a single .apk and then look, where the system/framework .apk's are...). Works great now!
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Isnt that what I said in the 2nd post -.- lol jk. Glad you got it working!
Yes! And that's why I tried it. And it worked! Thanks Husker and, of course, everybody else!
Glad you got it working. Welcome to the development side of android!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I don't sign system files or apps and apkmanager among other threads I've read say not to. Im on a rooted backflip. I find I only have to sign third party apps to install.
Why do you have to sign YOUR files?
Sorry for answering that late. Had a few things to do, so I wasn't online very often
If you want to cook an App into your Rom (NeoCore for example), then you don't have to sign it. You can just copy it into data/app. But if you want to change the whole framework-res.apk of the Rom, you have to sign it. 'Cause if you don't sign it, you'll get a Bootloop. The framework-res.apk is a very important part of the Rom, so it has to "fit" to the others. There are some ID's which have to match. Otherwise it won't work. That's how I understood it
Another Question: Has anybody got an Idea where to change the things that are coming, when you first start the phone with a new Rom (the "installation" of the Rom)? I wan't to write: "Welcome to DomiKamp's Rom!" Or something like that...
bestialbub said:
I don't sign system files or apps and apkmanager among other threads I've read say not to. Im on a rooted backflip. I find I only have to sign third party apps to install.
Why do you have to sign YOUR files?
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I was curious about this too. I always edit the framework-res of any ROM I flash using a custom set of images I have and have never signed the apk afterwards and it has always worked. Maybe cause I'm only replacing images? I usually do this with framework-res and twframework-res and they both can sometimes grow by 1MB or more. Just my experience.
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DomiKamp said:
Sorry for answering that late. Had a few things to do, so I wasn't online very often
If you want to cook an App into your Rom (NeoCore for example), then you don't have to sign it. You can just copy it into data/app. But if you want to change the whole framework-res.apk of the Rom, you have to sign it. 'Cause if you don't sign it, you'll get a Bootloop. The framework-res.apk is a very important part of the Rom, so it has to "fit" to the others. There are some ID's which have to match. Otherwise it won't work. That's how I understood it
Another Question: Has anybody got an Idea where to change the things that are coming, when you first start the phone with a new Rom (the "installation" of the Rom)? I wan't to write: "Welcome to DomiKamp's Rom!" Or something like that...
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I think that in order to do the "welcome to" thing you'll have to edit the update-script file. I'm not 100% on it though. Look at a cm Rom and see what all is in there.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA App
Hi I've been trying to change individual icons for my apps in MIUI with no luck. Does anyone here know how to change the icons?
Or if the only way to do it is to make my own theme, does anyone know how to do that? I've tried to follow a guide on the MIUI forum with no luck. It was a really easy thread and just didn't work at all.
Have also tried to modify an already existing theme with no luck. (rename .mtz to .zip. unzip, change the icons they have in there, rezip, rename to .mtz, do import theme from theme manager).
This has been bugging me, so if anybody knows that would be amazing! Thank you!
There might be an easier way, but I'm pretty sure you can open each application apk with a zip tool(winrar) and pull out the image icon, then edit it and replace the original in the zip tool(overwrite). then push the apk back to your phone.
Ive Noticed that the DX2 Has number of atrix ports and a couple of roms.. Any how i would love some more support than CM7 for the photon. I know we only have a handful of wonderful devs for the photon and they can only concentrate on so much at once.
I am wanting really bad to contribute..Can some one show me where to brush up on my skills I am wanting to attempt to Dev. I know IT HAS BEEN ASKED i just want to go to the right places...Just seems like there is not enough interest in the photon in general.. I have all the free time in the world right now...
Id like to thank all the wonderful Devs in the photon forum and for making CM7 boot!! Some good ISH!! i cant wait!!
If you want to make a custom, stock-based ROM, it is fairly easy. A number of us on the forums just think that it is not very necessary to have so many ROMs when there is little-to-no changes between them.
Anyhow, the basic gist is like this:
Find some app/theme you want to include into a ROM. Extract the ROM (.zip), and then place those files into their respective folders. Generally, themes are in framework-res.apk files and go in /system/framework. Apps usually go into /system/app. Keep in mind if you want to port a theme, you will have to resize the images and rename them (usually), which involved extracting the .apk, modifying the necessary files, and then pushing them back into an unextracted copy of the .apk (to deal with signing issues). When you are done with your modifications to the ROM, highlight/select all of the folders and files (usually META-INF, system, boot.img), and compress them into a zip archive. Bam, new ROM made.
mrinehart93 said:
If you want to make a custom, stock-based ROM, it is fairly easy. A number of us on the forums just think that it is not very necessary to have so many ROMs when there is little-to-no changes between them.
Anyhow, the basic gist is like this:
Find some app/theme you want to include into a ROM. Extract the ROM (.zip), and then place those files into their respective folders. Generally, themes are in framework-res.apk files and go in /system/framework. Apps usually go into /system/app. Keep in mind if you want to port a theme, you will have to resize the images and rename them (usually), which involved extracting the .apk, modifying the necessary files, and then pushing them back into an unextracted copy of the .apk (to deal with signing issues). When you are done with your modifications to the ROM, highlight/select all of the folders and files (usually META-INF, system, boot.img), and compress them into a zip archive. Bam, new ROM made.
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Thanks BRO!!!! And Thank you for all your hours and dedication you have put fourth with school and all!! I would not of held on to my Photon If it weren't for you!! Honestly!!!
If you guys want I could upload my recent creation.
Its yays deodexed rom with the alien theme embedded in. I can't seem to get the blur launcher to work though and I could slim it down. Remove ringtones notifications and apps if ya'll want...its nothing special just themed no special tweaks.
Don't think you can add tweeks without unlocking the BL...
AJC9000 said:
If you guys want I could upload my recent creation.
Its yays deodexed rom with the alien theme embedded in. I can't seem to get the blur launcher to work though and I could slim it down. Remove ringtones notifications and apps if ya'll want...its nothing special just themed no special tweaks.
Don't think you can add tweeks without unlocking the BL...
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That would be awesome!!!! Im working on something NOw!! I would like to use what u created!!
Its pretty much yays rom + kenneths theme and a working settings apk lol
You want it stripped down as possible? I suck at making update zips for gapps and such but I can strip it and you can command mount the things you want.
and applications? not everything is shareable I try to make a build did not work well but gets stuck on the logo of motorola
what are you adding and taking away?
Hello,
I own a ZTE Crescent- Rooted/CWM recovery running CM7.
I was messing around with using CM9 and I like it but it isn't up for the kind of usage I'd like to use it for so I went back to CM7. One thing I really liked about CM9 was the pattern lock dots- On ICS they are a lot thinner and look slicker, whilst on GB they are thick and bulky and I dislike them.
So my question is; Would it be possible to flash a zip in CWM to change the pattern lock dots on my device? Or any other method?
Thanks,
Curtis.
It's certainly possible. You need to edit framework-res.apk. Within the apk, the images you want to edit I think are in /res/drawable-hdpi/(possibly in other drawable-XXXX folders as well). You need to edit/replace the following files I believe:
btn_code_lock_default.png
btn_code_lock_touched.png
indicator_code_lock_drag_direction_green_up.png
indicator_code_lock_drag_direction_red_up.png
indicator_code_lock_point_area_default.png
indicator_code_lock_point_area_green.png
indicator_code_lock_point_area_red.png
Not completely sure, you might be able to do it fairly easily with UOT Kitchen: http://uot.dakra.lt/kitchen/ (I can't check now as the kitchen is full, so I'm not sure if it supports theming the unlock pattern or not). If not, you can use apktool to unpack the APK, then edit the images you want changed, then repack it with apktool.
The other option is to use MetaMorph. It's an app you install on your phone for theming. Then download a lock pattern theme like this one: http://droidpirate.com/2011/01/15/metamorph-lock-pattern-liberty/, unzip it and replace the images inside with your own, then re-zip and use MetaMorph to install it. (Probably simpler than using apktool to manually edit the APK).
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it!
I've gone with the metamorph option, seems much easier to do and I've used it once or twice in the past so I have a general idea on how to use it!
Thanks again
I couldn't find a theme for what I wanted- None even came close for Metamorph, so I decided to try and make my own. Unfortunately; I'm now stuck.
I copied the files you mentioned from the CM9 rom to the CM7 framework apk. I have the original CM7 framework app with the new icons in and a zip version of the framework with the files also in there. Now what should I do?
If anyone with more experience wants to take over then here are the files.
APK:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5IQUxhoTn2XVVJiek01OGRNek0
ZIP:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5IQUxhoTn2XWnRGVDhIdzRsa0k
I'd say the easiest way is to grab the metamorph theme I linked above, unzip it and replace the images inside with the ones you took from CM9. Then zip it back up and install using metamorph.
Trying it now, phone has just rebooted, time to check lock screen.
Edit-
Nothing has changed.
Hmm. I have no idea then, sorry.
Hey everyone, I've been searching for the folder that CM9 themes are saved in, like the ones you find in google play. I want to pull one from my phone onto my computer so I can use it as a template. I've searched all around the forums, but I couldn't find it.
The themes in CM9 are actually installed like regular APKs, because they are APKs.
They are located in your /data/app/ folder.
You can use 7zip/WinRAR to replace the .png/.9.png files to change certain things, but you will probably have to decompile it to change it much further than that and so you can read the XML files (requires decompiling) to understand what each .png image is doing and change certain parts of the theme that do not work off of .png files, but instead Hex color codes.
Here is a guide to making a template http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773189
Hope this helps!