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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Anyone know how to mod it? I am trying to get rid of the gray look and make it more gingerbread-like.
The problem is everytime I extract it and re-zip + sign it with apktool it doesnt let me install it on my phone.
I cant re-compile it either after editing the png files...
if anyone has any ideas let me know...
If you are editing a .9.png file, you need to follow a slightly different procedure via APK Manager.
*sent from my X10i
My_Immortal said:
If you are editing a .9.png file, you need to follow a slightly different procedure via APK Manager.
*sent from my X10i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain what that would be.. I am just looking into how to edit .9.png files..
I would be willing to help with this if I could. I would like to see a customised pop up.
hrm5023 said:
Anyone know how to mod it? I am trying to get rid of the gray look and make it more gingerbread-like.
The problem is everytime I extract it and re-zip + sign it with apktool it doesnt let me install it on my phone.
I cant re-compile it either after editing the png files...
if anyone has any ideas let me know...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive been modding Handcent sms for some time. Link Can you explain what are you looking for? or Im guessing you have apk modding issue not really handcent
you don't need to use apkmanager or deconstruct/reconstruct apks to mod it (or any other app/widget for that matter).
download ninja morph from the market. you can select the apps from the phone, it will extract them and you can swap .9's inside ninjamorph to theme the apps/widgets.
i know with downloaded apps, you have to have them installed to system/app though. so you may need to move handcent to system/app, then chmod the apk, then reboot before doing the ninja morph.
Im trying to start theming, as i have only been in the android club for about a month. The issue im having is with xml files. Everywhere i read, its like, open in notepad to edit. I open them in notepad and all i get is a bunch of gibberish symbols and letters. Is there any special way that i need to use to edit xml files?
Any help is appreciated, Thanks.
Sorry if this is a repeat, used the search but not in depth, so please dont flame.
I spent a long time searching for how to do this as well. Easiest way is to use APK manager.
Go download it from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
Basically you put the apk you want to edit into the edit folder and decompile it. Then go into the projects folder and the xml files created will be readable. Edit them using textpad, notepad, w/e you want. Once you are done load apk manager backup, select the same project and then compile the apk. Thats the gist of it, its a tiny bit more complex but you should get it after trying it. Also if you are looking to edit something like services.jar I found you can rename it to services.apk and it will decompile the smali for you so it can be edited. Just play around with APK manager and it should do everything you will need.
sweet, thanks for the help. hopefully ill have a nice theme on here in a couple weeks. thanks
yeah, if you want a full look into any apk you're going to have to decompile it unless you know what you're looking for in the hex of a compiled xml... also with a decompiled apk you can see alot of stuff such as how the .9 borders (or what ever you wanna call em) are done so make sure they stretch the same way
I want to learn how to theme. I've read this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
I Think i understand the process of editing images, I'm not a noob when it comes to photoshop, but i get a little frustrated when it comes to the topic of signing. I have a windows vista system, and section two of this https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcdxIJRSH9ypZGZzc2pxNDlfMjdnazk4OHNxZA&hl=en states that signing in vista causes bootloops unless you take other steps. The directions for XP seem so straight forward, is there a way to sign without all the hassle that vista seems to cause?
I've been told that if you use another theme for a base, resigning is not needed. I'm a noob at this also, really wanting to learn.
thenaut said:
I want to learn how to theme. I've read this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
I Think i understand the process of editing images, I'm not a noob when it comes to photoshop, but i get a little frustrated when it comes to the topic of signing. I have a windows vista system, and section two of this https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AcdxIJRSH9ypZGZzc2pxNDlfMjdnazk4OHNxZA&hl=en states that signing in vista causes bootloops unless you take other steps. The directions for XP seem so straight forward, is there a way to sign without all the hassle that vista seems to cause?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to basic themeing, you don't need to sign anything....its a matter of extracting and re-zipping the apk without signing it so it keeps its original signature...then you would add all your themed apks in a CWM flashable zip(that isn't signed either).....use APK Manager....it works wonders for theme devs
Mr. Apocalypse said:
When it comes to basic themeing, you don't need to sign anything....its a matter of extracting and re-zipping the apk without signing it so it keeps its original signature...then you would add all your themed apks in a CWM flashable zip(that isn't signed either).....use APK Manager....it works wonders for theme devs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man,
If i'm understanding you correctly you are basically saying that if i take from an existing theme i don't have to sign. but i create my own theme based off of a rom i need to sign it?
EDIT: nevermind, i mixed both responses up and with my question. i'm a little off today
thenaut said:
Thanks man,
If i'm understanding you correctly you are basically saying that if i take from an existing theme i don't have to sign. but i create my own theme based off of a rom i need to sign it?
EDIT: nevermind, i mixed both responses up and with my question. i'm a little off today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok...let me try to clarify this...if you're new to theme developing, get "signing" out of your head
You would only need to sign an apk if it was being installed...
When you theme, nothing is being "installed", all of the original apks that are in your /system/ directory are replaced with your themed ones while flashing....
YOU NEVER SIGN AN APK THAT IS BEING SENT TO /system/ DIRECTORY
In reality, no themed apks are signed, because they are sent to the /system/ directory....its just a matter of extracting the stock apk, make your mods, and re-zip. As a said above, if you use Apk Manager, this will be a breeze
Mr. Apocalypse said:
Ok...let me try to clarify this...if you're new to theme developing, get "signing" out of your head
You would only need to sign an apk if it was being installed...
When you theme, nothing is being "installed", all of the original apks that are in your /system/ directory are replaced with your themed ones while flashing....
YOU NEVER SIGN AN APK THAT IS BEING SENT TO /system/ DIRECTORY
In reality, no themed apks are signed, because they are sent to the /system/ directory....its just a matter of extracting the stock apk, make your mods, and re-zip. As a said above, if you use Apk Manager, this will be a breeze
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, You've helped a lot. can't wait to start. I have to go to work though, so tomorrow, hopefully.
thenaut said:
Thanks, You've helped a lot. can't wait to start. I have to go to work though, so tomorrow, hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have any other questions, PM me....i'm always willing to help someone who is willing to learn.
What I do when i want to change something... example I made my own lock screen.
If it was already explained how to do this... im sorry for wasting your and mine time... I only have about 5 minutes so I cant read everything before i post this... but this is what i do when i want to edit the theme.
I put the rom on my computer and extract it... locate the files I need to edit, (they are alwas going to be in the res folder of an extracted .apk and then in a drawable folder.) I take the files i want and I edit them. put them back on my phone... copy the framework-res.apk from systems>framework>framework-res.apk and then put it in a folder i created on my sdcard.
Using Astro File Manager I select my edited files and copy them.... then click on framework-res.apk and select browse and past my edited files into the framework-res.apk then using root explorer I then copy my edited framework-res.apk and paste it back in system>framework>framework-res.apk
I looked around and found a whole lot of nothing.
halp
Re
To create a theme your going to want to edit the visual ui of the phone. A good place to start is the systemui.apk and the main theme of the phone, in cm7's case, the cyanbread and system themes witch you can also find in system/app. Bassically with the systemui.apk and theme you are editing of your choice will be the finished product if your just starting, making a theme from scratch is a bit more complicated. As for boot animations that I believed is located in data/local and fonts should be in a folder for them selves I cannot think of the topr off of the top of my head but it is easy to identify I'm sure.
the way I edit and make themes is use the above apk's and just go crazy with transparencys and colors in gimp. Be in mind your going to need a Linux based os to edit the apks and place and take them from your zip rom your theming. I also think ther might be a apks editor for windows but idk what it is called.
Re
To create a theme your going to want to edit the visual ui of the phone. A good place to start is the systemui.apk and the main theme of the phone, in cm7's case, the cyanbread and system themes witch you can also find in system/app. Bassically with the systemui.apk and theme you are editing of your choice will be the finished product if your just starting, making a theme from scratch is a bit more complicated. As for boot animations that I believed is located in data/local and fonts should be in a folder for them selves I cannot think of the the closer off of the top of my head but it is easy to identify I'm sure.
the way I edit and make themes is use the above apk's and just go crazy with transparencys and colors in gimp. Be in mind your going to need a Linux based is to edit the apks and place and take them from your zip Tom your theming. I also think there might be a apks editor for windows but idk what it is called.
ya you are going to need to have the android sdk setup for the ADB and then you will use something like apk manager for pulling, extracting, decompiling, image edits, or xml edits which you can find here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
you will need the SDK setup first
which can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=834748
and here
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
then you need to know simple ADB commands like:
"adb pull /system/app/Mms.apk" and push command which is "adb push Mms.apk /system/app/"
more commands here:
http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/adb.html
and
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/187820-how-adb-commands.html
it is also a GOOD idea to learn to use Eclipse for the compiling of the .9.png files which cannot be just simply edited and saved like a normal .png file can.
NOTE: the best way to edit the .9.png files are going to be with the Draw9Patch tool that is included in the SDK and draw the black lines (guides) this is located in the tools folder and then you use Eclipse to compile .. get rid of the black lines pretty much.
info about the .9.png can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=487001
info for eclipse, like how to set it up and download it is here:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/eclipse-adt.html#installing
does say to use the classic version of Eclipse.
once you have all of that figured out then you are pretty good. But there are other stuff to learn to like the programs themselves and stuff .. you will have to look on Google a lot .. I know that there isnt anything much there about any of this stuff .. I kid you not .. it took me a good 2 days to figure out how to use the apk manager and eclipse and how to alter the .9.png files. That was from getting bits and pieces off the web and a lot of trial and error .. the support around here sucks so dont expect much.
there is also a video that shows you how to setup the sdk along with the eclipse that is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIL1UouA4dE
just use the previous links above to get the stuff like the sdk is at version 10 now and then the Eclipse Classic.
If this is too much for you to do and figure out then you are out of luck.
Yeah, I've used ADB and Eclipse before. I'm quite ****e at Eclipse, but I guess I could mozy around a bit and see if I could get the hang of it enough to do themes. I'm really eager to do that stuff.
Anyway, is there anything I'll have to look out for in regards to turning my phone into a lovely paperweight?
wauterboi said:
Yeah, I've used ADB and Eclipse before. I'm quite ****e at Eclipse, but I guess I could mozy around a bit and see if I could get the hang of it enough to do themes. I'm really eager to do that stuff.
Anyway, is there anything I'll have to look out for in regards to turning my phone into a lovely paperweight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eh nothing that I have come across or know about.
so if you know ADB and a little with eclipse . what exactly are you trying to figure out?
Right now I'm trying to figure out how to open the APK. I used WinRAR to open the file and now when I try to open it in Eclipse, it just opens WinRAR. >_>
wauterboi said:
Right now I'm trying to figure out how to open the APK. I used WinRAR to open the file and now when I try to open it in Eclipse, it just opens WinRAR. >_>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the easiest and the best method is to use that apk manager that I linked in there and use that to extract the apk after you pull it from the phone using ADB
I usually use the adb pull /data/app and adb pull system/app to get all the apk files out at the same time.
after they are out you will put the ones you want to alter (up to 10 at a time) into the place apk here for modding folder and then open apk manager terminal ..
1) type 22 to select the apk that you want to mod.
2) then you will type 1 to extract it.
3) then you can go to the projects folder to see the extracted apk contents.
- usually the images that you want to alter will be in the res/drawable or the
res/drawable-hdpi or res/rawable-hdpi longfinger
- also some of the apps that do not use the .9.png files you will have to find
the image in two folders ... one for portrait mode and landscape mode.
alter the images you want and put them in the original folder.
4) then you will optimize the images which is option number 2.
5) then you will sign the apk which is number 3.
- if it is a system app select the correct option
6) then you will see an unsignedsomething.apk in the place apk here for modding.
7) to sign the apk you will hit number 4.
8) and then number 5 to zipalign the apk.
when you go back to your place apk here for maodding folder you will see that the unsignedsomething.apk is now signedsomething.apk
then you will push that to your phone using the adb/push something.apk /sdcard
then simply install the apk from the phone ... may have to uninstall the original app first.
winrar will not open the apk .. 7zip will . but i rarely use this as I cannot see the thumbnails for the images and cannot optimize the apk with it or anything else for that matter.
Here is a link to the wiki for the T-Mobile Theme Engine.
http://code.google.com/p/tmobile-themes/w/list