[Q] Theming question - Thunderbolt Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

alright guys im having some trouble theming the messages app. i want to switch out the bubbles around sent and received texts with the ones from handcent. i pulled the pngs from handcent and want to replace the .9.pngs in the mms.apk with those. i resized them in photoshop, opened with draw9patch from sdk tools added the .9 borders and whatnot, saved them. decompiled mms.apk and replaced the old ones with the ones i made (renamed them exactly the same and made sure theres the same number of pixels) then recompiled and signed the mms.apk. i renamed the one on my phone in system/app to add .bak and then copied the new mms.apk from my sd card and changed the permissions to match. but now when i open it it just force closes. what did i do wrong? im using apk manager 4.9 to do the decompiling btw

Here's what I would do. Use xUltimate-d9pc-x86 to compile the draw9patch after you make your draw9patch adjustments, then put open your Mms.apk via 7zip. Then drag your 9.png's you modified over to hdpi folder. Done. PM me if you have any problems.

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[Q] Need Help. After editing Framework-res, Rom wont boot

I've looked through many posts. I am very new to creating my own Rom's, and I am having a problem after editing framework-res.apk. I started by downloading a popular rom for the Evo 3D, and decompiled it, edited framework-res, and after flashing the rom it wouldn't boot past the startup animation. The screen just remained black, but the capacitive buttons remained lit. Heres my process:
1.) Download the rom I desired.
2.) Extract zip
3.) Locate Framework-res.apk, copy, paste on desktop.
4.)Extract framework-res.apk, edited icons to my liking.
5.) Delete Meta-inf.
6.) Compress framework-res back to .zip, then to .apk.
7.)Sign Framework-res.apk.
8.) Replace framework-res.apk in my desired rom.
9.) Go into Meta-inf, delete Cert.RSA, Cert.SF, Manifest.MF (everything but the com folder)
10.) Re-sign .zip
11.) Flash via CWM, reboot, see Android startup animation, black screen?!!?!?
I am 99% I didn't change any dimensions of any of the images, and I re-signed everything perfectly. I know my mistake(s) are probably very noob, but as of now, I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
(Before you say anything, I have searched the forums several times, with no luck. I also tried this process several times, only editing one.png in framework-res, and I still get the same result.)
ellisperkins said:
I've looked through many posts. I am very new to creating my own Rom's, and I am having a problem after editing framework-res.apk. I started by downloading a popular rom for the Evo 3D, and decompiled it, edited framework-res, and after flashing the rom it wouldn't boot past the startup animation. The screen just remained black, but the capacitive buttons remained lit. Heres my process:
1.) Download the rom I desired.
2.) Extract zip
3.) Locate Framework-res.apk, copy, paste on desktop.
4.)Extract framework-res.apk, edited icons to my liking.
5.) Delete Meta-inf.
6.) Compress framework-res back to .zip, then to .apk.
7.)Sign Framework-res.apk.
8.) Replace framework-res.apk in my desired rom.
9.) Go into Meta-inf, delete Cert.RSA, Cert.SF, Manifest.MF (everything but the com folder)
10.) Re-sign .zip
11.) Flash via CWM, reboot, see Android startup animation, black screen?!!?!?
I am 99% I didn't change any dimensions of any of the images, and I re-signed everything perfectly. I know my mistake(s) are probably very noob, but as of now, I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
(Before you say anything, I have searched the forums several times, with no luck. I also tried this process several times, only editing one.png in framework-res, and I still get the same result.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you editing .9.pngs? If you are then you can't edit them the normal way. Also you don't sign anything that goes into the system folder.
Hey you can't do apk editing that way it wont work. You have to decompile the apk use apktool. Then make changes and recompile back.
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App
I tryed with the apk tool and gave all green icons a blue color with gimp but after recompiling the framework-res.apk and uploading it to the phone it won't boot anymore. (bootloop)
Does anybody know if I have to sign the apk or do I have to do something different to make this work? (I did'n't change the size of the pictures, only recolored it.)
It's about the png files in the "drawable-hdpi" folder.
I followed the instructions from this site: http://www.miui-au.com/add-ons/apktool/)
Nemesco said:
I tryed with the apk tool and gave all green icons a blue color with gimp but after recompiling the framework-res.apk and uploading it to the phone it won't boot anymore. (bootloop)
Does anybody know if I have to sign the apk or do I have to do something different to make this work? (I did'n't change the size of the pictures, only recolored it.)
It's about the png files in the "drawable-hdpi" folder.
I followed the instructions from this site: http://www.miui-au.com/add-ons/apktool/)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You never sign a system apk. You main issue may be your trying to edit a .9.png if that is the case then you can't just recolor them in Gimp. They have to be decompiled and edited a certan way, then ran threw the draw9patch tool from the android sdk.
I believe the framework.apk and rom have to be deoxed to make these modifications
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
Problemen is half solved. I re-colored all green icons to blue, exept the .9.png
Tryed the .9 patch tool but didn'd manage to change the .9.png without problems.
My ROM is deodexed, so this couldn'd be the problem.
When uploading the framework without recolored .9.png files the ROM works well.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Nemesco said:
Problemen is half solved. I re-colored all green icons to blue, exept the .9.png
Tryed the .9 patch tool but didn'd manage to change the .9.png without problems.
My ROM is deodexed, so this couldn'd be the problem.
When uploading the framework without recolored .9.png files the ROM works well.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're only changing colors you can modify a .9 with PhotoShop or Gimp just do not touch the black patch lines around the edges and they have to be decompiled then recompiled in order for it to work properly. The way I personally do theming of system apks is as follows:
Decompile apk with apktool.
Modify the images I want to change. Compile with apktool.
Copy the new images from newly compiled apk to original apk.
Push apk to proper location to test.
If you make xml changes you will need to copy those as well as the newly compiled resources.arsc file. You only need the resources file if you change xml files though.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
ellisperkins said:
I've looked through many posts. I am very new to creating my own Rom's, and I am having a problem after editing framework-res.apk. I started by downloading a popular rom for the Evo 3D, and decompiled it, edited framework-res, and after flashing the rom it wouldn't boot past the startup animation. The screen just remained black, but the capacitive buttons remained lit. Heres my process:
1.) Download the rom I desired.
2.) Extract zip
3.) Locate Framework-res.apk, copy, paste on desktop.
4.)Extract framework-res.apk, edited icons to my liking.
5.) Delete Meta-inf.
6.) Compress framework-res back to .zip, then to .apk.
7.)Sign Framework-res.apk.
8.) Replace framework-res.apk in my desired rom.
9.) Go into Meta-inf, delete Cert.RSA, Cert.SF, Manifest.MF (everything but the com folder)
10.) Re-sign .zip
11.) Flash via CWM, reboot, see Android startup animation, black screen?!!?!?
I am 99% I didn't change any dimensions of any of the images, and I re-signed everything perfectly. I know my mistake(s) are probably very noob, but as of now, I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
(Before you say anything, I have searched the forums several times, with no luck. I also tried this process several times, only editing one.png in framework-res, and I still get the same result.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without signing and deleting meta-inf. Just extract it with winzip, past ur png s then rezip it. It should work.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Open rom with 7-zip, open framework inside 7-zip, pull the folder to your desktop and keep 7-zip open, edit your pngs, drag folder back into 7-zip, accept changes, press back til it asks you if you wanna update framework inside the zip, select yes. Flash rom. Profit.
.9 editing (assuming you have eclipse set up, google how to)
Same steps as above until where you edit the pngs, copy the .9 files to a new folder on the desktop, name it 9pngs (or whatever), remove the .9 just make it a png (background.9.png to background.png), edit the colors, open draw9patch, color in the whole right side and bottom all black, then place one black dot in the middle of the top and one black dot in the middle on the left side (this might not work on every one, but it has worked fine on every one ive edited, theres more info on how to use draw9, google is your friend), save the image, this will make it a .9 but it wont be recognized by android til putting it thru eclipse, do the same with all of the images, open Eclipse, start new android project, name it whatever you want, open the project folder, go to res, drag all images to appropriate folder, right click on the project folder, choose android tools, extract unsigned application, open the application you made with 7-zip, drag out the images into your drawable folder, insert folder into framework inside of 7-zip, back out of 7-zip until it asks if you want to update framework inside of zip, select yes, flash rom, profit.

[Q] Problem with SystemUI.apk/res/layout/status_bar_expanded.xml

Sorry for all the questions lately, even though I'll probably have more.
I'm working on the SystemUI.apk from IE20 and my method of compiling consists of using the keep folder method and deleting all the files I changed with apk manager 4.9.
Now I can change the Status_bar.xml and status_bar_tracking.xml without a hitch, however if I delete status_bar_expanded.xml from the keep folder (whether I change anything in it or not) I get force closes when I get it loaded onto my phone.
There's no error in the log so I'm pretty lost...So I was wondering if there's something else I have to do that anyone knows of?
Thanks if you can help!
The only thing that should be deleted are images that you edited (if you didn't edit any images just leave the folder). But if you edited ANY xml ONLY delete the resourses.arc from the keep folder. But don't delete any individual xml's from keep. And yes the size will change because of the compression used in apk mgr.
good day.
chopper the dog said:
The only thing that should be deleted are images that you edited (if you didn't edit any images just leave the folder). But if you edited ANY xml ONLY delete the resourses.arc from the keep folder. But don't delete any individual xml's from keep. And yes the size will change because of the compression used in apk mgr.
good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response,
However, by not deleting the xmls I edited in the keep folder it seems it just replaces them with the stock files.
Soo...This stopped the force closes, but none of my edits took.
Maybe it's time to to switch to a linux build environment...I'm frustrated to say the least. Google'd every possible problem and nothing...
EDIT: But before I do that could someone possibly try to compile this SystemUI.apk with a color edit in the res/layout/status_bar_expanded file?
Would highly appreciate this ^^^

[Q] Signing APKs/Themeing.......

So I'm trying to do a little themeing and I have some questions. For instance, if I modify idlescreen_base.apk, do I have to sign that and then also sign the .zip? I'm trying to do a full on theme, modifying every little part of the ROM. When do you have to sign the .apks and .zips? One thing I don't like is the bubble around the four icons on the lock screen, so I went in to modify that and then found more files to change and so it began. And so while I'm on it, why do some m10s decode and some don't? Gingeritis3D and ShiftS3NS3 v3.0 have a default folder, but others have Blue Sky, etc. The default folder that has sharedm10 will decode but the others don't. Just curious. I'm using ShiftS3NS3 v3.0 as my base ROM to theme, by the way.
TheBeardedMann said:
So I'm trying to do a little themeing and I have some questions. For instance, if I modify idlescreen_base.apk, do I have to sign that and then also sign the .zip? I'm trying to do a full on theme, modifying every little part of the ROM. When do you have to sign the .apks and .zips? One thing I don't like is the bubble around the four icons on the lock screen, so I went in to modify that and then found more files to change and so it began. And so while I'm on it, why do some m10s decode and some don't? Gingeritis3D and ShiftS3NS3 v3.0 have a default folder, but others have Blue Sky, etc. The default folder that has sharedm10 will decode but the others don't. Just curious. I'm using ShiftS3NS3 v3.0 as my base ROM to theme, by the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not much of a themer, but I might be able to help you with the signing.
You have to sign an APK any time you decompile and recompile it. Alternatively, if you use apktool, build the apk, then take the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from the original apk and copy them to the /build/app folder of the decompiled apk. Rebuild and your apk is signed. Your essentially taking the signature from the original apk and copying it to the one you recompiled.
If you want the zip to flash, you have to sign it. If you remove anything from an already signed zip, you have to resign it.
orkillakilla said:
I'm not much of a themer, but I might be able to help you with the signing.
You have to sign an APK any time you decompile and recompile it. Alternatively, if you use apktool, build the apk, then take the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from the original apk and copy them to the /build/app folder of the decompiled apk. Rebuild and your apk is signed. Your essentially taking the signature from the original apk and copying it to the one you recompiled.
If you want the zip to flash, you have to sign it. If you remove anything from an already signed zip, you have to resign it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes total sense. I get it now. Thanks!
orkillakilla said:
I'm not much of a themer, but I might be able to help you with the signing.
You have to sign an APK any time you decompile and recompile it. Alternatively, if you use apktool, build the apk, then take the META-INF folder and AndroidManifest.xml from the original apk and copy them to the /build/app folder of the decompiled apk. Rebuild and your apk is signed. Your essentially taking the signature from the original apk and copying it to the one you recompiled.
If you want the zip to flash, you have to sign it. If you remove anything from an already signed zip, you have to resign it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I seen this thread, and was wondering if you use metamorph to theme if you add the META-INF folder and the AndroidManifest.xml to the respective theme will the .apk be able to be installed into the data/app folder?
Deftoolfinch said:
Sorry I seen this thread, and was wondering if you use metamorph to theme if you add the META-INF folder and the AndroidManifest.xml to the respective theme will the .apk be able to be installed into the data/app folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. I don't use metamorph so I can't help you there. Sorry.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
I don't use metamorph. I modify the .apk then flash in recovery. Meta and ninja morph aren't necessary once you get the hang of flashing .zips.

compiling xml results in gibberish (still works)

I´m having bit of a strange issue. I´ve been editing a Mms.apk by decompling it with apktool and then chaning png, editing xml files ( I Use dreamwaver cs6, but have tried with notepad++ too) and the likes.
But when I then recompile the apk something strange happens to the data stored in the xml files, like it gets encrypted or messed up somehow. They still work tho since Ive pushed the Mms.apk to my system/app and the changes I´ve made are clearly shown+working.
But it makes it difficult incase I want to redo some changes in the XML files by decompiling the new Mms.apk.
I´ve uploaded one xml file with the changes ive made, and then the same after it has been recompiled to my dropbox.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p52d74uxtwjmf09/VmhoP1raEG
Hope someone knows why it ends up like that.
bump

[Help] Recompiling an APK

My apologies if this is in the wrong thread!
I've searched around but I couldn't find anything that correlates with what I'm doing.
Basically, I wanted to add ios6 emoji's onto an already modded with previous emojies, MMS.apk.
Steps that I took:
I extracted the emoji .png files from handcent and i placed them in the folder with all the other emojis.
I then went into values > public.xml and I edited the id codes so that all of the ios6 emojis would be in this file (I also extracted this from handcent but I had to re-write the id code. While doing so, I also had to re-write some of the id codes for other items that weren't emojis because if I didnt, the id codes would duplicate since I went in order while writing the id code).
But when I recompile the apk, it wont recompile. I've tried previous versions of apktool and also apkmanager.
I've attached the public.xml file and the emoji folder, so if anyone can help me, I would very much appreciate it
I have also included the original MMS.apk and my framework-res.apk
For some reason, it wont upload onto xda so I uploaded it on my dropbox!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ai24xs951zhe6a/MMS Project.zip
Thanks in advanced!
moomingstarz said:
My apologies if this is in the wrong thread!
I've searched around but I couldn't find anything that correlates with what I'm doing.
Basically, I wanted to add ios6 emoji's onto an already modded with previous emojies, MMS.apk.
Steps that I took:
I extracted the emoji .png files from handcent and i placed them in the folder with all the other emojis.
I then went into values > public.xml and I edited the id codes so that all of the ios6 emojis would be in this file (I also extracted this from handcent but I had to re-write the id code. While doing so, I also had to re-write some of the id codes for other items that weren't emojis because if I didnt, the id codes would duplicate since I went in order while writing the id code).
But when I recompile the apk, it wont recompile. I've tried previous versions of apktool and also apkmanager.
I've attached the public.xml file and the emoji folder, so if anyone can help me, I would very much appreciate it
I have also included the original MMS.apk and my framework-res.apk
For some reason, it wont upload onto xda so I uploaded it on my dropbox!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ai24xs951zhe6a/MMS Project.zip
Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't have to edit public.xml, the ids get added automatically

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