I would rather not install another app to change icons. How involved is it to actually pull the apk from the ROM, replace the stock icon and push it back through.
I messed with this some on my Vibrant decompiling apk's and doing basic icon and xml changes but that was so long ago I don't even know if the process is relevant. I also only played with non stock apks like launchers, never anything that is already compiled to the ROM initially.
I'm wanting to push in custom icons for Facebook, Twitter, camera, market ect....
Thank you
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
blizzard1017 said:
I would rather not install another app to change icons. How involved is it to actually pull the apk from the ROM, replace the stock icon and push it back through.
I messed with this some on my Vibrant decompiling apk's and doing basic icon and xml changes but that was so long ago I don't even know if the process is relevant. I also only played with non stock apks like launchers, never anything that is already compiled to the ROM initially.
I'm wanting to push in custom icons for Facebook, Twitter, camera, market ect....
Thank you
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you decompile look in the hdpi folder I and replace the picture named icon with one that have the same dimensions.
I think I'm not sure it was a long time when I messed with apps
Sent From My Optimized R3Dimensions
Kratz17 said:
After you decompile look in the hdpi folder I and replace the picture named icon with one that have the same dimensions.
I think I'm not sure it was a long time when I messed with apps
Sent From My Optimized R3Dimensions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too this is why I wanted to dbl check. Also, some of these apps split to another folder right? Would I need to pull both?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Its not all that difficult, just have to decompile the app, swap icons in res/drawable/ folder I believe(might have to look elsewhere), recompile. Then as long as it's NOT a system app, sign it. Then push back to phone. There are a couple of tools to use. I like using just apktool, but apk Multi-Tool is good as well. Try them out, see which you like more.
Apk Multi-Tool
apktool
Do note though, doing it this way, whenever the app has an update(facebook, twitter,etc.) you will have to re-do this. Let me know if you have any other questions, i'll try to help.
and p.s. shortercut is a good lightweight app to add custom icons.
blizzard1017 said:
Me too this is why I wanted to dbl check. Also, some of these apps split to another folder right? Would I need to pull both?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can (most of the time) swap the icon with 7zip, no need to decompile and recompile. Some apps put the icon in /res/drawable, some in /res/drawable-hdpi. If you need more help after trying this out go to the theme help link in my sig.
Related
Ok so I have an app NinjaMorph installed which allows me to open .apk files and swap out a file (say an icon file) and then repackages up the .apk for me.. so far it's working as expected.. the only problem I'm having now is figuring out the locations of some of the apps I have installed as it seems that some of them aren't listed or at least don't appear to be.
Anyone have any idea where or how I can figure out the install locations on apps that are already installed? Is there another app I can install that will provide that info perhaps?
For instance the GasBuddy app. It doesn't show up anywhere in the system/app directory...
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Try /data/app
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Florynce said:
Try /data/app
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh nice looks like there's a ton of them in that directory... thanks!
you need Better Cut its a paid app on the market iv had it since it came out back on the G1. its great replace any apps icon with any image you want
they even have Themes and icon packs available for free once you download it so if you want all your icons one style/theme it will do them all. or you can just select individuals
No problem.
johnt2k: I think he's talking about customizing icons within the app, like menu buttons etc.
Actually what I'm trying to do is change a few icons in the app drawer. I can use Desktop Visualizer to make custom shortcuts no problem but changing the icons in the app drawer is a little giving me trouble.
I've been trying to use this Ninja Morph app to edit the .apk files and swap in the icon I want but it've only had it to actually work and with my settings and contact apps. Doesn't seem to take on the others i've tried to actually apply the change.
Yeah it seems like ninja morph only wants to change things in /system/app
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
As we all know, you can morph third-party apps in /data/app
would i be able to move a market app to /system/app and then morph it? has anyone attempted this?
Why would you need to move an app to /system/app? To stop it from upgrading? You can only accomplish it by a shell script or something.
birgertime said:
Why would you need to move an app to /system/app? To stop it from upgrading? You can only accomplish it by a shell script or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
metamorph will not morph apps in /data/app....thats why i would need to move it
I cant think of any reason this would not work.. why not just try?
s15274n said:
I cant think of any reason this would not work.. why not just try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im going to, gotta wait till i get home, so i figured in the meantime id check to see if anyone had ever done this. wasnt sure if it might lead to signature issues, or something along those lines
TopShelf10 said:
metamorph will not morph apps in /data/app....thats why i would need to move it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was always under the impression that it does
birgertime said:
I was always under the impression that it does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i wish....stericson had said a couple months ago that he was working on it to function for /data/app, but there's been no follow-up on that yet
I've made morphs for market apps on several occasions...the most recent was changing the background on my meridian music widget.
To answer your questions, it works without causing any problems to the functionality of the app itself, nor have I had any issues from applying the morph with the apk still located in data/app. But, you will get errors when trying to apply an update through the market. This also screws things up when you have lots of updates and try to "update all." The updates will work fine until the market tries to update the one you modified, then all apps it tries to update after that will also come back with errors.
Since I don't check for updates often, I need that "update all" button to work properly - so I solved the problem by using Titanium Backup to detach the modified apps from the market. The downside is you won't see if an update is available, but an update would require you to uninstall, reinstall, then reapply the morph. Most updates aren't critical enough to go through that hassle...imo.
Hope that helps!
bnielsen40 said:
To answer your questions, it works without causing any problems to the functionality of the app itself, nor have I had any issues from applying the morph with the apk still located in data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you use metamorph, or ninjamorph for this? im assuming you use ninjamorph to unzip, make your changes, rezipped, signed, and installed? im trying to bypass the signing/reinstalling because ever since i upgraded to froyo "signapktic" no longer works for me, so i cant sign apps on my phone.
thats the beauty of metamorph is that you can change images without needing to take all those extra steps.
i was certain you caouldnt metamorph an app in /data/app....
TopShelf10 said:
did you use metamorph, or ninjamorph for this? im assuming you use ninjamorph to unzip, make your changes, rezipped, signed, and installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, used Metamorph. Never messed with Ninjamorph.
I actually do most of the work on my phone, so no need to unzip/rezip/unzip. Once it's unzipped on my phone I write/modify the xml file and move around the images to the folders they need to be in - all using Root Explorer.
For example, yesterday I tried applying MotorJohnny's Swype morph, but it didn't work because my Swype Beta had been installed in data/app and was "com.swype.android...something.apk" instead of "Swype.apk" in the system/app. So, all that was necessary was to modify the xml file to the correct filepath, folders, and apk name. Voila, worked like a charm. (well, the morph did...the buttons were a little screwed up having applied to to Swype beta haha): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13670377&postcount=42
How do you change .xml files on your phone. I didn't think it was poss to decompile and recompile .xml's on a device.....?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
GrainOsand said:
How do you change .xml files on your phone. I didn't think it was poss to decompile and recompile .xml's on a device.....?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can rewrite without decompiling.....i use an app called "silveredit"....you can also use a simple text editor on your pc like "edit pad"
Sent from my pocket rocket!!
Any success morphing an apk in data/app Topshelf?
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA App
bnielsen40 said:
Any success morphing an apk in data/app Topshelf?
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have not tried, but i can confirm that i just successfully morphed a third-party app installed to /system/app
TopShelf10 said:
You can rewrite without decompiling.....i use an app called "silveredit"....you can also use a simple text editor on your pc like "edit pad"
Sent from my pocket rocket!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Top, I know you can use note pad, but im very curious how you edit xml.s without a pc. I have ported whole themes using ninjamorph and zip themer but any xml I had to edit had to be done on my comp. Even if I used ninjamorph to extract the .xml, I could never edit it on phone alone. The Xml would just look like garbled code...i will check out silveredit tho.....If you get a chance check out Xml engine..just search in market It looks promising but is still in alpha....thanks
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I have changed market apps with ninja morph. You need signaptic from the market to resign it when your done. There os a bit of w down side to it but it works well.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
gunked said:
I have changed market apps with ninja morph. You need signaptic from the market to resign it when your done. There os a bit of w down side to it but it works well.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I talked about this earlier in the thread
Sent from my pocket rocket!!
I was just gonna say that.. or use ZIPsigner2. its free on the market to sign the apk when finished
Annex1 said:
I was just gonna say that.. or use ZIPsigner2. its free on the market to sign the apk when finished
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or get ahold of a metamorph zip. Prefferable a whole theme zip. You want the control file.....now rename the zip to .apk using root explorer, then use ninjamorph to decompile your new .apk file and delete everything in it except the .xml control file. Now take your new .png files and add them to the decompiled .apk in the correct folder or you may move whole folders if you like. After you have all your files in place use ninjamorph to recompile but dont choose to replace exsisting. Just hit no. this will leave your .apk in the workspace folder of ninjamorph. Go into root explorer and rename it back to .zip and move it to root of sd. Now go into zip themer and choose that zip file. Now change the output to /sd/whatever.zip, now hit build. Zip themer will build you a CWM flashable zip with all the mods for whatever apk.s you included using the exsisting files on your phone....not the easiest way and I wouldnt reccommend it just to theme 1 app. But if you want to theme multiple apk.s, even the ones ninjamorph cant theme like Swype and apps in data folder It works flawlessly....sounds like alot but literally takes 5min using root exp to move whole groups of .pngs instead of 1 at a time with ninjamorph and this can all be done without a computer.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Hey mates, I got a question:
How can I modify the icons of an app? I want to modify the icons only from system apps....
I already searched this forum for a thread, but didnt find one, if you know i would be happy about a link
I know that there is an app that "changes icons of apps", but it only creates custom shortcuts, I need "real" new icons...
Hope you can help me
Greets
Sent from my X10i using xda app-developers app
Quick and dirty method:
Download 7zip to your computer. Take the apk you want (camera, for example) onto your computer and open (not decompress) it with 7zip. Find any instances of icon.PNG within all the folders inside the res/ folder. Check their pixel dimensions. Ensure the PNG file you want to use is the same as the original file's. Copy New file and replace the original file in 7zip. Back out of the (example:camera) app using the back button in 7zip. That should do it. If it is an app like settings.apk or any other system dependant app, you need to flash it in recovery (best to just do it this way, regardless). Search the forum for instructions on that. If it is a system app updated via the market (gmail, maps, etc) you will have to redo this every time it updates.
Better method: find a thread here on how to theme, and change the above png using their instructions.
Wow thank you very much
it is systemapps that i want to change to original, i just came to the idea that i could also flash the original apps, I am stupid -.-
but i want to make my own theme anyways so thanks again
Greets
Sent from my X10i using xda app-developers app
No prob. Read all you can! There is a lot of info on theming here, and several methods and programs available to help. I've tried several tutorials and did successfully make one theme.. the learning process is a bit painful. So start small and simple. Also an easy tip to remember: if you theme an app that is a paid app from anywhere, do not share it!!
I have no paid apps only a few books, but not really need them...
so, i wont even come to the idea to edit and share one
Greets
Sent from my X10i using xda app-developers app
Ok, so here's what I would like to find/figure out:
My lady has an SGS 3 stock and I have an SGS 2 (running sho's 1.3.5). I'd like to have her using her stock messaging app and have both her and I be able to send and receive all the same smilies. Ideally I'd like to just drop the mms.apk from the stock sgs3 on my phone and call it good.
Has anyone tried this? Thoughts?
Please don't say, 'GoSMS is the $hit just use that.' a>I'm over 3rd party messaging apps and b>I just want to keep her device stock. c> that's not what i'm trying to accomplish here
I'm looking at just editing my smiley images, but wondering if there's a better way yet.
Thanks.
Dropping the MMS.apk straight in wouldn't work, since they're different devices. Your best bet is either GoSMS which you don't wanna use, or edit the smilies yourself.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Shawn said:
Dropping the MMS.apk straight in wouldn't work, since they're different devices. Your best bet is either GoSMS which you don't wanna use, or edit the smilies yourself.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, pretty much knew that but wasn't sure if there was a modded one floating around that would work. I'm going to try and grab hers, pull out the icons and mod mine using the APK Multitool. weeeeee :good:
Just get the SGS3 SecMms.apk, use root explorer and Extract All, Then get the SGS2 SecMms.apk from ShoStocks rom, extract all (you will need to rename the first extracted Sec.Mms to something like SGS3-SecMms other wise when you extract the second one from ShoStock3 it will overwrite the first extracted one). Now go into the folder of the apk's and find the emo_im_blahblahblah's and copy all from the SGS3 and place them in the SGS2 most likely same exact folder. Now use root explorer and zip the folder. Then go to zipped folder location, long press and rename it from Sec.Mms.zip to Sec.Mms.apk Next use root explorer and copy the NEW one you made and go to the /preload folder. Paste it there. Then long press on the .apk again and SET PERMISSIONS and make sure it is set to rw,r, r. Now long press again and select MOVE and go to preload/symlink/system/app and PASTE. HIT OK. Now reboot phone. Done. This should now have the same emoticons.
ALSO MAKE SURE THE EMOTICON FILE NAMES ARE THE SAME.
(YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO SET THE PRELOAD FOLDER TO "MOUNT R/W" to be able to paste it there and move it).
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running Spiderman Themed AOKP or Spiderman Themed CM10
---------- Post added at 12:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:41 PM ----------
nizbot said:
Yeah, pretty much knew that but wasn't sure if there was a modded one floating around that would work. I'm going to try and grab hers, pull out the icons and mod mine using the APK Multitool. weeeeee :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldnt need to decompile it. Just extract it and rezip and rename to .apk
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running Spiderman Themed AOKP or Spiderman Themed CM10
I must be smokin crack. Every 'stock' sgs3 secmms.apk i can find has the same icons as sho's mms.apk. I'll have to snag her phone tonight and have a closer look.
nizbot said:
I must be smokin crack. Every 'stock' sgs3 secmms.apk i can find has the same icons as sho's mms.apk. I'll have to snag her phone tonight and have a closer look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention that. I tjink all the samsung stock firmwares use/used the same emoticons inside the mms.apk. Are you sure she isnt using some app or something else from the market? Maybe they have their own emoticons?
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running Spiderman Themed AOKP or Spiderman Themed CM10
RockRatt said:
I forgot to mention that. I tjink all the samsung stock firmwares use/used the same emoticons inside the mms.apk. Are you sure she isnt using some app or something else from the market? Maybe they have their own emoticons?
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running Spiderman Themed AOKP or Spiderman Themed CM10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So for fun, I've added my own preferable versions of the existing png's, rezipped and moved to my phone. All is good.
Now for our next exercise...Would you happen to know how to add emoticons to an existing messaging app? For example, the sender has an emoticon that uses the text: <3 My messaging app doesn't know what to do with that, so I get the characters instead. The sender sees a heart. Does that make sense?
I'm sure I'd have to add/link some xml to a new png in the same drawable folder. Just not sure where that piece of code is/goes. Maybe you can just point me to a good faq or how-to so I don't have to take up your time.
Thanks man.
I'm almost 100% sure the messaging apps pickup basic things like a heart, but it might look different on each device. As for adding them, give me a little bit and ill look around.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Shawn said:
I'm almost 100% sure the messaging apps pickup basic things like a heart, but it might look different on each device. As for adding them, give me a little bit and ill look around.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems the stock...well at least the mms.apk in Sho's rom doesn't (see attachment).
here's the problem with that one specific emote...
now how to fix it :-\
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Try Decompiling the MMS.apk and find the code for that emoticon and try editing.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Shawn said:
Try Decompiling the MMS.apk and find the code for that emoticon and try editing.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. Edited the corresponding line (21) in res\values\arrays.xml
Old value: <item><3</item>
New value with the correct syntax: <item><3</item>
result...
Glad to see you got it fixed.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Hopefully I've done enough searching, but couldn't find anything.
To those of you who have heard the Carbon app for twitter, and tried it, know that their refresh limit for notifications is 15 minutes, which is far too long for me.
I'm wondering if other 3rd party apps like Falcon and Tweedle can do it, why can't Carbon?
Is there any way I can modify its apk so that I can change the refresh time to maybe 1/2 minutes?
I've tried searching the twitter's developer site but honestly I'm like a lost sheep there, I've decompiled the apk with apktool.
Thank you for any help!
No, Twitter api limit is15 minutes, not any apps fault that is in the play store.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
How come other apps are able to stream?
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app
RedGoblinz said:
Hopefully I've done enough searching, but couldn't find anything.
To those of you who have heard the Carbon app for twitter, and tried it, know that their refresh limit for notifications is 15 minutes, which is far too long for me.
I'm wondering if other 3rd party apps like Falcon and Tweedle can do it, why can't Carbon?
Is there any way I can modify its apk so that I can change the refresh time to maybe 1/2 minutes?
I've tried searching the twitter's developer site but honestly I'm like a lost sheep there, I've decompiled the apk with apktool.
Thank you for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can change the refresh rate,you will need to decompile the apk and find the right xml file that has that info,so you might want to learn about editing xml files and how to decompile and compile apks,before attempting this.
It depends on where the setting is kept: it may be in an xml file, but it could also be in a database, or even hard coded in the app. Either way you could possibly change it, it's just a question of whether you change a value in xml, sqlite, or a smali file.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Hm, I've decompiled it and it seems to be using the twitter4j Java library. Everything inside are smali files. Where would this setting usually be at? o:
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app