I've seen it asked quite a few times now, so I thought I would share how I've been creating my own themes for the Nook. This is a quick and dirty guide as I've almost got it down to a science for quick, keyboard shortcut, theming.
Things you'll need
Photoshop or The Gimp for editing files
Android SDK so you can push and pull files to/from the Nook.
draw9patch app in the Android SDK /tools folder for creating 9.png files
APK Manager (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6703735&postcount=1)
Notepad++ or some other text editor for editing XML files. After using Notepad++ on this, I'd highly recommend it though
An attention span
Some restraint
This is a rather good guide that helped me get started. My only complaint is that it is almost to complicated and includes more information than what is needed for a basic theme.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
Getting Started:
Download the Android SDK and get it installed.
Download APK Manager
ADB pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk
Make a copy of the framework-res.apk files as a back-up in case you need to revert
Copy the framework-res.apk file to the /place-apk-here-for-modding folder under the APK Manager folder
Launch the APK Manager Script.bat file
Type in 22 to select the default project
Type in the number next to framework-res.apk in the list to select it as your project
Select 1 to extract the files
Select 9 to decompile (this is what makes the XML files readable)
Go to the /projects/framework-res/res folder under the APK Manager folder to view all the files from the theme
Images are located in the /drawable-mdpi folder. XML files are located throughout, but the files specific to layout are under the /layout folder. To change global settings, such as color codes and strings, edit the XML files under the /values folder.
Creating custom PNG files: If you are using Photoshop, use the Save For Web feature when saving. Save the image as PNG-24. Select None under the Matte option. Select None under Metadata.
A word on 9.png files: 9.png files are files that can be stretched by the OS. There is a 1 pixel border all the way around the image. In that 1 pixel border, you'll notice solid black lines here and there. The black pixels indicate which portions of the image are to be stretched. You can add this border and the black pixels in Gimp or Photoshop, or you can open the file the draw9patch app under the Android SDK /tools folder. The draw9patch app will actually display how the image will look when stretched as you add the black pixels around the border, so it can come in handy and it's what I prefer to use. You can open and edit .9.png files in draw9patch and edit the border even after you save the file.
Once you have all your files edited, recompile the APK package with APK Manager
Option 11
y
y
It will tell you to delete the files under the /keep folder that you have edited. Delete any images and XML files, from the /keep folder, you edited under the /projects folder. If you edited XML files, delete the /keep/res/resources.arsc file as well
Press any key to continue and let the script finish
In a separate command line window, mount your Nook's /system folder (adb shell mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk1p2 /system)
back in APK Manager, select 8
/system/framework/framework-res.apk
Reboot your Nook
Boot Loop: If you messed something up and are stuck in a boot loop, most of the time you can still mount your Nook, push the original framework-res.apk to it and reboot. Or, you can use an unedited version of the CWM flashable zip file from the link below.
NOTE: it is not smart to push your framework-res.apk file to the Nook. I've learned the hard way that you can only do this about 10 times before you run out of memory and can no longer boot your Nook until you reflash Froyo again.
I'd recommend only a few flashes on a bare bones copy of Froyo until you feel comfortable with working on the framework theme. After that, I'm attaching a base, flashable zip for you to use in CWM so you can flash the theme instead of pushing. This will prevent you from getting stuck in a boot loop (unless you do something wrong yourself).
To add your framework-res.apk file to the zip, just open the zip and replace the /system/framework/framework-res.apk file (I'd recommend 7zip).
A Few Goodies
I'm including all of the PSD files I use to edit and create themes. If you want to create your own, custom theme, these will get you started. The only downside to these PSD files is that they are at the MDPI scale. If you want to create an HDPI theme, you'll need to increase the sizes.
Link to PSD files for creating your own theme, plus the flashable CWM zip file:
http://jjis.me/android-theme-templates
Hey man, I know you theme the froyo roms, but Im attempting a theme for the Phiremod CM7 and I cant seem to get anything but splash hangs and bootloops. I theme CM7 for the hero so I know my way around that, but Im wondering if theres something about the Nook that I have to do differently. For instance what is the mount.sh file you have in the tools folder on your themes? Is that only for froyo? Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
PMDColeslaw said:
Hey man, I know you theme the froyo roms, but Im attempting a theme for the Phiremod CM7 and I cant seem to get anything but splash hangs and bootloops. I theme CM7 for the hero so I know my way around that, but Im wondering if theres something about the Nook that I have to do differently. For instance what is the mount.sh file you have in the tools folder on your themes? Is that only for froyo? Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM7 is a little different than the stock builds of Froyo and others. They use the theme manager for it. If you are looking to theme for CM7, I'd suggest learning what it is needed to package it for the theme manager. I spent about an hour one day trying to find documentation, but couldn't. If can, or have it, please let me know where to find it so I can link to it and use it myself.
With that said, it appears that CWM does not flash, or at least mount, the same on the Nook. I'm assuming it's because it's on the external SD card and not internal. The mount.sh file was borrowed from samuelhaff's flashable ROMs. It actually tells CWM to mount the internal memory and flash to it.
If you are flashing without the mount.sh, it could be why you're getting the boot loops.
CWM uses edify language instead of amend. Again, it took me forever to find little to no documentation on it.
If you are using the mount.sh file and you are still getting stuck in a boot loop, I did discover a little issue with it yesterday. I was trying to use it to flash my new theme without the Vending.apk mod and I kept getting stuck in a black screen during start up. I forgot my edify code deletes the Vending.apk file so that was causing my problem. If you know how to edit the file, go for it. If not, I'm planning on updating it to correct this. If you need to, for now, just copy the Vending.apk to your flashable zip file.
It deletes the services.jar file as well. This was a requirement on Froyo since the status bar text is black by default. The services.jar file has to be edited to change the status bar text to white. Since CM7 does not need that change, try pushing just the framework-res.apk file, reboot and see if you boot successfully. If so, that is more than likely your problem.
wretchedlocket said:
CM7 is a little different than the stock builds of Froyo and others. They use the theme manager for it. If you are looking to theme for CM7, I'd suggest learning what it is needed to package it for the theme manager. I spent about an hour one day trying to find documentation, but couldn't. If can, or have it, please let me know where to find it so I can link to it and use it myself.
With that said, it appears that CWM does not flash, or at least mount, the same on the Nook. I'm assuming it's because it's on the external SD card and not internal. The mount.sh file was borrowed from samuelhaff's flashable ROMs. It actually tells CWM to mount the internal memory and flash to it.
If you are flashing without the mount.sh, it could be why you're getting the boot loops.
CWM uses edify language instead of amend. Again, it took me forever to find little to no documentation on it.
If you are using the mount.sh file and you are still getting stuck in a boot loop, I did discover a little issue with it yesterday. I was trying to use it to flash my new theme without the Vending.apk mod and I kept getting stuck in a black screen during start up. I forgot my edify code deletes the Vending.apk file so that was causing my problem. If you know how to edit the file, go for it. If not, I'm planning on updating it to correct this. If you need to, for now, just copy the Vending.apk to your flashable zip file.
It deletes the services.jar file as well. This was a requirement on Froyo since the status bar text is black by default. The services.jar file has to be edited to change the status bar text to white. Since CM7 does not need that change, try pushing just the framework-res.apk file, reboot and see if you boot successfully. If so, that is more than likely your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! I actually took yours apart and was able to correct my script and I noticed that the delete services.jar line was causing issues as well. If you can I'd like you to take a look at the updater script after I edited it and see if you see any errors. It's attached below. I have gotten the framework and other themed apps to flash fine, but for some reason the themed market will not install. After flash it is in the /system/app folder as vending.apk. but it doesn't actually replace the stock market anywhere else. I actually spent several hours today trying to get the market back because I got frustrated and went all delete happy in root explorer, lol.
As far as Theme Chooser goes, here is a decent tutorial, but I haven't taken the time to really try and change my whole MO to use it. I theme the aospCMod for the heroc without using the chooser app. You can also get some good tips on building themes for the chooser in the #aospbot irc channel. A few of the guys in there build themes for it.
View attachment updater-script.zip
PMDColeslaw said:
Thanks for the reply! I actually took yours apart and was able to correct my script and I noticed that the delete services.jar line was causing issues as well. If you can I'd like you to take a look at the updater script after I edited it and see if you see any errors. It's attached below. I have gotten the framework and other themed apps to flash fine, but for some reason the themed market will not install. After flash it is in the /system/app folder as vending.apk. but it doesn't actually replace the stock market anywhere else. I actually spent several hours today trying to get the market back because I got frustrated and went all delete happy in root explorer, lol.
As far as Theme Chooser goes, here is a decent tutorial, but I haven't taken the time to really try and change my whole MO to use it. I theme the aospCMod for the heroc without using the chooser app. You can also get some good tips on building themes for the chooser in the #aospbot irc channel. A few of the guys in there build themes for it.
View attachment 546902
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stupid question, but you are copying the vending file as Vending.apk and not vending.apk, correct?
Also, if you're using my themed market, there are only two icons that are customized. The rest looks stock.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
wretchedlocket said:
Stupid question, but you are copying the vending file as Vending.apk and not vending.apk, correct?
Also, if you're using my themed market, there are only two icons that are customized. The rest looks stock.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the file is Vending.apk but its my themed market.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
PMDColeslaw said:
Yeah the file is Vending.apk but its my themed market.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delay in response. I had too many things to do with the family yesterday.
If you haven't got this working yet, I'd suggest trying to start with removing just the /system/app/Vendind.apk file via the updater-script. If it works, then go back in and add each additional line until you run into problems again. At that point, you'll know what your problem is.
Since everything else (framework-res.apk, services.jar, etc.) gets replaced successfully, leave those lines alone. I'd just start with the basics of replacing the Vending.apk first and then work your way back up from there.
Hello,
I'm trying to install Bell's gingerbread update for my Atrix but it appears I'm missing the / preinstall / app / "Gameloft_3games.zip" file. I have the bell system dump downloaded that contains all the apps and other random stuff but I cant seem to find the gameloft_3games.zip file. Can someone help me out here?? Maybe share their file with me or maybe tell me what the zip contains so I can try and build a new one?
Thanks in advance.
tguns11 said:
Hello,
I'm trying to install Bell's gingerbread update for my Atrix but it appears I'm missing the / preinstall / app / "Gameloft_3games.zip" file. I have the bell system dump downloaded that contains all the apps and other random stuff but I cant seem to find the gameloft_3games.zip file. Can someone help me out here?? Maybe share their file with me or maybe tell me what the zip contains so I can try and build a new one?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue, I've tried OTA and offline install, also tried modding the update zip to remove the gameloft_3games.zip, but the file is signed and the verify fails...
apk files
I tried creating a zip file and inside of it, I put the apks of the 3 demo gameloft games that came stock with the phone. It didn't work, So I tried making another zip and I dumped every single file in it from the / app folder renaming it to gameloft_3games.zip and that never worked either. So theirs obviously some other kind of files in there that we need...
exact same problem someone please help!
edit: you guys found a solution yet? i've been told on other forums that i think it is the rooting method we used that removed that gameloft file.. i think apparently ATT phones don't need that file or something..so i'm trying to figure out how to get that file back now..
If you do some searching for gameloft_3dgames.zip you'll find a zip of the stock 2.2.2 files available for download. I was able to push the gameloft_3dgames.zip to /data/local/tmp/, remount /preinstall/ read/write, copy it in there, set permissions to 644, remount read-only, reboot, and then apply the update successfully.
Good luck!
Here's the post with further instructions and a link to the files:
www dot atrixforums dot com/forum/rescue-squad/5479-bell-atrix-wont-update-2-3-gingerbread-3.html#post62257
i am using samsung galaxy ace with a custom rom. i want to have some of the stock apps mainly stock camera, stock task manager, and stock messages. is there a way i can get it and put it in my custom rom ???
my method-
i am not sure whether this will work or not but i think that if i get the apk file then i can put it in root/system/apps and set permissions to rw-r-r. this should work according to me.
but how do i get the apk file?
for that also i think i could extract it from the installation files for stock rom...
but the installations i have come across are either .md5 or .tar files for stock rom. hence i am unable to help to extract it and get the apk file. also i am unable to find a direct zip installation setup via cwm for stock rom. if i get that then its easy to extract the apks.
please help. i am not sure if my method is right. if it is then help me with it, if not then please tell me the other method
I think it´s not that easy, becaus the stock apps are using another framework, so they will not work if you just put them in the root/system/app folder. You have to install the framework which is used by the stock Samsung rom. If I´m wrong please correct me.
While I was trying to clear the data of the file manager, I inadvertently uninstalled the file manager.
I am rooted on Virtuous Prime. I tried to use Titanium to extract the file manager from a nandroid backup; this did not work.
I do not have a titanium backup of the file manager.
Surprisingly, I like this stock file manager.
Is there a way I can get it back? A download?
Can I use adb to push the file manager to the device after extracting it from a ROM?
I don't know if this is the right one, but we can try it. It's the only one I could find.
I also have another file called filemanager2.odex
Im thinking that's just the data in my file manager....if you need that 2nd file, let me know
Added the file...had to change odex to zip to upload....just delete zip and change it back
robertg9 said:
I don't know if this is the right one, but we can try it. It's the only one I could find.
I also have another file called filemanager2.odex
Im thinking that's just the data in my file manager....if you need that 2nd file, let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on a stock ASUS firmware, most of your system APKs will be odexed. You need both the APK and the odex file for the app to run.
A lot of custom ROMs have deodexed files for several reasons. Some people swear that deodexed ROMs are faster, some swear the opposite. Modifying deodexed ROMs is theorectically slightly easier also as you only need to deal with one file rather than 2.
This is a rather simple, nonsensical explanation of the situation, and I'm sure other folks will chip in with more accurate definitions, however, getting back to the point, YOU WILL NEED THE ODEX FILE ALSO IF ON STOCK.
I want to use the android kitchen to turn our recently leaked ICS update into a rom. On Dsixda's thread, he states that we need to create a file in the kitchen's /tools/edify_defs folder with the properties of our phone, in the templates file, it is kind of unclear for me how to do this.
Can anyone help me create a file for the HTC Amaze 4G? Thanks
HuskyHamburger said:
I want to use the android kitchen to turn our recently leaked ICS update into a rom. On Dsixda's thread, he states that we need to create a file in the kitchen's /tools/edify_defs folder with the properties of our phone, in the templates file, it is kind of unclear for me how to do this.
Can anyone help me create a file for the HTC Amaze 4G? Thanks
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Click to collapse
Sorry if I am reviving a not quite old thread, but it came up when I was searching for the kitchen to download on my new windows install..
If you want to create a rom you don't really need the kitchen, it can do certain things to a rom- deodex, zipalign, install superuser and busybox, etc.. but within a few days of the leak all of that is available. You can pm a developer as I did and get permission to use their files rather than recreate the wheel.
First, just run the zip file thru the kitchen, don't do anything special with it- we have a superuser zip file you can/should just unpack into the final setup.
Find the updater-script and the binaries(in the same folder), this is what tells it what to install and where, fix permissions, install the files needed for SU(look in the superuser zip files updater script for details) etc..
If you want a deodexed rom you can ask to borrow the system/app directory from a rom that already has deodexed theirs. Literally, this is the best way to do it.
What the kitchen IS better for is pulling apart the kernel, putting it back together, unpacking apks.. it has built in scripts which can be a real time saver than typing in backsmali this, smali that-- simply put a file in a folder, type a number, and magically it all happens for you.. but you won't need ANY of that until you get into the advanced stuff.
I don't know if you were still trying to figure it out or not, but at the very least this may give someone who happened across this thread SOME sort of answer-- I get sick of finding more unanswered posts or posts where people reply with "you should search".. I've searched so much I my fingers should be bleeding.