OK, I've been working on my rom and for the most part its actually going really well - I've got it working fast, gsync is working, blah blah
I've run into a permission problem though, and I need to edit HTCDialer.apk's AndroidManifest.xml file to include a new permission line. Sadly, I haven't figured out how to do this on my own (I've been android devving for about 2 weeks now... maybe 3, i forgot haha).
How do I decode those androidmanifest.xml files?
Secondly - I've also tried making other changes to .apk files and using autosign.bat to resign them, but half the time my changed apk's never work. The apps just don't work or appear in my app list, and logcat says something about apk uid signatures not matching, so I ran "fix apk uids" from recovery but that didn't help either. i don't think my apk changes are being signed properly.
Is apktool what you're after?
YES! OMG thank you. I had thought they were just .dex'd xml files so I tried baksmali but I kept getting top level errors. apktool worked perfect for me, got apst whatever baksmali error I had and did it just fine. You're awesome, thanks!
Aeltrius said:
YES! OMG thank you. I had thought they were just .dex'd xml files so I tried baksmali but I kept getting top level errors. apktool worked perfect for me, got apst whatever baksmali error I had and did it just fine. You're awesome, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could please help me?
i would like to decode a exisisting apk to edit the androidmanifest.xml just a little bit to my personal need. somehow the apk tool just leads to an error everytime. when i just unpack the apk and edit the xml-file its of course crypted.
could you give me a explanation of how to just edit the androidmanifest.xml of an exisiting apk and package the apk again?
apktool d name.apk out
(now edit the androidmanifest.apk in out directory)
apktool b out
now you have to SIGN the out.apk that is in /out/dist directory
Finally! After days of struggling to figure out how to modify my ROM's framework-res.apk and create a working flashable update.zip to install the framework-res.apk changes, I have finally figured out how (big thanks to the guys here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20962080#post20962080) and have created an automated script to help others struggling with the same problem.
Framework Flasher 1.1.4
Feel free to download and experiment with it. This is my first gift to the XDA/Android Hacking community, and I plan on doing more. I just want to test the waters for now Feedback would be nice. Let me know if I've helped you in some way!
---------------------------
What does it do?
It extracts your framework-res.apk file and allows you to edit the files. After editing, the script will compile, sign the apk, create your update.zip with the correct structure for flashing, and then sign the .zip. Everything you need to modify and flash your framework-res.apk file.
How do I use it?
Download the .zip from the link below and extract it somewhere on your PC. Drag the framework-res.apk file that you want to modify and/or flash into the /place-framework-res-here/ directory. Double-click on RunMe.bat and off you go! Do the steps (1-5) in order and you shouldn't have any problems.
Who needs this?
A LOT of people according to how many google searches I did in the past 3-4 days.
Will it work for files other than framework-res.apk?
Currently, no. However it would be easy to implement that functionality if I saw that people would benefit from it.
I found a bug... what do I do?
Post it in this topic. I'll do what I can to make continual updates as long as I see people are benefiting from it. I'm sure there are bugs in it somewhere, so just let me know.
Where do I download this snazzy piece of software?
http://www.mediafire.com/?1nc14hkhs2yrqmt
The little disclaimer
If you download this tool, please say thanks! Not only does it motivate me to continue to improve this software, but it also let's me know how many users are using it! Thanks!
This script is mainly intended for use with editing script files (xml, etc.), and normal (non 9png) images. 9pngs have been successfully repacked using this tool! If you run into any problems, be sure to make it known!
This tools was created to work with the Droid X2. If you are experiencing problems using it, first ensure that you are in fact using a Droid X2.
Change Log
1.1.4 (1/14/12)
- Corrected the Log error. You can now see error logs!
- Corrected an error processing problem where Framework Flasher would instantly close without warning
1.1 (1/7/12)
- Made compatibility tweaks
- Removed unnecessary overhead
1.0 (1/6/12)
- Initial Release
When reporting errors, please ensure that there are no spaces in your file path, and include what ROM and version you are running.
Hello
This is an awesome little tool you got here. I haven't tried it yet but I'll likely give it a shot eventually.
You should add functionality for SystemUI.apk, that's the other "real big" file people like to edit. Just a suggestion based on what I know about theming
Very nice!
So r u telling me this will modify everything including the. 9 png images..also can u get into the xml files as well or images only...i use apk manager and with the. 9 pngs u cannot touch the 9 patches or change the image without using draw 9 patch to ensure the apk will recompile
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
PoorCollegeGuy said:
Hello
This is an awesome little tool you got here. I haven't tried it yet but I'll likely give it a shot eventually.
You should add functionality for SystemUI.apk, that's the other "real big" file people like to edit. Just a suggestion based on what I know about theming
Very nice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I will definitely look into adding this. I'll update the OP with any changes or updates.
Kevin3328 said:
So r u telling me this will modify everything including the. 9 png images..also can u get into the xml files as well or images only...i use apk manager and with the. 9 pngs u cannot touch the 9 patches or change the image without using draw 9 patch to ensure the apk will recompile
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not tested 9pngs with this, it's mainly intended for scripting (xml files, etc. along with normal non 9png images). I've updated the OP to include a little disclaimer stating this fact. Thanks for pointing that out.
.9.png seems to work
Thanks Wesf90 for the tool. I was curious about the .9.png myself. Looking at the script it decompiles and compiles using apktool just like the apkmanager script does so just by looking at your RunMe.bat it looks like it would be fine. I did test it out to be sure though. So I took the framework-res from eclipse 2.0.3 changes some 9.png files and recompiled without any issues. It is important to note that you need to be careful when editing 9.png files to NOT change the black "patches" around the edge of those images. Doing so will cause bad patches and will generate errors when re-compiling. So for example if you apply a filter to the entire image double check that the color value of the black patches are still 000000 (I've done this ). If you don't mess with the patches all should be fine. It also depends on the original framework-res you are starting with. If you use one that has broken 9.pngs in it to start then you will need to fix them before re-compiling (I've done this too ).
Nice work. I especially like that step 4 that creates the update.zip. That is not in apkmanager that I've been using. So following steps 1,2,3,4 sure does make it simpler for a beginner which was your goal. Keep up the good work!
hedwig34 said:
Thanks Wesf90 for the tool. I was curious about the .9.png myself. Looking at the script it decompiles and compiles using apktool just like the apkmanager script does so just by looking at your RunMe.bat it looks like it would be fine. I did test it out to be sure though. So I took the framework-res from eclipse 2.0.3 changes some 9.png files and recompiled without any issues. It is important to note that you need to be careful when editing 9.png files to NOT change the black "patches" around the edge of those images. Doing so will cause bad patches and will generate errors when re-compiling. So for example if you apply a filter to the entire image double check that the color value of the black patches are still 000000 (I've done this ). If you don't mess with the patches all should be fine. It also depends on the original framework-res you are starting with. If you use one that has broken 9.pngs in it to start then you will need to fix them before re-compiling (I've done this too ).
Nice work. I especially like that step 4 that creates the update.zip. That is not in apkmanager that I've been using. So following steps 1,2,3,4 sure does make it simpler for a beginner which was your goal. Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the test run. I've updated to OP to state that 9pngs have been tested.
Creating the update.zip was the hardest part for me, learning how to use update-script and updater-script. Hopefully this will help everyone else get on the right path.
is it possible, that after the editing was done, to simply push the framework to its place? without flashing recovery?
Dude XDA did a writeup on this.. but the article states there is no. 9 compatibility .... which is not true your program decompiles just like apk manager and apk tool do... .9 can be edited the patches simply can't be touched.. making this an awesome little tool !!!
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Sweet tool, just what I've been looking for
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for this tool (button hit, donation forthcoming).
I tried this with my framework-res file from and ICS 4.0.1 ROM I'm running and it decompiles perfectly, but after I make edits and try and recompile, the script just closes.
I tried looking at the log in the folder of the tool and it didn't have any information except the date/time I ran the script.
Any thoughts? Would love to make use of this if you think it should work for me. Thanks again!
XT69 said:
is it possible, that after the editing was done, to simply push the framework to its place? without flashing recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, definitely possible if you have ADB access. I may add this feature, but the idea of the tool is primarily to allow users to create a flash-able file for their's, or others', phones. I'll put it on my to-do list though
Kevin3328 said:
Dude XDA did a writeup on this.. but the article states there is no. 9 compatibility .... which is not true your program decompiles just like apk manager and apk tool do... .9 can be edited the patches simply can't be touched.. making this an awesome little tool !!!
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I noticed that about the 9pngs in the article, however several people (including yourself) have stated that 9png's work fine. So hopefully XDA will eventually update the post.
zaxondis said:
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for this tool (button hit, donation forthcoming).
I tried this with my framework-res file from and ICS 4.0.1 ROM I'm running and it decompiles perfectly, but after I make edits and try and recompile, the script just closes.
I tried looking at the log in the folder of the tool and it didn't have any information except the date/time I ran the script.
Any thoughts? Would love to make use of this if you think it should work for me. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I plan on releasing another update soon, so send me the file you tried (I sent you a PM), I plan on weeding out small bugs quickly. Once the update is ready, hopefully I can have this bug fixed (or at least resolved)
Wes
zaxondis said:
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for this tool (button hit, donation forthcoming).
I tried this with my framework-res file from and ICS 4.0.1 ROM I'm running and it decompiles perfectly, but after I make edits and try and recompile, the script just closes.
I tried looking at the log in the folder of the tool and it didn't have any information except the date/time I ran the script.
Any thoughts? Would love to make use of this if you think it should work for me. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
had the same here!
other then that great tool
Ok to u guys having this happen... try to decompile and them recompile immediately ... if this works odds are u damaged a .9 png... those images have a black 1 pixel boarder that cannot be touched
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Maybe a dumb question but do we flash this in recovery or is this for pc use?Thanks I been itching to try this on my Iced Sam Vib...
Program is for PC use when u r done it will create a flashing zip for u
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Dougfresh said:
Maybe a dumb question but do we flash this in recovery or is this for pc use?Thanks I been itching to try this on my Iced Sam Vib...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you're absolutely correct. Once you go through the steps and create the update.zip file, simple place that file onto your sd card. Then flash the .zip in recovery.
Wes
Doesn't work for me. It says that echo is off.
Thanks wesf90. Going to DL, and check this out.
Work with any Android?
Will this work with any Android system, like the GS2? Sorry if I missed the answer somewhere above.
Thx.
disclaimernotice said:
Doesn't work for me. It says that echo is off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this happen as soon as you start it?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24317850#post24317850
I came across this and I thought it would be cool to do. I have been trying to work on this but but I am getting an error when trying to recompile the program. I am putting it here to see if anyone else can have success with it? It does look cool and I think it would be a great add in for some roms we have here!
1. I have decompiled the rom
2. I did the settings changes that were directed
I am a noob to all of this stuff. This is my first decompile apk project and I do not know what I am doing lol.
I see that there are files to download but the guide does not tell us where to place that.
3. when trying to recompile on step 7/8 I get errors that it does not there is no resources and then it fails.
My question is do you think this is possible with our phone? Does anyone want to give it a try. I actually have a Milestone x2 running 2.3.6. But I wanted to see if this worked for Droid x2 as well. Please let me know I would greatly appreciate it!
Good lord now I have something to do in my spare time! I'm gonna give this a shot and report my results. Might be a few days though, semester is ending.
I'm not entirely sure why you are getting errors when recompiling. It would be nice if I could actually mess around on your pc to figure it out but that's obviously not an option. Lol
Sent from my MB870 using xda premium
lol, I think this might be really neat! Let me know what you come up with. I am very new to this whole thing so it might be something I am doing or something that is written that I might be missing or skipping.
I didn't actually click the link you provided (to tired and lazy atm ), but I'm assuming your using either APK Manager or APK Multi-Tool (I highly recommend Multi-Tool as it's the new APK Manager and the dev keeps it up to date)
Usually if your getting an error like that while trying to compile it's due to missing or out of date APKTool files. Google "APKTool" it should be your first link.
Make sure you have these files up to date and stored correctly (Windows directory)
Also make sure APK Multi-Tool is up to date (version 1.0.2)
Hope this helps.
I've seen previously that you can modify 'more_keys_for_smiley' in LatinIME.apk to modify the predefined smilies in the keyboard ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23362533 ).
I'm trying to do this for LatinImeGoogle.apk.
I've got it decompiled with apktool, but I can't seem to find where 'more_keys_for_smiley' is defined to change it. The only reference to it inside of that apk is in key_styles_common.xml where it has:
<key-style latin:moreKeys="!text/more_keys_for_smiley" latin:backgroundType="functional" latin:keyOutputText=" " latin:keyLabel="" latin:keyLabelFlags="hasPopupHint" latin:styleName="enterKeyStyle" />
Can anyone help me locate more_keys_for_smiley so I can modify it? Does the "!text" refer to a different package?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Ok, thanks to someone's help I was able to figure out that the string is now located in the odex file for the keyboard. I was able to deodex LatinImeGoogle.odex using baksmali and edited the file com/android/inputmethod/keyboard/internal/KeyboardTextsSet.smali. I then used smali to recreate the odex file, but pushing it to my device and rebooting causes the keyboard to not load. Do I need to do anything special with this new odex file?
I tried following tutorials ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1208320 ) and using automatic batch scripts ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31360029 ) for recreating the new odex file and copying the signature from the old one, but I could not get it to work. At best I got the keyboard to load and instantly crash, at worst it wouldn't even load the keyboard upon boot.
Anyone want to offer some advice or take a stab at this?
Seems like your doing exactly what i'm trying to accomplish, and had success, so i'm gonna ask a couple questions, but first some background info.
I'm using a (Verizon) Galaxy Nexus, CM10.1 Clockwork Recovery, GAPPS. (no custom Kernels, etc)
I'm a windows guy, definitely a noob to linux, i'm comfortable following the more complicated instructionals, but traveling off the beaten path is difficult for me.
I was able to use apktool tool to decompile Latinime.apk, and i found KeyboardTextsSet.smali, and the smileys i want modified.
Is it as simple as recompiling and installing it? (remove/uninstall keyboard via TitaniumBackup first?)
You refer to a LatinImeGoogle.odex, is this only relevant to someone using an odexed rom?
I appreciate greatly any assistance you are able to provide!:good:
PrettyPistol555 said:
Seems like your doing exactly what i'm trying to accomplish, and had success, so i'm gonna ask a couple questions, but first some background info.
I'm using a (Verizon) Galaxy Nexus, CM10.1 Clockwork Recovery, GAPPS. (no custom Kernels, etc)
I'm a windows guy, definitely a noob to linux, i'm comfortable following the more complicated instructionals, but traveling off the beaten path is difficult for me.
I was able to use apktool tool to decompile Latinime.apk, and i found KeyboardTextsSet.smali, and the smileys i want modified.
Is it as simple as recompiling and installing it? (remove/uninstall keyboard via TitaniumBackup first?)
You refer to a LatinImeGoogle.odex, is this only relevant to someone using an odexed rom?
I appreciate greatly any assistance you are able to provide!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you should be able to modify KeyboardTextsSet.smali and then recompile and install the keyboard. I never achieved any success because I'm on an odexed ROM and couldn't get reodexing to work properly.
Tried but no joy, then realized it could be because the apk was from a previous nightly (couple days) than the one currently installed. Crossing my fingers that it's the reason it didn't work.
I'll try again.
sent from my vzw Galaxy Nexus / CM10.1 (nightlies)
Good day,
I need help on modifying an apk, its basically a game that can be dowloaded on playstore. I read alot in the forum and I saw this APK tool reverse engineering an app.
apktool. I already ask a question but maybe it's better to create a new thread that I can monitor..
Now. what I achieved now is that I can decompile the apk, edit some things like splash.png, values on strings.xml and few line on androidmanifest.xml. I tried to recompile it and I have done it with no problem. Now i have the modified apk. I signed it using apk signer and followed all the procedure with no error. I copied it to my phone and test run it but sadly it says "App not installed". I also tried using zip signer from playstore and got the same result.. I dont know where am I messing it. Please help thanks.
There is Windows app called Virtuos Ten Studio, designed to do exactly that - it works pretty well and makes the whole process much easier (no need to use cmd line at all if I remember correctly).