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
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Florynce said:
Try /data/app
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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
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Related
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.
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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?
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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
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I was always under the impression that it does
birgertime said:
I was always under the impression that it does
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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
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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?
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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.....?
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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.....?
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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?
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bnielsen40 said:
Any success morphing an apk in data/app Topshelf?
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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!!
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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
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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.
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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.
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Yup, I talked about this earlier in the thread
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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
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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.
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OK, so I'm a noob with the Thunderbolt and I'm sure this is an easy question. But, I'm lost:
Is there a way to take the menu of "all apps" and place them inot folders, so they're sorted into "communications" folder, "games" folder, "utilities" folder, etc. There are many file managers that claim to do this, but they don't show their results under the HTC Sense "all apps" uberfolder.
I've seen a few topics related to this, but not for the Thunderbolt, and none recent. I'll try them. Meanwhile, if you've solved this problem for the Thunderbolt, please help me. TIA!
swiftshadow said:
OK, so I'm a noob with the Thunderbolt and I'm sure this is an easy question. But, I'm lost:
Is there a way to take the menu of "all apps" and place them inot folders, so they're sorted into "communications" folder, "games" folder, "utilities" folder, etc. There are many file managers that claim to do this, but they don't show their results under the HTC Sense "all apps" uberfolder.
I've seen a few topics related to this, but not for the Thunderbolt, and none recent. I'll try them. Meanwhile, if you've solved this problem for the Thunderbolt, please help me. TIA!
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Kind of like the iPhone ? Well your best bet will be using go launcher , you can organize them the way and it works good on TB
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Yeah I'm using ADW Launcher and you could separate them into Catalogs and hide the "All Apps" in the App drawer.
Yea, it's a function of the launcher as mentioned. If you're willing to try another launcher you'd be able to do it. For instance, I have mine set up in different "catalogs" as mentioned by HeCareth so that I can swipe left or right to get to different drawers of Tools, Media, etc. (ADW EX for me btw).
or just make folders on home screens. thats another alternative.
Not exactly what you wanted....
I know you specifically stated you wanted folders in the app drawer itself, but I've recently fallen in love with Auto App Organizer. That's a link to the ad-supported version but if you also become infatuated the developer has a donate version as well: https://market.android.com/details?id=zts.ticket.autoapporganizer&feature=more_from_developer
I use apps organizer from the market it is free and does exactly what you asked
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joe ferreira said:
I use apps organizer from the market it is free and does exactly what you asked
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I think according to his description he wanted to organize the app drawer which is why people recommended other launchers. But yes, you can do most of what apps organizer does by making folders on the homescreen as bthomp said and fill them with apps. Not sure why an extra app would be desired for this when it's included by default but maybe it's somehow prettier or something or has some added features.
Thanks, guys. Got what I needed from you and decided to place a single folder on the home screen, and place my most often used apps in there. It'll work for the time being, until I research all your outions and pick one that's more permanent from your helpful list.
I use SiMi...love it and its free
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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?
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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.
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
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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
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Anyone know how we can change the icon in the carousel for apps download from Play Store to look like ones from the Amazon app store?
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rcartaz09 said:
Anyone know how we can change the icon in the carousel for apps download from Play Store to look like ones from the Amazon app store?
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Create an icon of the app you want the icon to be changed, or find a bigger icon on the net. Decompile the apk, find the icon inside the apk. Change it with your new icon. Compile the apk. Sign it. Put it into your kindle, install and enjoy!
Seriously... i have no idea
Hanzo.Hasashi said:
Create an icon of the app you want the icon to be changed, or find a bigger icon on the net. Decompile the apk, find the icon inside the apk. Change it with your new icon. Compile the apk. Sign it. Put it into your kindle, install and enjoy!
Seriously... i have no idea
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For some apps, Amazon has a folder with pre-defined icons on the device. I cannot remember the directory atm, but browse around & you will find it.
GSLEON3 said:
For some apps, Amazon has a folder with pre-defined icons on the device. I cannot remember the directory atm, but browse around & you will find it.
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Thanks, I'll have to do some browsing!
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APK Icon Editor
rcartaz09 said:
Thanks, I'll have to do some browsing!
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Just bumped over this topic.
As there are still lots of people buying Fires around, maybe topic is not outdated for all - thus there is a solution.
APK Icon Editor freeware, open source tool to modify Android app icon.
Very easy to use in fact.
Just need to install Icon Editor on your PC, open and replace APK icon and repack it back and sideload to KF HDX (should work for other KF as well).
From dozens of apps just few of them may not work - f.e. if you repack Toshl, it gives error while loading (can't connect to server), the same with Dolphin Browser... Thus my advice is BEFORE you install modified APK, backup original one.
Anyways in my case only this 2 apps refuse to work after modification. All others (including Chrome, Firefox, alternative markets like Mobogenie or 1Mobile, MxPlayer or Dice Player.... etc. etc. all work just fine.
And yes - NO ROOT required.