Related
Trying to learn and I have yet to see a place for such basic questions. Also, there was a request for this type of information in my Sticky thread.
What is the difference? Both are done from Stericson... I've read he doesn't really use MetaMorph any longer (not sure if he does Ninja).
Metamorph is for theming... ninjamorph is for apps?
Is one better than the other?
Does a morph for one, work for the other?
Why morph vs. doing the flashes of a .zip file (old school way)......
Also... morphs... do they have to be specefic to your phone?
Would morphs for the Nexus work on our phone?
I know metamorph was suppose to make themeing easier and allow you to mix and match themes. Update.zip files couldn't to that easily. IIRC themes are specific to each device and ROM. I've seen ninja morph but have yet to use it. Would like to know how it works as well.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
To my understanding, Ninjamorph is for allowing you to extract and modify apk files to create the morphs on your phone (along with using something like silveredit to create the xml files). Metamorph just lets you apply the morphs.
I'd be curious to learn some more about this as well. I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=763439 about creating morphs which is helpful but still leaves me with questions.
s15274n said:
Is one better than the other? They do different things. So far I figured out that ninjamorph is good for unpacking .apks so that you can find what you need to modify/modify it. Metamorph does the actual replacing.
Does a morph for one, work for the other? They do different things.
Why morph vs. doing the flashes of a .zip file (old school way)...... This seems to be because a morph doesn't change much and it allows you to make updates and things easier. Not really sure other than what I read in one of the battery mod threads and since using them a bit it is much faster to apply a morph.
Also... morphs... do they have to be specefic to your phone? Yes because they replace specificly named things. If you try and use one on a different device or different rom it may not work because the file names will be different. I don't think there is a reason you couldn't modify that though.
Would morphs for the Nexus work on our phone? Would probably need to be updated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use them together... Want a quick tut?
Go to ninja and start a new project...
System/framework/framework-res.apk
You just extracted the files from the app... Inside the res/drawable-hdmi folder are the images you want to change...
Statusbar_background.9.png is the status bar color... If you click it it will ask what you want to replace it with... you can do the same think to any other pics...
Now make a new folder, My_Morph, add another folder here, framework-res, and now another res,
copy the android themes/workspace/frameworkresapk/res/drawable-hdmi (folder you just changed) and add it to the res folder you just made..
Now to make an xml doc... I have a tut/template here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=759329
and there is one by stericson in my sticky morph thread...
I use silver edit to create my .xml docs on my phone...
Add the My_Morph.xml to the My_Morph folder with the framework-res folder.. You just made a morph...
To test the morph first you can finish project with ninja.. It will rebuild the apk then install it... This is how I build half of my stuff...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Junk you're the man. I think I just found me some android crack to play with lol.
Vibe the XDApp
Sooooo basically I've never actually gotten all technical with the the theming on android. Nothing legit like you guys. But isn't it just a series of file replacements? Im an artist and have spent all my life drawing n such, and if someone would show me what to replace and how to safely do it I would give then whatever they need to release a flashable theme if anyone likes It. Im a very picky person. I like change on my phone baaddddd. If shown how; expect to see new themes like every other week if possible (depending on how difficult it is). Along with wallpapers that I usually spend hours trying to find.
Any takers?
Use search. I found some great links in this forum alone on theme creation.
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
I'm new to theming, but for my theme, UOT Kitchen helped me out! The only downside is that you can't do status bar, boot animation, or lock screen. There's a thread for UOT Kitchen some where around this forum. But your right, just file replacements. Look under the systemUI.apk and framework-res drawable-hdpi files with 7zip (or something similar). You can edit the images without unzipping the file!
I started with a UOT Kitchen file and added/changed stuff in the file. If you can't find an image or need help with changing something, try asking the ROM creator, the would probably know where the stuff is in the ROM.
If you fail, try and try again! I epically failed my first time and SBF a couple times because I was an idiot. Then I asked some questions and got started the right way. But make sure you do a back up before you flash a new file. I learned the hard way. A file can look fine to the phone at first, then it deletes everything it should, and then starts to copy files over like normal until a part of the file is bad. Then you have to SBF or restore.
Backing up is easy, just go into recovery and go to advanced, then back up, and choose to put the back up file under internal or external SD card. I do external, just my preference.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
A lot of it is file replacement. However to change some of the colors such as text and the color of the volume indicator (those are the only ones that I can think of right now) will involve replacing the color hex values in XML files. In order to get the xml files in a readable/editable format you'll need to use apkmanager or apktool. Those are used to decompile the apk packages. You can then edit what you need to (including images) then re-compile the package. Search around in this themes forum for Navenedrobs post about android tools. He includes a download for apkmanager, apktool and some other necessary tools. I use apkmanager myself.
I also use 7zip for some small edits as mentioned in the last post but I prefer to decompile then edit. Apkmanager makes it easy to then optimize the images prior to recompile.
Oh another that required xml edits for colors is AOSP calendar. Not too many images in there but lots of colors are defined.
Here's a link to naven's android tools post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1261198
Theming is time consuming... its not quite as easy as simple image replacement especially on stretchable images also known as 9 pngs ... also if u want to start creating your own images that too could get tricky as u will need to use a program like gimp or another photo editing program.. gimp is the best in my opinion... sometimes it is necessary to add layers when creating your own images.... Hedwig... do use draw 9 patch for your. 9 pngs.... if not how do u edit those... I use apk manager to decompile and recompile each apk.. just curious if u know of a better tool for editing the. 9 pngs .. neways the way I started theming is with 7 zip... I went in and changed the images regular pngs and then tested it out uot kitchen is a good start but u r limited as far as how much u can theme
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
Kevin3328 said:
Hedwig... do use draw 9 patch for your. 9 pngs.... if not how do u edit those... I use apk manager to decompile and recompile each apk.. just curious if u know of a better tool for editing the. 9 pngs ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you decompile the apk the 9.png images gain the one pixel border where the patch is drawn. I'm just careful not to edit any of the black pixels around the edges. When you re-compile the border is lost (values of those are stored). So, no, I don't use draw 9 patch at all. If you're making new images that you plan to compile into the apk the you can just draw the patches in gimp, photoshop, or whatever you use. Just remember to add a one pixel border all around to the size of your new image.
So, XGrinder911. Any of this discussion helping out or are we all just blah, blah, blah?
Well I was considering Adobe Illustrator? Might that program work to create images? And so I get this apk manager, it decompiles and whatnot then I edit the files. Recompiles and voila theme? I get using apk manager on like the calendar cause its an actuall app but what about things like the status bar n notification pull down? they are in serious need of a make over.
And I tried using the kitchen. Didn't work out for me. Got my loving boot loops. Even when replacing the framework res apk.
Ooohhhh! Is It that? That's the apk?
PS- Hedwig your my new best friend.
IDMA.DROID.X2 said:
I'm new to theming, but for my theme, UOT Kitchen helped me out! The only downside is that you can't do status bar, boot animation, or lock screen. There's a thread for UOT Kitchen some where around this forum. But your right, just file replacements. Look under the systemUI.apk and framework-res drawable-hdpi files with 7zip (or something similar). You can edit the images without unzipping the file!
I started with a UOT Kitchen file and added/changed stuff in the file. If you can't find an image or need help with changing something, try asking the ROM creator, the would probably know where the stuff is in the ROM.
If you fail, try and try again! I epically failed my first time and SBF a couple times because I was an idiot. Then I asked some questions and got started the right way. But make sure you do a back up before you flash a new file. I learned the hard way. A file can look fine to the phone at first, then it deletes everything it should, and then starts to copy files over like normal until a part of the file is bad. Then you have to SBF or restore.
Backing up is easy, just go into recovery and go to advanced, then back up, and choose to put the back up file under internal or external SD card. I do external, just my preference.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just want to say you DO NOT go to advanced for backup(nandroid)
You go to backup/restore
just clarifying
Good luck OP....hope to see some awesome theme soon....don't give up PLEASE! !!
ashclepdia said:
Just want to say you DO NOT go to advanced for backup(nandroid)
You go to backup/restore
just clarifying
Good luck OP....hope to see some awesome theme soon....don't give up PLEASE! !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah! Your right! Sorry about that!
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
Wasn't trying to "get on your case"
just wanted to clarify
Haha didn't even notice it. I make a backup everydayyyy (flashaholic).
Question: is there anything I can do about those lil lines that separate lists like in messaging and settings? I hate them and we all know on this phone's screen they basically become invisible while scrolling anyway. Get them out of here.
DX2 Eclipse 1.3
I used UOT Kitchen to color. Not sure what file you would change to take them away. Ain't no shame in being a flashaholic! I bootlooped my phone on purpose when I for bored
Ash, no worries. Glad you clarified. Don't know what I was thinking with the advanced haha
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
To "take them away" can't u just make em the same color as the menu
XGrinder911 said:
Haha didn't even notice it. I make a backup everydayyyy (flashaholic).
Question: is there anything I can do about those lil lines that separate lists like in messaging and settings? I hate them and we all know on this phone's screen they basically become invisible while scrolling anyway. Get them out of here.
DX2 Eclipse 1.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file is in framework-res.apk
framework-res.apk\res\drawable-hdpi\dark_header.9.png
Do what ashclepdia said and change the color in the bottom of that image to match the top. You'll see what I mean when you look at the image.
(Or light_header.9.png if you're working with a light framework.)
hedwig34 said:
The file is in framework-res.apk
framework-res.apk\res\drawable-hdpi\dark_header.9.png
Do what ashclepdia said and change the color in the bottom of that image to match the top. You'll see what I mean when you look at the image.
(Or light_header.9.png if you're working with a light framework.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is this exactly? All I see is a long rectangle with a hint of blue at the bottom.
DX2 Eclipse 1.3
XGrinder911 said:
What is this exactly? All I see is a long rectangle with a hint of blue at the bottom.
DX2 Eclipse 1.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That image is streatched across the width of the screen. Creating the menu item that has the blue line at the bottom.
Think of it as that image repeating over and over again side by side.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
hedwig34 said:
That image is streatched across the width of the screen. Creating the menu item that has the blue line at the bottom.
Think of it as that image repeating over and over again side by side.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait so where exactly is this rectangle?
DX2 Eclipse 1.3
Its a vertical rectangle repeated over and over again to make a skinny little horizontal line?? Wow, that's deep.
DX2 Eclipse 1.3
I have a question too. How do you devs mod the build.prop? Is that mostly the difference between ROMs?
(Thought it would be better here instead if a new thread. Don't mean to thread jack)
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
IDMA.DROID.X2 said:
I have a question too. How do you devs mod the build.prop? Is that mostly the difference between ROMs?
(Thought it would be better here instead if a new thread. Don't mean to thread jack)
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the differences between roms isn't mostly the build.prop
the build.prop can easily(usually) be modified using root explorer or similar.(I am having trouble editing the additions that kejar has made to build.prop tho. Never had this problem before. But its just the extra entries at bottom I can't change.
The biggest differences in roms come from the UI and system frameworks and scripts inside init.d
There are a few performance tweaks and edits u can make inside build.prop but ur.choices are kinda limited in what can be.done. even the line in eclipse build.prop that mentions raising the touch points recognized by the screen to 5 requires changes elsewhere in the "framework" to allow it to actually recognize that amount.
I have tried UOT Kitchen before, always was unlucky at having flashing errors.
My question is this... If I take a flashable theme, with permission from the creator, I should be able to use the scripts that they include for flashing? I am savvy with un-APKing zipping, signing and what not, is that all I would have to do to recreate a theme using my own images?
Thanks to everyone here!
Yes, the script you see other themes using can be changed out with your own, as well as the content. You can also just use the UOT Kitchen script. Credit given where credit is due, of course, but the script itself (IMHO) is not something you really need permission for.
Another tip, this from firsthand experience, when you're zipping everything up getting ready to flash, make sure you're zipping the contents of the theme folder (/META-INF/ & /system/) vs zipping the theme folder.
It sounds really stupid, but it took me forever to figure out why everything I did in UOT Kitchen perfectly but everything I did, using the same damn script, just froze. But ya gotta learn somewhere, right?
Remember when using the kitchen make sure u click amend scripting in the area where u load the apks... x2 uses 2. Something recovery.. if u don't click that there will be errors everytime
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Thank you, I think I've tried UOT 5 times but never had success.
Kevin, I tried the amend scripting, it solo didn't work.
I would much rather use my own images then those offered in uot kitchen.
I'm going to try to put a theme together this weekend, I haven't modded anything since BF2 wake island air show
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
Ok, how much do you know about themeing? Because if you are wanting to edit just the images(.pngs) you will need some info first...
You can "simply" take the framework-res.apk and systemUI.apk and go to the HDPI folder(or wherever the images are) and "drag n drop" to your desktop and edit those... OR you can take a .png that you wanna use(say one from another theme) and just drag n drop in the HDPI folder. And then, simply make a flashable .zip and your good to go.
.9s !!!
These are a PAIN if you dont know what you are doing.
If you are going to try and get into themeing, download APKManager and decompile the framework-res.apk ... go to a .9 image(i think its .png.9 or something of the like). When you load the image(say in GIMP) you will see black squares on the OUTSIDE of the image(like near the edges of the ACTUAL picture edge)... DONT TOUCH THOSE!!!! leave them there and make edits how you choose to the rest of the image. Once you are finished, just recompile(DONT SIGN AND YES! THESE ARE SYSTEM APPS!). Put in a flashable .zip and your set.
NOW Please note:
When you are doing the drag and drop method, make sure you are REPLACING an image and not ADDING more images.. catch the drift?
this is quick how to, hope it helps and good luck. let me know if you need anything else.
All the themes rock! I have poor eye sight (far sight) so my main concern always is status bar and the battery icon. I love being able to see the percentage, but some themes use smaller battery percentage text.
.9 seem like the stretchable area I'm beautiful widget... I understand that
Thanks Peperm1nt
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
I was thinking of trying out theming. That is until I looked at the crap load of images just thrown into one directory. lol. It may not be as hard as it looks but I havent looked any further than that yet. I still want to try something out though. Is there an easy way of figuring out what image does what on the phone? Like if I want to change some things, I have to know the name of the image. Well, to me, it looks like they aren't named plain and simple. Plus when they are just thrown into one directory its kinda hard to distinguish what is what. It was so much easier theming for webOS. lol
Js if u really look at the framework u will see all the images in the drawable hdpi folder are really a lot of the presses..tabs. status bar icons... over scroll glow theming takes a lot of time to build straight from scratch... any .9 PNG can be edited when it is decompiled in apk manager or apk multi tool just don't edit the black patch as peppermint said or u will not compile...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Kevin3328 said:
Js if u really look at the framework u will see all the images in the drawable hdpi folder are really a lot of the presses..tabs. status bar icons... over scroll glow theming takes a lot of time to build straight from scratch... any .9 PNG can be edited when it is decompiled in apk manager or apk multi tool just don't edit the black patch as peppermint said or u will not compile...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, one of these days ill download the tools and play with it. I've always enjoyed theming.
Sent from my MB870 using Tapatalk
I'm just trying to figure out the script to flash, is it the one in the google folder?
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
@js I know what you are saying about the desire to do it but the system isn't really what I would say themer friendly! Admittedly I am not the sharpest tool in the shade when it comes to some things (like the Android OS), so I would imagine that plays a big role in my intimidation of the whole thing.
What got me was the De-Compiling and Recompiling of everything just to change something. Not to mention the signatures and etc... perhaps one day someone will write a piece of software (be it windows based or Android in a shell on a PC) that will make it all pretty simple on that part. Till then I will prob. just enjoy and appreciate the work of others.
GL, Slim!
SlimMan said:
@js I know what you are saying about the desire to do it but the system isn't really what I would say themer friendly! Admittedly I am not the sharpest tool in the shade when it comes to some things (like the Android OS), so I would imagine that plays a big role in my intimidation of the whole thing.
What got me was the De-Compiling and Recompiling of everything just to change something. Not to mention the signatures and etc... perhaps one day someone will write a piece of software (be it windows based or Android in a shell on a PC) that will make it all pretty simple on that part. Till then I will prob. just enjoy and appreciate the work of others.
GL, Slim!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I agree about the decompiling and recompiling thing. When I had a webOS phone I created my own theme just by simply replacing the images and restarting the phone. With android, it seems you have to take the whole framework out, theme it and recompile the package file and flash it to the phone. Just seems a bit overwhelming.
Sent from my MB870 using Tapatalk
It's not that bad if you are just changing the images... Just timely. I suggest gimp to do the work. Another tip, some of the images are indexed. In gimp change from indexed to rgb...back to indexed, then rgb. Reason being that you are now able to add any color and doing it twice clears the pixelation...
What gets hard is smali editing and .xml editing. Let me know if you need help there.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Send a PM to "KTT16" on the Motorola Photon Forums, he is a great themer, let him know what you need help with, tell him you are running stock on the X2, he'll ask you for whatever files he needs, and he will help out.
By the way, if you are at all interested in a signature image, I can create one for you, just PM me, and I'll get on it.
Peperm1nt said:
It's not that bad if you are just changing the images... Just timely. I suggest gimp to do the work. Another tip, some of the images are indexed. In gimp change from indexed to rgb...back to indexed, then rgb. Reason being that you are now able to add any color and doing it twice clears the pixelation...
What gets hard is smali editing and .xml editing. Let me know if you need help there.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can batch process in PS.....and what is this bout clearing the pixelation...lol
Thanks I'll check it out
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
When you find a indexed image going to rgb pixelates the image...going back to indexed and then to rgb fixes this.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Peperm1nt said:
When you find a indexed image going to rgb pixelates the image...going back to indexed and then to rgb fixes this.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was p playing with you, all my online gaming and forum names have always had pixel, pixelated, pixelation, pixelized or any variety of pixel
Edit: swyponese
Dee Ex Two - See Em Seven
I am trying this out for the 1st time. My main goal is to create a transparent status bar for CM7. Will this make that "patch" I need for this?
Kevin3328 said:
Js if u really look at the framework u will see all the images in the drawable hdpi folder are really a lot of the presses..tabs. status bar icons... over scroll glow theming takes a lot of time to build straight from scratch... any .9 PNG can be edited when it is decompiled in apk manager or apk multi tool just don't edit the black patch as peppermint said or u will not compile...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i seem to be a complete idiot lol
im sitting here trying to use apk manager and have no clue how to go about it
i cant get it to friggin pull files, i have no clue what im doing tho lol
i been trying to find info on how to use it with the x2 but cant find jack that is actually useful.
time to go eat, clear my head, and get back to researching, im probably just missing something extremely easy i knoow, but hey, i havent had a working computer in years so yea, im kinda learning on the fly here, lol
Lol @ash
In apkm select the apk you want, then decompile... Make edits, recompile.
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Good day ladies and gentlemen.
If I may ask, does any person presently reading this post know of a method to alter the images contained within SystemUI.apk? I would be grateful to anybody who could resolve my conundrum. I must also present some background information; I have unsuccessfully recompiled the apk file and I have also attempted to edit the files whilst not extracting said apk which also resulted in disappointing failure. However, I have not attempted to create a flashable zip file due to the fact that I lack this information. If this can be confirmed working, then I require no more assistance as I would not want to burden anybody with the simple task of using Google. Once again, I kindly request any assistance from any persons reading this if you would so choose to help a fellow XDA user.
Thank you for reading and/or responding to my post. I wish you all a happy week.
jdeoxys said:
Good day ladies and gentlemen.
If I may ask, does any person presently reading this post know of a method to alter the images contained within SystemUI.apk? I would be grateful to anybody who could resolve my conundrum. I must also present some background information; I have unsuccessfully recompiled the apk file and I have also attempted to edit the files whilst not extracting said apk which also resulted in disappointing failure. However, I have not attempted to create a flashable zip file due to the fact that I lack this information. If this can be confirmed working, then I require no more assistance as I would not want to burden anybody with the simple task of using Google. Once again, I kindly request any assistance from any persons reading this if you would so choose to help a fellow XDA user.
Thank you for reading and/or responding to my post. I wish you all a happy week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it can be done. IDK what ROM you're running or if you're rooted,but I was going to make my own nav buttons before I switched ROMS. The Dev of the Icylicious ROM has made a few mod packs (flashable systemUI.apks) of the nav buttons for his ROM. I asked him a question about doing my own images and this is what he said...
I like the stock buttons myself...the stock icy buttons. I would like to do a few of my own images, but is it as simple as overwriting your images and rezipping? Anything in particular I should know/do? I'd really appreciate your help with that aspect...as far as images, I've been using Photoshop for years so I'm good there. Thanks
system/app/SystemUI.apk/res/drawable-mdpi
you'll find the buttons in that directory. No need to unzip. Just open the ROM in Winrar, navigate to that directory, pull out just the files you want to modify, and drag and drop them back in. What I do is just pull the systemui out, and open the apk in winrar (winrar treats it just like a rar or zip file), modify the file in Photoshop, and when you're done, just replace the systemui.apk in one of the zips I have in the "Mods" post with yours and flash it.
It really is that simple.
Hope that helps..
jaycustom said:
Yea it can be done. IDK what ROM you're running or if you're rooted,but I was going to make my own nav buttons before I switched ROMS. The Dev of the Icylicious ROM has made a few mod packs (flashable systemUI.apks) of the nav buttons for his ROM. I asked him a question about doing my own images and this is what he said...
I like the stock buttons myself...the stock icy buttons. I would like to do a few of my own images, but is it as simple as overwriting your images and rezipping? Anything in particular I should know/do? I'd really appreciate your help with that aspect...as far as images, I've been using Photoshop for years so I'm good there. Thanks
system/app/SystemUI.apk/res/drawable-mdpi
you'll find the buttons in that directory. No need to unzip. Just open the ROM in Winrar, navigate to that directory, pull out just the files you want to modify, and drag and drop them back in. What I do is just pull the systemui out, and open the apk in winrar (winrar treats it just like a rar or zip file), modify the file in Photoshop, and when you're done, just replace the systemui.apk in one of the zips I have in the "Mods" post with yours and flash it.
It really is that simple.
Hope that helps..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long a you don't alter the .9.png a they need to be decompiled, then recompiled. I've been taught to use APK Manager to unzip/edit the systemui.apk I it's easy to use one you get the hang of it. Do yourself a favor and dl Gimp, it's a great image editing tool.
I have a thread in Droid X2/Theme + Apps / Theme Creation....
Good luck, enjoy
This ISN'T my Transformer Prime
jaycustom said:
Yea it can be done. IDK what ROM you're running or if you're rooted,but I was going to make my own nav buttons before I switched ROMS. The Dev of the Icylicious ROM has made a few mod packs (flashable systemUI.apks) of the nav buttons for his ROM. I asked him a question about doing my own images and this is what he said...
I like the stock buttons myself...the stock icy buttons. I would like to do a few of my own images, but is it as simple as overwriting your images and rezipping? Anything in particular I should know/do? I'd really appreciate your help with that aspect...as far as images, I've been using Photoshop for years so I'm good there. Thanks
system/app/SystemUI.apk/res/drawable-mdpi
you'll find the buttons in that directory. No need to unzip. Just open the ROM in Winrar, navigate to that directory, pull out just the files you want to modify, and drag and drop them back in. What I do is just pull the systemui out, and open the apk in winrar (winrar treats it just like a rar or zip file), modify the file in Photoshop, and when you're done, just replace the systemui.apk in one of the zips I have in the "Mods" post with yours and flash it.
It really is that simple.
Hope that helps..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a way to get it working. I just had to dl one of the other qs mods and use the included scripts to install from cwm. I did try to replace the systemui.apk manually with es file explorer but idk why it failed.
Pixelation said:
As long a you don't alter the .9.png a they need to be decompiled, then recompiled. I've been taught to use APK Manager to unzip/edit the systemui.apk I it's easy to use one you get the hang of it. Do yourself a favor and dl Gimp, it's a great image editing tool.
I have a thread in Droid X2/Theme + Apps / Theme Creation....
Good luck, enjoy
This ISN'T my Transformer Prime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have gimp and its great.
Can only replace PNG files as of right now. No one has been able to recompile the SystemUI.apk successfully.... will most likely need the source from Asus.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Ok, I got down to business but the look is still inconsistent with grey lines and blue lines. Wat do?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
If you don't see the PNG that you're looking for, you might also want to try the framework-res.apk. if it's not there either, then it may be a XML edit, in which case you're out of luck.
Sent from my CM7 Atrix 4G
Swiftks said:
If you don't see the PNG that you're looking for, you might also want to try the framework-res.apk. if it's not there either, then it may be a XML edit, in which case you're out of luck.
Sent from my CM7 Atrix 4G
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FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU man that sucks. Checked mah dubs ... excuse me, my framework-res apk and it was chock full of images. It's gonna take a year to sort through them all. Imma try emailing Asus and see if they could release the sauce code for systemui or whatever. Thanks for the intel bro.
Sent from my tablet thing with XDA Premium.
jdeoxys said:
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU man that sucks. Checked mah dubs ... excuse me, my framework-res apk and it was chock full of images. It's gonna take a year to sort through them all. Imma try emailing Asus and see if they could release the sauce code for systemui or whatever. Thanks for the intel bro.
Sent from my tablet thing with XDA Premium.
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Batch editing is great, there are a ton, so be patient, or leave it to a theme. The regular .png you don't need to worry about much. It's the .9.png where the recompiling becomes an issue.
This IS my Transformer Prime, my DX 2 is boring
Pixelation said:
Batch editing is great, there are a ton, so be patient, or leave it to a theme. The regular .png you don't need to worry about much. It's the .9.png where the recompiling becomes an issue.
This IS my Transformer Prime, my DX 2 is boring
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How do you batch edit? And why is the .9.png so important?
jdeoxys said:
How do you batch edit? And why is the .9.png so important?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.9.pngs are usually things like boarders, boxes, popups, etc.
But they have to be decompiled and recompiled in order to edit them and have them work.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Swiftks said:
.9.pngs are usually things like boarders, boxes, popups, etc.
But they have to be recompiled and recompiled in order to edit them and have them work.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
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Damn, that means I can't do anything unless they find out a way to decompile...
Sent from my tablet thing with XDA Premium.
jdeoxys said:
Damn, that means I can't do anything unless they find out a way to decompile...
Sent from my tablet thing with XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AOKP Rom is kicking ass, and since it's not based off of Asus's source, everything decompiles and recompiles quite nicely.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
.9.PNG are bastards. I spent hours and hour working on them.Worst part is that they have index, which Photoshop doesn't read, so it just messes up gradients. Paint.net handles them well IIRC.
Sent through the wormhole from my CoinInserted Sensation OG.
.9s aren't bad as long as you know what's going on with them. If working on a .9 PNG the previous statement that you cannot edit them without decompiling is accurate. The .9 essentially is an image that is going to be stretched. The ".9" or "guides" tells the system where the stretching is going to happen. With out decompiling the .9 you will be unable to see the guides... therefore you cannot edit the image without destroying the guides! Once decompiled the .9 image will show its guides as black pixels or lines on the border of the image. Once you see those you can just edit everthing inside of those guides and recompile without an issue. Now there are other work arounds that you can do to still modify these images without being able to successfully decompile/recompile your existing framework. Such as pulling the compiled .9 image out of the .apk... renaming to remove the .9... editing then using 9patch from the Android sdk to reguide the image... but then of coarse you will have to go through the process of recompiling the image to drop into the apk. Another quick possibility would be to pull the image you want to edit from let's say framework-Res.apk... download a theme that you know you're able to recompile... replace one of the images within that theme with yours(renaming if needed). Decompile-edit-recompile... then pull your edited .9 from the recompiled project and dropping into your actual framework. There's almost always a work around... just keep in mind should something go wrong you could end up starting from scratch.
Btw.. your top and left "guides" are where the image will be stretched. The bottom and right are for padding(if I recall correctly) lol.. but I'm positive top and left are the stretch points...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
BEFORE WE GET STARTED, I WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT IF YOU USE THIS TUTORIAL AND MAKE WORK THAT YOU PLAN ON POSTING, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU ASK ANYONE YOU BORROWED FROM BEFORE POSTING FOR PUBLIC USE, AND CREDIT THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR IN YOUR OP.
*****I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND MESS UP YOUR PHONE. MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE YOU PROCEED*****
Lately I’ve been asked a lot of questions of how to theme, or how to make simple changes to themes. So I decided instead of explaining the same thing over and over, I would put together a walk thru on some basic changes and how to port themes. This walk thru teaches how to do this all right on your device. So if you are looking for a tutorial on XML edits and how to use tools like apktool, this isn’t the thread. I do plan on making another thread in time for this. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE DIRECTIONS ARE SPECIFIC TO THE NOTE II AND TOUCHWIZ. IF YOU ARE ASKING ABOUT OTHER DEVICES YOUR QUESTION WILL BE IGNORED.
So lets get started. First you need some apps from the market
1. Xplore File Manager. This is what you’re gonna use to theme. I used to use metamorph and ninja morph but they are no longer being developed. This is actually just as easy.
2. Root Explorer. If you’re a root user and don’t have this I don’t know how you function. This is a paid app. You can still do all the functions with Xplore, just takes a while longer due to its interface.
3. Photo Editor (DevMagyver) Great app for adding simple effects, basic recoloring, this will even successfully crop .9 images (I’ll get into those more later)
4. ZipSigner2 (optional) You’ll need this if you take this guide further with market apps. Don’t worry I plan on getting more in depth with market apps in time.
Okay, now we need to set some settings in these apps to get this to work better. You MUST go into Xplore, hit menu then configuration, and check open apks as zips, also under root access set to superuser + mount writable. You don’t need to do this part, but I suggest going into root explorer and into preferences and select sort type to type, and check list folders first. This will make your life easier, trust me!!
NOW LETS GET STARTED!!!
First using root explorer, create a folder on the root of your sdcard (internal or external, where ever you want to work). I usually name mine the name of the theme I’m porting, this will serve as a project folder, and will reference it as project folder. Next, you need the theme you wanna port. Note that you need to have one from the Note II or another Touchwiz Device. This won’t work with another manufacturers device either (example this wont work to port a HTC Sense theme). Find the theme on your phone, and using root explorer extract the whole thing. When you extract files in root explorer they extract to sdcard/speedsoftware/extracted. You can change this in preferences if you’d like. I will refer to this folder as extracted. Navigate to extracted and find the folder containing the theme. Move it to the project folder.
Now you need the apks from the rom you are gonna theme. I RECOMMEND INSTALLING THE ROM AND PULLING THEM FROM SYSTEM/APP AND SYSTEM/FRAMEWORK. IF YOU JUST PULL THEM FROM THE ROM ZIP, AND THAT ROM USES AROMA, THE FRAMEWORK-RES AND SYSTEMUI WILL NOT CONTAIN ALL THE FILES NECCASARY AND YOU WILL BOOT LOOP.To get started we are only gonna work with SystemUI (found in system/app), framework-res, and lidroid-res (both found in system/framework). Copy them to the project folder. I SUGGEST MAKING A FOLDER WITH BACKUPS OF THESE AS WELL I CASE SOMETHING GOES WRONG. EITHER THAT OR DIRTY FLASH YOUR ROM AGAIN TO RESTORE AFTER AN OOPSIES
Now we are gonna switch over to Xplore. Xplore utilizes a dual pained display, meaning you have one folder open on the left, and one folder open on the right. When you copy a file, you copy from one pane to the other. This makes this a breeze.
On the LEFT pane, you want to open up your project folder. If you set it up correctly, you should see the extracted theme’s folder, and all the apks you pulled from system/app and system/framework. You’ll notice that there is a little plus icon on the apks just like the folders. If you don’t you need to make sure you go into configuration and tick open apks as zips. This gives us the ability to browse whats inside the apk without extracting it. Open the SystemUI you pulled from the rom and navigate to SystemUI/res
Now on the RIGHT pane, navigate to the project folder, and then into the folder the theme is in until you get into the system/app folder of the theme. Here you will find the themed SystemUI.apk. Now navigate to SystemUI/res. The only real folder you will use from SystemUI is drawable-xhdpi. What you wanna do now is check the folder drawable-xhdpi in the RIGHT pane. Now copy that to the left pane. It will ask you if you want to replace all the files, just check do this for all and continue. Just to recap, youre copying them from the theme to the rom you are theming. SystemUI is now done.
Now for the framework. Go back to the LEFT pane, and navigate to the framework-res.apk that you pulled from your rom that is in project folder. Next, navigate to framework-res/res.
Now on the RIGHT pane, navigate to the framework-res.apk that is in the theme folder. Now navigate to framework-res/res. We again are going to copy folders from the RIGHT to the LEFT. Check drawable-nodpi, drawable-sw360dp-hdpi, and drawable-xhdpi in the RIGHT pane. Now copy these from the RIGHT pane to the LEFT pane. Framework-res is now done
Now for your lidroid toggles. Go back to the LEFT pane, and navigate to the lidroid-res.apk that you pulled from your rom. Now navigate to lidroid-res/res.
Now on the RIGHT pane, navigate to the lidroid-res.apk that is in the theme folder. Then navigate to lidroid-res/res. We again are gonna copy folders from the RIGHT to the LEFT. Check drawable-hdpi in the RIGHT pane. Now copy this folder from the RIGHT pane to the LEFT. Lidroid-res is now done.
Now we are going to go back to root explorer. Using root explorer, navigate to your project folder. Your project folder should now contain the folder containing the extracted theme, and the files you pulled from your rom, except now they contain the pngs from the theme since you copied them. Now to test that everything went ok. What you want to do is copy the SystemUI.apk, framework-res.apk and lidroid-res.apk that you pulled from your rom and added the pngs to and paste them in /system. Now using root explorer change the permissions of these 3 files to rw-r--r--. Once you’ve done this you can now safely move the SystemUI.apk to system/app and the framework-res.apk and lidroid-res.apk to system/framework. IF YOU DO NOT SET THE PERMISSIONS FIRST BEFORE YOU MOVE THE FILES YOU WILL BOOT LOOP. Now reboot. AT THIS POINT YOU SHOULD BE THEMED!!!
Now some things might not have turned out right. 9/10 if something went wrong it was in the status bar. This occurs because themes from other carriers/roms/devices are sometimes set up to use different pngs (like 5 signal bars over 4, 4g icons differ per carrier etc..). This is the part you’re not gonna like to hear. You have to fix them all manually. Ususally its not too hard, just takes some renaming or recoloring of some pngs and maybe looking for them somewhere. To find which ones that need fixed, go into root explorer and navigate to your project folder. Extract the SystemUI that you pulled from the rom and then themed. Go to extracted and navigate to SystemUI/res/drawable-xhdpi. This is kind of where you are on your own. You need to find the pngs in this folder that were not themed correctly. Yet again I can’t help you with this, its all trial and error. Most things are easy to find like the battery icons, 4g icons etc. if you are having trouble figuring it out, copy the pngs and make them each a different color. This way once you’ve made changes you can identify them easier.
Once you’ve made your changes, exit root explorer and go back into Xplore. On the LEFT pane, navigate to your project folder, then the SystemUI.apk you pulled from your rom and themed. Now navigate to SystemUI/res/drawable-xhdpi.
Now on the RIGHT pane, navigate to extracted. Now navigate into the SystemUI folder from the extracted SystemUI and navigate to SystemUI/res/drawable-xhdpi. Select all the images you changed, and copy them from the RIGHT pane to the LEFT. You can now use the previous method to test your changes. it’s a tedious process sometimes, but really just takes practice. Once you’ve done it a few times you get used to what you might have to fix. You can also use the above method that I explained for making corrections to selectively choose images from a theme to use. For instance, you only want the status bar of a theme. Extract it and copy just the pngs for the status bar. Once you’ve got the basic idea of whats going on here, you can use this method on all the other apks in system/app that are included in the theme.
I PLAN ON ADDING A LIST OF COMMON CHANGES WITHIN THE FILES, SUCH AS THE FRAMEWORK BACKGROUND ETC. THIS WILL BE LOCATED IN POST #2, JUST GIVE ME SOME TIME. HOPE THIS ISN’T TOO CONFUSING LOL
Re: [guide] on device theming/porting walk-thru
Reserved
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
Re: [guide] on device theming/porting walk-thru
One more
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
Re: [guide] on device theming/porting walk-thru
Just in case
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
First! Lol... Thanks for all the info. I'll try this over the weekend and let you know how it goes.
I'm curious to how many people will read and understand, and how many will skip over things and then blame you for breaking their phone.
Sent From My Beans Powered Note2
Wow thanks iced great info!!
sent from my electronic pEn and pAper
BoostedB18C said:
First! Lol... Thanks for all the info. I'll try this over the weekend and let you know how it goes.
I'm curious to how many people will read and understand, and how many will skip over things and then blame you for breaking their phone.
Sent From My Beans Powered Note2
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I'm sure many people will mess up, most likely due to not following directions. This is pretty straight forward and I've tried to explain each step and whats going on. I will be adding more detailed information in time on specific edits, but this is a great guide to get started with.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
Thanks for the one you helped me with before making this I love it this is very helpful but ever time I make one my multi window goes haywire
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Does anybody know why I can't send messages on certain forums thanks
Sent from my Rooted Note 2 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Saleian said:
Does anybody know why I can't send messages on certain forums thanks
Sent from my Rooted Note 2 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
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Really? You post this question here? To answer your question, you are titled a noob and can't post everywhere. Next time post in Q&A
Sent From My Beans Powered Note2
Yeah I'm sorry but my tapatalk wouldn't let me reply in alot of forums and this one worked. Again I'm sorry. I normally would not do this
Sent from my Rooted Note 2 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Saleian said:
Yeah I'm sorry but my tapatalk wouldn't let me reply in alot of forums and this one worked. Again I'm sorry. I normally would not do this
Sent from my Rooted Note 2 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
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Try clearing data for the app or uninstall and reinstall it.
Back on topic...great write up. X-plorer is awesome, and glad to learn about putting the apps in the /system file first. I was wondering I could never push framework without it crashing. Other than keeping everything from crashing, what exactly does that do? Would you delete the files from /system after placing them in their designated folders and rebooting?
Curious about the .9.png's as well. I have a few apps that I can't seem to figure out or locate the right .png's but I'm thinking it might just be the .9's that are messing me up.
Thanks for putting this together for everyone. It'll certainly benefit the whole community to have more people taking an interest in modding/developing. :beer:
Sent from my Inverted Note 2 TweakedVzwRemix @ 240 DPI
sleevasteve said:
Try clearing data for the app or uninstall and reinstall it.
Back on topic...great write up. X-plorer is awesome, and glad to learn about putting the apps in the /system file first. I was wondering I could never push framework without it crashing. Other than keeping everything from crashing, what exactly does that do? Would you delete the files from /system after placing them in their designated folders and rebooting?
Curious about the .9.png's as well. I have a few apps that I can't seem to figure out or locate the right .png's but I'm thinking it might just be the .9's that are messing me up.
Thanks for putting this together for everyone. It'll certainly benefit the whole community to have more people taking an interest in modding/developing. :beer:
Sent from my Inverted Note 2 TweakedVzwRemix @ 240 DPI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you change the permissions you just move them, not copy. If you don't set the permissions not only does it crash, but since the permissions are not correct the system won't start the app, and since your messing with the framework and system it won't start up. Once I get some simpler edits covered I'll get into the .9 images.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
icedventimocha said:
Once you change the permissions you just move them, not copy. If you don't set the permissions not only does it crash, but since the permissions are not correct the system won't start the app, and since your messing with the framework and system it won't start up. Once I get some simpler edits covered I'll get into the .9 images.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
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Ahhh. Thanks for the clarification. Makes sense.
Sent from my Inverted Note 2 TweakedVzwRemix @ 240 DPI
Is there a good way to batch edit multiple files, that your making (the same) edits on (color, effect etc), from your phone? I'm using photo editor, but didn't see a way to import multiple files.
Sent from my Inverted Note 2 TweakedVzwRemix @ 240 DPI
Cant say thanks enough for this guide. I finally got my green circle battery back.
Quick question: Could you tell us how to pull specific things from one theme instead of everything? Like just taking the battery, toggles, ect. Thanks
OutdoorOBW said:
Cant say thanks enough for this guide. I finally got my green circle battery back.
Quick question: Could you tell us how to pull specific things from one theme instead of everything? Like just taking the battery, toggles, ect. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I plan on covering some simple changes in time. One question for you, did you find this tutorial easy to follow?
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
sleevasteve said:
Is there a good way to batch edit multiple files, that your making (the same) edits on (color, effect etc), from your phone? I'm using photo editor, but didn't see a way to import multiple files.
Sent from my Inverted Note 2 TweakedVzwRemix @ 240 DPI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as batch operations go you will need a pc. One thing that makes this slightly faster, when making color changes in photo editor it gives you the option to save your preferences as a preset. If changing multiple images that start out as the same color this works well and can speed up the process.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
icedventimocha said:
As far as batch operations go you will need a pc. One thing that makes this slightly faster, when making color changes in photo editor it gives you the option to save your preferences as a preset. If changing multiple images that start out as the same color this works well and can speed up the process.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
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Awesome that definitely helps. And it looks like you CAN select multiple files if you use the photo editors file browser(it just takes a few seconds for the thumbnails to load). You can't apply the preset to multiple files, but you can at least get them into the project, and load the preset to each one individually but fairly quickly.
Sent from my Inverted Note 2 TweakedVzwRemix @ 240 DPI
icedventimocha said:
Yes I plan on covering some simple changes in time. One question for you, did you find this tutorial easy to follow?
Sent from my Galaxy Note II
Click to expand...
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Very easy to follow.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2