100 replies to this topic

[Thach]

The images are the easy part. The real fun starts when you get into xml's.

I am playing around with mClock right now and am learning real fast about xml files lol. I could not for the life of me figure out why the backgrounds were not showing up but just discovered that the paths needed to be altered. I could get the hang of this.

[mopar57]

Just a little tip that I would add that I haven't seen on this post yet that would assist some beginner themers:

You only need to decompile if you're making XML or Smali edits. If you are simply replacing images with ones you made, or porting a theme over (with permission of course) then you only need to extract the apk which is Option 3.

The only problem with just replaceing images..if you change a .9.png ( such as in ps or something) it wont look right when on the phone. The .9.pngs have guides built into the images, so they have to be compiled. If your just using someones else without editing...then that would be fine.

[ssmaynv]

Perhaps it's based upon a file size hash.

[mopar57]

What are you changing?

[ssmaynv]

I've never extracted an apk when just replacing an image. Just opened the apk with 7z and dragged the new image into the right spot, making sure settings were on store (no compression).

[mopar57]

I agree. Just replace the pngs without extracting. If you have .9.pngs they need to be compiled first. If your replacing these, pm me.

[DSGMach1]

All I can say is wow. Been looking at all of the images in framework-res.apk and I am pretty overwhelmed. I have no idea what half of the images go to and I don't know if I've even seen them on my phone before lol. It really gives a whole new respect a person has for the devs and themers who take the time to edit so many images. I wish I had the knowledge you guys have.

[raijin32]

It really gives a whole new respect a person has for the devs and themers who take the time to edit so many images.

Amen to that!

[andlaw]

Just seeing if you would have any further advice. Instead of extracting the tapatalk apk I just used 7zip to "open archive," replaced with my images then closed out 7zip. Now the apk won't even install. Any ideas?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

you need to compile the apk after you make edits, xml or images. Use the Apk tool to do it, very easy! and im pretty sure mopar made a hella good readout how to use the program as well!

*Edit, you get on chat and can use screen share to show you if that would help..

[EmericanX]

Just seeing if you would have any further advice. Instead of extracting the tapatalk apk I just used 7zip to "open archive," replaced with my images then closed out 7zip. Now the apk won't even install. Any ideas?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

That sounds like it needs to be signed. Remember /data apps need to be signed after editing... /system apps(ie:framework-res, systemui) you do not want to sign. 7-zip swapping images will work for a quick change. But honestly you'd be better off getting into the habit of de-compiling then recompiling properly...

Btw... the .9pngs arent bad! Just make sure to not mess with the patch(black pixels around the boarder). If you do get one that gives you a fit recompiling... simply use 9patch that comes with the sdk to repatch the image.

[ssmaynv]

Did you set 7z to "store"?

[Memnoch73]

Alright all you pro themers... I am gonna try and dip my big toe in this pond. I have been reading all the info I can find and hoping it eventually makes sense. Lol...

So I want to start small here with changing the icon in an app.

Let me make sure this makes sense. I pull the apk off my phone, extract it with 7zip, find the image I want to change, change it... now I want to re-zip it with 7 zip right? Do I re-zip it into the original apk? I found the store setting but are there any other settings I need to change when zipping? Now can I just put the apk on my sd card and install it like installing any other apk??

Thanks in advance for all the help I will need on this journey. I agree with what was said above as to much respect for the hard work and great job you guys do...

[EmericanX]

You don't want to extract it. You simply open it with 7-zip.... so that the 7zip window shows you the contents of the *.apk. Then you find the image that you want to replace... for reference you want to replace the icon... you would be looking for ic-blah-whatever.png. once you've found the image you want to replace you just drag and drop your replacement image into the 7zip window. Making sure your new image is named the same as the one you are replacing. This will over write the existing image. Once that's done... back out of 7zip until you see the directory where your project.apk is located... you may see a small window pop-up stating something like " updating archive". There's plenty of information out there... but if you need some extra help... feel free to hit me up! Ill get ya going in the right direction.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2