yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Themes] Remoteconcern:
I'm a noob when it comes to Android, but interesting in doing some theming.

I think this VT is the best way to do it - thanks to everyone involved!

However, I'm trying to replace some xmls, and no matter how I do it, I get force closes. All the images work perfectly.

Where do I put resources.arsc? In the same place it would normally be found (i.e. inside framework-res.apk, along with the res folder etc)?

Thanks for any reply.
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Yup, it goes exactly where it should appear in the apk if it were a zip file.

Have you looked at logcat if you get FCs, as that usually explains the issue well.
[Android Themes] mccune:
Had a quick look at your theme and one thing I noticed is you're using:

vrtheme\system\framework\framework-res

This should be:

vrtheme\system\framework\framework-res[I].apk[/I]

Strange this thread isn't getting more attention. Hope to be more active on theming using this VillainTheme method.

So far version 0.3.4 seems to work but 0.3.5 causes an error (Status 6) in CWM on my Galaxy S2 running VR2.4.2.

Edit:

Downloaded the original file: VRTheme-template-SGS2-v0.3.5.zip

The "Status 6" in CWM also occurs. So I can rule out it's something I've changed on my side.
[Android Themes] Noonski:
@McCune, how many times have I told you you cannot enter here with a cap on.:D
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Hmmm someone else had status 6.

Can you check recovery log in /tmp or /cache? Can't remember which it goes to
[Android Themes] mccune:
@Noonski

I promise I'll be careful. ;)

@pulser_g2

Here is a part of the log:

-- Installing: /sdcard/VRTheme-template-SGS2-v0.3.5.zip
Finding update package...
I:Update location: /sdcard/VRTheme-template-SGS2-v0.3.5.zip
Opening update package...
Installing update...
sh: /sbin/preupdatebinary.sh: not found
line 4 col 13: syntax error, unexpected BAD, expecting ',' or ')'
1 parse errors
E:Error in /sdcard/VRTheme-template-SGS2-v0.3.5.zip
(Status 6)
Installation aborted.
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Ok

sh: /sbin/preupdatebinary.sh: not found line 4 col 13: syntax error, unexpected BAD, expecting ',' or ')' 1 parse errors

So we need to look on line 4 col 13 :p
[Android Themes] mccune:
I would love to but to me it seems like "/sbin/preupdatebinary.sh" is missing.

Root Explorer confirms that it's not in my sbin folder either.
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Ignore that error, it's a cwm issue of and not related.

I'd check the updater script and main shell script
[Android Themes] seshmaru:
Fixed the status 6 since I'm an idiot.

Atleast I think it's fixed, you guys should try it out. Just redownload the template.
[Android Themes] mccune:
I can confirm that version 0.3.6 of the template is flashing just fine on my SGS2.

Just curious, what was the problem with version 0.3.5?

Sent from an Android driven device
[Android Themes] seshmaru:
changed the way it handles files that are simply pushed to the device, it didn't like it.
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Yes, there is definetively some xmls that dont like to be copied over and have to be compiled along apk.

Battery xmls some layout and drawable xmls aswell do not work if copied. But this aint neither exclusive to vrtheme or any device, even trying to inject them on ur pc gives same error, so vrtheme is working properly.

We are about to release a ROM which will include several theme/ports using vrtheme which hopefully would serve as an example, so basic mods would be cooked in already, and all left is the makeup (theme pngs)

I really cannot think of any workaround for the xmls issue.

From what I can see, injected xmls that modify the behaviour on how android reads/behaves wont work.

Xmls that modify colors or sizes do work without compilation, so maybe that is a good start point on what we are missing?
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Is it all binary compiler xml files causing the issue?
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
no, not all of them....for example, you can inject "progress_horizontal.xml" on system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/drawable and it will work ok (modifies color of progres bar) but injecting "stat_system_battery.xml" on same location wont work (file appends con battery icons pngs that should be used on each % level). That is what I menat for xmls that cahnge colors only work, but the ones that modify android system behaviour dont. I repeat this ain exclusive to vrtheme, this has always happened on any device/build. thos pngs that cannot be injected, cannot be copied on pc or anything, have to be compiled along apk.
[Android Themes] mrvirginia:
also, the template for 3.6 needs to be updated. users ran into issues because of the new paths in 3.6 still having the old template from previous versions...
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
036 latest gives status 6 error

Opening update package...

Installing update...

line 4 col 13: syntax error, unexpected BAD, expecting ',' or ')'

1 parse errors

E:Error in /sdcard/debugVivid-Hyperdroid-CLK-only.zip

(Status 6)

Installation aborted.

which is easily bypassed by removing the following lines on flashing script

package_extract_dir("system", "/system");

package_extract_dir("data", "/data");

(duh I know, it breaks the adding function which is under testing

I already revised the flashing script,m along the hyperdroid team, and we couldnt find the error recovery log is referring to.

also, as we all know, VRtheme is copied temporarily to /cache, which in some devices is pretty small (aka HD2), so i will try to modify it so copying is done to /sdcard isntead of /cache...

ediit: fu....the one on Villain Rom for s2 has the outdated version....sorry, this one is good though
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
another idea

About my previous post.

When we discussed this, we discussed which folder should be used for temporary storage. Of course we were thinking with s2 in mind (100mb) and decided /cache was the better choice.

Fortunately one of the devices I own is an HD2.

As you all know, HD2 uses partition layouts for /system and /cache, like 150/5 or 150/44 for example. I was testing a vivid port with stuff inside the /data and /system folders aswell, just for debug purposes. The zip file is 8mb, and uncompressed is about 17 mb.

That would be 17 mb for temporary uncompressing, plus the storage backup files take up, which leads to "not enough storage " errors and stuff on recovery log.

So what I did is modify the flashing script, and the .sh files to use /sdcard instead of /cache.:cool:

And it is working just fine, with a 120/5 layout on the HD2, plus I now get my themes and VRbackups storage limited by only the size of the sdcard.:D

pls tell me your comments about it.

(although in low storage devices, storage on /sdcard is wiser, and heck, the only way to get this working on all android devices , at least that I can see)

cheers.

@ seshmaru cheers bro! u have done a wonderful work so far!

Here it is to try it out, based on latest v0.3.6
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Also, modified current theme system, to make the restore backup process from sd card too....confirmed working on my devices:cool:

This zip file will restore your previously made backup to sdcard.

data n system extra files copy function is enabled here too....
[Android Themes] mccune:
I had the same problem. Adding:

stat_sys_battery.xml

stat_sys_battery_charge.xml

to: framework-res.apk\res\drawable\ does not seem to work.

Is there any solution to get battery % to work using VillainTheme but still keep it universal? Or do I have to take the framework-res.apk and recompile it again?

Edit 1:

Second problem I'm having is after flashing I get: " "logo.jpg" draw failed ".

The file logo.jpg is inside the ZIP file in: /bootlogo/logo.jpg

After flashing I noticed that the file is not in "/mnt/.lfs/logo.jpg"

The updater-script does contain the following code:

assert(package_extract_file("bootlogo/param.lfs", "/tmp/param.lfs"),
write_raw_image("/tmp/param.lfs", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p4"),
delete("/tmp/param.lfs"));
package_extract_file("bootlogo/logo.jpg", "/mnt/.lfs/logo.jpg");

I've fixed it by pushing the logo.jpg trough adb after flashing but I wonder why it isn't working by flashing my ZIP file.

Any idea on this one?

[offtopic]This thread doesn't get the attention it deserves :P[/offtopic]
[Android Themes] mccune:
To answer my own question: "no, not at this moment" .

Will continue my skinning project. If it's good enough I'll share it on XDA of course.

Sent from my #sgs2
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
I dont think that you can write to the lfs...
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Maybe replacing resources.arsc could do the trick on writting to hidden folders inside apks, ill so some experiments and feedback.

Btw, permissions when apks r reinserted were not specific, changed that already too :)
[Android Themes] Smokem_I:
This is a great tool! I think this will save me a lot of time! I've been playing with it to figure out its capabilities and it seems solid! Thanks a lot for this great zip!

Sent from my BluMagic CM7 Glacier using the Blu Premium App
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Good to see this saves people time :) That's the intention :D
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Ok, this is the current version I am using, it has the changes i mentioned on posts above plus now script is setting the specific permissions for apks.

It theoretically should work also on data/app but that is still a WIP

BTW...hidden folders (ex /res/values/blabla.xml) inside apks are doable ;)

you just have to include resouces.arsc :)

well, with this finding i guess now the sky is the limit is it? (corny)
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Updated thread with this as latest version :)
[Android Themes] mynamesteve:
I cant for the life of me get the color.xml in /res/values/ to change. :confused:

ive placed the color.xml in /vrtheme/system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/values

and included the resouces.arsc within the res folder but it wont change when flashed:confused:

I am using a color.xml modded from ki4 but if it didnt work id at least expect an error somewere.

also all pngs instal fine just the color.xml.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Are you remembering to use a compiled colors.xml?
[Android Themes] mynamesteve:
Thanks pulser that will be the problem!

so if i understand this right it needs to be in binary xml format to work?

Can you recommend an easy way to achieve this, obviously recompiling the apk will make the color.xml disappear, and i cant find any tools to compile the xml only.

Ive been reading alot but i feel im getting in over my own head with this lol.

Thanks in advance.
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Dont include the xml, just the resources.arsc :)
[Android Themes] mynamesteve:
so i just need to recompile the apk with the changed xml then rip the resources.arsc from that and include that in the vrtheme zip with no xml?

atm i have a modded color.xml and the resources.arsc from the original framework.

Sorry for being thick just having real trouble understanding what to do.:confused:
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Try just with resources.arsc
[Android Themes] mynamesteve:
it worked! thank you so much doc and you to pulser for your help!

you guys are legends :D thank you!
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Aha.....great!, I was waiting for u to confirm.
[Android Themes] mccune:
This sounds great! Can't help it but THIS was the first thing that came to mind.
[Android Themes] AvRS:
Hi, I want to try create my own VRTheme out of current themes that are out there but I'm not really sure where to start apart from copying over the png's. I've got Doc's template and also using one of the hyperdroid themes as a template for what I need to include in the folders I've set up. I think I've got the structure correct so have set up all of the apk's that will be themed as folders and already copied over most png's for some of the folders but am now stuck on what to do with the xml's and resources.arsc. From looking at the DarkMIUI theme the xml's have been copied in to some of the folders to so I've done this but in the ICS theme I'm trying to port there's the resources.arsc in most of the apk's, so do I copy this over as well?

This is my first attempt so I'm just going to give it a go and if it fails nandroid will save me lol by the way I'm using 7zip to access the apk's.

Thanks and sorry if I've confused anything as I've confused myself :)
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
No, copying all of that is just going to give you either fc or bootloops.

Only copy xmls or resources from that of what you want to theme. Start off with the pngs only. Then for instance if you want to achieve status bar curtain transparency, there is a specific xml for that, you search xda, ask or experiment urself with those.

Mr.megui theme unfortunately was built not only for an old base, but for another android build too, so i would not recommend using anything but pngs from those apks.
[Android Themes] AvRS:
Excellent thanks, it's Vert's ICS theme so he's themed pretty much everything lol I thought instead of asking others to do it, I'd try some DIY :D I'm going to give it a go, just backing up now and will finish copying over the resources and try install it. I was only using Mr.megui's as all your other links didn't respond so just downloaded the first I could get just to see how you did it so wasn't going to use any of the bits from it.

Thanks again for the advice.

---------- Post added at 03:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:05 PM ----------

Just flashed and installed and I get a status bar and SystemUI.apk force close. I cleared all my cache's. Not bad for a first attempt at least it booted and saw the launcher had been themed lol. Will keep at it.
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Good stuff. Perhaps logcat the crash?
[Android Themes] punshkin:
Y U NO

implement theme engine?

it has so many great themes
[Android Themes] AvRS:
I've called it a day on trying now as got no further then the same crash and boot loops. Will try again one evening I'm free and try get a logcat as you've suggested. Never done that before however but know the info's available so won't be a problem.
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
U do know that, when using vrtheme the apk you are theming gets replaced with a newly created one right?

I mention this cause, if u are trying to theme an already themed apk which caused fc to begin with, u will not achieve anything good then.

Either use the restore-theme.zip flashable zip file to get ur original apks back and then retry theming them ir flash the whole rom again. Once u get ahold of it, its pretty easy onwards.

Also. Dont be afraid of xmls, but do keep an eye on them.

Start with the pngs. Then after pngs are ruled oit as the cause of your fc move onto xmls apk by apk. Trust me, when vrtheming you do not want to use all the xmls in an apk. You want to use only specific ones, like font colors, backgrounds, transparencies, animations, etc.

Some xml point to system files, some serve as index, those u want to leave untouched.
[Android Themes] AvRS:
Oh ok, that may make sense then as was flashing over my backup which had your v3 theme already applied. I'll go back to my stock backup and then try with that as created the backup before applying anything to the base. When I've got an evening to spare I'll try the apk by apk route. I'm a complete novice but would like to learn so willing to practise to make perfect as they say.

Thanks for all your help, I believe I'm going in the right direction :)
[Android Themes] stone_ship:
I'm also trying out VRTheme for the first time--starting with just SystemUI PNGs. So far, so good. Added some XMLs, also doing fine. My question is, in light of what you post, should I flash the restore zip in-between each "test"?

Is this the recommended procedure?

1. flash sysUI-test-pngs.zip, reboot

2. flash-restore-theme.zip

3. flash sysUI-test-pngsxmls.zip, reboot

I have not been doing step 2, and I'm wondering if I may run into issues down the road. So far no issues.

SIDE NOTE: I can't believe we don't see more VRTHeme zips around here. This is an amazing tool!!
[Android Themes] AvRS:
It's an amazing tool mate, I've been experimenting and thanks to guidance on here and help from mynamesteve I've managed to get png's, xml's and resources.arsc working perfectly. I just need to learn what images/xml's refer to what as I was porting over an existing theme which was easier than doing one myself.

As for your question that would probably be easier than what I did as I was restoring my backup after each failed boot or just clearing cache and dalvik after successful tests. 20 or so different versions got me to a full working version. It's worth doing small steps and as Doc suggested to me one apk at a time.
[Android Themes] jrsoft:
Hello to everyone.

We want to make available to all of you a modification of the template based on this VillainTheme System with some new features, so that you can use freely if you consider it appropriate.

The process is safer because it proves the existence of the apk file to the original before injecting the new file (using a binary instead of the previous 7z binary zip).

Create a backup in tar format to keep the original file permissions.

It also has advanced configuration file (MOD.config), (with instructions for themers inside of it).

Credits and thanks to VillainTheme System and the team that made ​​possible the VillainROM :)

Download: http://www.multiupload.com/HOP6RWMNOB
[Android Themes] AvRS:
This would be useful but with the original structure of the VillainTheme as opposed to your amended structure. Most on here use the original structure, me included so not having to learn a new structure makes things a bit easier. Is there any way of getting the template on here to use this and would it mean that on some older firmware if an app doesn't exist it would just ignore it and not give the no program to perform this action?

Thanks
[Android Themes] AvRS:
Thanks for your explanation, your English was completely understandable so no need to be sorry. I'll have a play around and see how it goes :)
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
Nice, if you have problems with translation, I could help out. Thanks:)
[Android Themes] AvRS:
It was pretty simple to move from one template to the other and set up the MOD.config so I didn't really have to worry. I've tested it on my phone and everything works perfectly so I'm now getting the same theme tested on VR to see if it picks out the compatibility :)

Thanks
[Android Themes] AvRS:
I need a little help from jrsoft or intronauta please. I've used the new template to add a theme to my phone and had no issues whatsoever, however I've also had someone else test who has an AT&T US variant of the SII and it gives two errors: first "Utmp not mounted" then it says "we need all partitions mounted". Apparently it still boots after flashing but just wanted to know if this would cause an issue or if there's anyway to solve it?

Thanks
[Android Themes] intronauta:
yes! we would be very grateful!

We're testing a new version now with some fixes. When it's ready, I tell you :)

Thanks!

mmmm I'm really interesting in this error. Both are part of the same error (atleast works fine detecting this critical error and exiting :P). It's related to the "tmpfs" mount command (virtual folder). The new version include in the MOD.config file the option to define a custom command for Utmp when we have problems with it, precisely for these cases, but I'm not sure what should be the correct ...

I would need that he manually enter some commands with adb shell in the recovery and see what is happening. Send me a PM, please, and thanks for the report! We can only test with a SGS2, SGS1 and nexus one and predictably there are exceptions.

Thanks!
[Android Themes] Razer(x):
Hi guys! I've used this template for some time without any problem, but since a few CM9 builds seems like it does not work anymore. system apps are replaced, but vrtheme folder does not work

Did you notice anything like that?
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
I havent tried in ICS yet, but I dont see a reason why it shouldnt work since all this does is replace files within the apk. I guees I should try first hand to try to identify the problem.

Does the system used by intronauta work?
[Android Themes] AvRS:
The new v3.3 of intronauta/jrsoft's template allows for auto morphing of the files to work with CM9 (as there's some file structure differences I think) so see the post which gives the website link in last page or so and download the latest version then open the MOD.config and make sure the CM9/Stock option is set to yes. It's something like that as it's off the top of my head.
[Android Themes] Phone_Guru:
Has someone used this on an ICS ROM? I'm trying to theme the framework but having no luck. I saw a tutorial which said that if you place modified images into the correct path it would work but there is no change to the colour of the icons. Is there something else I need to change? I have the correct paths with correct capitalisation. I want to change the colour of the icons on the notifications bar.
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Given how this works, it should function fine. It directly modifies the apk files. Compare your theme package with one that works on 2.3 just to be sure you got the folders right
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
I've read report that it works just fine in ICS (original vrthrme), you have to be careful when choosing png s though, as some may not be the correct size, etc.

Have not tried it myself though.
[Android Themes] bugsaci:
First i want to say thank you to all villaintheme team :)

2nd i want to ask something about villaintheme :D

lately im trying to play with hyperdroid surgeon and change the png's.

everything run perfect, then lately i look inside framework-res.apk using explorer and i saw 2 folder with same name (and same png's ???).

Then i try to look all .apk which i modified and all of it have a same folder with same png's inside. Other then that are normal.

I wonder if i did it wrong. Since all i do is deleted the png's i dont want and remove it and change it with the one i want using linux ubuntu.

I read few pages back but i cant find the answer (only doc theory about something duplicating something?? :D) but i cant find the answer.

I dont have problem so far (Thank God!). Is this normal??

Thank you and sorry for bad english :(
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
You did nothing wrong. That glitch is always there when using this kind of themeing systems, even metamorph had it. If you look closely, apk size doesnt double as a result of double folders. Thia one is a phnomenom I cannot explain, maybe someone more enlightened could help here. Nevertheless, it doesnt cause any known problems.
[Android Themes] 1xinfusion:
im getting an issue where I cannot patch an app in the data folder

this is because I cannot open my update-app.zip in recovery!

It says installation aborted can't open zip file

help! currently running hyperdroid 5.2.21 i9100 (s2)
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Patching a data app isn't the good idea. It will break the signatures on it, so I think it will disappear after you have themed it
[Android Themes] 1xinfusion:
I would think so too but

Will it change my signatures? That is an issue

But I do need to get my zip to even be recognized by my recovery. Any idea why my zip doesn't work?

---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 AM ----------

search is my friend :(
[Android Themes] D.O.C:
No it will not change nor touch your signatures.

Recognized by recovery? What u mean? U get an error?

I think I accidentally include partition blocks in latest flashing script, that is specific to i9100, I will do a script to mount different so it can be used in all devices.
[Android Themes] zenosteam:
i have a trouble with flasher tool i can't insatll it ? why

i have always this strange problem :

message " setting up the environment

-free ram available :0kb

-free ram required: 16416kb

error there's not enough ram to wok

exit this zip i too big

???????????????????????????
[Android Themes] pulser_g2:
Not sure where you see that error???

I am not aware of anything giving output like that memory issue.

What device are you using?