yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Advanced Theming for HTC Sense 5​

This tutorial is prepared to help users that would like to theme their own devices, but aren't quite sure how to manage with some of the difficulties that come with it. Over the course of making this tutorial thread, I will be adding instructions on how to use patch9 tool, xml editing, smali editing, and some personal touches and themes that I have developed along the way.

This tutorial is designed for users that have basic theming skills, understand Photoshop, have experience with Studio 10, and a passion for theming. I welcome tips and theming tricks that you may have. Sense 5 is a growing and complicated aspect of Android development and making it look better is an exciting adventure.

I will be adding tutorials on a regular basis and from user requests. I hope you learn something from them and give back to the community.

Special thanks to the following XDA members

@Diamondback - For providing an exceptional tool that makes life a lot easier

@fisha21 - A great mate that has contributed more to the XDA community than recognized for. Thanks for all the tips, mate.

@mwilky - For having me as a member of his theming team

@rayford85 - For helping me out during my early days in Sense 5

@Basil3 - A good mate that has brilliant theming skills

@dragonesdenano - For using a lot of my themes on a great ROM and for just being a decent guy.

And to everyone else along the way.

​

..
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Common Panel.9 Png

​

I'm in no way a genius in android development but I do modify what I have learnt and pass that knowledge to those that wish to learn. I strongly believe in this and will help those as best as I can.

This tutorial is designed to provide explanations on how to build a vrtheme for Android version 4.4. This vrtheme will only work with Android 4.4 (KitKat), so please do not attempt to flash on any other based ROM's. Providing help in vrtheme building and support is not the scope of this tutorial. Please use the appropriate forums and threads for additional assistance.

All credits for the vrtheme go to villain rom team. Without this zip, theming would be a nightmare.

[YOUTUBE]vs5DNw0fRHU[/YOUTUBE]

​

The common_panel9.png is responsible for the background on several widgets and it also themes the weather panel on the 4x2 clock. It's a tough little PNG to theme because it requires patching once you are finished. The video highlights a theming tutorial along with the basic foundation for using the patch9 tool needed to create the patch. The following are needed to theme the common_panel.9.png

NOTE:

This tutorial is based on Android version 4.3 using HTC One International. Most Sense 5 use the same image names though there are some slight differences in some.

1. Virtuous Studio 10 - Use the link found in Post #1. You will need to learn how to decompile and compile apk's. Follow the tutorials at the website on how to use the tool.

2. Patch9 tool. This can be found at this link. http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html I am sure there are other links though this one seems to be the more popular one.

3. Photoshop or GIMP. I do all my theming with Photoshop

Basically you need to decompile the com.htc.resources.apk and with your image editor, navigate to the project folder and open res/drawable/xxhdpi. You will see the common_panel.9.png. After opening it, you will need to theme it to your liking. Next, you need to add the .9 patches (see the video for instructions). Once you have completed the patching, you need to insert the image back into the project folder and compile.

Once compiled, you can either copy the image and put it inside a

vrtheme

or just push the resources back into the device. I recommend making a vrtheme.

BE SURE TO MAKE A BACK-UP OF YOUR ROM BEFORE PUSHING APK'S.............. :p I think we all know that.

Below is a video that shows a basic way of theming the common_panel.9.png and patching instructions. You can theme the panel anyway that you like as long as you

DO NOT

invade the 1 pixel border on the edges of the image.

Good luck and post some of your results.

[YOUTUBE]3mPmFEaESvQ[/YOUTUBE]

​

This video tutorial shows how to theme the phone_btn_callr.9.png and the specific patching that is required. Basically any image can be added to the PNG, but you need to be careful with the patching. A good technique is to follow what I suggest and adjust your top and left patching as needed. Follow the video and experiment with different images. Good luck

[YOUTUBE]4scq9q3MnSs[/YOUTUBE]

​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
​

I often get asked how I make my transparent 4x2 clock so I thought this would be a good opportunity to demonstrate a quick tutorial on it. There are a couple of things you need to do inside that apk to make the clock look clean and complete and the tutorial video explains that. You can theme the clock panel anyway that you want but if you want a nice looking transparent clock, the video provides an easy lesson. Be sure to post some of your results. I would love to see what you designed.

This tutorial is dedicated to @fisha21 for significant insight especially regarding the cut editing that cleared up a lot of mystery. Cheers mate.

[YOUTUBE]Cpw0yI-ZLl4[/YOUTUBE]

​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
​

This tutorial explains how to decompile the com.htc.resources.apk. Since 4.2, errors occur when trying to decompile. However, there is a solution for this problem. The video highlights the procedures needed to successfully decompile the apk. Thanks to [MENTION=704359]fisha21[/MENTION] for this useful tip. Enjoy...

[YOUTUBE]hm_6vM1NU3Y[/YOUTUBE]​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Themed Numbers and Editing

​

This tutorial demonstrates how to theme and edit the clock numbers found in the Blinkfeed and 4x1 clocks. You will need to make a default set of numbers first (136 pixels x 210 pixels). Once you have a complete set of numbers, you can theme them anyway you want. The video provides explanations on how to use Batch Animation in Photoshop. This technique will save you a lot of time. Be sure that you make 3 separate folders, base numbers, top, and bottom. Have fun theming your Blinkfeed.

[YOUTUBE]33d5NhXsIqs[/YOUTUBE]

​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
XML and Smali Editing Tutorials

​

This first tutorial demonstrates the numerous edits possible with the HTC_Dialer.apk. Editing the colors.xml along with the dimens.xml, you can theme the dialer and phone app giving your device a personal touch.

Most of the edits only require simple color code changes while others need additional editing in other XML folders to achieve a smart looking dialer. Take a look at the video and experiment with your own ideas. The possibilities are virtually endless. Be sure to share some of your theming. Good luck and cheers...

[YOUTUBE]xnSONjR3SBE[/YOUTUBE]

​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Tutorial Lessons

​

The following are tutorial lesson requests from users wishing to develop their theming skills at Sense 5 and Sense 5.5. These lessons are designed to provide a foundation for theming specific elements of Sense. These lessons are not designed for beginners and some of the techniques will require some advanced knowledge of Photoshop. Feel free to post some of your creative ideas and as well, pass on some tips for other users. This thread is designed to help those wishing to learn about theming and I enjoy giving you what I have learned along the way. Cheers and Peace.. "Yeah Dave, cool word"....

[YouTube]xB5PCftTtIE[/YouTube]​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
​

These tutorials are designed to provide users insight in using Virtuous Ten Studio. The aim of this post is to give clear explanations on some of the common issues that arise when compiling and decompiling APK's. I will try to cover as many troubling shooting tips as possible, but if there is something specific that you would like to know about, and if I can demonstrate, please feel free to give me a message and I will do my best to assist. Most of these tutorials are based on Sense 5.5, however the concept should apply across various ROM's.

[YouTube]PQJGmJvH48Q[/YouTube]

​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] dragonesdenano:
I was waiting for this!!! Thank you very much ray... Will bother u not with theming but with photoshop :p
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
Good job Mate!

Very good thread for all people that want learn how to :)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] poondog:
Nice stuff Raymond, you wanna reserve any more posts?!? :P

I'll have to come back on the app cause I have run out of thanks again :D

<3
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
I wanted to reserve more, but didn't want the entire thread consisting of "Reserved"... LOL

I have a lot of ideas and want to give back to a community that gave me so much. Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
Rated your thread: 5 stars!

You're helping noob with this tutorial! :)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] poondog:
Yeah that would be silly :P

Me too. And are you calling me a noob
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Ty5982:
nice thread,I seen the patching guide,I'm a patching noob lol,I will watch & learn,thanx:thumbup:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] jonas2295:
keep up the good work, mate!
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] olorolo:
Man.... excellent job on this Raymond I have the photoshop and I've been wondering what png's and how to actually theme in Sense forever. You have a new student :cool:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
I'm glad that you enjoy it. I have several more video's coming but it will take a bit of time. Be sure to come back and have a look once in awhile.

Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] coyote_f:
Yes, nice thread, waiting for this. Cool tutorials and i hope we can also use this thread as a helping hand for theming problems?!

Gesendet von meinem GT-N8010 mit Tapatalk 2
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] nightrainbow:
Hi Raymond,

First question is how can you decompile and compile com.htc.resources without erros??
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
That is a good question and something I will definitely make a tutorial on tonight for you and those that also have issues. Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] nightrainbow:
Sweet man,

looking forward to it/
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] poondog:
Bump in case you didn't notice its on the first page :)

Raymond doesn't often bump his own thread :P
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Bebida:
cool little thread you have here nice job
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Thanks mate, appreciated....
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] ineedone:
I'm working on some dialers and keyboards but how do I change the color between the pads? I've been looking in some xml files but could not find it...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] dragonesdenano:
Looks great!!! Sniper Pic Rulz:D:thumbup:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
You need to look in res/values/colors.xml

It is line 72 called "divider_grey_color (#ff444444) Make sure you edit the Phone.apk as well.

The keyboard isn't a color edit. You will need to add your color on the PNG and edit styles. I will make a tutorial on that later.

Cheers...

​
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] ineedone:
I didn't decompile correctly so I missed the values folder :-[ thanks

Edit: the keyboard is my own
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
I don't see how that would happen but anyways, good luck.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] ineedone:
Apkmanager gave me an error but didn't put to much attention to it, will look in to it tonight :)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Right, I see. Well, I don't know anything about Apkmanager. All my editing is done using VTS. That could be a tool to look into one day. Thanks for mentioning it. Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] ineedone:
Thanks for your advice! seems there was something wrong with my java installation. decompiling was aborted on attrs.xml because of java so i didn't get any values folders. After reinstalling java problem solved, in the meantime I installed VTS, great program! :victory:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] coyote_f:
Hey [MENTION=535343]all[/MENTION],

did anyone know how i can edit my Statusbar and paste a date next to center clock.

Gesendet von meinem GT-N8010 mit Tapatalk 2
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] D_DuX:
hello raymond

I got into theming too,

I also use VTS, and various other tools to properly decompile the htc.resources ...

but I can not seem to find the blue writings with a blue horizontal line, it is on the window during the update of android

the first screen to reboot the phone (android put a day or restructuring dalwik cache) with a spinner. (I hope you understand what I mean to you?)

original android color is blue, and I, for my theme I desire red

I do not have enough post to post pictures on xda, but if you desire, I could show you what I want in MP

I thank you in advance for your answers
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Bebida:
It's in values/color.xml overlay color and some more also some of 4.3 is in smali
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] D_DuX:
Thanks...

Can You tell me more?

i transform all blue color in red, but i dont have à red result

if i generate java source can i fond them in a source, because smali is mot my cup of tea

:)

Sorry for my english and french t9 ... , i have only french language on my phone.

Captcha boring
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Thanks mate. Any help from a talented themer as yourself is most definitely welcomed. Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] akonet.android:
Thank You Sir!

A schoolbook examples of a clear, well explained tutorials. Really helped me a lot.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Krocko:
[MENTION=4380624]Raymond Ebertt[/MENTION]: Can you please tell me,how can i change this?

On Sense 5 it was easy, but on Sense 5.5 i cant find this.

Red marked
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] 2WildFirE:
Thanks Ray your tut will help me so much!

Gesendet von meinem HTC One mit Tapatalk
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
It's in smali :)

You've to check the: KeyboardView.smali

With VTS, search this line:

iget-boolean v0, v0, Lcom/htc/android/htcime/ezsip/Keyboard$Key;->function:Z

There are two results, under the second you will see two line like this:

const v11, -0x606061

Edit in both the: 606061 with the smali colour code and you're done :)

Thanks to [MENTION=704359]fisha21[/MENTION], he helped me :D
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] fisha21:
Those particular colours can be found in framework-res. The blue text colour is in values/colors.xml, "holo_blue_light". As far as I remember, that should get the horizontal divider too.

No problem :) I've seen a lot of people asking about IME edits, HTC changed a lot of stuff in Sense 5.5. I wrote a guide for the Sense 5.5 IME a couple of weeks ago, just never got round to posting it...now seems a good a time as any!

Sense 5.5. IME theming guide

Also been meaning to say, nice work on the thread Ray, looking good so far :good:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] D_DuX:
Thanks fisha21 :), i try asap.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Krocko:
Perfect! Big thanks! :thumbup:

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 5110 mit Tapatalk 7 Ultra HD
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Flashalot:
Can Any Body help Me In My Keyboard Whose To I Cant Find Where The Color Code In Sense 5 Is Located At Any help is Appreciated

And Thank You [MENTION=4380624]Raymond Ebertt[/MENTION] For a Awesome Themeing Tutorial For Sense 5
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
What keyboard are you referring too? There are differences in Sense 5 and Sense 5.5 and as a matter of fact, Sense 5.5 has changed drastically. Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Flashalot:
HTC_IME in sense 5 is what I'm trying to mod the colors in
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Basically, all of the colors that you will need will be in the XML's. Most colors are found in the color xml and the multiple color themes a lot of the keyboard. There are some other colors that you can play around with but you need to be careful because these colors will change other things on the keyboard. I haven't done much with Sense 5 lately as Sense 5.5 is quite demanding. Hope this helps. Cheers...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
New Tutorial of Transparent Clocks - Post 7

I have added a new tutorial on how I make my transparent clocks after a few users asked about them. Watch the video and experiment with your styles and be sure to post your results here. Cheers and Peace...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] poondog:
Awesome as usual Raymond

You have a seductive voice

just kidding!

People who haven't voted, please rate this thread 5 stars!
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
If you need help with keyboard, feel free to contact me.

I've a thread about this.

I can also help you for the sense 5 keyboard ;)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
I already made a couple of tutorials on keyboards with the complete apk for users to learn on, just need to post them over the week. I'm not doing anymore Sense 5 as most Roms are based on Sense 5.5 on. I'm also avoiding vrtheme for this tutorial because I rather have people learn the full editing aspect of the Rom. Saw your thread and it looks good.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
Yeah mate, no prob.

Your thread is very good for who want begin! :)

Keep up your work :)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Flashalot:
Thanks you I finely found it

Sent from my HTC One S using Prism Pirates ModPack
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Adding Frameworks to VTS - Post 8

[MENTION=4947685]akonet.android[/MENTION] A new tutorial has been added to Post 8 demonstrating how to add framework tags to VTS. I hope this sorts out your issue. Cheers and peace...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] akonet.android:
Hi Raymond, thks for the video on frameworks.

I've done exactly following the steps on the vid but still failing to build phone.apk. Any help appreciated.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] dragonesdenano:
Hi Ray, Check ur paypal, i ve sent U only one beer!

Thanks for u hard work.

Dont forget to send Ray a beer... So cool and always helping all:thumbup::)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
The phone.apk is a different error. I'll try to find the file fix for it later and post it here.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Thanks mate, very much appreciated.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] jeryx:
Hey ray,

thank you very much 4 all your work and time to create these amazing things...

Keep it up mate...

For you buddy

9NP54550MP9350604

You deserve it!

Cheers
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Greatly appreciated and glad that I could help you, mate. Cheers and peace...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] agro1980:
How to make the black menu of settings for Android 4.2.2 Sense 5.0?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Not sure what you mean. If you are asking about the background, it's a transparency edit and I'm not working on sense 5 at the moment
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] agro1980:
It is looking like this:
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Yes, that's the transparency edit in settings smali I believe. It's a combination of a png and transparent color code. I really don't know much about it as I am only working with sense 5.5. You might want to look at the dark one theme in the viper one section
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] fisha21:
To change the Settings menu appearance requires editing an xml value in com.htc.resources. The problem is, if you decompile that apk and rebuild it, it breaks the font resizing settings, so you need to hex edit resources.arsc instead.

Also, changing that value changes appearance of all HTC lists....Mail, messages etc. I did at one point try looking into changing Settings background on its own, but had no luck. Not sure if anyone else worked out how
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] agro1980:
In what xml I have to change and what?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] fisha21:
You need to edit the list_item_bg_ colour entries in values/colors.xml. There are 3 entries (_center_color, top_color, bottom_color)....think its center_color that controls it, but I usually edit all 3
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Ahh, my mentor [MENTION=704359]fisha21[/MENTION] Good to see you out of our cave for a moment. Indeed someone had managed that and I think it was rayford85 back in the early stages of the DarkOne if I recall. Basil3 would probably know more about that than I would. Correct on the resources part and a reason I never pursued it.

Your comments, tips, and whatever else you have to offer is always welcomed here, mate. See you in Renovate chat. I'm nackered making these icons.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] agro1980:
Where color of these fonts (1,2,3) and panel (4) changes?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] agro1980:
Somebody can help?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] akonet.android:
Thks for your efforts but figured it out on saturday.

It was caused by multiple errors on ٪-sign where some of them got corrupted and replaced by % in various strings.xml in values folders.

---------- Post added 12th November 2013 at 12:12 AM ---------- Previous post was 11th November 2013 at 11:49 PM ----------

I've achieved this on many ROMs by editing 9.png's in com.htc.resources/res/drawable... Only one that needs deeper editing in com.htc.resources/res/values/colors.xml is the line which comes visible from between the two settings menu items (ie airplane mode and wifi) when over pulled from above or below. Can't remember the exact one by name but the one who needs this; look for "div" png's in windows file explorer, often just tiny ones in pixels, and play around. Edit one by one and you'll see what effects where. I learned it that way. Just take a lot of time for this.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
^^

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2539375
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
What's this have to do with me and my tutorial for theming Sense 5.5? Are you accusing me of kanging?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
Lol certainly NOT......just the user above, who's asking for nothing because he just takes it......
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] 2WildFirE:
Same question, can anybody told me how to edit on Sense 5.5?

Btw i make my own stuff! Not as the user who i quoted :D
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
And you asked for nicely to use some of my stuff on SD :)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] 2WildFirE:
Sure, i Think this is the right way :good: and takes respect for the work of each other.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
Edit :

Hmmm actually to think of it, they all come from the framework. Just ran some small tests, it was not on settings.apk.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] 2WildFirE:
Thanks, now i will look into
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
Edited my post. The text colors are not in settings. Should come from framework too :(
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
1, 2 are on resources, 3 should be in resources too and 4 it's a pnh if I don't remember wrong... :)

Seems i'm using my One...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
I'm doing some tests tonight. If i find anything i let you all know.

Yes [MENTION=4647967]Guich[/MENTION] is right once again ! All text colors are in resources.......
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] 2WildFirE:
Thanks to Guich and Mr Hofs, guy's u r great!
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
Nice blue ::) !
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Guich:
I'm always right :p :p

Seems i'm using my One...
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
I know ! And i have no problem admitting that :)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Yuris33:
Looks not really well, when primary and secondary color the identical.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
All personal choices, i learned that you can never please all users ;)
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Yuris33:
Maybe you don't know as it to change?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
You tried it ?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Yuris33:
You doubt?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Mr Hofs:
Doubt what ? I'm just asking if you tried it, how it looked ?
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Yuris33:
That I know as to change. Looks more better, than identical color.
[One (M7) Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Could we please keep the conversations related to theming purposes only, please? I don't want users to get lost in endless posts about things that could be mentioned in private. Thanks. Cheers...