[Nexus 5 Themes and Apps] matthew0776:
Things u will need to create a new mod

- esFileExplorer / File manager on device

(Not 100% needed but makes life easier)

- PhotoShop/Gimp or equivalent to installed on Computer

- The mod u want to Theme off the Candy Shop Thread if it's not a lockring

-Attatched is a empty ZT Lockring mod zip

- Empty ZT zip >http://d-h.st/yTr

_ Attached @ bottom of post are 2 pngs one for xhdpi and one for sw600dp-xhdpi

So with these 4 things it will be ridiculously easy to create your own mod. There are many different ways to do this and one is really not better then the other. In the end the result has to be the same...

I will share the EASIEST way. I do use this method but on occasions I mite use a simiar one depending on if I'm creating it from scratch or using an existing mod zip jus new Imgs. Again...the end result has to be the same reguardless.

I'm assuming if your reading this you know how to use the Zip Themer app and you have a understanding of how to use a image editor ... This is NOT a How to use PhotoShop/Gimp .......this is NOT to tell u HOW TO USE THE APP....So let's jus clarify that

This is a How to create a mod zip

A lot of these steps may vary depending on which mod ur making but all the rules are the same. For this tutorial I'll go over how to make a Lockring. After that use these basic rules and concepts to make others mods and themes.

Ok...

First u will have to find the img u want to use via Google or etc... Keep in mind most mods use transparent BG so you have to choose wisely. After u have DL img. Follow the steps... trial n error is ok..

1- Open Image editor PhotoShop/Gimp and drag your new img into editor. You now have to turn BG transparent.*

Remember...depending on the mod your making a lot of the next few steps may vary.

2- The xhdpi size is 216x216 canvas. So the img itself is usually around 150-140ish so size ur image to 200 for now if you want u can go down to 150-140...then*save it. Name doesn't matter at this point. And where doesn't matter jus have easy access to it via desktop or a work folder

Now ...

3- Open a new file in your Image editor with 216x216 phones /244x244 for N7flo Canvas...and make it with transparent BG. Or use attatched png @ bottom of post as ur templete. Now drag in the (EmptyLockring).png I supplied and then drag in your custom image as well.

(You can also make your own ring but just make sure you keep the ring size as close to stock as possible. You can go aittle bigger or smaller but to much and image will get off center)

4- Resize your img to fit in ring but DO NOT SIZE CANVAS OR SCALE CANVAS you must only size top layer.

If u have to size ur custom img separately do that..jus make sure u keep canvas the same and lockring the same size.

5- Now save / export your img to desktop or a work folder....naming it (blank).png

Now move it to the xhdpi(phones) sw600dp(N7flo)folder in the downloaded Empty mod zip. Then replace ur img with mine and rename it the same

ic_lockscreen_handle_normal.png

6- Open xml and edit author line and title of mod (not needed for mod to work but if u so choose) back out and zip up folders from the folder b4 xml and Apk folder. Super important step

The last few steps u can do in esfile explorer if you so choose. Just move png to phone and do your xml and name editing in app as well as zipping it up. Plenty of days I'll transfer a few pngs to my phone. Then knock out a few mods throughout the day.*

And that's about it...

Using ZT create ur update zip and flash

Now I also wanted to discuss choosing pngs to mod...In theory any built in apk in app or priv-app or framework can be modded. I usually extract apk I'm targeting and extract drawables folder xxhdpi(N5) or xhdpi(N4) or sw600dp-xhdpi(N7flo)depending on device. Then look through the pngs images to decide which you want to swap out. From there you will always use a transparent BG and always keep img size and canvas the same as stock. I usually match my img up with stock to get sizing of actual img exact....And again use trial and error to size or center ur custom img properly. But in theory as long as you sized your img to original png canvas and img u should be fine. Use these guidelines to mod any apk. Some apls can not be modded this way specifically PlayStore apps. But again use trial and error to filter out non-themeable apks.

If u run into a .9 png they do require special attention and PLEASE Google/research(XDA) in how to deal with those bad boys... There are tons of guides out there. But those cannot be edited like normal pngs.

I really hope this helps some ppl start there themeing adventure. Ultimately to really theme apks u will have to decompile and edit xmls and smali and recompile apk. But to theme basic pngs in apks. This is a great way to do it. So enjoi and always becareful with experimenting. I'm always around to answer Q so if u really get stuck jus ask ... But with this info and some brain storming it should be pretty easy to figure out. Hope this helps and answers some Q for ppl looking to make some ZT mods.

Enjoi this tutorial I also plan on adding a step by step video if possible.

Below are the 2 empty lockring pngs they are white so run your mouse over box to see imgs. They are labeled device specific. They are also the perfect canvas size so you can just DL and import into Image editor and get to work.