yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
Thx [MENTION=4816245]funky0308[/MENTION]..

Any quick hints (if you know) on which xmls need to be modified when changing pngs from light to dark -eg. Updating semc_bg_light.png to dark, not sure which xml value to update for settings font colour. I keep finding myself making nice dark themes but with black font text barely visible. Thx again mate. :thumbup:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Yeah...that's the bit*ch ;)

You have few TUTs on XDA so try to check.

It's a big subject and it cannot be written here, in a few lines.

You have mine TUT online but you could find many (better) tutorials online (on XDA)

Sent from my Z1
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
^^ thanks. Thought that would be that case, googling should find me some relevant threads :D your tut a great start, plus apktool, Android tickle and a few other resources, plus the 4.3 engine should make for some wonderfully customised themes. Pity a lot of the z1 work is at diff dpi than z ultra lol (meaning I can't steal it hehe)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
We can always take parts of it...icons, wallpapers and switches...

Maybe we'll have to resize them but that's not hard to do...

Sent from my Z1
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] nielneal:
any idea bro..???i have change many icon and i want to release everything not just one by one thats why i am waiting how decompile the resource.arsc in zip file

and to everyone else look at this thread there are many softkeys icons

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1590697
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
HEX editing or try to see here http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2543947

There's was one guy who promised to build tool for decompiling arsc files but I doubt he finished it.

Sent from my Z1
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] guianne13:
Thanks for this funky. Btw, can I use the Z1 themes as base for my customized ZR themes?
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
I think you can...

If ZR has same theme engine, of course.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] guianne13:
I have already installed these exact themes from the playstore. I am finding it hard to get copies of the apk files for zr online. :rolleyes:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Soheil_rf:
simply reneme zip file to apk and decompile again

1. Decompile or unzip your theme

2. For example rename ''com.sonyericsson.uxp.zip'' to ''com.sonyericsson.uxp.apk''

3. Decompile com.sonyericsson.uxp.apk and add ro mod any things you want

4. Recompile com.sonyericsson.uxp.apk

5. Rename .apk to .zip and push to your theme
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] guianne13:
As I am new to this decompiling stuff, can someone point me to the right direction of how to decompile these themes? I've been reading a lot of threads here in XDA and I am about to get lost on this decompiling stuff. Help please :(

I'm thinking of doing a Heart Pirates / Trafalgar Law theme and will share it here once I finish it.

Advanced thanks for the help!
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Sure mate...

What's the problem?

Have you got APKtools on you PC?

If yes, let's proceed via PM, if no, google "APKTOOLS XDA", install apktools and let me know via PM and we'll continue together.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] guianne13:
Thanks funky! I've already sent you one. :D
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Kocane:
Thank you. Helped me make a theme where text is dark gray or light grey and the quicktoggle icons are blue.. in dont like colored text :D
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Guys, post your themes. I've got ten PMs that you managed to build theme and only one is out.

Come on, share your themes it doesn't matter is it small or large MOD.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Thought I'd post here as a teaser. Still some final polish to do

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] ali3nfr3ak:
thats looking damn good [MENTION=4364359]Metallijim[/MENTION] , looking forward to release
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] LitoNi:
is decompling the apk even necessary for image editing?

Can't you just open the apk with 7 zip, then navigate to the zip files, drag the images out and edit then drag them back in?
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
^^ or even easier, ninja morph.. :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Yes it is.

We tried to use only zip programs but we had many problems.

Some things you could change using that method but it could mess things up.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
NinjaMorph is app I would recommend, certainly but...

It could make big problems to your system.

I had to format system and flash all again.

NinjaMorph and rooting method for Z1(290 firmware) aren't friends.

NinjaMorph need busybox to be updated and it could destroy your recovery...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] nielneal:
yes it is necessary for .9 png and also for more modifications the decompiling method would be succesfull normal draggin out and modifying would be helpful whn its related to normal pngs and icon but not in depth modification and perfection ;)

Cheerz
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
I guess I was lucky that I installed busybox via a (paid) "boxybox pro" installer after getting partial root and mounting rw system via a script (prior to ric killer kernel/rw access kernel) :thumbup:

Thx for the tip :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] nielneal:
Anyone Interested Can Check the Elegant black theme for Xperia Z1 it works with Z1 also and all Z Series which has 4.3 theme engine;)

Check it out

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2603346

Cheerz
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
^^ good work. Unfortunately only seems to change the wallpapers on my ZU; anyone else tried it on a ZU? (deodexed 290 fw)

I'm not sure themes will be cross-platform (z1/zu) as, for example, in the framework-res apk the background image is in a folder called xxhdpi (or something similar) but it's in different folder for zu (xhdpi is something similar) - can anyone confirm, ta :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Yes...for Z1 is drawable-xxhdpi, for XS is xhdpi and so on...

That depends on devices screen/resolution...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
^^ now running [MENTION=273310]monx®[/MENTION] rom, theme works beautifully now (not sure why not on my own deodexed build) thx [MENTION=4816245]funky0308[/MENTION] for the thread and [MENTION=4119874]nielneal[/MENTION] for the theme :thumbup:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Zippy1:
Am I right in saying that it should be easier to change the backgrounds on system apps now? If so could someone right a tutorial as I would really like to learn how to do it for myself.

Thanks :)

Sent from my C6903 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
New One

A new theme is out by *cough* Me *cough* :D

Clicky Clicky
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Very, very nice...

Great job mate...

If I may suggest one or two tiny changes for next release...

Use PhotoShop to make that brushed bar (status and navigation bar) transparent.

You can still leave brush sample which will brush our background then and it'll be even better.

And you could also theme this - task manager to brushed theme.

But I must say, this is one of the best themes I saw...

:thumbup:

Don't know did you follow my advice for settings background or we just have same taste but I'm very glad you used this png.

Awesome ;)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Same taste :highfive:

For those that are rooted can use GEM Xperia Xposed module to remove the nav and status bars, tried to let everyone have a little flexability with it. For those not with Xposed, if enough demand, I'll do it. :D

Do like the idea of leaving the brush sample, to overlay the wallpaper, though I think Gravity Box adjustable transparency might have the same (ish) effect? :confused:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
I'm not sure...

Someone could test and report...

I'm not using that module ;)

And I hope you don't mind for that suggestions...just want to help...

Theme is fuc**ng awesome :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
All suggestions are cool, they will keep the creative ideas coming :good:

Glad you like, I'm even yet to see what this could do with Tinted Status Bar Xposed, don't quite know if it will do much, must have a play. :laugh:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
Very nice, thanks :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
I would definitely recommend not to relay on xposed, lots of guys don't use it.

Make your own MODs inside of apk files.

Change xml's and png's to have standalone app and you'll get best theme.

If you make app that need 3rd party app to show all beauty that won't be visible to all users...

Of course, that's only my opinion..
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] tonylcc:
hi

I just follow steps in your thread, however it is not working at all......

is it because of my phone is not rooted and using stock ROM?

if the answer of my question above is yes, then what should I do?

should I just root and change the ROM for my lovely phone?

if rooting and changing ROM is required, then what can I do with the theme?just wait Sony to give out permission or give out a fix?

anyways, my suggestion is, if we can able to find out the Signing key of the theme we are going to mod, then is it possible to get this done if modding theme without root and changing ROM?
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Questions I'm trying to answer too, my theme doesn't seem to work on stock, or stock rooted, de-odexed.

Can't seem to find a solution. Works fine on stock based deodexed ROMs.

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Someone needs to better look in that problem.

I don't have time and I'm not sure I could even "fix" something like this.

If it's some crazy HEX code in smali files - maybe we never get chance to build custom theme from the scratch.

You need not only root but stock based custom theme - for now.

Sony is approving and inspecting every single theme that goes to market and they sign app before releasing so...

We'll have to wait...

I guess niaboc79 could fix that...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
He has my theme. [MENTION=599722]niaboc79[/MENTION] can you take a look?

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] reexe:
Thx! :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
error

everything goes well but when i want to decompile the the systemui file there isn't any thing in the folder could you guys give me a link of what apktool you use for it
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
New tool for modifying (decompiling recompiling etc) apks. http://t.co/AMKvmpaVk6
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Nice....but I just like that old school mode...

Plain cmd and dos commands...

We grew up on DOS, NC and cd.., dir... and without windows (O.K, there was Win 3.x) ;)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
Typing out code from an amstrad 64 magazine, bebugging then recording to tape still gives me shivers (25+ years ago as a kid) - so I'm a sucker for a front end ;)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Hehe ...that was the time, my friend...

We spun the screw to play games (commodore 64) and really use whole keyboard...

Now kids use only w,a,s,d, cursors and mouse... but every age/time/period has its own beauty ;)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
Services.jar must be patched to disable signature verification.

Envoyé de mon C6603 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Haha....what did I say?

Who will know the answer?

Hehe...thank you, mate.

Could you point us to some tutorial for that or explain a bit?

If you agree and give us few hints I'll post that to OP for all to know.

And you are sure that could pass security check?

As I know, Sony deliberately add that to prevent overflowing market with unauthorized themes.

But if we could use this method to edit already signed theme and skip signature check or use already assigned keys - that could be great
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Perhaps this is what needs to be done

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2458144

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
I think you are right...

I asked there could he do that for us...

Even it doesn't sounds hard to do I don't have any time for such things right now.

If someone has some time, try with this tool

QUICK MOD TOOL
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
yes it's that ;)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Mate...

If, for example I do that, with a services.jar from deodexed ROM, stock/stock based ROM - could we all use that superuser MOD on all stock/stock based ROMs. (like we did on XS) or we'll have to build few MODs for every ROM.

I guess that depends on is jar file already patched in particular ROM but still...

You could build one for us, we need your MOD for Z1 (sliding bar) for new firmware so you could add patched jar in it?

If you have time for that, of course...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
One services.jar by phone and build number ;)

The tutorial is very easy ;)

Envoyé de mon C6603 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
O.K mate , thank you very much for your help.

I'll make that MOD and post it for everyone to use, of course.

You are the best - now give us eXistenZ :P (now I spelled that right)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
One more thing, even it's great if we finally found a way how to pass that stupid signature check, that won't help if you don't have rooted device...

I mean how the he*l could you flash or move patched services.jar to framework folder without rooted OS :D
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
If you are using same signature as an existing Sony theme it should work without patching services.jar

Envoyé de mon C6603 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
That's the problem.

We MOD already signed theme but it won't work, no matter we haven't changed anything except few png's.

I guess something goes wrong in compiling/decompiling process...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
[MENTION=599722]niaboc79[/MENTION]

Mate...I just built SUPERUSER MOD but are we sure we should only patch services.jar?

What about framework.jar?
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
What do you want to change in framework.jar?

Envoyé de mon C5303 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
I need you for answering that... ;)

I'm asking because I saw few others superuser MODs and all of them have framework.jar patched as well.

That's why I'm asking... :D
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
What do you guys mean with the signature check

Signature makes it impossible to directly install or upgrade the apk if im right

If i'm right we can just use zipsigner and then rename the extentuon from .zip . Apk i think

It helped on the apks i modded before
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
That's MOD for the future ;)

Same thing we did for Xperia S to be able to install apps from Z1.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
What do yo mean?:crying:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
When we get new apps from Z2 or something else you'll see all benefits of that MOD.

Yes, you can use zipsigner for that.

But when you have ROM that already have patched framework files it's easier to install apps.

You don't have to worry about signing apps.

And as I said - it's project, project for finally fix themes creating...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
Oh okay cause i think about starting making a theme tomorrow

But do think there will be any problem if i uploud them to the play store
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
I'm not sure but I think you can't do that.

Try to check that out but as I know - Sony need to approve your app.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Sounds right,

Take it you've seen XDA portal? You're on it, with a screenshot from my theme while it was unfinished!

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Damm...

I want to write this "?"
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Eh? Lost me mate.

[MENTION=5095753]izzet3838[/MENTION], make it anyway, the more the merrier!

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Haha...never mind mate, we are famous and now we can do miracles :P

Haha....nice...

It's nice when someone see that you really want to help and share your time and knowledge. ;)

Tnx for that info, I rarely check portal.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Hopefully it'll encourage more people to make themes! How's the mod working?

EDIT: Sorry just saw the second post, that's superuser mod for Z1 right?

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Without any errors - it's kinda hard to test it, I'm trying to find Z1s dump and test sime apps.

We'll see...

No errors in backsmaling and recompiling and I'm using it right now.

But we'll need patched framework when Sony release Z2 :P
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
That's true, whenever that will be :D

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
i tried but after installing the theme i modded and applying it the only thing that changed was my was my wallpaper all the rest became just like stock please help:crying:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
What phone/rom are you on? Deodexed/odexed?

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
You are, obviously, on stock ROM.

You need rooted device for this and for now stock based ROM.

But, please, if you are on stock rooted device, try my patched services.jar (you have separate thread and link here, in second post) and then try to install your theme.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] iBuzman:
Probably not my place to jump into a topic I know little about, but on my ZU I only had wallpaper changed until I rebooted and cleared cache/dalvik (after I installed something else). Ever since, I have performed these clear caches to get themes to work :)
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Yeah ...that's advice for all...but on Z1 stock (plain stock, not stock based) if you don't have patched framework files - reboot won't help.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
Yes and i haven't rooted yet too cause last week my headphone jacks corning that little metal just fald of by itself and i need to send it to sony

But i dont't want to Stay phoneless now so i'm gonna let that wait for a couple of weeks and send it to them after that root it custom rom and unlock the bl
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
Let be more clear...

framework.jar is modded by some people only to add some method used since JB 4.2 for example used by Home.apk to display some layouts.

Disabling signature doesn't allow to use Z1 on S or Z2 on Z1...

All apps in system/app must have same signature, this is the signature checking.

We are patching that checking because when we are porting some apk we need to resign the apk, so change the signature.

Why are we doing that... Each android version has what is called an api, jb 4.1.2 api 16 jb 4.2 api 17, jb 4.3 api 18,...

To run an apk made for a superior api than the one used by full system we need to decrease the minimal api inside apk. This value is saved after build inside android.manifest.

And if we change something inside android.manifest we must re-sign full apk.

Envoyé de mon C6603 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
;) tnx for all this.

That's why we need you here...

But it allows to use Z2 on Z1 and silimar, why not, if course, under the assumption that Z2 have higer Android/api version.

As I said, like we did for XS, we used patched framework or services to be able to use Z1 apps on XS (ported and resigned - of course).

It's quite clear we need to resign app if we change manifest lines but could this help in installing/ seeing themes on stock ROM.

I would like to know/test that...

Hehe...Niaboc79 doing multiple quotes....he is ours now :cool:
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
I have see that there's is a recognized dev signature check inside the skin-core.apk.

Envoyé de mon C5303 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Where?

I'll decompile it and try to find that - if you can find what's causing signature failed - that would be great.

I really doubt I'm able to figure that out alone but with your help I'm sure we could find solution.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] niaboc79:
The solution is to disable this verification and allow the installation of this modded skin-core.apk as an update of preinstalled apk, so no root needed.

No idea how to do yet, I am not at home actually.

Envoyé de mon C6603 en utilisant Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Hmm...and what about skin1.apk what's that for?

Great mate, I really hope you'll find a way.

It's great new way to customize Z1 without messing on framework and every apk individual.

On rooted and stock based ROMs it's working flawlessly so that's what's bothering me.

It's same ROM, only rooted and deodexed, nothing is changed except that...

Really strange...maybe odexed skin-core somehow can't do its job and allow all changes?!

Because, you can install theme on all ROMs but on stock you'll only get wallpaper changed...

So it's not installing problem it's "displaying" issue.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Reminds me of patching windows system files to allow 3rd party themes.

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Only thing I can find is line in public.xml where is created one boolean "config_read_external_permissions" and it's ID.

And same bool in bools.xml where line said this -

config_read_external_permissions">false<

But can't find smali folder and files in decompiled skin-core to follow that ID (from config_read_external_permissions) and see is there something for us.

And when I check themes smali there's absolutely nothing there...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
I'll do some digging too, just doing some theme refinements.

Got a patched services.jar for Z latest firmware, waiting for a tester to report.

Skin1.apk is vintage theme.

EDIT: Patch is up for Xperia Z. Go to my Theme thread, 1st post..

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] FateNozomi:
Instead of renaming zip files to .apk

You can also decompile it in zip form, my theme works fine after recompiling them in zip form. simply type, eg:

apktool d android.zip

Then you'll get an output file like this:

android.zip.out

Simply recompile it by using the output file name.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] dlads:
I love art i'm going to have a crack at this.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] AliReza Ehteshami:
I cant install after change Wallpapers.... Xperia Z Ultra Stock ROM 4.3 but not root...

Im Sure for ROM stock 4.3 deodex & root!!!
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Not transparent only black or nothing.

If that still doesn't work, try making one pixel black.

Suggest to Google about .9.pngs.

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] xshunin:
When there's an easier way to make those themes, I'll attempt to recreate a theme I wanted to create when I was still using WinMo 6.5.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
Believe me, mate, it won't be easier than now.

Now we have tool (themes and new skin picker) to theme whole systemUI with just one apk.
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] duongtunglam:
Why 3rd-party themes can change navbar icons on stock non-root? But re-signed apk cannot do that and requires root permission???
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] Metallijim:
Because they have been signed and approved by Sony, and the signature check is Sony's way of enforcing this. So at the moment you need root and a patched services.jar to get round this.

Sent from Z Beast
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
You need patched framework as well - there's something in framework, obviously, because our custom themes are working only on stick based ROMs...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
Don't you think that sony will release the option to create themes in the next sdk release?
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] funky0308:
It would be great but I really doubt...
[Xperia Z1 Themes and Apps] izzet3838:
Yes but i can't root my phone at the moment cause the corning of my headphone jack that little metal around it fall of so i need to send it to sony but i don't want to at the moment

And i also wanted to add themes to the playstore too bad if we won't get an official way to do it so we can put them on google play