yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Arrrgh! This themeing lark isn't as easy as it looks. I have the Galaxy S4, and I have modded my framework-res with almost all the PNG's from the S5 framework drawable-sw360dp-xxhdpi folder. The problem is, in the S5 framework-res drawable-sw360dp-xxhdpi folder, there was only around 17 spinner PNG's, and in my S4 drawable-sw360dp-xxhdpi folder there is around 35-36, so I am left with some miss matched colours in the menu's. I still have blues, instead of different shades of turquoise etc. I tried editing some of the PNG's, but they keep turning out distorted. I decompiled my framework, and kept within the black lines of the decompiled PNG's, so I don't know what I am doing wrong?

I have added a screenshot to show you the miss-matched colours in the menu's.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Another screenshot. the dark blue/grey, is the default colour, and the lighter blue, is them pressed.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
I think the attached decompiled PNG's are responsible for the part of the menu that is still blue..
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
It is not only the images responsible for colors. There are hex code throughout the apk. In res/values/color. There are some in res/values/styles, and sometimes in res/layout. Look in the places and search for background and bg. You may find what you are looking for.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Thanks, but finding, and editing those files is too complicated for a novice like me. I could probably find them, but wouldn't know how to edit the colours, and which colours to change them to. :(
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
If you want to theme, this is a must know. Your text colors are there too. Get Notepad++ if you don't have it (Google it) Then find the files I mentioned, edit them in Notepad++ and start playing around with them. It is self explanatory where the codes go. Gimp tells you the hex code for any color you choose.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Actually it's not that hard ... granted .. some things are really hard to find .. others are quite easy. Attached pic shows part of the SPlanner /res/values/colors xml

You simply use notepad++ to open and edit it. You will see things that are listed as bg or background .. text colors ... pressed colors...etc

Now as for edit .. you have to know what color you want .. you can use gimp or photo shop .. or another program to come up with a hex code for your color. Such as #ff000000 is black .... #ffffffff is white ... orange could be #ffff6600 .. you just need to pick the color you like and get the hex code. Then is a background shows up as #ffffffff which is white and you want it black .. make it #ff000000.

Now that said .. not every thing you want to change is going to be so simple ... trust me lol ... but this will get you going and keep you learning.

Somethings will be in layouts, drawables, and other files like values360xxhdpi and I have forund that even with the xxhdpi images I need .. some things are used from xhdpi as well as hdpi.

It's part of the fun of it .. scavenger hunt ;)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
Yes... Fun... That's the word I was looking for.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
I assume we were typing at the same time lol :highfive:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
I think we were.. ?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] note crazy:
Ok soo I want to post my theme from my note 3 to my note 2 how do I go aboit doing this guys please help
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Thanks for the help, Bubba. I appreciate it! :good: Btw, do you know what XML file I need to be in to change the colour of the menu button I posted in the screenshots?

---------- Post added at 05:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:40 PM ----------

I have got notepad++. I know a decent amount about decompiling apps etc, and how to change text in those apps with notepad++, i'm just not very good with GIMP (yet) and making or editing pictures/PNG's I don't have the money to buy such a program as photoshop CS. I also need to learn more about where which XML is, and what they are for.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
I use gimp as well. The good thing about it is if you want to learn how to do new things with it, there is probably a how to on YouTube. The best way to learn the xml files is too just get in there, read them and play with them. Always keep a copy of your last best apk, then use you don't like a change you made, you have one too go back to.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
So you want to port it to the Note 2?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] note crazy:
Yes my wife has my old note 2
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Well .... you'll need to compare the apk's and use what you can. Do you know if the Note 2 is xxhdpi? If not you'll have to resize the images as well as port them.

Koffed from my Big Ass Outlaw Phone
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
Quite an interesting thread you have here. Glad I stumbled onto it. Keep up the good work and sportsmanship. XDA needs more members like you.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Welcome to the thread. We're glad to have you. Press feel free to offer any input you want. It's always appreciated.

Koffed from my Big Ass Outlaw Phone
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
I most certainly will. 4.4.4 is a challenging version and a lot of fun.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
Very challenging. I am doing the note 4. It is hard to determine what astc images to replace because you can't view them. I finally got an image on the dialer, but I had to do it in 2 pieces. I was going to give up and downgrade, but I decided to keep at it.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] GoSooners345:
Progress and failure. I had apktool failures and successes today
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Spannaa:
I've already answered the query about the second screenshot:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Raymond Ebertt:
The second screenshot is a PNG that hasn't been patched; when it hasn't been patched, the black 1 px handles show on that image. You need to run the image through the 9 patch tool found in the SDK kit/tools/9_patch.bat

These images basically need a full patch along the right and bottom side. As well, you can add a signal 1 px patch in the center on the left and top. Save it as a patch 9.png with the tool and you should be OK.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] lacoursiere18:
Are you talking about the divider? Ita called tab_divider something..
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
I am slowly but surely making progress on the note 4. Replacing astc and qmg files with pngs. There is a lot of guess work because I can't view those file types, but I am going to stick with it. I am trying to redo the theme I had on my S4.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Nice work

Koffed from my Big Ass Outlaw Phone
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Aeyan Ashraf:
Hello all,

I am trying to compile back framework-res.apk .................... It shows error . Framework is installed fine ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I have java 1.8.0,,,,,,,,,,I am trying to edit an xml and some .9 pngs...............First I decompiled the apk...........then I edited all those things...........when I compiled the apk ...........It shows error................then for making sure, I decompiled the apk again and then without making any changes I compiled it but then also it showed exactly the same error which I got earlier when I edited all those thing,,,,,,any help would be appreciated,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Thanx in advance............... This is the error-

W: Could not find sources
I: Checking whether resources has changed...
I: Building resources...
invalid resource directory name: E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res/values-mcc454-mnc-1
Exception in thread "main" brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F, C:\Users\Aeyan\AppData\Local\Temp\APKTOOL4893789382171172227.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res, -M, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResourcesFull(Androlib.java:353)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResources(Androlib.java:281)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Androlib.java:209)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Androlib.java:177)
at brut.apktool.Main.cmdBuild(Main.java:237)
at brut.apktool.Main.main(Main.java:79)
Caused by: brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F, C:\Users\Aeyan\AppData\Local\Temp\APKTOOL4893789382171172227.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res, -M, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.androlib.res.AndrolibResources.aaptPackage(AndrolibResources.java:406)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResourcesFull(Androlib.java:334)
... 5 more
Caused by: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F, C:\Users\Aeyan\AppData\Local\Temp\APKTOOL4893789382171172227.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res, -M, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.util.OS.exec(OS.java:89)
at brut.androlib.res.AndrolibResources.aaptPackage(AndrolibResources.java:404)
... 6 more
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] NunHugger:
Looks like you are missing the aapt.exe file. I have attached mine. Unzip it and throw it in your apktool folder and try again.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Aeyan Ashraf:
bro , I had already got aapt.exe ................... but thena also I replaced mine aapt with your's..............Still the same error
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Vivek_Neel:
Below is the error.

[color="red"] Caused by: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F,

[/color]

May be try updating your SDK. :)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Aeyan Ashraf:
I tried updating sdk , but still the same result

W: Could not find sources
I: Checking whether resources has changed...
I: Building resources...
invalid resource directory name: E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res/values-mcc454-mnc-1
Exception in thread "main" brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F, C:\Users\Aeyan\AppData\Local\Temp\APKTOOL3199658496242676821.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res, -M, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResourcesFull(Androlib.java:353)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResources(Androlib.java:281)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Androlib.java:209)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Androlib.java:177)
at brut.apktool.Main.cmdBuild(Main.java:237)
at brut.apktool.Main.main(Main.java:79)
Caused by: brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F, C:\Users\Aeyan\AppData\Local\Temp\APKTOOL3199658496242676821.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res, -M, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.androlib.res.AndrolibResources.aaptPackage(AndrolibResources.java:406)
at brut.androlib.Androlib.buildResourcesFull(Androlib.java:334)
... 5 more
Caused by: brut.common.BrutException: could not exec command: [aapt, p, --min-sdk-version, 19, --target-sdk-version, 19, -F, C:\Users\Aeyan\AppData\Local\Temp\APKTOOL3199658496242676821.tmp, -x, -0, arsc, -S, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\res, -M, E:\APK-Multi-Tool-Experimental-RELEASE\projects\framework-res.apk\AndroidManifest.xml]
at brut.util.OS.exec(OS.java:89)
at brut.androlib.res.AndrolibResources.aaptPackage(AndrolibResources.java:404)
... 6 more
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] lacoursiere18:
Have you tried removing this folder?

\framework-res.apk\res/values-mcc454-mnc-1

Paste it to your desktop just in case.. and then try to recompile..
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Aeyan Ashraf:
I tried this also ,,,,,,, then it says that the .9 pngs which I edited are malformed........
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Goldie:
I would say use a different apktool. Decompile and your changes add try again
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] lacoursiere18:
Thats what it looks like happened..are you sure you edited them correctly? What did you change about them..color..transparency.

Usually if I edited a png dependent on how big/small it is I always use a marquee tool to redo the black lines..just fill them in with a pint bucket..this prevents errors..
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Vivek_Neel:
There you go :D

You have not edited .9.png correctly. May be included that 1px border too for editing?. You should not touch it.

Before compiling use This tool for compiling .9.png . and see if it compiles successfully.

If yes. Your framework-res should recompile fine. :)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Agreed .. definitely a .9png issue. I think every error I have had on a .9 image has been when I add transparency to it and my dumba@@ forgets that even if you section the image off to edit .. the transparency changes the black border lines as well.

At any rate .. welcome [MENTION=5022494]Vivek_Neel[/MENTION] thanks for your input
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
That's funny... My dumba@@ always forgets that color invert change's the border as well.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Aeyan Ashraf:
What I did is changed the color using adobe photoshop cc

---------- Post added at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 PM ----------

Hey , one question..... If I compile the .9 png before compiling the apk ,,,,,, won't it show error ?????

What I did is changed the color ....... I opened the .9 png with adobe photoshop cc and zoomed it with zooming tool and just fill the color with paint bucket...... :confused::confused:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] lacoursiere18:
Yep.. It happens sometimes.. especially with smaller images.

Go back in and open up each image.. Take the marqee tool (Square tool) and highlight those black 1 pixel borders.. than paint bucket them (fill them with complete black color).. Should fix it:good:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Vivek_Neel:
Hey there,

You should use gimp for .9.png

1.Open the .9.png in gimp

2.Zoom it until you clearly see that 1px black border

3.Select the portion inside the black border Using rectangle tool

4.Cut that portion (Ctrl+x) and open it in new file

5. After Editing that portion , paste it .

6.Now that one px border is untouched even after the editing.

7.Now you just need to override (file/override )I.e saving

Compile that .9.png using the tool I gave.

Yeah.

That's what I meant by my previous post. :)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] mikeymopar:
no because it's compiling the image as you're telling it to do. then you're trying to compile a bad 9png image a second time with apktool and it throws goofy errors.

hmmm....i've never edited the original .9png. easy just to make a new image and run it thru 9patch tool and then either copy the raw image to the apk and compile everything with apktool or to compile the 9patch png and push it to the already compiled apk. that way you know the 1px border is correct and apktool doesn't throw a bunch of errors because you don't have a proper .9png somewhere. a little longer of a process in the beginning (although i typically make a completely different image and not just recolor the existing so i have to do it that way) but never throw errors on compiling.

don't wanna confuse you but it kinda seems like i'm the only one doing it this way ?????? it works for me :good:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] zelendel:
Your not the only one. I make all my .9 from the ground up as well. Its the only way to be sure and saves time as you know it wont cause issues. I never just recolor an image (I know how so it doesnt error out)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Guys, I flashed a S5 themed ROM from iBASTID (Goldfinger ROM), but I don't like the blue background. The background of the settings and statusbar etc are a dark blue, but I want the background of those apps to be black. What file is responsible for the system background, and where can I find it? Thanks.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Goldie:
System background is in frame res but its not just a case of replacing it. When you say they are blue thats not the system background. You should post screens of what you are trying to change
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
I use gimp as well .. with one difference.... I simply use the rectangular select tool and surround the image .. then edit and save .. works perfectly (except for the mentioned transparency thing lol) .. but the cut/edit/paste would be great for me in that situation. I'll have to give it a try.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Thanks Goldie, I appreciate your reply mate. Give me a few minutes, and I will post some screenshots.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] SICKMADE:
Ya I think that making your own .9 is also the way to go... I also have never just changed the hue even tho I know it's poss... I just like to make sure everything is right so to anyone new out there if you want my opinion on editing .9 images I say don't touch any image in your decompiled apk.. decompiling is strictly for editing Xmls and stuff... if you want to edit a .9 just extract the apk and then when you find a .9 you want to edit delete the .9 from the name and then open it with your gimp or photo shop make your edits then save and open it in .9 patch tool and draw your borders then save and drag it to the .9 compiler tool and boom you know that bad boy is ready to go.

And just so you know if all your doing is coloring a .9 all black then you don't need to rename and draw borders or none of that! Just open the .9 in photoshop or whatever and color all black and save without drawing borders or anything. But only with black! Or full transparency
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Blue background.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Vivek_Neel:
Have not worked with tw kk.(I believe you are working with kk)

Anyways.

As Goldie mate said that the system BG is in framework-res.apk

go to res/drawable and see if you have background_holo_dark.xml

background_holo_light.xml

Those xml controls it.

And for the second screenshot .

Its

notification_panel.9.png in SystemUI/res
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
I use gimp as well. You can do just about anything as long as you stay inside the selection. Not color invert, and Bubba says no transparent. To can use drop bucket, brush, colorize,erase.. It works well.

For semi transparent, i just use the eraser and set the opacity on it.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] lacoursiere18:
Those are all tw_ab...framework and in settings..
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
How do you change the colour of the battery icon and digital clock etc in statusbar? On this ROM, it is a dull white, and I want it white.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] lacoursiere18:
Statusbar.xml.. in 4.4.2 battery is controlled by a hex..its smali
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] NunHugger:
All this .9 talk...

I have never used any tool other than an image editor to edit them. Yes...I edited them from my decompiled apk. Yes...they work. Feel free to try the tools. They work, but they are by no means a necessity. And, if you don't use a tool...it don't mean you do it the "wrong way" or that your image won't be "done right". Photoshop and Gimp are all you need...along with a little problem solving skills.

What has worked for me is this. Forgive me for not making a video...or put nifty visuals showing you how it's done. I will do my best to explain with in words.

First...open the decompiled image in photoshop/gimp. I duplicate the image so I now have two layers with the same image. I make sure I am working on the top layer, and I use the rectangular marquee tool to select everything but the one pixel border which contains the black .9 reference lines/points. Once selected I delete the contents simply by pressing backspace/delete. After deleting the image from the top layer, I select the bottom layer . In the Selection dropdown I choose Inverse/Select inverted so that only the one pixel border is selected...then I delete the contents. So I now have two layers...the bottom which contains the image...and the top layer will contain the black .9 special pixels. From here, you can do what ever you want to the lower layer...recolor, adjust hue/saturation, play with the brightness/contrast, or even adjust the transparency...all without fear of damaging the 1 pixel border which will keep your apk from compiling. The only thing you really need to watch out for would be if you were to add to the image (drop shadow, etc...) that could cause the top layer to cross into that outer pixel border. Now you can save your image and compile. I have never had a problem using this method...EVER. It works. I am not saying it's the right way, but don't want people to feel the need to use another tool when the one they have can get the job done...and done well.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] oracle01642:
Is there a way to edit just one file so all the icons and text etc will be bright white? I don't have to edit lot's of different files do I, one for the battery, and one for the digtal clock etc?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Kinda funny how many ways there is to do the same thing. Seems we all do it a bit differently , but have the same results. That's the beauty of the whole concept of this thread .. for me .. to have so many talented people here able to teach .. and the users wanting and willing to learn. Everyone has their own way that works .. and the people wanting to learn have different ways to try and achieve the result they are looking for. I think it's great that we all do it in our own ways .. because sitting on the other side of the country .. or world .. one way may demonstrate better than another to someone and teach them what they seek.

Huge thanks to all my fellow themers that have joined in.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
No. The clock should be a xml edit as stated. The wifi, signal, blue tooth and such should be images. There will be several og them. The gimp tool will allow you to do batch image manipulation where you can change all of them to RGB if they aren't already. Then you can use the Theme Batch processor to make them all white at once.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kevinoliva113:
I have not done framework in a long long time. There used to be 200 images for the battery. If all you want to do is change the colors, you can use gravity box for that. (xposed framework app )quick and easy. Do a backup before installing.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] mikeymopar:
/humbled to be in the same discussion with such venerated themers...astonished to find that i use the same process as them :D:D:D
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] remuntada78:
Can i suggest a very good video tutorial on how to draw9patch work ?

Look at this

[YOUTUBE]IfrXE2R2nqM[/YOUTUBE]
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] mikeymopar:
i use Irfanview to batch change colors especially with the battery images. it'll also batch rename images if needed (handy for adding frames to your existing bootscreen images).
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Bubba:
Big congrats go out to my buddy [MENTION=939277]limp[/MENTION]biscuit18 .. not only did he give birth to an update to his rom today ... he and his lovely wife welcomed a new baby girl into the world. He failed at passing out virtual cigars ... But he's still okay in my book. All the best to you and your family man.

Koffed from my Big Ass Outlaw Phone