[Guide][MOD] How to Mod Espier Launcher

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supetawesomedude

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2011
346
84
Gilroy


c33ec723d787deeace48c2ce8bf16.jpg

After receiving many questions on how I modded my Espier Launcher.apk I decided to write this tutorial. Many thanks to Taine0 for inspiration and initial instructions!



WHAT THIS GUIDE IS FOR:
-How to change icons in espier launcher
-How to change page indicators
-How to change dock
-How to change notification bubble
-How to add custom icons (for apps not natively themed by espier launcher) RECENTLY EDITED
-How to install onto phone

A. Preliminary Steps:

1. Install apktool

2. Create a directory called Espier launcher mod

3. Download Espier Launcher and rename to launcher.apk

4. Place Espier Launcher into that directory.

5. Open terminal.

6. Change terminal directory to your Espier launcher mod folder.
E.G. I ran this:
Code:
cd /home/gaurav/Desktop/Espier launcher mod

7. Decompile the apk.
Code:
apktool d launcher.apk

B. Changing basic icons.
**UPDATE**
Now, to prevent icons from being edited (in a bad way) by Espier Launcher, download this icon and place it in drawable-(h/m/l)dpi. This is crucial to prevent your icons from getting a weird white glow around them!

1. Open res/drawable-(hdpi/ldpi/mdpi/xhdpi) *depending on what screen size your phone is. I have an mdpi so i will go into drawble-mdpi

2. Change the desired icon
For example, the file
Code:
ic_com_android_camera_preparecamera.png
can be replaced by an image of the same (or similar) size. when you're done, it should look like:

Screenshot

3. Refer to Section G

C. Changing page indicators

1. Open res/drawable-mdpi

2. Find the file:
Code:
ic_screen_level_focus.png 
ic_screen_level_normal.png

3. Replace these two files with desired ones

4. Open res/drawable-hdpi

5. Replace these files with desired images.
Code:
ic_screen_level_focus
ic_screen_level_normal.png
ic_screen_level_search_focus.png
ic_screen_level_search_normal.png
ic_screen_level_widget_focus.png
ic_screen_level_widget_normal.png

6. Refer to Section G.

D. How to change dock

1. Navigate to res/drawable-mdpi (in my case)

2. Find file called
Code:
toolbar.png

3. Replace with desired (make sure the dock image is correct size for your phone)

4. Refer to Section G.

E. How to change notification bubble.

1. Open res/drawable-mdpi

2. Find and replace with desired image
Code:
icon_shuzi1.png

3. Refer to Section G.

F. How to add custom icons

*Warning* This section is a lot more confusing. Please read carefully. *Warning*


1. Navigate to /res/values/arrays.xml

2. Now, it gets tricky. ;)

3. Go this website

4. Search for an app. It should look like this:

Screenshot

5. Now, in arrays.xml, scroll down until you see this type of coding

Screenshot

6. Get to the end of that "chunk" of xml.

7. Let's say we're theming the facebook app. So we add this to xml. (and fill it out with info)
Code:
<item>ACTIVITY_OF_APP</item>
	<item>DESCRIPTIVE_ACTIVITY_OF_APP</item>
	<item>@drawable/NAME_OF_APP</item>

For example:
Code:
<item>com.facebook.katana</item>
	<item>com.facebook.katana.LoginActivity</item>
	<item>@drawable/facebook</item>

You get the first line of info like this:

Screenshot

and the second:

Screenshot

in that third line of that xml we add (@drawable/NAME_OF_APP), you can name your app anything you want. i made it "facebook" in this case.

8. Save and exit.

9. Find a desired image for your application (in this case facebook).

10. Rename it to "NAME_OF_APP.png" in this case, "facebook.png"

11. Drop that file into drawable/mdpi

12. Repeat steps 1-11 for as many applications as you want to theme.

13. Refer to Section G.

G. How to install on your phone

1. First, save and close everything you're working on.

2. Open your terminal, and change its directory to the "espier launcher mod" folder

3. Type in
Code:
apktool b 'PATH_TO/espier launcher mod' 1.apk

4. Take that 1.apk, and sign it, using a program like ApkSigner

5. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

6. Mount it as a mass storage device.

7. Transfer that signed.apk to the root of your sdcard.

8. Now on your phone, uninstall any current version of EspierLauncher you may have.

9. Then, using a file manager, install the signed.apk from your sdcard.

YOU'RE DONE!

Hope everyone finds this guide very useful! If you want to see what it looks like as a completed project Check out my DeviantArt
 
Last edited:

Mello^

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2011
313
36
I've been looking for ways to mod Espier Launcher and recently asked one users from deviantArt to teach me how but didn't get a response and now I saw this. Thanks a lot mate, this is very useful ! :]
 

yken

Senior Member
Dec 24, 2006
1,362
244
I modded this launcher myself removing backdops, icon backgrounds. But changing
the png file with a transparent file. Can you teach doing this by changin code?
Secondly can you teach how to use 2 lines icon names? I do this by changing
a code but i think you already know this.
With all of these it will be a perfect launcher.
 

supetawesomedude

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2011
346
84
Gilroy
I modded this launcher myself removing backdops, icon backgrounds. But changing
the png file with a transparent file. Can you teach doing this by changin code?
Secondly can you teach how to use 2 lines icon names? I do this by changing
a code but i think you already know this.
With all of these it will be a perfect launcher.
Oh yes, i forgot to include how to get rid of icon backdrops...I do not know how to change the code (regards to the icon backgrounds) nor I know how to make the icon names have 2 lines :/ If you could post those instructions, i will add to OP and give you some credit :D
mind posting/sharing your modded espier launcher?:rolleyes::D
Sorry, I wish I could, but the icons i've used in it are NFR. So...no :(

This is dope! Great job mate!

Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Thanks!!!
 

kcls

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2011
936
496
Near Albany NY
www.caseyls.com
For everyone wondering why he won't share his modded launcher, it's because the icons aren't for release. He made this tutorial, why not just do it yourself?

Really nice and thorough tut! I was waiting over on deviantart but didn't see it until now!

For those not wanting to install apktool, the same can be done with apkmanager much easier. Gaurav, I would actually recommend changing the tutorial to use apkmanager instead. Much easier for the noobs :) You would only have to change up a couple of steps.
 
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supetawesomedude

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2011
346
84
Gilroy
For everyone wondering why he won't share his modded launcher, it's because the icons aren't for release. He made this tutorial, why not just do it yoursellf?
That is exactly correct!
Gaurav, I would actually recommend changing the tutorial to use apkmanager instead. Much easier for the noobs :) You would only have to change up a couple of steps.
Sounds good. I will update when I find some free time.
iLauncher is better.
I thought Espier was smoother. And i know how to theme ;)

Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
 
Last edited:

Mello^

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2011
313
36
Mate, I don't use apktool nor apk manager. I just use 7zip for modding apks and I can't seem to find the values folder on the res so I can't add any app activities on array.xml :/

help TT
 

kcls

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2011
936
496
Near Albany NY
www.caseyls.com
Mate, I don't use apktool nor apk manager. I just use 7zip for modding apks and I can't seem to find the values folder on the res so I can't add any app activities on array.xml :/

help TT

You have to use one of the two, they decompile the apks so the XML is readable. Unzipping with 7 zip will result in a bunch of gibberish for XML.

Tapatalkin it from my IHO CM7.1'd, MIUI Themed Optimus V
 
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Reactions: Mello^

TMinh

Senior Member
Aug 19, 2009
683
226
34
Danang, Vietnam
facebook.com
Well, thanks to supetawesomedude and his awesome guide, I moded espier launcher so now it has Suave theme :D This theme is for MDPI devices only (I dont have HDPI devices so I can't test). Backup your Espier Launcher config, remove it, install the file below and restore the config :D Enjoy :D

 

Attachments

  • signedmobi.espier.launcher-1.apk
    4.7 MB · Views: 1,410

ryan1mcq

Senior Member
May 5, 2011
893
779
Dunfermline
awesome guide bro, but too complex for me to get my head around it lol, if they just allowed the option that ilauncher has for custom icons this would rock so much more imo, and thanks TMinh for sharing your setup :)
 

fergie716

Senior Member
May 14, 2011
4,053
3,788
36
Buffalo, NY
So can you only add up to 14 icons by editing the public.xml?

I'm up to 8 right now and just realized it only goes up to icbk_color_14
 

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  • 31


    c33ec723d787deeace48c2ce8bf16.jpg

    After receiving many questions on how I modded my Espier Launcher.apk I decided to write this tutorial. Many thanks to Taine0 for inspiration and initial instructions!



    WHAT THIS GUIDE IS FOR:
    -How to change icons in espier launcher
    -How to change page indicators
    -How to change dock
    -How to change notification bubble
    -How to add custom icons (for apps not natively themed by espier launcher) RECENTLY EDITED
    -How to install onto phone

    A. Preliminary Steps:

    1. Install apktool

    2. Create a directory called Espier launcher mod

    3. Download Espier Launcher and rename to launcher.apk

    4. Place Espier Launcher into that directory.

    5. Open terminal.

    6. Change terminal directory to your Espier launcher mod folder.
    E.G. I ran this:
    Code:
    cd /home/gaurav/Desktop/Espier launcher mod

    7. Decompile the apk.
    Code:
    apktool d launcher.apk

    B. Changing basic icons.
    **UPDATE**
    Now, to prevent icons from being edited (in a bad way) by Espier Launcher, download this icon and place it in drawable-(h/m/l)dpi. This is crucial to prevent your icons from getting a weird white glow around them!

    1. Open res/drawable-(hdpi/ldpi/mdpi/xhdpi) *depending on what screen size your phone is. I have an mdpi so i will go into drawble-mdpi

    2. Change the desired icon
    For example, the file
    Code:
    ic_com_android_camera_preparecamera.png
    can be replaced by an image of the same (or similar) size. when you're done, it should look like:

    Screenshot

    3. Refer to Section G

    C. Changing page indicators

    1. Open res/drawable-mdpi

    2. Find the file:
    Code:
    ic_screen_level_focus.png 
    ic_screen_level_normal.png

    3. Replace these two files with desired ones

    4. Open res/drawable-hdpi

    5. Replace these files with desired images.
    Code:
    ic_screen_level_focus
    ic_screen_level_normal.png
    ic_screen_level_search_focus.png
    ic_screen_level_search_normal.png
    ic_screen_level_widget_focus.png
    ic_screen_level_widget_normal.png

    6. Refer to Section G.

    D. How to change dock

    1. Navigate to res/drawable-mdpi (in my case)

    2. Find file called
    Code:
    toolbar.png

    3. Replace with desired (make sure the dock image is correct size for your phone)

    4. Refer to Section G.

    E. How to change notification bubble.

    1. Open res/drawable-mdpi

    2. Find and replace with desired image
    Code:
    icon_shuzi1.png

    3. Refer to Section G.

    F. How to add custom icons

    *Warning* This section is a lot more confusing. Please read carefully. *Warning*


    1. Navigate to /res/values/arrays.xml

    2. Now, it gets tricky. ;)

    3. Go this website

    4. Search for an app. It should look like this:

    Screenshot

    5. Now, in arrays.xml, scroll down until you see this type of coding

    Screenshot

    6. Get to the end of that "chunk" of xml.

    7. Let's say we're theming the facebook app. So we add this to xml. (and fill it out with info)
    Code:
    <item>ACTIVITY_OF_APP</item>
    	<item>DESCRIPTIVE_ACTIVITY_OF_APP</item>
    	<item>@drawable/NAME_OF_APP</item>

    For example:
    Code:
    <item>com.facebook.katana</item>
    	<item>com.facebook.katana.LoginActivity</item>
    	<item>@drawable/facebook</item>

    You get the first line of info like this:

    Screenshot

    and the second:

    Screenshot

    in that third line of that xml we add (@drawable/NAME_OF_APP), you can name your app anything you want. i made it "facebook" in this case.

    8. Save and exit.

    9. Find a desired image for your application (in this case facebook).

    10. Rename it to "NAME_OF_APP.png" in this case, "facebook.png"

    11. Drop that file into drawable/mdpi

    12. Repeat steps 1-11 for as many applications as you want to theme.

    13. Refer to Section G.

    G. How to install on your phone

    1. First, save and close everything you're working on.

    2. Open your terminal, and change its directory to the "espier launcher mod" folder

    3. Type in
    Code:
    apktool b 'PATH_TO/espier launcher mod' 1.apk

    4. Take that 1.apk, and sign it, using a program like ApkSigner

    5. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

    6. Mount it as a mass storage device.

    7. Transfer that signed.apk to the root of your sdcard.

    8. Now on your phone, uninstall any current version of EspierLauncher you may have.

    9. Then, using a file manager, install the signed.apk from your sdcard.

    YOU'RE DONE!

    Hope everyone finds this guide very useful! If you want to see what it looks like as a completed project Check out my DeviantArt
    4
    Well, thanks to supetawesomedude and his awesome guide, I moded espier launcher so now it has Suave theme :D This theme is for MDPI devices only (I dont have HDPI devices so I can't test). Backup your Espier Launcher config, remove it, install the file below and restore the config :D Enjoy :D

    2
    Ugh, can't get it to compile! I made all my changes, and went into command prompt and changed my directory to
    Code:
    C:\Users\Casey\Desktop\Espier launcher mod
    Then I typed
    Code:
    apktool b C:\Users\Casey\Desktop\Espier launcher mod 1.apk
    It just spits the settings back out at me, doesn't compile. I've tried with quotes, without quotes, everything. The only way I can get apktool to give me anything other then the commands it to change my directory to
    Code:
    C:\Users\Casey\Desktop\Espier launcher mod
    then type
    Code:
    apktool b 1.apk
    Then it gives me this:
    Code:
    Exception in thread "main" brut.androlib.AndrolibException: brut.directory.Direc
    toryException: java.io.FileNotFoundException: 1.apk (The system cannot find the
    file specified)
            at brut.androlib.Androlib.readMetaFile(Androlib.java:142)
            at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Androlib.java:159)
            at brut.androlib.Androlib.build(Androlib.java:154)
            at brut.apktool.Main.cmdBuild(Main.java:182)
            at brut.apktool.Main.main(Main.java:67)
    Caused by: brut.directory.DirectoryException: java.io.FileNotFoundException: 1.a
    pk (The system cannot find the file specified)
            at brut.directory.ZipRODirectory.<init>(ZipRODirectory.java:55)
            at brut.directory.ZipRODirectory.<init>(ZipRODirectory.java:38)
            at brut.androlib.res.util.ExtFile.getDirectory(ExtFile.java:55)
            at brut.androlib.Androlib.readMetaFile(Androlib.java:138)
            ... 4 more
    Caused by: java.io.FileNotFoundException: 1.apk (The system cannot find the file
     specified)
            at java.util.zip.ZipFile.open(Native Method)
            at java.util.zip.ZipFile.<init>(Unknown Source)
            at java.util.zip.ZipFile.<init>(Unknown Source)
            at java.util.zip.ZipFile.<init>(Unknown Source)
            at brut.directory.ZipRODirectory.<init>(ZipRODirectory.java:53)
            ... 7 more

    Any suggestions? This is why I usually use apkmanager lol.
    You have to install framework-res.apk
    Copy the framework-res.apk (in /system/framework) to your Espier launcher mod folder

    Then, run this:

    C:\Users\Casey\Desktop\Espier launcher mod

    and then

    apktool if framework-res.apk

    Then continue with the guide
    2
    Serious tminh? I tries before and gave me trouble compiling. Will try this eve. Thmx


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

    Yes, so far I added up to 18 custom icons (those I use most).
    Just find custom icon, edit arrays.xml and compile, that's all. No need to edit anything in public.xml.
    And I compile/decompile/sign APKs by using APK Manager latest version (5.0.2), it's easier than typing command in apktool. Option 9 for decompile, 11 for compile and 12 for sign :)

    How to use it (for people who have never used it before :D )

    Instructions (Windows):
    - Place apk in appropriate folder (Any filename will work, if running for first time folders will not be there, you must run and then the folders will be created)
    - Run script
    - Minimize the script
    - Edit files inside the project folder
    - Maximize the script

    Instructions (Linux):
    - Place apk in appropriate folder (Any filename will work, if running for first time folders will not be there, you must run and then the folders will be created)
    - Open terminal and change-directory to apkmanager (Easiest way is to type "cd ")
    - Chmod 755 Script.sh
    - Chmod 755 all files apps inside other folder
    - Run script by typing ./Script.sh
    - Minimize the script
    - Edit files inside the out folder
    - Maximize the script


    You can use my modded Espier with Suave theme (attached below), add more icons since previous uploaded version.
    1
    I've been looking for ways to mod Espier Launcher and recently asked one users from deviantArt to teach me how but didn't get a response and now I saw this. Thanks a lot mate, this is very useful ! :]

    Yup! I got a lot of requests so I made this guide! Glad you like it!!

    Sent from my Liberty using XDA App