Evolve SMS
EvolveSMS is a beautiful third party texting app that brings an immersive feel as well as a flowing design.
Though there is already a tutorial on how to make Evolve themes, I decided to compile my little explanation to go with is. My Evolve themes were actually the first apks I made, so I am still a beginner. Likewise, my tutorial is intended mainly for those who have absolutely no experience in making apps. If you see something that isn't explained here, it is probably because I don't know the answer.
Though there is already a tutorial on how to make Evolve themes, I decided to compile my little explanation to go with is. My Evolve themes were actually the first apks I made, so I am still a beginner. Likewise, my tutorial is intended mainly for those who have absolutely no experience in making apps. If you see something that isn't explained here, it is probably because I don't know the answer.
Step 1: Downloading the Tools
The easiest way to do so is to simply download the whole adt bundle. Extract it, set up your workplace, download whatever you need from sdk manager, and you are good to go! If you are having issues with java, download the newest version, and go into the eclipse folder. Fine "eclipse.ini", open it, and add "-vm (new line) C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\bin\" above "-vmargs". More detailed tutorial here.
Step 2: Create a Project
I won't go into too much detail as I don't think I know the best way to do this. For me, I pressed new --> project, then created a folder, then imported the extracted github "theme master" to the folder.
Step 3: Edit xml
What I love about this is that the instructions are very clear. Open android manifest, and follow the comments. You may also want to edit color.xml.
Tip: If phone numbers and links don't show in your apk, you need to edit the "main color" in android manifest. |
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Step 4: Edit 9.png
This is probably the harder part of the theming process. What separates 9.png from plain png is that they have a one pixel thick black line on the sides to outline how the image should stretch. As android comes with many screen resolutions, this is very important. If you don't feel like adding the lines yourself or don't know how, try the following.
1. Download and install an image editing software. I use gimp (it's free!)
2. Save this image as a base. It is 76 * 67 pixels, which is very small. It is meant to be that way as 9.png can only be stretched (not compressed). Do not rescale this image! If you are using gimp and decide to make the lines yourself, make sure you use the rectangle feature (not brush). Set it to have a defined height/width of 1px, select your area, go into selected and fill it with black. If that doesn't work, you can try this
3. Create a normal png for your message boxes. It should also be 76 * 67 pixels (hopefully with room to spare on all sides). Make the background transparent. It is certainly not going to have smooth edges as it is so small, but it is fine.
4. Open both image as layers (the "base image" might need to be under the "normal png". Edit the normal png in any way you like. When you are done, simply export (ctrl + alt + E) and name it as whatever image in the "theme master" you want to replace (don't forget that it ends with 9.png). Test your work, perfect it, and then share!
5. Have a 9.png for one density and want to make the same ones for other densities? Try this.
1. Download and install an image editing software. I use gimp (it's free!)
2. Save this image as a base. It is 76 * 67 pixels, which is very small. It is meant to be that way as 9.png can only be stretched (not compressed). Do not rescale this image! If you are using gimp and decide to make the lines yourself, make sure you use the rectangle feature (not brush). Set it to have a defined height/width of 1px, select your area, go into selected and fill it with black. If that doesn't work, you can try this
3. Create a normal png for your message boxes. It should also be 76 * 67 pixels (hopefully with room to spare on all sides). Make the background transparent. It is certainly not going to have smooth edges as it is so small, but it is fine.
4. Open both image as layers (the "base image" might need to be under the "normal png". Edit the normal png in any way you like. When you are done, simply export (ctrl + alt + E) and name it as whatever image in the "theme master" you want to replace (don't forget that it ends with 9.png). Test your work, perfect it, and then share!
5. Have a 9.png for one density and want to make the same ones for other densities? Try this.
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