ApkTool
A tool for decoding and rebuilding app resources for use, customization, and analysis
ApkTool is a command line application that can be used to change the composition of APK files. It is intended for Android programmers of the "old school", who are used to using the console, not the graphic shell. To work with the application you need at least basic knowledge of SDK, PATH, aapt and smali. Even running an application is unlikely to be possible for a normal user.
So, using this tool you can modify Android-applications, change scripts, add new functionality and localization. The ApkTool developers kindly provide detailed documentation on the application's operation (in English) and strongly recommend using it only for "legal" modification. However, changing the composition of the APK downloaded from Play Market and its further distribution, in fact, already violates the license of Google. So use the program only at your own risk.
ApkTool simplifies the modification of APK files by allowing detailed changes to scripts, functionalities, and localization within Android applications.
The application allows you to extract any resources from the APK, and can also optimize some of the repetitive tasks associated with editing the contents of the package. Unfortunately, the possibility of "opening" the framework-res.apk application is not provided for. This is about special protection from Google. In the future, developers are going to "beat" this protection, so keep an eye on the release of new versions.
Note that ApkTool will not work without Java SE Runtime Environment installed. By the way, being a Java-application, it will run on all popular desktop operating systems. Naturally, the applications are completely free and have open source code.
- the lack of a graphic shell;
- extraction of resources and modification of APK contents;
- Smali dumping;
- possibility of changing scripts, adding new locations and functions;
- launch on all popular desktop operating systems (Java-application);
- availability of a BAT-file for convenient launch on Windows;
- decoding resources close to the original (including resources.arsc, XMLs and 9.png files).
PROS
Supports extensive customizations with an easy-to-use interface.
Completely free and open-source, promoting transparency and trust.
CONS
Limited customer support and documentation.
Occasional bugs and instability issues.
Rory
ApkTool is a specific tool for modifying Android setup files. This application only works with the Android APK file. It allows to modify the APK files through reverse engineering.
Tue, Jan 30, 2024
This tool can disassemble a setup file from an APK file. Therefore, the developers can easily break down the entire APK file and apply reverse engineering processes to them. However, this same tool can also be used to assemble them into one APK file again. It helps the developers to analyze the setup file directly.
The official website of ApkTool has a large documentation. This can help any developers who want to experiment or work with ApkTool. However, there are some chances to create malware applications if bad users get their hands on it.
ApkTool is an open-source project. Therefore, it provides transparency, collaboration, and regular updates to everyone.
