apktool
Decode and encode Android APK files
TLDR
Decode an APK file
Build an APK file from a directory
Install and store a framework
SYNOPSIS
apktool [options] {d|decode|b|build|if|install-framework} [opts] args
PARAMETERS
-v, --verbose
Verbose output for debugging
-q, --quiet
Suppress all output
-f, --force
Force overwrite of existing output
-o
Specify output directory or APK name
--use-aapt1
Force use of legacy AAPT1
--use-aapt2
Force use of AAPT2 (default)
--aapt
Custom path to AAPT binary
--aapt2
Custom path to AAPT2 binary
--framework
Use specific framework directory
--use-framework
Directories holding frameworks
--tag
Tag decode/build process
--debug
Enable apktool debug mode
d, decode
Decode APK to smali/resources
b, build
Build directory into APK
if, install-framework
Install APK framework
DESCRIPTION
Apktool is a Java-based, open-source utility for reverse engineering Android APK files. It decodes APKs into their nearly original form, extracting resources like XML layouts, images, strings, and converting Dalvik bytecode to editable Smali code. This enables inspection, modification, and rebuilding for tasks such as app analysis, customization, security research, or modding.
Primary operations include decoding (disassembling APK to a project directory) and building (recompiling modified resources into a new APK). It supports framework installation for system apps, handles multiple APKs, and integrates with AAPT/AAPT2 for resource processing.
Cross-platform and lightweight, apktool requires Java 8+ and is popular among developers and pentesters. Note that rebuilt APKs are unsigned and must be signed (e.g., with apksigner) before installation. Limitations include struggles with heavily obfuscated code or proprietary protections. Usage is straightforward via command-line, with verbose output for debugging.
CAVEATS
Requires Java 8+. Rebuilt APKs are unsigned and unaligned; sign with apksigner or jarsigner. Fails on obfuscated/protected apps. Not a native Linux binary; use wrapper script.
INSTALLATION
Download JAR from https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/. Run java -jar apktool.jar or use provided bash wrapper: chmod +x apktool.
EXAMPLES
apktool d app.apk -o outdir
apktool b outdir -o new.apk
apktool if framework-res.apk
HISTORY
Originally created in 2010 by Ryszard Wiśniewski (brut.all). Maintained by Connor Tumbleson (iBotPeaches) since 2013, with ongoing updates for new Android versions up to 14+. Evolved from simple decompiler to full build suite.
