Binary Ninja Free plan 9.4 Visit Apktool
apktool.org
What it is
Apktool is a command-line tool for reverse engineering Android APK files. It can disassemble an app’s resources into a form close to their original structure, then rebuild an app after changes such as translation or permission edits. Its analysis mode attempts to extract resources and the manifest for inspection without rebuilding. Apktool runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS; its official installation guide describes wrapper-script steps for those systems and requires Java 8 or later. Decode options include choosing resource-resolution behavior, skipping resources or source disassembly, and setting a framework directory. Build options include selecting an aapt2 binary, adding a generic Network Security Configuration file, and disabling APK repacking. The Apache license permits redistribution, modification, and integration into another project. Apktool is free, with no pricing tiers stated. Its FAQ says Android devices are not officially supported, and some OEM-modified “Magic APKs” may not decode or build. Builds are unsigned; copying a signature retains only the original APK signature v1 scheme.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Support
- The official site points users to GitHub Discussions, Stack Overflow, and IRC for community support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Analyze
- Its analysis mode attempts to extract resources and the manifest for inspection without rebuilding.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Android device limitation
- The FAQ says Android devices are not officially supported because of aapt incompatibilities and issues with java.nio on older Android builds.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- APK compatibility
- The FAQ says APKs built with modified tools for specific OEMs, called “Magic APKs,” may not be decodable or buildable with Apktool.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Assemble
- It can rebuild apps after modifications such as translation or permission changes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Build options
- Build options include using a specified aapt2 binary, adding a generic Network Security Configuration file, and disabling APK repacking.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Command line
- The official install guide provides wrapper-script installation steps for Windows, Linux, and Mac, and requires Java 8 or later.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Decode options
- Decode options include selecting resource-resolution behavior, skipping resources or source disassembly, and setting a framework directory.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Disassemble
- It can disassemble resources to nearly their original form.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Integration
- The FAQ says Apktool can be redistributed, modified, and integrated into another project under its Apache license.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Pricing
- The official site and documentation pages opened describe no paid plans or trial.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
- Signing limitation
- Apktool builds unsigned APKs, and its copy-original option can retain signatures only for the original APK signature v1 scheme.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
Plans and prices
Apktool Free No pricing tiers stated; requires Java 8 or later Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Disassembles resources near their original form
- Can rebuild apps after modifications
- Analysis mode extracts resources and the manifest
- Decode and build options provide configuration choices
- Free, with Windows, Linux, and macOS support
Limits
- Requires Java 8 or later
- Android devices are not officially supported
- Some OEM-modified APKs may not work
- Builds are unsigned
Who it suits
Apktool suits developers and analysts who need to inspect or modify Android APK resources on Windows, Linux, or macOS. It may also suit teams integrating the tool into another project under its Apache license.
Verdict
Apktool covers APK resource inspection, modification, and rebuilding in a free command-line package. Check the Java requirement, Android-device limitation, and signing behavior before relying on it in a workflow.
Where Specifiction places it
- Reverse Engineering Tools#12 of 738.1
