Apktool is an open-source tool designed specifically for third-party, closed, binary Android apps. Unlike a simple ZIP extractor, which can only show you the raw files, Apktool decodes the app's resources into their nearly original form. This includes:

Apktool is primarily used through a command-line interface, offering two main workflows: and building . 1. Decompiling and Decoding ( apktool d )

When you run the decode command, Apktool unpacks the APK and processes its internals. It makes the hidden "guts" of an app visible, allowing for: Reverse engineering a Unity-based Android game

Understanding Apktool: The Powerhouse of Android Reverse Engineering