One of the features that people found very cool when Android Ice Cream Sandwich was first introduced was the on screen buttons. Now only does it look slick, but it brings that certain “all touch screen” futuristic vibe that a lot of people enjoy.

Even with Ice Cream Sandwich showing up for more and more devices over the last couple of months, it appears as though most still make do with the buttons on the devices themselves. However, with the help of XDA Senior Member evilisto, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Evilisto has written up a tutorial that will restore the original Ice Cream Sandwich on-screen buttons back onto the screen. The process is a little complicated, and involves decompiling and recompiling the framework-res.apk as well as some edits to a few xml files. If you can make it through the process, though, the on screen button goodness is all yours.

For those giving it a try for the first time, evilisto has been kind enough to include a link to a tutorial for those who haven’t decompiled an apk before. Also, as always, make sure you make a backup before flashing the modded apk just in case something goes wrong.

For those who want to attempt at getting the on screen buttons, you can find the step-by-step, screen shot accompanied tutorial right here along with links to all the files and apps you need to properly edit the framework-res.apk.