Override a style in Android without modifying layout file -

my experience until when dealing styles has been create style.xml file , create properties want style. if want style based on existing style, use parent attribute. specify style inside of layout file on controls want apply style to.

where @ loss when want use system styles , update properties. wondering whether can leave layout files alone , not bother applying styles controls. instead, somehow update property of system style , update everywhere in app style being used default.

more specifically, want change background color of actionbar haven't found way of doing other way described above.

you're looking themes, collections of styles, applied either globally throughout application, or each activity in particular. start this document , investigate further.