Using a Custom Layout Manager
See Also
If you are unable to accomplish the result you require with the provided layout
managers, you can use a custom layout manager.
To integrate a custom layout manager into the IDE's GUI Builder it must:
- Implement the java.awt.LayoutManager interface.
- Be a JavaBeans component.
- Not use layout parameters (constraints) for individual components.
- If the layout manager does not meet the above
requirements, you must create a special support class in order to add it
to the GUI Builder.
To install a custom layout manager from the Files window:
- Right-click the layout manager's class in the Files window and choose
Tools > Add to Palette
from the contextual menu.
- In the Select Palette Category dialog box, select one of the categories
and click OK.
The IDE adds the custom layout manager to the palette window.
To install a custom layout manager that is packed in a JAR file:
- Choose Tools > Palette > Swing/AWT Components.
- In the Palette Manager, click Add From JAR.
- In the Install Components to Palette wizard's file chooser, navigate
to and select the JAR file for the layout manager.
- Complete the Install Components to Palette wizard and click Finish.
The IDE installs the JavaBean and adds the custom layout manager to the
palette window.
For more information on how to create a custom layout, see:
- See Also
- About Layout Managers
- Setting the Layout Manager
- Using the GridBag Customizer
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