Laying Out Components within a Container

Common Layout Problems (and Their Solutions)

This page will include answers to common questions such as:

1. How do I specify a Component's exact size?
2. How do I resize a Component (Component-initiated resizing)?
3. How do I increase or decrease the number of Components in a Container?

Problem: My custom component is being sized too small.

• Does the component implement the preferredSize() and minimumSize() methods? If so, do they return the right values?
• Are you using a layout manager that can use as much space as is available? See General Rules for Using Layout Managers for some tips on choosing a layout manager and specifying that it use the maximum available space for a particular component.

What else should this page cover? Send me suggestions!

Laying Out Components within a Container