How do I move a component in a layout?

Question

How do I move a component in a frame while I am using a layout? I have tried this:

    System.out.println(test1.getLocation());
    int oy = test1.getY();
    int ox = test1.getX();
    oy++;
    ox++;
    test1.setLocation(ox, oy);
    validate();
    test1.validate();
    System.out.println(test1.getLocation());

The first location is the same as the last location. I know that you can't change the location while in the layout normally, but how do you accomplish it? I have asked a similar question before and never got an answer. I have searched all over the internet for this, but I haven't found an answer.

TL;DR - How do you move a component?

Swing gives each component `BorderLayout` as a default layout manager. Try turning it off for the panel with `setLayoutManager(null)` to enable absolute positioning. — millimoose, Sep 07 '12 at 22:00
@millimoose: No, the default layout of `JFrame` is `BorderLayout`; the default layout of `JPanel` is `FlowLayout`; absolute positioning is _not_ required. — trashgod, Sep 07 '12 at 22:10
See also this [example](http://stackoverflow.com/a/2562685/230513) and [variation](http://stackoverflow.com/a/2563350/230513). — trashgod, Sep 07 '12 at 22:10

David Kroukamp · Accepted Answer · 2012-09-08T07:47:31.260

The problem is that the LayoutManager of the panel is setting the location of the label for you.

What you need to do is set the layout to null by:

setLayout(null);

This will make it so the frame/panel doesn't try to layout the components by itself.

Then call setBounds(Rectangle rect) on the label. Like so:

lbl.setBounds(new Rectangle(new Point(200, 300), lbl.getPreferedSize())); This should place the component where you want it.

However, if you don't have a really great reason to lay out the components by yourself, it is usually a better idea to use LayoutManagers to work in your favour.

Here is a great tutorial on getting started with using LayoutManagers, if though you must use absolute then have a look at this tutorial

technically correct, but not recommened - simply don't go without a LayoutManager, ever. — kleopatra, Sep 08 '12 at 06:47

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 07 '12 at 22:14

3

may to help you to look at DragLayout and to combine with ComponentMover, made by @camickr

answered Sep 07 '12 at 22:14

mKorbel

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score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 07 '12 at 22:09

2

The setLocation() method works when setting the layout to null. If you are using a layout manager then one choice would be that you remove the component from its container and add it back using the new layout constraints.

answered Sep 07 '12 at 22:09

Dan D.

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How do I move a component in a layout?

3 Answers3