Using a Custom Layout Manager

See Also

You can easily integrate a custom layout manager into the Form Editor if the custom layout manager:

• Implements the java.awt.LayoutManager interface.
• Is technically a JavaBeans component.
• Does 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 the layout to the Form Editor. You can find more information on how to create a custom layout at http://form.netbeans.org/.

To install a custom layout manager from the Explorer:

1. Right-click the layout manager's class in the Explorer and choose Tools Add to Component Palette from the contextual menu.
2. In the Palette Category dialog box, select one of the categories and click OK.

To install a custom layout manager that is packed in a JAR file:

1. Choose Tools  Install New JavaBean.
2. In the file chooser, navigate to and select the JAR file for the layout manager.
3. In the Palette Category dialog box, select one of the categories and click OK.