Question

How do I make a background image fit the view but keep its aspect ratio when using <bitmap /> as a background drawable XML?
None of <bitmap>‘s android:gravity values gives the desired effect.

Answer 1

It is impossible to achieve manipulating background attribute within xml-files only. There are two options:

1. You cut/scale the bitmap programmatically with
   Bitmap.createScaledBitmap(Bitmap src, int dstWidth, int dstHeight, boolean filter) and set it as some View‘s background.

2. You use ImageView instead of background placing it as the first layout’s element and specify android:scaleType attribute for it:

   <RelativeLayout
       android:layout_width="fill_parent"
       android:layout_height="fill_parent" >
   
       <ImageView
           android:layout_width="wrap_content"
           android:layout_height="wrap_content"
   
           android:src="@drawable/background"
           android:scaleType="centerCrop" />
   
       ...
   
       other layout components here
   
       ...
   
   </RelativeLayout>