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?

Answer 1

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