Question

I am using a linear layout to display a pretty light initial screen. It has 1 button that is supposed to centre in the screen both horizontally and vertically. However no matter what I try to do the button will top align centre. I have included the XML below, can some one point me in the right direction?

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:layout_width="fill_parent"
    android:layout_height="fill_parent">

    <ImageButton android:id="@+id/btnFindMe" 
        android:layout_width="wrap_content" 
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:layout_gravity="center_vertical|center_horizontal"
        android:background="@drawable/findme"></ImageButton>

</LinearLayout>

Answer 1

If you want to center an item in the middle of the screen don’t use a LinearLayout as these are meant for displaying a number of items in a row.

Use a RelativeLayout instead.

So replace:

android:layout_gravity="center_vertical|center_horizontal"

for the relevant RelativeLayout option:

android:layout_centerInParent="true"

So your layout file will look like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<RelativeLayout android:id="@+id/RelativeLayout01" 
    android:layout_width="fill_parent" 
    android:layout_height="fill_parent"
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">

    <ImageButton android:id="@+id/btnFindMe" 
        android:layout_width="wrap_content" 
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:layout_centerInParent="true"
        android:background="@drawable/findme"></ImageButton>

</RelativeLayout>