Complete Jetpack Compose Flow Layout Guide

Flow Layouts in Jetpack Compose

FlowRow & FlowColumn create responsive layouts that wrap items automatically. Ideal for chips, tags, filters, grids, and adaptive UI. #JetpackComposeDev

What Are FlowRow & FlowColumn?

Similar to Row/Column but with automatic wrapping when space runs out. Items continue to the next line, making the UI responsive without clipping.

• Automatic wrap to next row/column
• Perfect for dynamic chip groups and filters
• Handles small and large screens easily
• No manual measurement or calculations needed

Main Axis Arrangement (FlowRow)

Controls how items are placed horizontally before wrapping.

• Start – Items aligned to the left
• Center – Items placed in the horizontal center
• End – Items aligned to the right
• SpaceBetween – Even spacing between items
• SpaceAround – Equal spacing around each item
• SpacedBy(dp) – Fixed gap between items

Cross Axis Arrangement

Controls how each line aligns vertically inside FlowRow.

• Top – Lines aligned to top
• Center – Lines centered vertically
• Bottom – Lines aligned to bottom
• FlowColumn uses Start / Center / End horizontally

Individual Item Alignment

Align each item within the line independently.

• Top – Item pinned to upper edge
• Bottom – Item pinned to lower edge
• CenterVertically – Centered within the line
• FlowColumn supports left, right, center alignments

Max Items per Row/Column

Defines how many items fit before wrapping.

• maxItemsInEachRow – FlowRow control
• maxItemsInEachColumn – FlowColumn control
• Default: Unlimited wrapping based on available space
• Useful for grids (2 per row, 3 per row, etc.)

Weight in Flow Layouts

Weight expands items based on available space, but only within the line they are placed in.

• Weight is calculated per-line (not whole container)
• Space is divided among items in the same row/column
• Ideal for adaptive grids and equal-width items
• Unused space gets distributed evenly

Building Responsive Grids

FlowRow + weight + maxItems = easy grid without Lazy grids.

• Make equal-sized boxes
• Make mixed layouts (wide + narrow items)
• Automatically adapts to screen size
• Useful in dashboards, product layouts, cards

Fractional Sizing

Fractional width behaves differently in FlowRow vs Row.

• FlowRow: fraction applies to full container width
• Row: fraction applies to remaining space
• Great for layouts needing sections (70% card + small cards)

Equal Column/Row Sizing

Makes items match the size of the largest item in the same row/column.

• fillMaxColumnWidth() – Items match full column width
• fillMaxRowHeight() – Items match tallest item height
• Useful for consistent list/grid alignment
• Prevents uneven zig-zag layouts

Where Flow Layouts Shine

Best suited for content that varies in size or screen space.

• Chips and tag groups
• Search filters
• Responsive dashboards
• Dynamic wrapping lists
• Adaptive card arrangements

Best Practices

Tips for more predictable Flow layout behavior.

• Use SpacedBy() for clean spacing
• Use max items to force consistent line sizes
• Use weight only when items must expand
• Use fractional sizing carefully (full container)
• Combine wrap + weight for adaptive grids

Summary

Flow layouts offer powerful responsive design capabilities without complex measurement logic.

• Automatic wrapping
• Flexible spacing & alignment
• Grid-like arrangement using weight
• Fractional widths for adaptive UI
• Perfect for scaling across devices

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