A layout manager is an object that positions and resizes the components in an AWT container according to some algorithm; for example, GridLayout lays out components in rows and columns. The layout managers provided with the AWT cover most GUI designs that you would be likely to build--FlowLayout, BorderLayout, CardLayout, and GridLayout are covered. This document also covers the RatioLayout manager, which is useful when you need to specify position or size as a ratio of the width or height of a Container. See also Laying Out Components and Common Layout Problems.

This section contains the following subsections:

FlowLayout
BorderLayout
CardLayout
GridLayout
RatioLayout