📐 Layouts in .NET MAUI – FlexLayout

FlexLayout in .NET MAUI

In the ecosystem of .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI), building responsive and adaptable user interfaces is a cornerstone of modern application development. Among the various layout engines available, the FlexLayout stands out as a highly versatile tool, modeled after the CSS Flexbox module popular in web development.

Unlike traditional stack layouts that simply line up elements, FlexLayout provides a dynamic way to arrange, align, and distribute space among items, even when their exact sizes are unknown or subject to change based on the screen dimensions. It is particularly favored for creating "Holy Grail" web layouts or photo galleries where items need to flow naturally across the screen and wrap to new lines when they run out of space.

Core Characteristics of FlexLayout

The FlexLayout operates on a "main axis" and a "cross axis". Depending on its configuration, it can behave like a powerful StackLayout or a flexible multi-row layout.

• Directional Flow: Control orientation using the Direction property. Options include Row, Column, RowReverse, and ColumnReverse.
• Wrapping Capabilities: The Wrap property allows elements to move to a new line when space runs out, enabling responsive layouts.
• Intelligent Alignment: Properties like JustifyContent and AlignItems control spacing and alignment without complex margins.
• Proportional Sizing: Attached properties such as Grow and Shrink define how elements expand or contract within available space.

Practical Implementation Example

Below is a common real-world example of a responsive tag cloud using FlexLayout.

<FlexLayout Wrap="Wrap"
    Direction="Row"
    JustifyContent="Start"
    AlignItems="Center"
    Padding="10">

<Label Text="C#" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text=".NET MAUI" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text="XAML" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text="Mobile Development" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text="Cross-Platform" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text="Responsive Design" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text="Flexbox" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
<Label Text="UI/UX" BackgroundColor="LightBlue" Margin="5" Padding="10" />
</FlexLayout>

Breakdown of the Example

• Wrap="Wrap": Allows tags to flow onto multiple lines depending on screen width.
• Direction="Row": Displays items from left to right.
• JustifyContent="Start": Aligns items to the beginning of each row.
• AlignItems="Center": Vertically centers items within each row.

Why Choose FlexLayout?

While Grid is ideal for structured layouts and StackLayout works well for simple lists, FlexLayout excels when fluid, adaptive behavior is required. It minimizes layout nesting and allows interfaces to rearrange themselves based on available screen space.

In summary, FlexLayout is a key tool for building responsive, flowing UIs in .NET MAUI. It combines flexibility and simplicity, making it ideal for modern cross-platform application design.

FlexLayout is a versatile layout in .NET MAUI that arranges child elements similar to CSS Flexbox. It provides flexible alignment, orientation, and wrapping options, making it ideal for responsive designs.

Key Features

• 📏 Orientation: Horizontal or Vertical.
• 🔄 Wrapping: Items can wrap to the next line when space runs out.
• 🎯 Alignment: Control alignment along main and cross axes.
• 📦 Basis, Grow, Shrink: Control how items expand or contract.
• ⚡ Responsive: Adapts well to different screen sizes.

Example: FlexLayout with Wrapping

<FlexLayout Direction="Row" Wrap="Wrap" JustifyContent="Center">
    <Button Text="One" />
    <Button Text="Two" />
    <Button Text="Three" />
    <Button Text="Four" />
    <Button Text="Five" />
</FlexLayout>
  

Explanation of Example

• ➡️ Direction="Row" → Children arranged horizontally.
• ➡️ Wrap="Wrap" → Buttons wrap to the next line if space is insufficient.
• ➡️ JustifyContent="Center" → Aligns items to the center horizontally.

Use Cases

• 📱 Responsive layouts for mobile and desktop.
• 🧩 Toolbars or button groups that adapt to screen size.
• 📊 Dashboards with flexible arrangement of widgets.

Conclusion

FlexLayout is ideal when you need responsive, flexible arrangements of UI elements. It offers more control than StackLayout and is especially useful for adaptive designs.