WenHaoFreeAPP Layout Terminology Guide: 30 Core Concepts Detailed Explanation
APP Layout Terminology Guide: 30 Core Concepts Detailed Explanation
This article systematically organizes common layout terminology in mobile application (APP) development, with detailed explanations combined with practical effects, suitable for iOS (Swift/SwiftUI/UIKit), Android, and cross-platform developers.
1. Frame
Definition:
Frame refers to the absolute coordinates and dimensions of a view, including x, y (position) and width, height (size).
Effect:
Elements are fixed at a specific position and size on screen, suitable for static, simple layouts.
Analogy: Like pinning a painting on the wall with fixed position and size.
2. Auto Layout
Definition:
iOS automatic layout system that makes UI elements adapt to screen and content changes by setting constraints.
Effect:
Supports multiple devices and resolutions, interface automatically adjusts with screen changes.
Analogy: Expandable furniture that adapts whether space gets bigger or smaller.
3. Constraint
Definition:
Layout rules that define position, alignment, spacing, proportions between elements.
Effect:
Flexible combinations like “left align”, “width equals half of parent view” to achieve complex adaptive interfaces.
Analogy: Distance and alignment between furniture pieces.
4. Stack (VStack/HStack/ZStack)
Definition:
Vertical (VStack), horizontal (HStack), and layered (ZStack) layout containers in modern frameworks like SwiftUI/Flutter/Jetpack Compose.
Effect:
Arrange views row by row, column by column, or overlapping, simplifying common arrangements.
Analogy: Rows of books, stacks of plates.
5. Grid
Definition:
Multi-row, multi-column table-style layout.
Effect:
Commonly used for photo walls, product displays requiring neat arrangement.
Analogy: Tile flooring, neat and uniform.
6. List
Definition:
Vertically arranged content blocks, each item as a unit.
Effect:
Suitable for messages, menus, news feeds display.
Analogy: Rows of books on a bookshelf.
7. Section
Definition:
Grouped blocks within lists or pages.
Effect:
Convenient for categorizing and separating content, improving readability.
Analogy: Dividers on bookshelves.
8. Spacer
Definition:
Flexible placeholder control.
Effect:
Automatically expands or separates elements for more beautiful, neat layout.
Analogy: Gaps or walkways between furniture.
9. Safe Area
Definition:
“Safe area” on screen not blocked by notches, bottom bars, etc.
Effect:
Ensures complete content display, adapts to full-screen and notched screens.
Analogy: Space in room not blocked by doors and windows.
10. ScrollView
Definition:
Scrollable content area.
Effect:
When content exceeds screen, can scroll up/down or left/right to view.
Analogy: Bookshelf with sliding rails.
11. Alignment
Definition:
Controls left, center, right or top/bottom alignment of elements.
Effect:
Improves interface neatness and visual appeal.
Analogy: Arranging tables and chairs in a line.
12. Padding / Margin
Definition:
Padding: Distance between element content and its border.
Margin: Distance between elements.
Effect:
Adjusts element spacing, improves interface hierarchy and readability.
Analogy: Gaps left between furniture and walls, between furniture pieces.
13. Aspect Ratio
Definition:
Ratio between element width and height.
Effect:
Keeps images or views from deforming.
Analogy: TV or picture frame proportions.
14. Container / ViewGroup
Definition:
Generic container view for wrapping and organizing child elements.
Effect:
Unified management and overall layout.
Analogy: Rooms, storage boxes.
15. TabBar
Definition: Bottom tab bar for main page switching. Effect: One-click switching between different functional areas like “Home-Messages-Profile”. Analogy: Labels on drawer cabinets.
16. Navigation Bar
Definition: Top navigation bar displaying title, back button, action buttons. Effect: Manages page hierarchy, provides navigation and action entry points. Analogy: Room nameplate and door handle.
17. Toolbar
Definition: Collection of action buttons at top or bottom. Effect: Commonly used for editing, sharing functions. Analogy: Toolbox.
18. Segmented Control
Definition: Horizontal segmented buttons for switching different content blocks. Effect: Common for filtering, categorization. Analogy: Row of switches.
19. Drawer / Side Bar
Definition: Side-sliding navigation menu or functional area. Effect: Suitable for Apps with many features needing grouping. Analogy: Side cabinet, hidden door.
20. PageView / Page Controller
Definition: Control for sliding between pages. Effect: Commonly used for onboarding, content carousel. Analogy: Turning book pages.
21. Floating Action Button
Definition: Main action button floating on interface. Effect: Quick trigger for core operations. Analogy: Emergency button.
22. Alignment Guide
Definition: Custom alignment reference lines. Effect: Fine control over element alignment. Analogy: Pulling a rope to align furniture.
23. Z-Index / ZStack
Definition: Front-to-back stacking order of elements. Effect: Determines which element is on top, which is below. Analogy: Stacked books.
24. GridView / CollectionView
Definition: Grid/collection view for flexible display of diverse content. Effect: Suitable for multi-type, reusable content display. Analogy: Exhibition rack.
25. Divider / Separator
Definition: Dividing line. Effect: Visual separation of different content blocks. Analogy: Partition wall.
26. Card
Definition: Content block with rounded corners and shadow. Effect: Highlights information display, enhances interface hierarchy. Analogy: Postcards, business cards.
27. Modal / Sheet
Definition: Pop-up layer or bottom-sliding panel. Effect: Temporarily displays important content or operations. Analogy: Pop-up window, drawer.
28. Overlay
Definition: Content layer overlaid on main interface. Effect: Used for tips, guidance, masks, etc. Analogy: Transparent film.
29. Badge
Definition: Small dot or number showing notification count. Effect: Indicates new messages or pending items. Analogy: Unread signal light.
30. Banner
Definition: Top or bottom banner notification. Effect: Used to display important information or advertisements. Analogy: Banner slogan.
Conclusion
APP layout terminology is rich and diverse, each item is fundamental to achieving efficient, beautiful, and user-friendly interfaces. Understanding and skillfully using these terms and concepts can make your interface development like an efficient organizer - reasonable space utilization, clear functional zoning, and excellent user experience.
If you need detailed code examples for any terminology or platform adaptation solutions, feel free to continue the discussion!