Box is a container in Jetpack Compose that can be used to wrap a single child element. It provides a way to group elements together and apply properties to them as a whole. Box also allows for easily adding padding, borders, and background color to a child element.
Using Box in Jetpack Compose:
To use Box in Jetpack Compose, first, we need to import the required libraries:
import androidx.compose.foundation.background
import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.*
import androidx.compose.foundation.shape.CircleShape
import androidx.compose.foundation.shape.RoundedCornerShape
import androidx.compose.material.MaterialTheme
import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
Once we have imported the required libraries, we can create a Box element by using the Box composable function. The Box function takes in a child element and a modifier as its parameters.
Here is an example of using Box to create a rounded corner container with a background color and a padding of 16dp:
@Composable
fun RoundedBox() {
Box(
modifier = Modifier
.padding(16.dp)
.background(Color.Green, RoundedCornerShape(10.dp))
) {
// Child element goes here
}
}
In the above example, we have used the Modifier.padding function to add a padding of 16dp to the Box element. We have also used the Modifier.background function to add a background color of green and a RoundedCornerShape with a radius of 10dp to the Box element.
We can also use the Box function to create a circular container with a background color and a padding of 16dp:
@Composable
fun CircleBox() {
Box(
modifier = Modifier
.padding(16.dp)
.size(100.dp)
.background(Color.Blue, CircleShape)
) {
// Child element goes here
}
}
In the above example, we have used the Modifier.size function to set the size of the Box element to 100dp x 100dp. We have also used the Modifier.background function to add a background color of blue and a CircleShape to the Box element.
Conclusion:
Box is a useful container in Jetpack Compose that allows for grouping elements together and applying properties to them as a whole. In this tutorial, we have explored how to use Box in Jetpack Compose and how to apply various properties to it. We hope that this tutorial has provided you with a better understanding of Box and how to use it in your own applications.
Parvesh Sandila is a results-driven tech professional with 8+ years of experience in web and mobile development, leadership, and emerging technologies.
After completing his Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA), he began his journey as a programming mentor, guiding 100+ students and helping them build strong foundations in coding. In 2019, he founded Owlbuddy.com, a platform dedicated to providing free, high-quality programming tutorials for aspiring developers.
He then transitioned into a full-time programmer, where his hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills led him to grow into a Team Lead and Technical Project Manager, successfully delivering scalable web and mobile solutions. Today, he works with advanced technologies such as AI systems, RAG architectures, and modern digital solutions, while also collaborating through a strategic partnership with Technobae (UK) to build next-generation products.
