How to correct/center GridLayout using standard Java layout managers?

Question

The below code represents the problem. Since I have heights of the north and south panels set the rest of it goes to the center panel using GridLayout. I think that since it

Answer 1

BoxLayout does a pretty good job of distributing the space between components using Box.createVerticalGlue(). This example uses Box.createVerticalStrut(), top and bottom. The spacers are described in How to Use BoxLayout: Using Invisible Components as Filler.

Addendum: BoxTest2 is a variation that uses BoxLayout to create fixed-size edge panels and vertical glue to distribute the space more evenly. Box.Filler may also be used to control the "leftover" vertical space.

/** @see http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6072956 */
public class BoxTest2 {

    private static final int WIDE = 480;
    private static final int HIGH = WIDE / 8;
    private static final int ROWS = 5;
    private static final Box center = new Box(BoxLayout.Y_AXIS);

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        EventQueue.invokeLater(new Runnable() {

            @Override
            public void run() {
                JFrame f = new JFrame();
                f.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
                center.setOpaque(true);
                center.setBackground(Color.lightGray);
                center.add(Box.createVerticalGlue());
                center.add(new EdgePanel());
                for (int i = 0; i < ROWS; i++) {
                    center.add(new BoxPanel());
                }
                center.add(new EdgePanel());
                center.add(Box.createVerticalGlue());
                f.add(center, BorderLayout.CENTER);
                f.pack();
                f.setVisible(true);
            }
        });
    }

    private static class EdgePanel extends JPanel {

        public EdgePanel() {
            Dimension d = new Dimension(WIDE, 2 * HIGH / 3);
            setPreferredSize(d);
            setBackground(Color.red.darker());
        }
    }

    private static class BoxPanel extends JPanel {

        public BoxPanel() {
            setPreferredSize(new Dimension(WIDE, HIGH));
            setBorder(BorderFactory.createMatteBorder(1, 0, 1, 0, Color.red));
            setBackground(Color.darkGray);
        }
    }
}

Answer 2

How to make sure that when the GridLayout is not taking the whole space it is at least centered?

JPanel wrapper = new JPanel( new GridBagLayout() );
wrapper.add( centerP );
contentPane.add(wrapper, BorderLayout.CENTER);  
//contentPane.add(centerP, BorderLayout.CENTER); 

Answer 3

Could you try perhaps nesting this center panel in either a BorderLayout.North or maybe even a FlowLayout.Center.

By this I mean: JPanel holder = new JPanel(new BorderLayout()); holder.add(centerP,BorderLayout.NORTH); contentPane.add(holder, BorderLayout.CENTER);

I cannot exactly visualize your problem so it is hard to write a solution.