JFormDesigner License: Types, Prices, Benefits, and Installation
- Benefits of using JFormDesigner for Java/Swing GUI design - Types of licenses available for JFormDesigner and how to buy them H2: How to install and activate JFormDesigner license? - Installation instructions for different editions (stand-alone and IDE plug-ins) - Activation steps for different license types (commercial, non-commercial, educational) - Troubleshooting tips for common license issues H2: How to use JFormDesigner to create and edit forms? - Overview of JFormDesigner user interface and components - How to create a new form or open an existing one - How to add, modify, and delete components and properties - How to use layout managers and constraints - How to preview and test forms H2: How to integrate JFormDesigner with your IDE and project? - How to configure JFormDesigner plug-in for your IDE (Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, NetBeans) - How to use JFormDesigner form files in your project - How to generate and customize Java code from forms - How to use JFormDesigner annotations and runtime library H2: How to customize JFormDesigner appearance and behavior? - How to change JFormDesigner look and feel and theme - How to use FlatLaf, a modern and cross-platform look and feel - How to adjust JFormDesigner preferences and settings - How to use keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures H1: Conclusion - Summary of the main points of the article - Call to action for the readers to try JFormDesigner Table 2: Article with HTML formatting What is JFormDesigner and why do you need a license?
If you are a Java developer who wants to create user-friendly and professional-looking graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for your applications, you might have heard of JFormDesigner. But what is it exactly and why do you need a license to use it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
jformdesigner license
JFormDesigner is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that allows you to design, create, and edit Java/Swing GUI forms using drag-and-drop components. You can use it as a stand-alone application or as a plug-in for your favorite integrated development environment (IDE), such as Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, or NetBeans. With JFormDesigner, you can:
Create complex forms with nested panels, tabs, splitters, scroll panes, etc.
Add various components such as buttons, labels, text fields, combo boxes, lists, tables, trees, etc.
Set properties and events for each component using property sheets and editors.
Use different layout managers such as MigLayout, JGoodies Forms, TableLayout, etc. to arrange components on forms.
Preview and test your forms at any time without compiling or running your application.
Generate Java code from your forms automatically or manually.
Integrate your forms with your IDE and project seamlessly.
Customize the appearance and behavior of your forms using look and feel, themes, preferences, etc.
JFormDesigner is not a free tool. You need a license to use it legally and fully. There are different types of licenses available for JFormDesigner depending on your purpose and budget. You can buy a license from the official website of JFormDesigner or from JetBrains Marketplace if you use IntelliJ IDEA. The prices vary from $12 for students and teachers to $329 for commercial users with 3 years of support and upgrades. You can also get volume discounts if you buy multiple licenses. For more details on pricing and licensing, please visit https://www.formdev.com/jformdesigner/buy/.
How to install and activate JFormDesigner license?
Once you have bought a license for JFormDesigner, you need to install it on your computer and activate it with your license key. The installation and activation steps depend on which edition of JFormDesigner you use: stand-alone or IDE plug-in. Here are the general instructions for each edition:
Stand-alone edition
Download the latest version of JFormDesigner from https://www.formdev.com/jformdesigner/download/.
Run the installer and follow the instructions to install JFormDesigner on your computer.
Launch JFormDesigner and enter your license key when prompted. You can find your license key in your email confirmation or in your account on the JFormDesigner website.
Click OK to activate your license and start using JFormDesigner.
IDE plug-in edition
Download the appropriate plug-in for your IDE from https://www.formdev.com/jformdesigner/download/.
Install the plug-in in your IDE following the instructions for each IDE. You can find the instructions on the JFormDesigner website or in the README file included in the plug-in package.
Restart your IDE and open the JFormDesigner settings or preferences dialog.
Enter your license key in the License tab. You can find your license key in your email confirmation or in your account on the JFormDesigner website.
Click OK to activate your license and start using JFormDesigner.
If you encounter any problems with installing or activating your license, you can check the FAQ section on the JFormDesigner website or contact the support team at support@formdev.com.
How to use JFormDesigner to create and edit forms?
Now that you have installed and activated your license, you are ready to use JFormDesigner to create and edit forms for your Java/Swing applications. In this section, we will give you a brief overview of how to use JFormDesigner to design forms using its user interface and components.
Overview of JFormDesigner user interface and components
JFormDesigner has a user-friendly and intuitive user interface that consists of several panels and toolbars. You can customize the layout and appearance of these panels and toolbars according to your preferences. Here are the main elements of the user interface:
The menu bar provides access to various commands and options for JFormDesigner.
The toolbar contains buttons for common actions such as creating, opening, saving, testing, and generating forms.
The form designer is the main area where you can design your forms using drag-and-drop components. You can switch between design and source views using tabs at the bottom of the form designer.
The component palette contains a list of components that you can add to your forms. You can choose from standard Swing components, beans, layout managers, containers, etc. You can also create and add your own custom components to the palette.
The component tree shows the hierarchical structure of your form and its components. You can select, rename, reorder, and delete components using the component tree.
The property sheet displays the properties and events of the selected component. You can edit the values of these properties and events using various editors such as text fields, combo boxes, spinners, color choosers, etc.
You can find more details on how to use these elements in the user guide on the JFormDesigner website or in the help menu of JFormDesigner. How to create a new form or open an existing one
To create a new form, you can use one of the following methods:
Click the New Form button on the toolbar or select File > New Form from the menu bar.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N (Windows and Linux) or Command+N (Mac OS X).
Select New > JFormDesigner Form from the context menu of your project or package in your IDE (if you use the IDE plug-in edition).
A dialog will appear where you can choose the name, location, and type of your form. You can also select a template or a superclass for your form. Click OK to create your form.
To open an existing form, you can use one of the following methods:
Click the Open Form button on the toolbar or select File > Open Form from the menu bar.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+O (Windows and Linux) or Command+O (Mac OS X).
Select Open With > JFormDesigner from the context menu of your form file in your IDE (if you use the IDE plug-in edition).
A dialog will appear where you can browse and select your form file. Click OK to open your form. How to add, modify, and delete components and properties
To add a component to your form, you can use one of the following methods:
Drag and drop a component from the component palette to the form designer.
Select a component from the component palette and click on the form designer where you want to place it.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (Windows and Linux) or Command+Shift+C (Mac OS X) to open the Insert Component dialog. You can search and select a component from the dialog and click OK to insert it.
To modify a component on your form, you can use one of the following methods:
Use the mouse to resize, move, or align the component on the form designer. You can also use the alignment and distribution buttons on the toolbar to adjust the position and size of multiple components.
Use the property sheet to edit the properties and events of the component. You can also use the context menu of the component to access some common properties and actions.
Use the keyboard shortcut F2 to edit the text of the component directly on the form designer.
To delete a component from your form, you can use one of the following methods:
Select the component and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Select Edit > Delete from the menu bar or click the Delete button on the toolbar.
Select Delete from the context menu of the component.
How to use layout managers and constraints
Layout managers are objects that control how components are arranged on a form. They determine the size and position of components based on certain rules and constraints. JFormDesigner supports various layout managers, such as MigLayout, JGoodies Forms, TableLayout, GridBagLayout, BorderLayout, FlowLayout, etc. You can choose the layout manager that suits your needs and preferences.
To use a layout manager for your form or a container component, you can use one of the following methods:
Select the form or the container component and choose a layout manager from the Layout combo box on the toolbar.
Select Layout > Set Layout from the menu bar or the context menu of the form or the container component and choose a layout manager from the submenu.
Drag and drop a layout manager from the component palette to the form or the container component.
To use constraints for a component on your form, you can use one of the following methods:
Select the component and edit its constraints using the property sheet. Each layout manager has its own set of constraints that you can modify using various editors.
Select Layout > Edit Constraints from the menu bar or the context menu of the component to open the Edit Constraints dialog. You can edit the constraints of the component using this dialog.
Use the mouse to drag and drop the component to a different cell or position on the form designer. You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the component. This will change the constraints of the component accordingly.
You can find more details on how to use layout managers and constraints in the user guide on the JFormDesigner website or in the help menu of JFormDesigner. How to preview and test forms
One of the advantages of using JFormDesigner is that you can preview and test your forms at any time without compiling or running your application. This can help you check the appearance and functionality of your forms and make adjustments as needed.
To preview and test a form, you can use one of the following methods:
Click the Test Form button on the toolbar or select Form > Test Form from the menu bar.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+T (Windows and Linux) or Command+T (Mac OS X).
Select Test Form from the context menu of the form or a component on the form designer.
A dialog will appear where you can see how your form looks and behaves. You can interact with the components on the form and see their properties and events. You can also change the look and feel, theme, locale, and font size of the form using the buttons on the dialog. To close the dialog, click the Close button or press the Escape key on your keyboard.
How to integrate JFormDesigner with your IDE and project?
If you use JFormDesigner as a plug-in for your IDE, you can integrate it with your project easily and seamlessly. You can use JFormDesigner form files (.jfd) in your project as resources and generate Java code from them. You can also use JFormDesigner annotations and runtime library to enhance your forms.
How to configure JFormDesigner plug-in for your IDE
To use JFormDesigner plug-in for your IDE, you need to configure it first. You can do this by opening the JFormDesigner settings or preferences dialog in your IDE. Depending on your IDE, you can find this dialog in different places:
For Eclipse, select Window > Preferences > JFormDesigner.
For IntelliJ IDEA, select File > Settings > JFormDesigner.
For NetBeans, select Tools > Options > JFormDesigner.
In this dialog, you can adjust various options for JFormDesigner, such as:
The license key for JFormDesigner.
The default layout manager and look and feel for new forms.
The code generation settings, such as indentation, line wrapping, comments, etc.
The integration settings, such as file associations, editor tabs, etc.
The appearance settings, such as font size, theme, etc.
How to use JFormDesigner form files in your project
JFormDesigner form files (.jfd) are XML files that store the design and properties of your forms. You can use them in your project as resources and generate Java code from them. To do this, you need to follow these steps:
Create a folder in your project where you want to store your form files. For example, you can create a folder named forms under the src folder of your project.
Create or open a form using JFormDesigner and save it as a .jfd file in the folder you created. For example, you can save a form named MyForm.jfd in the src/forms folder of your project.
Generate Java code from your form file using one of the following methods:
Select File > Generate Java Code from the menu bar or click the Generate Java Code button on the toolbar in JFormDesigner.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+G (Windows and Linux) or Command+G (Mac OS X) in JFormDesigner.
Select Generate Java Code from the context menu of your form file in your IDE.
A dialog will appear where you can choose the name, location, and options for the generated Java file. You can also edit the code template and customize the code generation settings in this dialog. Click OK to generate the Java file.
The generated Java file will be created in the same folder as your form file by default. For example, a file named MyForm.java will be created in the src/forms folder of your project. You can also specify a different folder or package for the generated Java file in the dialog.
The generated Java file will contain the code for creating and initializing the components and layout of your form. You can also add your own code to handle events and logic for your form. You can edit the generated Java file in your IDE as usual.
You can find more details on how to use JFormDesigner form files in your project in the user guide on the JFormDesigner website or in the help menu of JFormDesigner. How to use JFormDesigner annotations and runtime library
JFormDesigner annotations and runtime library are optional features that can enhance your forms and simplify your code. JFormDesigner annotations are special comments that you can add to your form files or generated Java files to control the code generation and integration. JFormDesigner runtime library is a small jar file that you can add to your project classpath to enable some advanced features of JFormDesigner, such as FlatLaf, beans binding, etc.
To use JFormDesigner annotations, you can use one of the following methods:
Add annotations to your form files using the Annotations tab in the property sheet of JFormDesigner. You can choose from various annotations, such as @BeanInfo, @Action, @Bindable, etc.
Add annotations to your generated Java files using the Edit Code Template dialog in JFormDesigner. You can insert annotations in the code template using placeholders, such as $beanInfo, $action, $bindable, etc.
Edit the generated Java files in your IDE and add annotations manually. You can use the same syntax as in the form files or the code template.
To use JFormDesigner runtime library, you need to follow these steps:
Download the runtime library (jfd-runtime.jar) from https://www.formdev.com/jformdesigner/download/ or find it in the installation folder of JFormDesigner.
Add the runtime library to your project classpath in your IDE. The exact steps may vary depending on your IDE, but generally you need to add the jar file as a library or a dependency to your project.
Use the features of the runtime library in your code. For example, you can use FlatLaf to set the look and feel of your application, or you can use beans binding to bind properties of components and beans.
You can find more details on how to use JFormDesigner annotations and runtime library in the user guide on the JFormDesigner website or in the help menu of JFormDesigner.
How to customize JFormDesigner appearance and behavior?
JFormDesigner allows you to customize its appearance and behavior according to your preferences and needs. You can change the look and feel, theme, font size, preferences, settings, keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, etc. of JFormDesigner. In this section, we will show you how to do some common customizations.
How to change JFormDesigner look and feel and theme
The look and feel of JFormDesigner determines how its user interface elements look like, such as colors, fonts, icons, borders, etc. The theme of JFormDesigner determines how its components look like on the form designer, such as backgrounds, borders, shadows, etc. You can choose from different look and feel and theme options for JFormDesigner.
To change the look and feel of JFormDesigner, you can use one of the following methods:
Select View > Look and Feel from the menu bar and choose a look and feel option from the submenu. You can choose from system default, cross-platform, or FlatLaf options.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F11 (Windows and Linux) or Command+F11 (Mac OS X) to cycle through the look and feel options.
Use the Look and Feel combo box on the toolbar to select a look and feel option.
To change the theme of JFormDesigner, you can use one of the following methods:
Select View > Theme from the menu bar and choose a theme option from the submenu. You can choose from light, dark, or system default options.
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F12 (Windows and Linux) or Command+F12 (Mac OS X) to cycle through the theme options.
Use the Theme combo box on the toolbar to select a theme option.
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