Keyboard layout hiding android action bar?

Keyboard Layout Hiding Android Action Bar

In Android development, a common challenge is managing the interplay between the soft keyboard and the user interface. When the keyboard appears, it often overlays elements, especially the action bar, causing usability issues. This article explores the problem and offers solutions.

Understanding the Problem

The default behavior of the Android system is to allow the keyboard to cover any part of the UI. This can lead to the action bar disappearing behind the keyboard, making it inaccessible to users.

Why is This an Issue?

• Accessibility: The action bar often contains crucial actions, navigation, and application title. Hiding it makes the app less usable and accessible.
• User Experience: It creates a frustrating experience when users have to manually adjust the layout or scroll to access essential elements.

Solutions

There are several approaches to handle this problem:

1. Using the “adjustResize” Attribute

The most common solution is to set the android:windowSoftInputMode attribute to "adjustResize" in your activity’s manifest file.

<activity android:name=".YourActivity"
          android:windowSoftInputMode="adjustResize" ...>

This setting instructs the activity to resize its content when the keyboard appears, preventing the action bar from being hidden.

2. Using the “adjustPan” Attribute

Another option is to set android:windowSoftInputMode to "adjustPan". This setting instructs the activity to pan its contents up when the keyboard appears, effectively keeping the action bar visible.

<activity android:name=".YourActivity"
          android:windowSoftInputMode="adjustPan" ...>

3. Using a CoordinatorLayout

For more fine-grained control, consider using CoordinatorLayout in your layout. CoordinatorLayout provides powerful features for managing layout changes, including behavior for the keyboard.

<android.support.design.widget.CoordinatorLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent">

    <include layout="@layout/toolbar" />
    
    <android.support.v4.widget.NestedScrollView
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="match_parent"
        app:layout_behavior="@string/appbar_scrolling_view_behavior" />

</android.support.design.widget.CoordinatorLayout>

4. Setting Layout Margins

In certain cases, setting margins on the elements within your layout can help manage space for the keyboard. This approach involves manually calculating the appropriate margins based on the keyboard height.

<TextView
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:layout_marginBottom="100dp" />

5. Using a Custom View

If all else fails, you can always create a custom view to handle the keyboard interactions. This allows you to implement logic that perfectly addresses the specific layout needs of your application.

Comparison of Solutions

Choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs. Here’s a comparison:

Conclusion

The interaction between the keyboard and the user interface in Android requires careful attention. Choosing the right method to handle keyboard behavior ensures an optimal user experience. Remember to test your application thoroughly with different screen sizes and keyboard layouts.