How to Show Layout Editor in Android Studio: A quick guide to access and use the Android Studio Layout Editor

To show the Layout Editor in Android Studio, follow these steps: First, open your Android Studio project. In the “Project” panel on the left, navigate to res/layout and double-click on the XML layout file you want to edit, such as activity_main.xml. The file should open in the central editor area. At the top-right corner above your layout file, you’ll see two tabs: “Code” and “Design.” Click the “Design” tab (or sometimes labeled as “Split” to view both code and design). The Layout Editor will now be visible, allowing you to drag-and-drop UI components and visually arrange your app’s user interface.

As a professional interior designer, I always appreciate visual editing tools—they make planning spaces far more intuitive. Similarly, for digital layouts, a visual interface like Android Studio’s Layout Editor brings clarity and creativity to the forefront. In fact, this mirrors how we utilize digital tools when planning floor layouts; a user-friendly, 3D Floor Planner can make spatial design tangible and interactive, empowering designers to experiment with ideas instantly before executing them.

Tips 1:

If you don’t see the “Design” or “Split” options, ensure that you’re opening a valid layout XML file (like those under the res/layout directory). Occasionally, syncing your project (File > Sync Project with Gradle Files) or restarting Android Studio can resolve display issues with the Layout Editor.

FAQ

Q: Why is my Layout Editor not showing in Android Studio?

A: It could be because you opened a non-layout file or there’s a rendering issue. Try opening a layout XML file from res/layout and restart Android Studio if needed.

Q: Can I use the Layout Editor for ConstraintLayout and other layouts?

A: Yes, Android Studio’s Layout Editor supports various layout types, including ConstraintLayout, LinearLayout, RelativeLayout, and more.

Q: How do I switch between design and code views?

A: Use the “Design,” “Code,” or “Split” tabs at the top-right of your XML editor window.

Q: What should I do if the Layout Editor pane is greyed out or empty?

A: Try syncing your project with Gradle, restarting Android Studio, and checking for any XML errors in your layout file.

Q: Does the Layout Editor show how my UI will look on all devices?

A: The emulator in the Layout Editor provides previews for different device sizes, orientations, and themes. For accuracy, always test on multiple devices or use the Layout Editor’s device preview options.