Element

public protocol Element

Conforming types represent a rectangular content area in a two-dimensional layout space.


The ultimate purpose of an element is to provide visual content. This can be done in two ways:

  • By providing a view description (ViewDescription).

  • By providing child elements that will be displayed recursively within the local coordinate space.


A custom element might look something like this:

struct MyElement: Element {

    var backgroundColor: UIColor = .red

    // Returns a single child element.
    var content: ElementContent {
        return ElementContent(child: Label(text: "😂"))
    }

    // Providing a view description means that this element will be
    // backed by a UIView instance when displayed in a `BlueprintView`.
    func backingViewDescription(with context: ViewDescriptionContext) -> ViewDescription? {
        return UIView.describe { config in
            config.bind(backgroundColor, to: \.backgroundColor)
        }
    }

}
  • Returns the content of this element.

    Elements generally fall into two types:

    • Leaf elements, or elements that have no children. These elements commonly have an intrinsic size, or some content that can be measured. Leaf elements typically instantiate their content with ElementContent(measurable:) or similar.
    • Container elements: these element have one or more children, which are arranged by a layout implementation. Container elements typically use methods like ElementContent(layout:configure:) to instantiate their content.

    Declaration

    Swift

    var content: ElementContent { get }
  • Returns an (optional) description of the view that should back this element.

    In Blueprint, elements that are displayed using a live UIView instance are referred to as “view-backed”. Elements become view-backed by returning a ViewDescription value from this method.

    Declaration

    Swift

    func backingViewDescription(with context: ViewDescriptionContext) -> ViewDescription?

    Parameters

    context

    The context this element is rendered in.

    Return Value

    An optional ViewDescription.

  • Wraps this element in an AdaptedEnvironment with the given environment key and value.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func adaptedEnvironment<Key>(key: Key.Type, value: Key.Value) -> Element where Key : EnvironmentKey
  • Wraps this element in an AdaptedEnvironment with the given keypath and value.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func adaptedEnvironment<Value>(keyPath: WritableKeyPath<Environment, Value>, value: Value) -> Element
  • adaptedEnvironment(by:) Extension method

    Wraps this element in an AdaptedEnvironment with the given configuration block.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func adaptedEnvironment(by environmentAdapter: @escaping (inout Environment) -> Void) -> Element
  • Wraps the element in an Aligned element with the provided parameters.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func aligned(
        vertically: Aligned.VerticalAlignment = .center,
        horizontally: Aligned.HorizontalAlignment = .center
    ) -> Aligned

    Parameters

    vertically

    The vertical alignment. Defaults to .centered.

    horizontally

    The horizontal alignment. Defaults to .centered.

  • centered() Extension method

    Wraps the element in a Centered element to center it within its parent.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func centered() -> Centered

If / Else

  • if(_:then:) Extension method

    Returns a new element from the provided modify closure, if the provided boolean is true. Otherwise, the original element is returned.

    myElement.if(someBoolean) { element in
        element.centered()
    }
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func `if`(
        _ isTrue: Bool,
        then: (Self) -> Element
    ) -> Element
  • if(_:then:else:) Extension method

    Returns a new element from the provided then closure if the provided boolean is true. If the provided boolean is false, the else closure is used

    myElement.if(
        someBoolean,
        then: { element in
              element.aligned(horizontally: .trailing, vertically: .fill)
        },
        else: { element in
            element.aligned(horizontally: .leading, vertically: .fill)
        }
    )
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func `if`(
        _ isTrue: Bool,
        then: (Self) -> Element,
        else: (Self) -> Element
    ) -> Element

If Let

  • if(let:then:) Extension method

    Returns a new element from the provided modify closure if the provided value is non-nil. Otherwise, the original element is returned.

    myElement.if(let: someValue) { value, element in
        element.inset(uniform: someValue.padding)
    }
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func `if`<Value>(
        `let` value: Value?,
        then: (Value, Self) -> Element
    ) -> Element
  • if(let:then:else:) Extension method

    Returns a new element from the provided then closure if the provided boolean is true. If the provided value is nil, the else closure is used

    myElement.if(
        let: someValue,
        then: { value, element in
              element.inset(uniform: value.padding)
        },
        else: { element in
            element.inset(uniform: 10)
        }
    )
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func `if`<Value>(
        `let` value: Value?,
        then: (Value, Self) -> Element,
        else: (Self) -> Element
    ) -> Element

Map & Modify

  • map(_:) Extension method

    Creates and returns a new element by passing the element to the provided map function.

    myElement.map { element in
        switch myState {
        case .small: element.inset(uniform: 5)
        case .medium: element.inset(uniform: 10)
        case .large: element.inset(uniform: 15)
        }
    }
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func map(_ map: (Self) -> Element) -> Element
  • modify(_:) Extension method

    Creates and returns a new element by passing the element to the provided modify function, which can edit it.

    myElement.modify { element in
        switch myState {
        case .small: element.inset = 5
        case .medium: element.inset = 10
        case .large: element.inset = 15
        }
    }
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func modify(_ modify: (inout Self) -> Void) -> Element
  • Constrains the element to the provided aspect ratio.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func constrainedTo(
        aspectRatio: AspectRatio,
        contentMode: ConstrainedAspectRatio.ContentMode = .fitContent
    ) -> ConstrainedAspectRatio

    Parameters

    aspectRatio

    The aspect ratio that the content size should match.

    contentMode

    How the content should size itself relative to its parent.

  • constrainedTo(width:height:) Extension method

    Constrains the measured size of the element to the provided width and height.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func constrainedTo(
        width: ConstrainedSize.Constraint = .unconstrained,
        height: ConstrainedSize.Constraint = .unconstrained
    ) -> ConstrainedSize
  • constrainedTo(width:height:) Extension method

    Constrains the measured size of the element to the provided width and height.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func constrainedTo(
        width: CGFloat,
        height: CGFloat
    ) -> ConstrainedSize
  • constrainedTo(size:) Extension method

    Constrains the measured size of the element to the provided size.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func constrainedTo(
        size: CGSize
    ) -> ConstrainedSize
  • constrained(to:) Extension method

    Constrains the measured size of the element to the provided SizeConstraint.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func constrained(to sizeConstraint: SizeConstraint) -> ConstrainedSize
  • Places a decoration element behind or in front of the given wrapped element, and positions it according to the position parameter.

    See the Decorate element for more.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func decorate(
        layering: Decorate.Layering,
        position: Decorate.Position,
        with decoration: () -> Element
    ) -> Element

child modeling

  • gridRowChild(key:width:) Extension method

    Wraps an element with a GridRowChild in order to provide meta information that a GridRow can aply to its layout.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func gridRowChild(key: AnyHashable? = nil, width: GridRow.Width) -> GridRow.Child

    Parameters

    key

    A unique identifier for the child.

    width

    The sizing for the element.

    Return Value

    GridRowChild

  • hidden(_:) Extension method

    Conditionally hide the wrapped element.

    Hidden elements still participate in layout. Hiding sets the UIView.isHidden property of the nearest backing view.

    Note

    When an element is hidden, any elements within the wrapped element will be hidden.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func hidden(_ hidden: Bool = true) -> Hidden
  • Insets the element by the given amount on each side.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func inset(
        top: CGFloat = 0.0,
        bottom: CGFloat = 0.0,
        left: CGFloat = 0.0,
        right: CGFloat = 0.0
    ) -> Inset
  • inset(by:) Extension method

    Insets the element by the given amount on each side.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func inset(by edgeInsets: UIEdgeInsets) -> Inset
  • inset(uniform:) Extension method

    Insets the element by the given amount on each side.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func inset(uniform: CGFloat) -> Inset
  • inset(horizontal:vertical:) Extension method

    Insets the element by the given amount on each side.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func inset(
        horizontal: CGFloat = 0.0,
        vertical: CGFloat = 0.0
    ) -> Inset
  • keyed(_:) Extension method

    Keyed allows providing a Hashable value which is used during view updates to uniquely identify content during the diff process between the old and new element structure.

    This is useful if you have two elements of the same type at the same depth in the element hierarchy, and you’d like to differentiate between them, eg for appearance transition purposes.

    Example

    Keying the image returned, so that a transition occurs when changing between a placeholder image and an available photo.

    func imageElement() -> Element {
        if let photo = self.photo {
            return Image(image: photo)
                    .transition(.fade)
                    .keyed("photo")
        } else {
            return Image(image: self.placeholder)
                    .transition(.fade)
                    .keyed("placeholder")
        }
    }
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func keyed(_ key: AnyHashable) -> Keyed
  • onAppear(_:) Extension method

    Adds a hook that will be called when this element appears.

    Callbacks run in depth-first traversal order, with parents before children.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func onAppear(_ callback: @escaping LifecycleCallback) -> LifecycleObserver
  • onDisappear(_:) Extension method

    Adds a hook that will be called when this element disappears.

    Callbacks run in depth-first traversal order, with parents before children. There is no guaranteed order between disappearance callbacks and backing views being removed from their superviews.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func onDisappear(_ callback: @escaping LifecycleCallback) -> LifecycleObserver
  • opacity(_:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in an Opacity element with the provided opacity.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func opacity(_ opacity: CGFloat) -> Opacity

    Parameters

    opacity

    The opacity to be applied.

  • overlayChild(key:) Extension method

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func overlayChild(key: AnyHashable? = nil) -> Overlay.Child

Result Builders

  • Wraps an element with a StackLayout.Child in order to customize StackLayout.Traits and the key.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func stackLayoutChild(
        priority: StackLayout.Child.Priority = .flexible,
        alignmentGuide: ((ElementDimensions) -> CGFloat)? = nil,
        key: AnyHashable? = nil
    ) -> StackLayout.Child

    Parameters

    priority

    Controls the amount of extra space distributed to this child during underflow and overflow

    alignmentGuide

    Allows for custom alignment of a child along the cross axis.

    key

    A key used to disambiguate children between subsequent updates of the view hierarchy.

    Return Value

    A wrapper containing this element with additional layout information for the StackElement.

  • stackLayoutChild(priority:) Extension method

    Wraps an element with a StackLayout.Child in order to customize the StackLayout.Child.Priority.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func stackLayoutChild(
        priority: StackLayout.Child.Priority
    ) -> StackLayout.Child

    Parameters

    priority

    Controls the amount of extra space distributed to this child during underflow and overflow

    Return Value

    A wrapper containing this element with additional layout information for the StackElement.

  • tintAdjustmentMode(_:) Extension method

    Conditionally modifies the tint adjustment mode of its wrapped element.

    Note

    When a tint adjustment mode is applied, any elements within the wrapped element will adopt the parent’s tint adjustment mode.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func tintAdjustmentMode(_ tintAdjustmentMode: UIView.TintAdjustmentMode) -> TintAdjustmentMode
  • transformed(_:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in an Transformed element with the provided 3D transform.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func transformed(_ transform: CATransform3D) -> Transformed

    Parameters

    transform

    The 3D transform to be applied.

  • transformed(_:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in an Transformed element with the provided 2D transform.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func transformed(_ transform: CGAffineTransform) -> Transformed

    Parameters

    transform

    The 2D transform to be applied.

  • Wraps the element in an Transformed element that translates the receiver in 3D space.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func translated(
        translateX: CGFloat = 0,
        translateY: CGFloat = 0,
        translateZ: CGFloat = 0
    ) -> Transformed

    Parameters

    transformX

    The X component of the translation.

    transformY

    The Y component of the translation.

    transformZ

    The Z component of the translation.

  • rotated(by:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in an Transformed element that rotates the receiver in 2D space.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func rotated(by rotationAngle: Measurement<UnitAngle>) -> Transformed

    Parameters

    rotate

    The angle measurement to rotate the receiver by.

  • scaled(scaleX:scaleY:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in an Transformed element that scales the receiver in 2D space.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func scaled(
        scaleX: CGFloat = 1,
        scaleY: CGFloat = 1
    ) -> Transformed

    Parameters

    scaleX

    The X axis scale.

    scaleY

    The Y axis scale.

  • userInteractionEnabled(_:) Extension method

    Conditionally enable user interaction of the wrapped element.

    Note

    When user interaction is disabled, any elements within the wrapped element will become non-interactive.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func userInteractionEnabled(_ enabled: Bool = true) -> UserInteractionEnabled
  • Blocks all accessibility on the element, so that it is is no longer an accessibility element, and its children are hidden from the accessibility system.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func blockAccessibility(isBlocking: Bool = true) -> AccessibilityBlocker
  • Acts as an accessibility container for any subviews where isAccessibilityElement == true.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func accessibilityContainer(identifier: String? = nil) -> Element
  • Wraps the receiver in an accessibility element with the provided values.

    Providing a nil value for any of these parameters will result in no resolved value for that accessibility parameter—it does not inherit parameters from the wrapped element’s accessibility configuration.

    Important

    ⚠️ This overrides the accessibility of the contained element and all of its children ⚠️

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func accessibilityElement(
        label: String?,
        value: String?,
        traits: Set<AccessibilityElement.Trait>,
        hint: String? = nil,
        identifier: String? = nil,
        accessibilityFrameSize: CGSize? = nil,
        accessibilityFrameCornerStyle: Box.CornerStyle = .square,
        customActions: [AccessibilityElement.CustomAction] = [],
        customContent: [AccessibilityElement.CustomContent] = []
    ) -> AccessibilityElement
  • Wraps the receiver in an accessibility element with the provided values.

    Important

    ⚠️ This overrides the accessibility of the contained element and all of its children ⚠️

    See also

    accessibilityElement

    Declaration

    Swift

    @available(*, deprecated, renamed: "accessibilityElement(label:value:traits:hint:identifier:accessibilityFrameSize:﹚")
    public func accessibility(
        label: String? = nil,
        value: String? = nil,
        hint: String? = nil,
        identifier: String? = nil,
        traits: Set<AccessibilityElement.Trait> = [],
        accessibilityFrameSize: CGSize? = nil
    ) -> AccessibilityElement

Trigger

  • accessibilityFocus(on:) Extension method

    Enables VoiceOver focus to jump to the wrapped element via the trigger.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func accessibilityFocus(
        on trigger: AccessibilityFocus.Trigger
    ) -> Element

    Parameters

    on

    A reference-type trigger object that can be used to trigger accessibility focus via the focus() function.

View implementation

  • onLinkTapped(_:) Extension method

    Handle links opened in any AttributedLabel within this element using the provided closure.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func onLinkTapped(_ onTap: @escaping (URL) -> Void) -> Element
  • Wraps the element in a box to provide basic styling.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func box(
        background: UIColor = .clear,
        corners: Box.CornerStyle = .square,
        cornerCurve: Box.CornerCurve = .circular,
        borders: Box.BorderStyle = .none,
        shadow: Box.ShadowStyle = .none,
        clipsContent: Bool = false
    ) -> Box
  • editingMenu(show:with:) Extension method

    Allows showing the system’s UIMenuController editing menu upon long press of the wrapped element.

    myElement.editingMenu(show: .onLongPress) {
        EditingMenuItem.copying("A String")
    
        EditingMenuItem(.select) {
            print("Selected!")
        }
    }
    

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func editingMenu(
        show gesture: EditingMenu.Gesture,
        @Builder<EditingMenuItem> with items: () -> [EditingMenuItem]
    ) -> EditingMenu
  • scrollable(_:configure:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in a ScrollView to allow it to be scrolled if it takes up more space then is available on screen.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func scrollable(
        _ contentSize: ScrollView.ContentSize = .fittingHeight,
        configure: (inout ScrollView) -> Void = { _ in }
    ) -> ScrollView
  • tappable(onTap:) Extension method

    Wraps the element and calls the provided closure when tapped.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func tappable(onTap: @escaping () -> Void) -> Tappable
  • Wraps the element in a transition container to provide an animated transition.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func transition(
        onAppear: VisibilityTransition? = nil,
        onDisappear: VisibilityTransition? = nil,
        onLayout: LayoutTransition = .inherited
    ) -> TransitionContainer

    Parameters

    onAppear

    The transition to use when the element appears. By default, no transition.

    onDisappear

    The transition to use when the element disappears. By default, no transition.

    onLayout

    The transition to use when the element’s layout changes. The default value is .inherited, which means the element will participate in the same transition as its nearest ancestor with a specified transition.

  • transition(_:) Extension method

    Wraps the element in a transition container to provide an animated transition when its visibility changes.

    Declaration

    Swift

    public func transition(_ onAppearOrDisappear: VisibilityTransition) -> TransitionContainer

    Parameters

    onAppearOrDisappear

    The transition to use when the element appears or disappears.