Adapt layouts

Adaptive design is the practice of designing layouts that adapt to specific breakpoints and devices. Usually we consider the width of the device to determine where the layout should change, or adapt. Both Web and Android utilize responsive design concepts, like flexible grids and images, to create layouts that better respond to their context.

Productivity app screen on mobile and tablet sizes.

For design guidelines about adapting layouts to expanded screen sizes, read the Support different screen sizes developers guide in Compose and the M3 Applying Layout page. You can also check out the Android large screen canonical gallery for inspiration and implementation of large screen layouts.

Although not every app needs to be available on every screen size, it does allow your users more freedom regarding ergonomics, usability, and app quality.

  • You can design key screens (communicate the essential concepts or your app) with class sizes as breakpoints to act as guidelines.
  • Or design content to act responsively by notating how content should be constrained, expand, or reflow.

For more on layouts, check out the Material Design 3 (M3) Understanding layout page.