Set desktop Flutter to run in maximized size at startup

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06-10-2024

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Running Your Flutter Desktop App Maximized at Startup

Have you ever wanted your Flutter desktop app to launch directly in maximized mode, dominating the entire screen from the get-go? It's a common desire for apps that require maximum real estate, like dashboards, image editors, or productivity tools. This article guides you on how to achieve this goal, making your Flutter desktop app launch in maximized glory.

The Problem: A Small Window by Default

By default, Flutter desktop apps launch in a standard window size, often leaving valuable screen space unused. This can be frustrating if you want your app to be the central focus from the very beginning.

Solution: Maximizing at Startup

To ensure your Flutter desktop app starts in maximized mode, we'll leverage the power of the window_size package. This package provides a convenient way to control the size and position of your application window.

Code Example:

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'package:window_size/window_size.dart';

void main() {
  WidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized();

  // Ensure that the window is initialized properly before resizing
  setWindowTitle("Maximized App");
  setWindowMinSize(const Size(800, 600)); // Set a minimum size 
  setWindowMaxSize(const Size(double.infinity, double.infinity)); // Allow full-screen
  
  // Maximize the window immediately on startup
  runApp(const MyApp());
}

class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {
  const MyApp({Key? key}) : super(key: key);

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return MaterialApp(
      title: 'Maximized App',
      home: const MyHomePage(),
    );
  }
}

class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget {
  const MyHomePage({Key? key}) : super(key: key);

  @override
  State<MyHomePage> createState() => _MyHomePageState();
}

class _MyHomePageState extends State<MyHomePage> {
  @override
  void initState() {
    super.initState();
    // Maximize the window after the app has loaded
    WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
      setWindowState(WindowState.maximize); 
    });
  }

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return Scaffold(
      appBar: AppBar(
        title: const Text('Maximized App'),
      ),
      body: Center(
        child: Text('This app is maximized by default!'),
      ),
    );
  }
}

Key Points:

• Import: Include the window_size package in your project by adding it to your pubspec.yaml file.
• Initialization: Ensure the window is initialized before resizing by calling WidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized().
• Minimum Size: Define a minimum size for the window to prevent the app from becoming too small.
• Full-Screen: Set the maximum size to double.infinity to allow full-screen maximization.
• Post-Frame Callback: Use a WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback to maximize the window after the app's main content has been loaded.

Additional Insights:

• Window State: The setWindowState function allows you to set the window to maximized, minimized, or normal states.
• Platform Differences: Keep in mind that maximizing windows might behave differently on different desktop operating systems.
• User Control: Consider adding options for users to adjust the window size or toggle maximization manually.

Next Steps:

• Experiment with the code to customize the behavior to suit your app's needs.
• Explore the window_size package for more window manipulation options.
• Research best practices for maximizing windows on different platforms.

Conclusion:

By utilizing the window_size package and applying the appropriate techniques, you can ensure your Flutter desktop app starts maximized, providing a more immersive and user-friendly experience.