Collections

A collection manages an ordered set of content, such as a set of photos, and presents it in a customizable and highly visual layout. Because a collection doesn’t enforce a strictly linear format, it’s particularly well-suited to displaying items that vary in size. Generally speaking, collections are ideal for showing off image-based content. Backgrounds and other decorative views can optionally be implemented to visually distinguish subsets of items.

Collections support both interactivity and animation. By default, you can tap to select, touch and hold to edit, and swipe to scroll. If your app requires it, more gestures can be added for performing custom actions. Within a collection, animations can be enabled whenever items are inserted, deleted, or reordered, and custom animations are also supported.

Avoid creating radical new designs when a standard row or grid layout is sufficient. A collection should enhance the user experience, not become the center of attention. Make it easy to select an item. If it’s hard to tap an item in your collection, people will get frustrated and lose interest before reaching the content they want. Use adequate padding around content to keep the layout clean and prevent overlapping of content.

Consider using a table instead of a collection for text. It’s generally simpler and more efficient to view and digest textual information when it’s displayed in a scrollable list.