Flutter Button Widgets – ElevatedButton, OutlinedButton, IconButton
March 7, 2025 | by Adesh Yadav

Flutter button Widgets – ElevatedButton, OutlinedButton, IconButton
Flutter, the powerful UI toolkit by Google, has taken the mobile app advancement world by storm, and one of its key components is the myriad of button widgets it offers. In this article, we will delve into three essential Flutter button widgets: ElevatedButton, OutlinedButton, and IconButton. We will explore their features, use cases, benefits, and how they can enhance your application’s user experience.
What are Flutter Button Widgets?
Button widgets in flutter are interactive elements that allow users to perform actions upon interaction, such as submitting a form, navigating to new pages, or triggering animations. Understanding the different types of buttons available in Flutter is crucial for creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces.
ElevatedButton
The ElevatedButton is a material design button that has a shadow to give it a raised appearance. It is indeed primarily used for emphasizing critically important actions.
features of ElevatedButton
- Material Design styling with elevation.
- Customizable in terms of color,shape,and on-press effects.
- Supports icons and text.
- Ideal for primary actions.
How to Use ElevatedButton
The usage of an ElevatedButton is straightforward. Here’s a basic example:
ElevatedButton(
onPressed: () {
// Action to perform on button press
},
child: text('Click Me'),
);
When to Use ElevatedButton
- For buttons that require user attention.
- In situations where you have a primary action in a dialog or a form.
- To create fast access to critical functions.
OutlinedButton
Similar to the ElevatedButton,the OutlinedButton provides a simple way to indicate actions but with an outlined border rather than a filled background.
Features of OutlinedButton
- Material design without drop shadow.
- Lightweight and less obtrusive than ElevatedButtons.
- grate for secondary actions.
- Easy to customize for several style approaches.
Sample code for OutlinedButton
Here’s how you can implement an OutlinedButton in your Flutter project:
OutlinedButton(
onPressed: () {
// Action to perform on button press
},
child: Text('Learn More'),
);
Use Cases for OutlinedButton
- When the action is less critical than the main button.
- To provide choice actions in contexts.
- Where the options should be visually distinct, yet harmonious.
IconButton
The IconButton is a specialized button widget that contains an icon. It is useful for actions that can be clearly represented with a symbol, making your application more intuitive.
Features of IconButton
- Compact user interface element focused on iconography.
- Configurable size and style.
- Perfect for toolbars and action bars.
Example Implementation of IconButton
Creating an IconButton in Flutter is simple. Here’s a quick example:
IconButton(
icon: Icon(icons.favorite),
onPressed: () {
// Action to perform on button press
},
);
When to Use IconButton
- For actions represented by clear icons (e.g., share, delete).
- In navigation bars and toolbars.
- Where space is limited but icons are meaningful.
Benefits of Using Flutter Button Widgets
Implementing these button widgets effectively can greatly enhance user experience, leading to higher engagement rates and improved functionality. Here are some benefits:
- User Engagement: Well-placed buttons invite actions and help guide users.
- Visual Clarity: Buttons can be customized for differentiation between primary and secondary actions.
- Responsiveness: Flutter’s hot reload feature allows for instant reflection of changes, making button customization seamless.
Practical Tips for Using Flutter Button Widgets
- Keep button texts descriptive yet concise. For example, instead of “Submit,” use “submit Application.”
- Utilize padding and margins wisely to maintain a clean UI.
- Test different color schemes and styles to see what resonates with your target audience.
- Group button types logically to reduce confusion for users.
Case Studies & First-hand Experience
In a recent project where we utilized the ElevatedButton extensively, we found that users responded positively to its clear design and elevated effect, which effectively guided them to primary actions. Conversely, using OutlinedButtons for secondary actions created a clearer hierarchy and encouraged more nuanced user interactions. the implementation of IconButtons in our navigation bar allowed for quick access to key features, making the app more user-friendly.
Comparative Overview Table
Button Type | Best For | Design Features | Example Usage |
---|---|---|---|
elevatedbutton | Primary actions | Filled background, shadow | Action buttons in forms |
outlinedbutton | Secondary actions | Outlined border, no shadow | Alternative options in dialogs |
IconButton | Quick actions | Icon only | Toolbars and quick access |
Conclusion
Flutter provides developers with a suite of button widgets that are not only versatile but also easy to customize, taking your app’s user experience to the next level. From ElevatedButton to OutlinedButton and IconButton, each serves specific purposes that can considerably improve user interaction. By understanding and effectively implementing these button types, you can create intuitive and engaging Flutter applications that meet your users’ needs.
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