Adding Components

Learn how to add, configure, and arrange components in your ForgeZap applications. Master the component workflow to build applications efficiently.

Component Workflow

1

Browse the component palette

Find the component you need in the left sidebar, organized by category

2

Drag to canvas

Click and drag the component from the palette to your desired location on the canvas

3

Select the component

Click on the component to select it and see its properties in the right sidebar

4

Configure properties

Use the Properties tab to set content, styling, and behavior

5

Set up data binding

Use the Data tab to connect the component to data sources

6

Adjust layout

Use the Layout tab to set position, size, and alignment

Adding Components

From the Component Palette

Click the "+" button next to any component
Drag and drop components to the canvas
Browse categories: Form, Display, Layout, Data

Component Placement

  • • Components are added at default position (100, 100)
  • • Use drag and drop to position them precisely
  • • Enable snap-to-grid for consistent alignment
  • • Use the properties panel for exact coordinates

Configuring Components

Properties Tab

Content Properties

  • • Text content and labels
  • • Placeholder text
  • • Button text and actions
  • • Image sources

Style Properties

  • • Colors and backgrounds
  • • Font sizes and weights
  • • Borders and spacing
  • • Component variants

Data Tab

Connect to data sources
Map data fields to component properties
Apply data transformations

Layout Tab

Position

  • • X/Y coordinates
  • • Z-index for layering
  • • Relative positioning

Size

  • • Width and height
  • • Minimum/maximum sizes
  • • Responsive sizing

Component Categories

Form Components

Interactive elements for collecting user input and data.

  • • Input - Text input fields
  • • Button - Clickable actions
  • • Checkbox - Boolean selection
  • • Radio - Single choice options
  • • Calendar - Date/time picker

Display Components

Visual elements for presenting information and content.

  • • Text - Static text content
  • • Image - Pictures and graphics
  • • Badge - Status indicators
  • • Card - Content containers
  • • Data Table - Tabular data

Layout Components

Structural elements for organizing and arranging content.

  • • Container - Content wrappers
  • • Separator - Visual dividers
  • • Tabs - Tabbed content
  • • Dialog - Modal windows
  • • Heading - Title hierarchy

Data Components

Advanced components for data visualization and complex interactions.

  • • Chart - Data visualizations
  • • Form - Complete form builder
  • • Advanced Data Table - Complex tables

Component Selection

Selecting Components

Click on any component to select it
Selected components show selection handles
Properties panel updates automatically

Multi-Selection

  • • Hold Ctrl to select multiple components
  • • Drag to create a selection box
  • • Use Escape to deselect all
  • • Multi-selection allows bulk property changes

Best Practices

Start with Structure

Begin by adding layout components (containers, separators) to create the basic structure of your application before adding content components.

Use Consistent Spacing

Enable snap-to-grid and use consistent spacing between components for a professional, organized appearance.

Group Related Components

Use containers to group related components together. This makes your application easier to understand and maintain.