JLabel size

[Paul Keohan]

How do I make a JLabel 40 characters (for example) wide? If I instantiate it with a huge long empty string it still scrunches up to a relatively small size. When I setText() into it, it sticks it so far over to the right of the JLabel, I usually can't see it.
Thanks!
Paul

[Jeff Wisard]

I would play around with alternate layout managers if I were you. Although it is the most complex, GridBagLayout is the most powerful layout manager and you could definetely work this out using one.
You could probably do this also with BorderLayout, GridLayout, or even a FlowLayout. You may have to use multiple layouts to get the desired effect. Just play with it!
Hope this helps!

[Paul Stevens]

Try setMinimumSize() it won't let it go less than that size. setPreferredSize() might work.