CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar in Flutter: A Comprehensive Guide with example

Flutter is renowned for its cross-platform capabilities, enabling developers to create seamless experiences on both Android and iOS. One such feature is the CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar, which ensures that text selection menus in your app match the native iOS design. In this guide, we’ll explore what this widget is, why it matters, and how to implement it in your Flutter apps.

What is CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar?

The CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar is a Flutter widget that provides a customizable text selection menu for iOS. This widget mimics the native look and feel of iOS text selection actions like “Copy,” “Paste,” and “Cut.” It allows developers to deliver a polished and platform-consistent experience for iOS users.

Why Use CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar?

Here are some reasons why you should consider using this widget:

1. Platform Consistency: Ensures that text selection menus align with the native iOS design.
2. Customizable Actions: You can add, remove, or modify actions in the menu to suit your app’s needs.
3. Improved User Experience: Offers a familiar and intuitive interface for iOS users.
4. Cross-Platform Adaptability: While specifically designed for iOS, it adapts seamlessly within Flutter’s cross-platform ecosystem.

How Does CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar Work?

The CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar integrates with Flutter’s text selection framework. It is automatically used in editable text fields or text widgets on iOS devices when the adaptiveTextSelectionToolbar property is set.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Add Dependencies

No external dependencies are needed because CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar is part of Flutter’s built-in Cupertino library. Ensure your pubspec.yaml includes the latest Flutter version to access this feature.

environment:
  sdk: ">=3.0.0 <4.0.0"

Step 2: Customize Text Selection Toolbar

You can customize the toolbar by overriding the adaptiveTextSelectionToolbarBuilder property in a SelectableText or EditableText widget.

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

class CustomTextSelectionToolbar extends StatelessWidget {
  const CustomTextSelectionToolbar({super.key});

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {

    return Scaffold(
      appBar: AppBar(title: const Text('CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar')),
      body: Center(
        child: SelectableText(
          'This is an example of a customizable text selection toolbar.',

          contextMenuBuilder: (context, editableTextState) {
            return CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar(
              
              anchors:  const TextSelectionToolbarAnchors(primaryAnchor: Offset(200,450 )),
              children: [
                CupertinoButton(
                  child: const Text('Action1'),
                  onPressed: ()  {
                      // Another custom action
                    Navigator.pop(context);
                  },
                ),
                CupertinoButton(
                  child: const Text('Action2'),
                  onPressed: () {
                    // Another custom action
                    Navigator.pop(context);
                  },
                ),
              ],
            );
          },
        ),
      ),
    );
  }
}

Step 3: Test on iOS

Run the app on an iOS device or simulator to see the Cupertino-style text selection menu in action. On long-pressing or selecting text, the CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar will appear, reflecting your customizations.

Best Practices for Using CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar

1. Match Native Behavior: Keep actions intuitive and consistent with native iOS functionalities.
2. Add Meaningful Actions: Ensure custom actions are contextually relevant to the text selection.
3. Test Across Platforms: While this widget is iOS-specific, test your app on Android to confirm fallback behavior.

Common Use Cases

• Custom Text Editors: Add actions like “Highlight,” “Translate,” or “Share” for text editing apps.
• Educational Apps: Enable actions such as “Define” or “Search” for better learning experiences.
• Productivity Tools: Offer custom options like “Add to Notes” or “Save Snippet.”

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Toolbar Not Showing: Ensure you’re testing on an iOS device or simulator, as this widget doesn’t apply to Android.
2. Actions Not Triggering: Double-check the onPressed callbacks in your toolbar buttons.
3. Fallback Issues: Ensure your app handles fallback behavior gracefully on non-iOS platforms.

Conclusion

The CupertinoAdaptiveTextSelectionToolbar is an essential tool for creating polished, native-like iOS experiences in your Flutter apps. Its ability to customize text selection menus while maintaining platform consistency makes it a valuable addition to any cross-platform project.

By incorporating this widget, you can enhance user experience, improve app aesthetics, and demonstrate attention to detail in your iOS app design.

Ready to try it out? Start customizing text selection menus in your Flutter app and share your experiences or questions in the comments below!