Overhaul Android Editor UI with Floating Dialogs

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Describe the project you are working on

Godot Android Editor.

Describe the problem or limitation you are having in your project

The Android editor in Godot currently has a fixed UI layout, which doesn't adapt well to the limited screen space of Android devices. Panels like the Scene Tree, Inspector, and others are locked in place, leaving users with little flexibility to organize their workspace. This makes it challenging to work efficiently, especially when multiple panels are needed, as the layout can feel cramped and difficult to navigate.

Describe the feature / enhancement and how it helps to overcome the problem or limitation

The proposed enhancement is to make key panels in the Android editor, such as the Scene Tree and Inspector, into floating, movable panels with a title bar to each panel for dragging, expanding, or collapsing. It would help make it more flexible and user friendly UI.

1. Movable Dialogs: Users can reposition dialogs anywhere on the screen, allowing them to prioritize important panels while keeping less used ones out of the way. This makes better use of available screen space, especially on small displays.

2. Expandable/Collapsible Panels: A title bar on each dialog would allow users to toggle between expanded (showing full content) and collapsed states (hiding the content but keeping the title visible). This minimizes clutter by letting users collapse panels they aren’t actively using.

3. Persistent Layouts: The editor would save the dialog positions and states, so users don’t need to rearrange them each time they restart the editor.

4. Optional Docking: Ofcourse, for those who prefer the current fixed layout, dialogs can be docked back into their original positions, ensuring flexibility for different workflows. But the default on Android editor would be floating panels.

Describe how your proposal will work, with code, pseudo-code, mock-ups, and/or diagrams

UI Behavior Overview

• Every Panel will includes a title, drag handle, and a expand/collapse button.
• The title bar will serves as a drag handle for repositioning the dialog.
• A button in the cornor of title bar will toggles the visibility of the content area.
• Dialog positions, sizes, and collapsed/expanded states are stored in the editor's settings.

Mock-up

If this enhancement will not be used often, can it be worked around with a few lines of script?

I don’t think so. Please feel free to enlighten me if you know of a way.

While the implementation may involve significant changes to the Android editor UI, it is in line with Godot's existing flexibility for desktop UI customizations.

Is there a reason why this should be core and not an add-on in the asset library?

I don’t think this would be possible with an add-on and still provide the same level of polish. This feature should be core because it requires tight integration with the editor's UI and settings. This is a key improvement to the Android Editor UI, and it would make a significant difference for anyone using the Android editor.

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Related:

• Implement a more accessible mobile Godot Editor layout #8270
• Overhaul the editor UI on mobile to be more touch-friendly #10140