Draw9patch

Draw9patch is a tool used in Android development for creating stretchable graphics, specifically 9-patch images. A 9-patch image is a PNG file with a 1-pixel-wide border that defines stretchable areas and content areas. The tool allows developers to visually define these areas, making it easier to create graphics that can be resized without distortion.

The name "9-patch" comes from the fact that the image is divided into a 3x3 grid, with the center area being stretchable and the other eight areas being non-stretchable. The tool provides a graphical interface for drawing these patches, allowing developers to specify which parts of the image can be stretched and which should remain fixed.

Draw9patch is integrated into the Android SDK and can be accessed through the Android Studio IDE. It is particularly useful for creating UI elements like buttons, backgrounds, and other graphics that need to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. By using 9-patch images, developers can ensure that their applications look consistent and visually appealing across a wide range of devices.

The tool is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows developers to quickly create and modify 9-patch images. It supports various features, such as zooming, panning, and layering, which help in creating complex graphics with precision. Additionally, draw9patch can export the created 9-patch images in a format that can be directly used in Android applications, streamlining the development process.