Laying out the softkeys

Even though Flash Lite allows you to implement the softkeys how ever you choose, it is good practice to follow common platform conventions to avoid confusing the user. While softkeys are not necessary for touch-only devices, an application optimized for both key and touch interaction must address their implementation.

When designing the softkeys for your application, keep in mind the following general rules:

• The softkey labels must be visible on the screen and have distinct names that clearly distinguish the labels from one another.

• Forward-going functions (continue, confirm, zoom, options, menus) should be assigned to the left softkey.

• Backward-oriented functions (cancel, back, exit) should be assigned to the right softkey.

• The maximum length for a softkey label is about 35 percent from the margin.

• When the screen orientation changes, the softkey labels should be relocated accordingly (see the following figure).

• Some Series 40 devices have a middle softkey (see the leftmost example in the following figure).

• For touch devices, implement the softkeys so that they function when they are touched.

For more information about softkeys, see section Key input.

Figure: Different softkey layouts