10 UI Components Every FlutterFlow Developer Should Customize

FlutterFlow offers powerful visual tools to build apps fast, but if you’re sticking with default widgets, your UI may look generic. This article explores 10 essential UI components that, when customized, significantly improve your app’s look, feel, usability, brand identity, and user retention.

1. App Bar

The App Bar is the first element users see. Customizing it sets the tone for your entire app. It’s a prime opportunity for branding.

• Add gradient backgrounds or images
• Use custom icons for leading and actions
• Apply rounded corners

2. Bottom Navigation Bar

Your Bottom Navigation Bar drives core navigation. Ensure it’s intuitive and consistent with your brand. Pay close attention to usability.

• Custom icons & labels
• Active/inactive color styles
• Add animations (e.g., scale, fade)

3. Buttons (Elevated, Text, Icon)

Buttons should reflect your app’s personality and purpose. They’re crucial for user interaction and should be visually appealing.

• Border radius, shadows, text style
• Use icons + text combos
• Dynamic colors (based on state)

4. Input Fields (TextFormField)

Input Fields are where users interact the most. User experience (UX) is paramount here, so prioritize clear and user-friendly design.

• Input borders, labels, prefix/suffix icons
• Hint text alignment & capitalization
• Error message styling

5. Cards & List Items

Used for displaying data and content blocks. Maintain consistency in your Cards & List Items to enhance visual coherence.

• Rounded corners
• Color-coded sections (e.g., headers, footers)
• Shadows and elevation

6. Dialogs & Bottom Sheets

Key for user decisions. Avoid generic-looking Dialogs & Bottom Sheets by applying custom styling to ensure a seamless user experience.

• Rounded shapes, transparency
• Custom buttons inside
• Animation entry/exit

7. Loaders & Progress Indicators

Better loading experiences equal better UX. Ditch the default and opt for branded, engaging Loaders & Progress Indicators.

• Use branded animated GIFs or Lottie
• Replace circular loader with themed spinner
• Use skeleton loaders (shimmer effects)

8. Text Styles

Fonts and weights set the tone. Don’t rely on defaults for your Text Styles. Establish a clear visual hierarchy.

• Headline, Subhead, Caption sizes
• Font family, color palette
• Reusable TextStyle widget themes

9. Toast & Snackbar Notifications

Immediate feedback should be beautiful and useful. Customize your Toast & Snackbar Notifications to provide clear and visually appealing feedback.

• Background color, border radius
• Icons to indicate success/warning/error
• Positioning (top, center, bottom)

10. Empty & Error States

What happens when there’s no data or an error? These states deserve thoughtful UX. Make your Empty & Error States helpful and user-friendly.

• Add illustrations (e.g., SVG or Lottie)
• Friendly messages, retry buttons
• Branding color scheme

By customizing these UI components in FlutterFlow, you can create apps that not only function well but also deliver a branded and engaging user experience. The best apps are built with intentional design and reusable styles.