Embedded Files
JAVA /
JavaFX is the successor of Java Swing, as such, it is a graphical user interface (GUI) extension of Java for creating platform-independent desktop applications.
It can be used together with Spring Boot, in this case the project must be a desktop application with added Spring Boot dependencies. Using these systems together results a strong GUI designer working with a powerful data management etc. The servlet will not start automatically unless the Spring Web dependency is added, therefore the outcome will not be a web application.
1. INSTALL AND SETUP JAVAFX
In earlier Java versions the JavaFX was part of the standard Java SDK. Newer versions like Java 17+ do not contain it, it became an independent SDK. Therefore, the JavaFX SDK is a standalone library extending the Java SDK.
When dealing with desktop applications, there is a need for Rapid Application Development (RAD) which means controls can be placed and configured via drag&drop and visual editing. This function is provided by the Scene Builder which is an independent software, connected to a Java code editor e.g. IntelliJ IDEA.
1.1. INSTALL AND SETUP ON INTELLIJ IDEA COMMUNITY EDITION
Installation steps:
download the latest JavaFX SDK (at least JDK 11; https://openjfx.io/), extract it to its final position (e.g. next to Java SDK at c:\Program Files\Java\ under Windows)
in IntelliJ, go to File > Project Structure > SDKs, check if the new SDK is listed, and if not, add it
Create a new JavaFX project:
open IntelliJ and select New Project
choose Java as the project type
set your project SDK to the JDK you configured earlier
finish the setup and create your main class
Add JavaFX libraries:
go to File > Project Structure > Libraries
click the + icon and choose Java
navigate to the lib folder inside your extracted JavaFX SDK and select all .jar files
apply and close the dialog
Configure VM Options:
go to Run > Edit Configurations
in the VM options field, add (replace /path/to/javafx-sdk/lib with the actual path on your system): --module-path /path/to/javafx-sdk/lib --add-modules=javafx.controls,javafx.fxml
Write and run your JavaFX app:
create a class that extends Application and override the start() method.
run the app to see your JavaFX window pop up
Download Scene Builder:
get the latest version (https://gluonhq.com/products/scene-builder/)
install it and note the path to the executable
Executable paths:
Windows: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\SceneBuilder\SceneBuilder.exe
macOS: /Applications/SceneBuilder.app
Linux: Depends on your distro, but usually in /opt or your home directory
Configure IntelliJ to Use Scene Builder:
open IntelliJ and go to File > Settings (or IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences on macOS)
navigate to Languages & Frameworks > JavaFX
in the Path to SceneBuilder field, click the folder icon and select the Scene Builder executable
click Apply and OK
Open FXML Files in Scene Builder:
in your project, locate an .fxml file
right-click it and choose Open in SceneBuilder
scene Builder should launch and display your UI file
If the option to open in Scene Builder doesn’t appear, make sure:
your .fxml file is in the resources folder
you've correctly set the path in settings
You can also open .fxml files directly in Scene Builder by dragging them onto the app.
1.2. INSTALL AND SETUP ON INTELLIJ IDEA ULTIMATE EDITION
Enabling steps:
go to File > Settings > Plugins
search for JavaFX under the Installed tab
if it's disabled, enable it and restart IntelliJ
Create a JavaFX Project:
go to File > New > Project
select JavaFX from the left-hand menu
choose your JDK (Java 11 or later) and click Next
IntelliJ will generate a sample JavaFX application for you — no need to manually configure libraries
Run the sample app:
open HelloApplication.java
click the green play icon next to the main() method
if everything is set up correctly, a JavaFX window should appear
Customize Your Project:
you can add FXML files, CSS styles, and use Scene Builder for UI design
IntelliJ Ultimate integrates well with Scene Builder — just right-click your .fxml file and choose Open in Scene Builder
1.3. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JAVAFX UNDER COMMUNITY AND ULTIMATE EDITIONS
Community edition:
manual Setup Required: You need to download the JavaFX SDK, configure libraries, and set VM options yourself
no JavaFX Project Wizard: You start with a plain Java project and build your JavaFX structure manually
limited UI Design Tools: You can use external tools like Scene Builder, but integration is basic
no Built-in FXML Preview: You’ll need to open .fxml files in Scene Builder separately
Ultimate Edition:
JavaFX Plugin Support: Comes with a dedicated JavaFX plugin that simplifies project creation and management
JavaFX Project Template: You can create a JavaFX project directly from the New Project wizard
Integrated Scene Builder: Right-click .fxml files and open them in Scene Builder from within IntelliJ
Better Code Assistance: Enhanced support for FXML, CSS styling, and controller binding
UI Preview & Debugging Tools: More advanced tools for visual debugging and layout inspection
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