Rearranging Tab Bar Controller Order in Storyboard

Rearranging Tab Bar Controller Order in Storyboard

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When developing an iOS app, organizing your user interface efficiently is crucial for a seamless user experience. One common task is rearranging the order of view controllers in a Tab Bar Controller within Xcode’s Storyboard. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you accomplish this task effectively.

Methods to Rearrange Tab Bar Controller Order

Drag and Drop Method

The most intuitive way to rearrange the tabs in your Tab Bar Controller is by using the drag and drop feature. Simply click and hold the tab icon in the tab bar and drag it to the desired position. This method is supported in various versions of Xcode, including Xcode 10.0 and newer versions.

Using SHIFT + DRAG

If the simple drag and drop feature does not work, you can try using the SHIFT + DRAG method. This approach is particularly useful in Xcode 10.0, where holding the SHIFT key while dragging the tab icons can help in rearranging them effectively.

Editing Storyboard Source Code

For developers who prefer or need a more manual approach, editing the Storyboard’s source code is an option. You can open the .storyboard file as source code and locate the <tabBarController> node. By rearranging the order of the <segue> elements within the <connections> section, you can change the tab order. This method requires careful editing to ensure the correct view controller is linked to each tab.

Additional Tips

If the above methods do not work, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Save the storyboard, switch to another file, and then return to the storyboard to refresh the drag and drop functionality.
  • In some cases, closing and reopening Xcode, or performing a clean build, can resolve issues with dragging tabs.

Enhancing Your Development with Repeato

While rearranging tabs in Xcode is a fundamental task, ensuring that your app functions as expected after such changes is equally important. This is where Repeato can significantly streamline your workflow. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your iOS apps quickly and efficiently.

Repeato’s test recorder, based on computer vision and AI, makes it easy to record tests, while its support for command line scripts and JavaScript code allows for the automation of complex tasks. With data-driven and keyword-driven testing capabilities, Repeato ensures robust testing coverage. Moreover, all tests and workspace data are saved in text and JSON formats, facilitating easy version control.

For more insights into how Repeato can improve your testing process, visit our Getting Started guide.

By integrating tools like Repeato into your development process, you can enhance your app’s reliability and performance, ensuring a smooth experience for your users.

Check it out!

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