A layout manager is a Java class that manages the positions and sizes of components in a container (a frame, panel, or any other visual component that can contain other components).
For more information about using Java layout managers, see the "Creating a GUI with JFC/Swing" tutorial at http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/uiswing.
Follow these links for information about layouts and layout managers:
Setting the Layout Manager
Setting Layout Properties
Standard Layout Managers
Using the GridBag Customizer
Using a Custom Layout Manager