How to add external library in IntelliJ IDEA?

Question

I am trying to add external library (places it in the /libs directory) to my project. When I try to use the methods from that library, I see that they are in red color which means that the library is not recognized. When I click Ctrl+B, I get a message "Cannot find declaration to go to".

I use these steps to add a library (JAR file): 1. copy the library file into /libs dir 2. open Project Structure -> Global Libraries -> Attach clases 3. find the library and click ok

Is this proper way to do it?

PS. I am trying to add AdMob .jar file this way.

Answer 1

Easier procedure on latest versions:

• Copy jar to libs directory in the app (you can create the directory it if not there)
• Refresh project so libs show up in the structure (right click on project top level, refresh/synchronize)
• Expand libs and right click on the jar
• Select "Add as Library"

Done

Answer 2

I've used this process to attach a 3rd party Jar to an Android project in IDEA.

• Copy the Jar to your libs/ directory
• Open Project Settings (Ctrl Alt Shift S)
• Under the Project Settings panel on the left, choose Modules
• On the larger right pane, choose the Dependencies tab
• Press the Add... button on the far right of the screen (if you have a smaller screen like me, you may have to drag resize to the right in order to see it)
• From the dropdown of Add options, choose "Library". A "Choose Libraries" dialog will appear.
• Press "New Library..."
• Choose a suitable title for the library
• Press "Attach Classes..."
• Choose the Jar from your libs/ directory, and press OK to dismiss

The library should now be recognised.