How to Subclass UICollectionView?

Question

I would like to customize the UICollectionView, but all the tutorials on the web and in books use UICollectionViewController which I do not want to use. I'm combining different kinds of UICollectionViews in the same UIViewController, so I don't want to limit myself by subclassing UICollectionViewController, which doesn't allow me to place several UICollectionViews in the same viewController along with other objects and labels.

How do I subclass UICollectionView? Specifically, what kinds of methods need to be overwritten? How do I layout what goes into it (i.e. where to put a text label, image, etc.)? I'm familiar with the data source / delegate protocols, but not quite sure how to customize the cell's look, placement of sub items within the cell, what classes need to be overwritten/sub classed, etc.

A list of things I need to do would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Answer 1

I believe that you don't need to sub-class UICollectionView but you need to sub-class UICollectionViewFlowLayout.

UICollectionViewFlowLayout is the object which manages the display of the collection view items and it is highly customizable.

I suggest you follow WWDC 2012:Advanced Collection Views and Building Custom Layouts

The best tutorial which worked for me was by Apple called Using the Flow Layout.