I'm trying to make a Composable `Box(Modifier.zIndex()...` relate to the centre coordinates of that...

# compose-desktop

[Kebbin]

I'm trying to make a Composable Box(Modifier.zIndex()... relate to the centre coordinates of that Box.
How do I reference the item's own properties in its own Modifiers??
Thanks! 😵

[Dominaezzz]

relate to the centre coordinates? Could you elaborate?

[Kebbin]

Yes, I want the zIndex to be the Box's own Canvas.center.x

[Dominaezzz]

Ah those are two separate dimensions so it made no sense to me at first.

[Kebbin]

Sorry! 😀

[Dominaezzz]

There are a couple ways to achieve this but it depends on what you're trying to do.

[Kebbin]

I want the display order of objects to be dependent on its lateral placement.

[Dominaezzz]

You can use Modifier.onGloballyPositioned {} to get the coordinates after composition has happened.

[Kebbin]

Oh! OK, that's a new thing for me. I will try that.

[Kebbin]

So how would I use that value in another Modifier, like the .zIndex?

[Dominaezzz]

Oh, in that case instead of trying to observe the properties of the item it may be more appropriate to set them yourself. Since you might not want a frame of lag between the zIndex value and the x value.

[Dominaezzz]

So how would I use that value in another Modifier, like the .zIndex?

Save the value and read it later?

[Kebbin]

Assign it to a variable in the {} ?

[Dominaezzz]

Sure

[Kebbin]

Hmm. Ok, I'll try that.

[Kebbin]

Well, I've just discovered LayoutCoordinates so I think that might be what I was looking for too? I can reference that directly in the .zIndex.

[Kebbin]

Hmm. I need more instruction, and I need to sleep!
Thanks for the pointers! I'll try some more another day. Cheers!

[Kebbin]

I'm understanding a little more of what you've told me here now that I've had more of a play with Compose! 🤓