B4i Library [Tool] Bal2Bil - B4A Layouts Converter

Don't use this tool. More powerful and simpler feature is available inside the IDE: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/b4x-sharing-layouts-between-platforms.109296/#content

This is a small command line tool that converts B4A layout files (bal files) to B4i layout files.

It is written in B4J. The source code is attached.

The purpose of this tool is to help you with the conversion. Not all views and properties will be converted as there are views such as TabHost that are not available in B4i (and iOS).

Using this tool is simple. It expects two parameters: the input file (bal) and the output file (bil).
java -jar Bal2Bil.jar <input.bal> <output.bal>

Bal2Bil.zip - source code
Bal2Bil.jar - executable jar (not a library).

 

[JonPM]

Awesome tool. One thing I noticed is text color for buttons did not transfer to bil

 

[abhishek007p]

what about iOS to Android layout converter, i need it.

 

[ilan]

what about iOS to Android layout converter, i need it.

1+

 

[fox96]

Hello Erel, changed the code to pass only the file .bal to create the .bil. So you can drag the file .bal without using the prompt.

Log($"Bal2Bil version ${version}"$)
    bc.Initialize
'    If Args.Length <> 2 Then
'        Log("Usage: Bal2Bil <input file> <output file>")
'        ExitApplication2(1)
'    End If
    If Args.Length =0 Then
        Log("Usage: Bal2Bil <input file> <output file>")
        Log("Usage: Bal2Bil <input file>")
        ExitApplication2(1)
    End If

    Dim design As Map = bc.ConvertBalToJsonInMemory(Args(0), "")
    If design.IsInitialized = False Then
        Log("Error reading file.")
        ExitApplication2(1)
    End If
    LayoutHeader(design.Get("LayoutHeader"))
    HandleView(design.Get("Data"))
    Dim s As String
    If Args.Length=1 Then
        s=Args(0).SubString2(0,Args(0).Length-4) & ".bil"
        Else
        s=Args(1)
    End If
    bc.ConvertJsonToBalInMemory(design,s, "")
    Log("Completed successfully: " & s)

 

[Pendrush]

It look like doesn't work with B4A v6.50 layout files.

 

[Erel]

Please test it with the attached jar.

You need to run it with:

java -jar Bal2Bil.jar <input> <output>

 

[Pendrush]

Please test it with the attached jar.

Thank you. Work as expected.

 

[tufanv]

Dear Erel,

Latest version is not passing the Background color of labels. Fyi.

 

[ykucuk]

Please test it with the attached jar.

You need to run it with:

java -jar Bal2Bil.jar <input> <output>

Hello Erel,

B4i version is 3.60
B4A version is 6.80

I converted with last Bal2Bil.jar with successful. Unfortunately when i try open converted bil file with B4i designer i get error "system out of memory..." (i added to attachments)

Note:There is no any custom view in BAL file

Any help ?

 

[Erel]

Are you sure that you are using the latest version (1.10) ?

 

[ykucuk]

Hello erel,

Versiyon is 1.10. i added files to attachment.

Thank you for support

 

[Erel]

The problem is that this layout file was created with an old version of B4A. You will need to open it with a newer version and save it. You will then be able to convert it.

 

[borofan]

does this convert b4i to b4a?

 

[klaus]

No.
Only B4A to B4i.

 

[Roycefer]

Erel,
What is your distribution policy on this tool? Is it permissible to include code from this in a for-profit app?

 

[Erel]

Licensed users can do whatever they like with this code.

Is it permissible to include code from this in a for-profit app?

Yes.

 

[Erel]

Bal2Bil v1.20 is attached. It fixes an issue with unsupported types being added to the generated layout file.

 

[Maicon]

Can you update to B4XPages and all elements that contain XUI Views?

 

[Alexander Stolte]

Can you update to B4XPages and all elements that contain XUI Views?

In 2022 you won't need this tool, just copy all the elements in your B4I layout and paste it back in B4A on a layout.

 

[Maicon]

I have large applications that exceed more than 50 layouts, so copying and pasting in b4i is sometimes unfeasible