Constraints in SDL_SetWindowSize()

Is SDL_SetWindowSize() affected by the maximum and minimum size constraints?

Yes, SDL_SetWindowSize() respects the maximum and minimum size constraints that you set using SDL_SetWindowMinimumSize() and SDL_SetWindowMaximumSize().

If you try to set the window size outside these limits, SDL automatically clamps the dimensions to fit within the specified range.

Example

Consider this code snippet:

#include <SDL.h>
#include <iostream>

int main() {
  SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_VIDEO);

  SDL_Window* window =
    SDL_CreateWindow("Window Size Constraints",
                     SDL_WINDOWPOS_CENTERED,
                     SDL_WINDOWPOS_CENTERED,
                     400, 400,
                     SDL_WINDOW_RESIZABLE);

  SDL_SetWindowMinimumSize(window, 300, 300);
  SDL_SetWindowMaximumSize(window, 500, 500);

  // Try to set size below the minimum
  SDL_SetWindowSize(window, 200, 200);

  int width, height;
  SDL_GetWindowSize(window, &width, &height);
  std::cout << "Clamped size: " << width << "x"
    << height << "\n";

  // Try to set size above the maximum
  SDL_SetWindowSize(window, 600, 600);
  SDL_GetWindowSize(window, &width, &height);
  std::cout << "Clamped size: " << width << "x"
    << height << "\n";

  SDL_DestroyWindow(window);
  SDL_Quit();

  return 0;
}
Clamped size: 300x300
Clamped size: 500x500

Why This Happens

SDL ensures that the window always adheres to the constraints for usability and consistency. This is particularly useful in applications where certain sizes are essential for proper display or functionality.

Key Considerations

  • Constraints apply dynamically. If you change them after creating the window, they'll affect subsequent calls to SDL_SetWindowSize().
  • If the constraints are identical (e.g., minWidth == maxWidth), the window size becomes fixed, preventing any resizing.

Testing these behaviors ensures that your application behaves predictably across different devices and screen resolutions.

Window Sizing

Learn how to resize, constrain, and manage SDL2 windows

Questions & Answers

Answers are generated by AI models and may not have been reviewed. Be mindful when running any code on your device.

Handling Exceeded Minimum Window Size
What happens if the minimum window size exceeds the current window size?
Resizing and Graphical Content
How does resizing affect graphical content displayed inside the window?
Size Changed vs Resized Events
What is the difference between SDL_WINDOWEVENT_SIZE_CHANGED and SDL_WINDOWEVENT_RESIZED?
Best Practices for Resize Events
What are the best practices for handling resize events in games?
Integer Pointers in SDL
Why does SDL require integer pointers in functions like SDL_GetWindowSize()?
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