Create a new JavaFX project

Download the JavaFX SDK

1. Download the JavaFX SDK package suitable for your operating system.

2. Unpack the archive and place the folder to a meaningful location, for example: /Users/jetbrains/Desktop/javafx-sdk-12.

Make sure the JavaFX plugin is enabled

To be able to work with JavaFX in IntelliJ IDEA, the JavaFX bundled plugin must be enabled:

1. In the Settings/Preferences dialog Ctrl+Alt+S, select Plugins.

2. Switch to the Installed tab and make sure that the JavaFX plugin is enabled.

   If the plugin is disabled, select the checkbox next to it.

3. Apply the changes and close the dialog. Restart the IDE if prompted.

Create a new project

When you create a new JavaFX project, IntelliJ IDEA generates a fully configured sample application.

1. Launch IntelliJ IDEA.

   If the Welcome screen opens, click New Project.

   Otherwise, from the main menu, select File | New | Project.

2. In the New Project wizard, select JavaFX from the list on the left.

3. From the Project SDK list, select the JDK that you want to use in your project.

   If the JDK is installed on your computer, but not defined in the IDE, select Add JDK and specify the path to the JDK home directory.

   If you don't have the necessary JDK on your computer, select Download JDK.

   

4. On the next step of the wizard, name the project, for example: JavaFX.

5. If necessary, change the default project location and click Finish.

   

Add the JavaFX library

These actions are required if you use Java 11 and later. If you use Java 10 and earlier, run the sample application created together with the project to make sure that everything is working as intended.

1. From the main menu, select File | Project Structure Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S or click on the toolbar.

2. Open the Libraries section, click , and select Java.

3. Specify the path to the lib folder in the JavaFX SDK package, for example: /Users/jetbrains/Desktop/javafx-sdk-12/lib.

4. In the Choose Modules dialog, select the necessary module and click OK.

   

5. Apply the changes and close the Project Structure dialog.

Add VM options

These actions are required if you use Java 11 and later. If you use Java 10 and earlier, you can run the sample application created together with the project to make sure that everything is working as intended.

1. From the main menu, select Run | Edit Configurations.

2. Select Application | Main from the list on the left.

3. From the More options list, select Add VM options.

   

4. In the VM options field, specify the following options, but make sure to replace /path/to/javafx/sdk with the path the lib directory of the downloaded JavaFX SDK distribution (for example: /Users/jetbrains/Desktop/javafx-sdk-12/lib ):

   --module-path /path/to/javafx/sdk --add-modules javafx.controls,javafx.fxml

   If your path contains spaces, wrap it in double quotes, for example: "/Users/jetbrains/Desktop/My Folder/javafx-sdk-12/lib".

   If you're using JavaFX SDK 14 together with OpenJDK 14, add one more VM option:

   --add-exports javafx.graphics/com.sun.javafx.sg.prism=ALL-UNNAMED

   

5. Apply the change and close the dialog.

Run the application

1. From the main menu, select Run | Run 'Main' Shift+F10.

   The IDE starts compiling your code.

2. When the compilation is complete, the application window appears.

   This means that the project is configured correctly and everything works as it should. The window is empty at the moment as we haven't added any elements yet.