How to remove padding around buttons in Android?

A deeper dive: tweaking the XML attributes

Managing padding with minWidth and minHeight

While using the Button element, you can easily get rid of the unnecessary padding by setting minWidth and minHeight to 0dp. This allows the button to totally fill the bottom area without any extra space.

<Button
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:text="Button"
    android:minWidth="0dp" // Zero here, zero problems
    android:minHeight="0dp" // No height, no fright
    android:padding="0dp"/>


Taking control with MaterialButton

If you prefer using MaterialButton over the classic Button, adjust the unnecessary padding using the inset attributes – insetTop and insetBottom.

<com.google.android.material.button.MaterialButton
    ...
    android:insetTop="0dp" // Top of the morning! Or top of the padding, should we say?
    android:insetBottom="0dp" // Bottoming out! On padding, of course.
    ... />


Adjusting the layout

If your button isn't taking up as much space as you'd like, check the layout width and height. Setting layout_width to "match_parent" will help your button fill up the bottom area completely. Plus, it's an old-school cool technique!

<Button
    android:layout_width="match_parent" // Daddy cool
    ...
/>


Aesthetic tweaks with custom backgrounds

Want to jazz up your button? Creating and utilizing a custom background will help you eliminate default padding and shadow for complete layout control.

<Button
    ...
    android:background="@drawable/custom_button_bg" // The cloak of invisibility for padding
    ... />


Remember: Your custom drawable should match the desired button dimensions and padding for the perfect fit in the layout. No one likes an ill-fitting suit!

Advanced padding methods: going beyond the basics

The negative margin method

If you've tried everything and there's still extra space around your button, you can use negative margins as your last resort. But beware, this is a sort of a "grey hack" in the UI world.

<Button
    ...
    android:layout_marginLeft="-4dp" // Left no stone unturned, or in this case, no space unfilled
    android:layout_marginRight="-4dp" // Right on!
    ... />


Ensuring button clarity with textColor

Lastly, don't forget to tweak your textColor to ensure your button is distinct without the padding. This helps emphasize button clarity and accessibility.

<Button
    ...
    android:textColor="#FFFFFF" // Dressed in white, ready to fight (the padding!)
    ... />
