How to import a .aar file into Android Studio 1.1.0 and use it in my code

Question

I have read a lot answers related to this topic, but none of them have worked to solve my problem, so need help with this:

I need to import a .aar file into a project created with Android Studio 1.1.0, I have imported it using the "New Module" option and actually I don't receive any error, I can build the application and run it, but when I try to use a class from this .aar file Android Studio doesn´t find the reference to it, let's say it can´t recognize the package that I want to include in my code.

You are maybe thinking that I must add the dependency, I have already done that, It seems to not work.

So someone could tell me which is the correct way to import and use a .aar file in Android Studio 1.1.0

Bylaw

.aar's are not so easy to import locally, they are intented to be provided through a maven/ivy server. They are not like .jar libs. – Demetriusdemeyer

possible duplicate of Adding local .aar files to Gradle build using "flatDirs" is not working – Traditionalism

It is similar, but any of thoses answers worked for me, so I need a very well explain process of how to import a .aar file and use it in my code, but using Android Studio 1.1.0 – Bylaw

Answer 1

After reading a lot of answers on Stackoverflow, I found the solution for my problem, I want you to know which were the steps I followed in order to reproduce it:

1. Add a .aar file in my libs folder.
2. Use "New Module" option under File menu.
3. Import the .aar file.
4. Build gradle and compile the project.

When I tried to use the new module in my app, It didn't recognize any class inside the new module.

The problem is related to the version of Gradle, I was using 1.1.0 and there is a bug in this version, so my suggestion is to change the version to 1.0.1, there is an Issue already open in order to fix this problem https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=162634

You should change the version in the build.gradle file located in the root of your project.

buildscript {
repositories {
    jcenter()
}
dependencies {

    //classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:1.1.0'
    classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:1.0.1'

    // NOTE: Do not place your application dependencies here; they belong
    // in the individual module build.gradle files
}

}

You can find additional information about this problem here https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/adt-dev/1Ho_c8dALQQ

I guess in version 1.2.0 this problem will be solved.

Bylaw

You made my day as well. :) And the problem still seems to exist in version 1.3.0. :( – Gothart

Upgrade gradle version 1.3.1 – Devalue

Answer 2

To import an .aar library:

1. Go to File>New>New Module
2. Select "Import .JAR/.AAR Package" and click next.
3. Enter the path to the .aar file and click finish.
4. Go to File>Project Structure (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+S).
5. Under "Modules," in left menu, select "app."
6. Go to "Dependencies" tab.
7. Click the green "+" in the upper right corner.
8. Select "Module Dependency"
9. Select the new module from the list.

Overstrung

"Enter the path to .aar file and click finish." when I click finish, the window trembles and nothing happens, im guessing the trembling means an error, any ideas? – Pliner

I was trying to do step 3 (enter the path to .aar file and click finish) but I could only enter the path to .aar file. The finish button was faded (could click on it)... – Scandent

@pb772, did you type in the file path of the .aar file? If so, try locating it in the file browser, you might have made a typo in the path. It would also be worth testing a different .aar file to see if the problem is with the file you are trying to use. – Overstrung

Thank you.. Worked like a charm – Minefield

Answer 3

I follow steps in both answers but finally I need to add this line to my build.gradle:

allprojects {
    repositories {
        mavenCentral()
        flatDir { dirs 'aars'} // this line
    }
}

Mahala

Answer 4

Use the gradle dependency

compile 'com.facebook.android:facebook-android-sdk:4.8.0'

Marchall