import java.awt.ScrollPane; ... private ScrollPane scroller; ... // ScrollPane.SCROLLBARS_AS_NEEDED is the default // ScrollPane.SCROLLBARS_ALWAYS // ScrollPane.SCROLLBARS_NEVER (rather pointless) scroller = new ScrollPane( ScrollPane.SCROLLBARS_ALWAYS ); // controls how fast you scroll with the wheelmouse. scroller.getVAdjustable().setUnitIncrement( 16 ); // add the contents you want scolled, usually a Panel or Canvas scroller.add ( aPanel );