How to create ripple effect in simple layout

Question

How can I have a ripple effect in a simple linear/relative layout when touching the layout?

I've tried setting the background of a layout to something like:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<ripple xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:color="?android:colorControlHighlight" >

    <item android:drawable="@android:color/white"/>

</ripple>

However I'm only seeing a plain white background and no ripple effect when touching the layout. What am I doing wrong?

Edit:

For reference, here is my layout xml file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
    <RelativeLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
        android:layout_width="250dp"
        android:layout_height="250dp"
        android:background="@drawable/test"
        android:clickable="true">
    </RelativeLayout>

Answer 1

Set these properties on your layout (if your layout has the default white/light background):

          android:clickable="true"
          android:focusable="true"
          android:background="?attr/selectableItemBackground"

You don't need a custom drawable in this case.

However, if your layout has a black/dark background, you'd have to create your own ripple drawable like this one:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!-- An white rectangle ripple. -->
<ripple xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:color="@android:color/white">
    <item
        android:id="@android:id/mask"
        android:gravity="center">
        <shape android:shape="rectangle">
            <solid android:color="@android:color/white"/>
        </shape>
    </item>
</ripple>

And then set this ripple drawable as your android:background property.

You can see many examples of these types of ripples in AOSP: in here