UI Components

Sidebar Navigation

A vertical navigation area, usually on the left, that lists major places or sections in an app.

Also called Side navLeft navigationNavigation railMenu on the leftSide menu

Visual Example

Try it: choose a section in the sidebar.

Dashboard

Plain Definition

Sidebar navigation is common in tools with repeated workflows and several major sections.

It helps people understand where they are and move between areas without returning to a homepage.

You Might Describe This As...

  • "left side menu"
  • "navigation on the side"
  • "list of sections on the left"
  • "app menu that stays visible"

Fast lookup

You May Also Mean

Sidebar Navigation is often mixed up with Tabs because the patterns can organize or reveal similar content in different ways.

Tabs

Check the name, visual cue, and typical use.

What It Is Used For

  • Moving between dashboard sections
  • Keeping app-level navigation visible
  • Showing nested product areas

Example User Phrasing

  • "Put the main app sections in a menu on the left."
  • "I want dashboard navigation that stays visible."