submenu
Secondary choice list
A submenu is a secondary menu that appears when you select an item from a primary menu, revealing additional options nested beneath it.
In software interfaces, submenus typically expand to the side or below the parent menu item, often indicated by an arrow: Hover over "Format" to see the submenu.
The hierarchical structure helps organize complex option sets without cluttering the main interface.
Expandable selection menu
- flyoutOut from caught ball
- contextualRelative to surrounding conditions
- nestedContained within another
- cascadingFalling in stages
hover · click · expand · collapse · toggle · popup · pulldown · accordion
Fragment of baked grain
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- drill-downDetailed sub-level examination
- sitemapWebsite's page directory
- depthDistance below surface
levels · path · structure · branching · nesting · subnavigation
Ease of interaction quality
- accessibilityEase of approach
- affordancePerceived usability property
- discoverabilityEase of being located
- layoutSpatial arrangement of elements
spacing · grouping · labeling · icon · indicator · chevron · caret · responsive
dropdown
Expandable selection menu
- flyoutOut from caught ball
- contextualRelative to surrounding conditions
- nestedContained within another
cascading · hover · click · expand · collapse · toggle · popup · pulldown · accordion · selection
breadcrumb
Fragment of baked grain
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- drill-downDetailed sub-level examination
- sitemapWebsite's page directory
depth · levels · path · structure · branching · nesting · subnavigation
usability
Ease of interaction quality
- accessibilityEase of approach
- affordancePerceived usability property
- discoverabilityEase of being located
layout · spacing · grouping · labeling · icon · indicator · chevron · caret · responsive · mobile-friendly