submenus
Secondary navigation lists
Submenus are menus nested within a larger menu, typically revealed by hovering over or clicking a parent item.
In software interfaces, a small arrow indicates that an option contains a submenu: The export options are buried in a submenu under File.
Submenus organize complex choices hierarchically, though too many nested levels frustrate users.
Expandable selection menu
- flyoutOut from caught ball
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- expandIncrease in size
- collapseSudden structural failure
toggle · hover · click · reveal · accordion · popover · nested · pull-down
Heights or ranked stages
- nestedContained within another
- tieredHaving multiple levels
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
- treeWoody perennial plant
structure · parent · child · depth · indentation · grouping · categories · subcategories
Available options to pick
- selectionsChosen items from options
- itemsIndividual units or objects
- alternativesOther available options
- commandsAuthoritative orders given
actions · functions · features · tools · preferences · settings · list · entries
dropdown
Expandable selection menu
collapse · toggle · hover · click · reveal · accordion · popover · nested · pull-down · slideout
levels
Heights or ranked stages
- nestedContained within another
- tieredHaving multiple levels
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
tree · structure · parent · child · depth · indentation · grouping · categories · subcategories · organization
choices
Available options to pick
- selectionsChosen items from options
- itemsIndividual units or objects
- alternativesOther available options
commands · actions · functions · features · tools · preferences · settings · list · entries · variants
breadcrumbs
Dried, crushed loaf pieces
back · drill-down · path · browse · explore · sidebar · navigate · access · traverse · scroll