# Sidebars

Source: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/sidebars
Skill: hig-components-layout
Snapshot: 2025-02-02

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<!-- hig-doctor:attribution -->
> **Source**: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/sidebars.
> This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02.
> Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.

# Sidebars

## Best practices

**Extend content beneath the sidebar.**

**When possible, let people customize the contents of a sidebar.**

**Group hierarchy with disclosure controls if your app has a lot of content.**

**Consider using familiar symbols to represent items in the sidebar.**

**Consider letting people hide the sidebar.**

**In general, show no more than two levels of hierarchy in a sidebar.**

**If you need to include two levels of hierarchy in a sidebar, use succinct, descriptive labels to title each group.**

## Platform considerations

### iOS

**Avoid using a sidebar.**

### iPadOS

**Consider using a tab bar first.**

**If necessary, apply the correct appearance to a sidebar.**

### macOS

**Avoid stylizing your app by specifying a fixed color for all sidebar icons.**

**Consider automatically hiding and revealing a sidebar when its container window resizes.**

**Avoid putting critical information or actions at the bottom of a sidebar.**

### visionOS

**If your app’s hierarchy is deep, consider using a sidebar within a tab in a tab bar.**

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<!-- hig-doctor:canonical-footer -->
For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/sidebars