Tabs

‍Best Practices

Group related content. Ensure each tab represents a distinct but cohesive section, helping users quickly understand and navigate the app’s structure.

Keep labels short and clear. One or two words is often sufficient. Long labels can truncate, especially in mobile layouts with multiple tabs.

Use a clear active state. Highlight the current tab so users can easily see which section they’re viewing.

Avoid too many tabs. More than four or five can become cramped on smaller screens. If more sections are needed, consider a different navigation pattern or a “More” overflow.

Style

Tabs usually occupy a horizontal area, typically near the top of a screen. They may scroll if the app supports numerous sections.

Consistent visual hierarchy. The active tab should stand out, while inactive tabs remain clearly visible but less prominent.

Alignment. Centered or evenly spaced tabs help maintain a balanced layout.

Animation and transitions. A quick slide or fade when switching tabs can reinforce continuity without feeling jarring.

Content

Each tab label should effectively convey the content or function it represents.

Icons (optional). If icons help communicate meaning, pair them with short text to minimize ambiguity.

Badges or counts (optional). Indicating unread items, notifications, or updates can encourage users to explore a specific tab.

Scrollable tabs (optional). In apps with more categories, a scrollable tab row can help avoid cramming too many labels onto a single line.

Role

Tabs facilitate effortless switching among sections without excessive page loads or navigational layers:

Content Organization. By separating related content areas (e.g., “Videos,” “Photos,” “Favorites”), tabs provide clarity and quick access.

Task-oriented flows. Users can move between tasks (like “Design,” “Prototype,” “Share”) within one view, making workflows more efficient.

Discoverability. A clear set of tabs encourages exploration, letting users see top-level sections at a glance.