Hamburger Menu

A hamburger menu is a navigation menu made of three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. It looks like a hamburger, hence the name. When users tap or click this icon, it opens a hidden menu with navigation options.

This menu type is very popular on mobile apps and websites. It helps save space on small screens by hiding menu items until users need them. The hamburger menu appears in the top corner of the screen, usually on the left side.

The hamburger menu became common because smartphones have limited screen space. Instead of showing all menu options at once, designers can hide them behind this simple three-line icon. This keeps the interface clean and gives more room for the main content.

When to Use Hamburger Menu in UI UX Design

Hamburger menus work best in specific situations and can hurt user experience if used wrongly. Here are a few ways in which you can use the Hamburger Menu:

• Use them on mobile devices where screen space is limited. They help keep the interface clean and give more room for the main content.
• Use them when you have many navigation options that don't fit on the screen. This prevents the interface from looking crowded or overwhelming.
• Avoid using them on desktop websites where you have enough space for a regular navigation bar. Users can see all options at once without extra clicks.
• Don't hide your most important navigation behind the hamburger menu. Keep key actions visible and easy to find.
• Use them for secondary or less important navigation items. Primary actions should always be visible to users.

Best Practices for Hamburger Menu Design

Follow these key rules to create hamburger menus that users will find helpful and easy to use.

• Place the icon in the top-left or top-right corner where users expect to find it. Keep this placement consistent across your entire product.
• Make the icon at least 44 pixels in size so users can easily tap it on mobile devices. Include enough space around it to prevent accidental taps.
• Use clear, simple labels for menu items and put them in a logical order. Group related items together and use familiar terms that users understand.
• Always provide a way to close the menu, either with a close button or by tapping outside the menu area. Make it obvious how users can get back to the main content.
• Test your hamburger menu with real users to make sure they can find what they need quickly and easily.

Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.