Mega Menu
An expanded dropdown navigation revealing multiple categories, links, and sometimes images in a large panel. Mega menus work well for sites with extensive content hierarchies like e-commerce or documentation. Design mega menus carefully to avoid overwhelming users with too many options.
Dropdown
Components
An interactive element that reveals a list of options when clicked, saving space while providing multiple choices. Dropdowns work best with 5-15 options—fewer suggests radio buttons, more suggests search or typeahead. Ensure dropdown menus are keyboard accessible and work well on touch devices.
Dropdown Menu
Components
A navigation pattern where hovering or clicking reveals a submenu of additional links or options. Dropdown menus organize complex navigation hierarchies while keeping the main navigation clean. Test timing and hover zones carefully—frustrating dropdowns that close unexpectedly harm user experience. See Make Responsive Dropdown Menus From Scratch.
Navigation Menu
Components
A collection of links enabling users to move between pages and sections of a website. Navigation menus should be consistent, clearly labeled, and organized logically based on user mental models. Test navigation with users to ensure labels and structure are intuitive.