topbars

Topbars are horizontal user interface elements positioned at the top of a window or screen. They typically span the full width and provide a combination of branding, navigation, search, and quick actions. Topbars are distinct from title bars and status bars, serving as a primary control surface for the current view.

Common components found in topbars include a site or app logo or title, navigation controls such as a back button or hamburger menu, a search field or icon, action buttons (for example, create, save, or account), and status indicators like notification icons. In desktop applications, topbars often host menus and tool actions; in mobile interfaces they are usually more compact and may adapt to smaller screens through icons or collapsible areas.

Variants and behavior vary by platform and design system. Material Design describes a Top App Bar that can include a navigation icon, a title, and action icons. Some topbars are sticky and remain visible during page scroll, while others hide or shrink to maximize content space. Responsiveness is a common consideration, with layouts that rearrange or replace elements on smaller screens.

Accessibility considerations are important for topbars. They should be keyboard accessible, use semantic elements (such as header or nav), provide clear labels for icons via aria-label or visible text, maintain a consistent focus order, and ensure sufficient color contrast.

Implementation notes: in web contexts, topbars are often built with a header element or div, with CSS positioning such as position: sticky; top: 0 and responsive flex layouts to align items. Good design emphasizes clarity, minimalism, and predictable behavior across devices.