Tabs

UI Components

A navigation pattern that organizes content into separate panels, where only one panel is visible at a time, switched by clicking horizontal tab headers.

Visual Examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Visual examples for Tabs coming soon.

How It Works in Apps/Websites

Tabs divide content into logical sections accessed via horizontal buttons (tabs). Clicking a tab shows its associated panel and hides others. The active tab is visually distinguished (underline, background color, or bold). Content typically doesn't reload - it switches instantly. Good for related content that doesn't need comparison.

How AI Interprets This Term

When you say 'tabs', AI expects: horizontal row of tab buttons at top, with the active tab visually highlighted (often with underline or different background). Content panel below changes based on selection. Tab bar may have border-bottom, active tab often has accent-colored underline.

Prompt Examples

Copy-paste these prompts to use in your AI tools.

Basic

Create a tabbed interface with Overview, Features, and Pricing sections

Detailed

Design a tab component: horizontal tab bar with 4 tabs, active tab has blue underline (#3b82f6, 2px). Tab text 14px medium weight. Smooth underline animation when switching. Content panel has 24px padding.

Comparative

Show underlined tabs vs pill-style tabs vs boxed tabs for the same content

Compare With

Related or contrasting terms to help you understand the differences.

Variants & States

Variants

underlined tabspill/boxed tabsvertical tabsscrollable tabs

States

activeinactivehoverdisabled

Usage Guidelines

When to Use

  • Related content categories
  • Dashboard sections
  • Profile/settings pages
  • Product details (description, specs, reviews)

When NOT to Use

  • Sequential steps (use stepper)
  • Content users need to compare
  • Too many tabs (more than 5-7)

Related Terms

navigation barsegmented control