Description
Lists are continuous, vertical indexes of text and images.
They are composed of items containing primary and in some cases supplemental information, which can be shown as text, icons, or images.
The component may be part of a page layout or in a Popover. They also often appear as a sub-component within a larger element, such as a Drop-down Menu, Drag and Drop, or Combo Box.
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Types
Type | Image | Usage |
Simple list | | The most common list is a flat collection of objects. |
Check box list | | A list where the user can select multiple options. |
 | A hierarchical list with expanding and collapsing nodes which contain nested items. See the Tree page. |
Usage & Behavior
General guidelines
Structure
List items must have:
a label, with the main object name. If the entire name does not fit, it can be truncated and a Tooltip can be used on hover.
List items can optionally also have:
a leading icon. These should only be used if the list can contain several types of object. If all items are of the same type, an icon should not be used.
a leading image.
up to 2 secondary lines of text. Secondary lines cannot have their own leading icons or images.
extra metadata, such as a tag, text, or an icon. These should be positioned to the right of the item, centered vertically.
up to 2 action icons, such as delete. These should only appear on hover or when an item is selected. They should be positioned to the right of the item, centered vertically (replacing the extra metadata, if exists).
Single-line list | Two-line list | Three-line list | |
|---|---|---|---|
Full list |  | |  |
Single Item |  |  |  |
Single item with icon / image |  |  |  |
Single item with multi select |  |  |  |
Lists can also have:
a preceding label at the top of the list, to inform the user about the items included in the list.
a Search field on long lists, allowing users to find items easily.
Internal Logic
Lists should be ordered in logical ways that make the content easy to scan. Order the list using one of these rules:
Alphabetical. If there are more than 8 options available, sort them alphabetically. This helps the user to find the right option quickly. Sort currencies, names, and similar content alphabetically.
Numeric. Sort numeric values in a sequential order, with the lowest number first.
Chronological. Sort time-related information into chronological order, with the most recent first.
States
State | Image |
|---|---|
Regular |  |
Hover |  |
Active |  |
Disabled |  |
Focused |  |
Focused, Hover |  |
Focused, Active |  |
Focused, Disabled |  |
Interaction
On hover, the row will be highlighted and Check Boxes or Icon Buttons will appear, where applicable.
When the label is truncated (item name), hovering over it will show a Tooltip with the full label.
There are three possible selection modes:
Interaction | Screenshot | |
|---|---|---|
Single Selection |
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Multi-select check boxes |
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Smart Selection |
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When scrolling, the title and Search bar should stick to the top and remain visible.
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Best practices
Use:
when there is a need to select one or more items from a list.
when you want to show relevant content for each list item.
when content may vary between rows (contrary to a data table, which is more strict in nature).
Don’t use:
For long, complex lists where grouping and categorisation could be applied → use a Tree.
For items with multiple attributes which need to be displayed → use Data Tables.
General:
An optional Search field can be used for long, scrolling lists, to help the user find items easily.
Visual elements, such as leading icons and images, can help the user to scan and grasp a large amount of information.
Accessibility compliance
Unless otherwise specified, see our general compliance information in Fundamentals - Accessibility.
Design
Zeplin link | Screen thumbnail |
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Code
