pattern-library checked
Carbon Global Header pattern
Documents the UI shell header as persistent global navigation, including system and product links, responsive movement into panels, sense of place, and state preservation.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global navigation | Choose global navigation when users need repeated access to a small set of top-level product or service sections. | Activating a global navigation item changes to the named top-level section and updates current-state semantics. | Carbon global header guidance documents persistent global navigation, system versus product link placement, responsive movement to panels, and state preservation. |
| Header / top app bar | Choose a header/top app bar when each screen needs a current title plus view-level actions such as search, share, edit, save, or overflow. | The title in the bar must match the rendered content or current route. | Carbon UI shell header style guidance documents header structure, action states, sticky behavior, and responsive collapse. |
| Mega menu | Choose a mega menu when a top-level section has a deep hierarchy or more links than a basic dropdown can comfortably present. | Activating a mega-menu trigger opens the panel and updates aria-expanded on that trigger. | Carbon header guidance supports product navigation submenus, utility separation, and responsive collapse into panels. |
| Utility navigation | Choose utility navigation for controls whose primary job is session management, account access, support, search entry, notifications, language, product switching, or global tools. | Activating a utility button opens the corresponding panel, menu, tray, or inline search surface without changing the current primary destination. | Carbon identifies utility icons as globally persistent system-level controls that should open panels, while system and product links have separate placement. |
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.
Publisher: IBM Carbon Design System. Last checked: .