GOV.UK Design System Breadcrumbs
Documents breadcrumbs for multi-level websites, not flat structures or linear journeys, with placement before main content and trails from home to the parent section.
What this source can teach
Use this source to study a complete public-service task and the guidance that supports its implementation.
- Start with the original. Open the source and find the guidance or example relevant to your task.
- Trace the connection. Use the claim notes below to see how this site applies the source to specific patterns.
- Check the setting. Compare the source's platform, people, and constraints with your own decision.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breadcrumbs | Choose breadcrumbs when the current page has meaningful ancestor pages that help users orient and move upward. | Activating an ancestor crumb moves to that ancestor page without implying a back-in-history action. | GOV.UK documents multi-level site use, flat-site and linear-journey exclusions, placement before main content, and home-to-parent trails. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Back link vs breadcrumbs vs pagination
GOV.UK breadcrumbs guidance distinguishes hierarchy orientation from flat structures and linear journeys.
- Breadcrumbs vs tabs vs bottom navigation
GOV.UK distinguishes breadcrumbs for multi-level websites from flat structures and linear journeys.
- Global navigation vs breadcrumbs vs bottom navigation
GOV.UK breadcrumbs guidance supports hierarchy orientation rather than flat or linear journeys.
- In-page anchor navigation vs breadcrumbs vs side navigation
GOV.UK breadcrumbs guidance supports hierarchy orientation rather than same-page heading navigation.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as service-manual evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: GOV.UK Design System. Last checked: .