pattern-library checked

Nord Design System Drawer

Documents drawers for context-sensitive actions and information, explicitly distinguishing them from modals by saying they should not block users from completing their task.

Open source

Pattern Decisions This Source Supports

Pattern Supported decision Required contract Claim note
Drawer Choose drawer when users need page-adjacent detail, preview, metadata, comments, simple actions, or object inspection without leaving the current page. The opener names or is adjacent to the object whose detail will appear in the drawer. Nord positions drawers as context-sensitive action and information surfaces that do not block task completion like modals.
Drawer with no close or return path Flag this anti-pattern when a temporary drawer has no visible close control, no Escape path, no back-route dismissal, no equivalent for gesture-only close, or no predictable focus return. Opening the drawer records the opener or selected object as the return target. Supports the boundary that drawers should not block users from completing their task.
Modal for nonblocking content Flag this anti-pattern when content can be read later, ignored safely, dismissed without consequence, or shown near its object without blocking the rest of the page. Users can continue the primary task while reading or ignoring nonblocking information. Distinguishes drawers from modals by emphasizing contextual content that should not block task completion.

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: Nord Design System. Last checked: .