Breadcrumb
When to use
Show the user's location in a hierarchical structure. Particularly valuable when users arrive via external links and don't start from the homepage. Best for sites with 3+ levels of depth.
When not to use
- For flat sites with 1 to 2 levels, main nav already shows location
- For linear flows like tutorials, use Stepper instead
Guidelines
- Supplement, never replace primary navigation
- Show hierarchy, not history. breadcrumbs reflect site structure, not where the user has been
- Current page non-clickable and visually distinct from links
- Mobile: Consider showing only the immediate parent to save space
How it works