Hamburger Menu
Hamburger Menu
A menu list that opens on websites and apps when you tap an icon with three horizontal lines.
In Simple Terms
A hamburger menu is a menu list that appears when you tap the three-line icon in the corner of the screen. It's used on devices with narrow screens, like smartphones, to tuck away navigation links and settings in one place. It saves screen space while keeping multiple page links and features neatly organized behind a single button.
Behind the Name
It's called a hamburger menu because the three stacked horizontal lines look like a hamburger bun with a patty in between. The English name "hamburger menu" is used internationally, including in Japan.
Take a Closer Look!
A hamburger menu is a UI design where tapping an icon made of three horizontal lines reveals a hidden menu of options.
It's mainly used on devices with small screens, like smartphones and tablets, to keep the screen looking clean and uncluttered.
Think of it like tucking everything away in a drawer.
Only the main content is placed on the homepage, while detailed navigation links and settings are hidden inside the icon.
Tapping the button makes the menu slide in from the side or expand across the whole screen, letting you pick the item you're looking for.
Because it makes good use of limited screen space, it's used on many websites and smartphone apps.
On the other hand, since the menu is hidden by default, it can make it harder to tell at a glance where to find the information you're looking for.