What Is the Burger Menu?

Introduction

If you’ve ever browsed a website or opened a mobile app, you’ve probably seen the small three-line icon in the top corner and wondered, what is the burger menu? The burger menu, also known as the hamburger icon, is a simple design feature used to hide and reveal navigation links. Its purpose is to make interfaces cleaner and more user-friendly, especially on mobile devices where space is limited. Click here to see more.

What Is the Burger Menu in Web Design?

A burger menu is represented by three stacked horizontal lines resembling a hamburger. When clicked or tapped, it expands to reveal a list of navigation links or options. This design element helps maintain a minimalist layout while keeping important menu items easily accessible.

The concept of the burger menu dates back to the 1980s but became popular with the rise of mobile web design. It allows developers to optimize user experience by reducing clutter without sacrificing functionality.

Why Do Designers Use the Burger Menu?

One main reason designers love the burger menu is its simplicity. It helps create a smoother and more organized interface. Users can focus on content first and access navigation only when needed. This makes browsing intuitive and less distracting.

Another advantage of the burger menu is adaptability. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, it works seamlessly across devices. This consistency enhances the overall usability of modern websites and apps.

The Pros and Cons of Using the Burger Menu

While the burger menu has many advantages, it’s not without drawbacks.

Pros:

Saves valuable screen space
Keeps designs clean and minimal
Works well on smaller screens

Cons:

May hide important navigation options
Users unfamiliar with the icon might miss features
Can reduce discoverability of key pages

Designers often balance these pros and cons by combining the burger menu with visible tabs or buttons for essential features.

Best Practices for Designing a Burger Menu

When implementing the burger menu, focus on clarity and ease of use. Here are some best practices:

Use a clear, recognizable icon.
Place it consistently—usually in the top-left or top-right corner.
Ensure smooth animations when expanding or collapsing the menu.
Avoid hiding too many critical links inside it.

Many modern websites also label the icon with the word “Menu” to make it more intuitive for first-time users.

Examples of the Burger Menu in Action

Major brands like Facebook, YouTube, and Airbnb use the burger menu to manage complex navigation systems. On mobile devices, these menus keep the layout simple while offering access to numerous pages and tools.

E-commerce sites also rely on the burger menu to organize categories, promotions, and user accounts. It helps shoppers browse efficiently without being overwhelmed by too many visible options.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what is the burger menu, it’s easy to see why this small yet powerful icon has become a web design essential. By combining simplicity, functionality, and adaptability, the burger menu enhances navigation and user experience across all digital platforms. Whether you’re building a website or exploring one, the burger menu remains a key feature in modern design.