New Navigation Sidebar module in core

27 Jan 2025

Sometimes, the Drupal site's navigation feels like a maze. Well, Drupal has heard your pleas and delivered a game-changer: the new Navigation Sidebar module. Hot off the presses and integrated right into Drupal core, this module is poised to revolutionize the way you navigate your site, opening up a world of possibilities. 
A team of enthusiasts and true Drupal professionals recently introduced a new Navigation Sidebar module. At the moment, this is an experimental solution. Its main task is to improve the administrative interface and simplify the management process significantly. And today, almost everyone can try out its new functions. Therefore, Golems Drupal web developers are excited to find out what features this module has and what opportunities it provides.

Navigation Sidebar Module: Brief History of Creation

The appearance of the experimental navigation module, which the Drupal core team presented, can be explained as simply as possible. It is a response to a proposal regarding the need to improve the current administrative navigation. According to many experts and ordinary users, changes have been required for a long time.
Remember that Drupal is actively working on a particular Contrib module. In fact, the experimental solution results from the active development of new navigation. All decisions are based on recommendations to improve and simplify work with the system.

Main Tasks and Features of the Navigation Sidebar Module

The new Navigation Sidebar module's main task is to improve the current user interface. As a result, the Drupal team presented a new vertical panel aligned to the left. It is a set of necessary tools. The developers note that the panel will now become more efficient when solving complex menus. You can collapse an interface element anytime to save space on your workspace. In this case, the panel uses icons from an open-source library.
One of the new solution's unique features is the ability of the navigation menu to accommodate many deeper navigation layers. These layers are convenient for creating complex and necessary information architectures. When placed on the desktop, click on the section to the right of the main work panel to open a submenu. The navigation bar can open to reduce viewing areas with an overlay effect over the page content.

Capabilities of the New Navigation Bar

The navigation module has several unique customization functions. For example, you can quickly replace or hide the original Drupal logo by default. The module also provides the user with a new design system that is available for the administrative user interface. All this allows you to expand the possibilities and potential for settings significantly. In parallel, the new solution includes functions such as control of density parameters or dark mode.
The key feature is the ability for site developers to move and create new navigation blocks. Each block can be easily removed, configured, and reorganized using an appropriate user interface.
The new navigation blocks resemble standard ones. They are limited to the navigation bar, which provides excellent flexibility within the constraints.

The module will be available with 3 pre-configured navigation blocks:

  • shortcut navigation;
  • user navigation;
  • system menu navigation.

With these blocks, users can independently set up their own profiles, view the necessary shortcuts, and gain full access to the work menu. An additional module feature is a menu for creating content, which allows instant access to related tasks. This has significantly improved the usability of working with user content.

Current Status of the New Navigation Menu

The functions of the top panel are being actively developed immediately. With its help, users are expected to be able to take new, additional contextual actions. Many experts have already recognized the new module as an excellent solution, although it is still in beta testing. The developers' main task was to create a convenient, lightweight, and multifunctional solution to replace the existing toolbar. The new product can simplify and expand navigation options for menus and submenus.
A new experimental module developed for Drupal 10.3 aims to make navigation more accessible and powerful. It is a more modern and functional alternative to the existing toolbar. The new solution has several key features:

  • the panel is located on the left side of the working screen
  • when you point to this area, the menu opens automatically without requiring additional actions
  • the module opens up new opportunities for detailing the developed configuration pages
  • it is a replacement for the top toolbar that is currently located on the home page

According to many who have already tried the new product, this navigation module has become much more convenient, easier to use, and functional. But the developers will not stop there. Additional changes and the introduction of new functions and capabilities are expected ahead of the new module. It is the opinion of people that plays a crucial role in determining the further vector of development of the project.

How Can You Try the New Solution?

Almost everyone can check from their own experience what the new navigation module is and how superior it is to the traditional Drupal solution. To do this, just follow a few steps:

  1. First, make sure that you are using Drupal 10.3. If necessary, install the appropriate updates.
  2. Open the "Expand" section. Here, you will see a menu called "Navigation."
  3. Next, install the appropriate "Navigation" module. Just don't confuse it with another similar module called "Navigation Top Bar."
  4. Wait for the installation and try out the new product from the Drupal developers.

This panel will provide users with a more modern and original look for Drupal-based sites. But keep in mind that this is only an experimental module at the moment. Therefore, it is possible that you will find errors or inaccuracies. Future updates will make changes to the current version, fix bugs, and add new features.
The new solution will objectively positively impact the comfort and convenience of working with Drupal. Of course, some users are accustomed to working with the traditional navigation module and have been mastering it for a long time. That is why switching to and working with the new solution will take time. 
At the same time, experts agree that the updates will benefit absolutely everyone. The menu will become easier to understand, the interface will be improved, new functions will be added, and more.

To Sum Up!

Understanding that the experimental module is the first step towards creating the final edition is essential. But the current version turned out to be quite user-friendly and multifunctional. In the future, we can expect updates with the corrections of detected errors and the introduction of additional functions and special features. At the same time, even ordinary users can help make the new navigation menu even better. You must try out its capabilities, study its characteristics, and check its performance. Share your comments and wishes so developers can make appropriate changes and add missing features. That's why Drupal made the experimental menu available to everyone. Even though work on the project still needs to be completed. 
Ready to elevate your site's navigation? Take the first step towards a more user-friendly and engaging website. Contact us today to learn all the benefits of the New Navigation Sidebar module.