Expand/Collapse Widget Examples

What is an Expand/Collapse Widget?

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An expand/collapse widget is a user interface component that allows content to be shown or hidden with a simple click. This pattern is extremely useful for:

  • Organizing large amounts of information
  • Improving page readability
  • Reducing cognitive load on users
  • Creating FAQ sections
  • Building accordion-style interfaces

The widget typically consists of a header that acts as a trigger and a content area that expands or collapses when the header is clicked.

Benefits of Using This Pattern

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Expand/collapse widgets offer numerous advantages in web design:

  • Space Efficiency: They conserve valuable screen real estate by hiding content until needed.
  • Better User Experience: Users can focus on the information most relevant to them.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Particularly useful on smaller screens where space is limited.
  • Progressive Disclosure: Information is revealed gradually, preventing overwhelming users.
  • Improved Navigation: Makes it easier to scan and find specific content.

These widgets are commonly found in FAQs, product descriptions, documentation, and navigation menus.

Alternative Style Example

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This widget demonstrates an alternative visual style with different colors and a left border accent.

You can easily customize the appearance by modifying the CSS classes to match your brand or design system. The functionality remains the same while the aesthetics change.

Consider factors like contrast, accessibility, and consistency when styling your widgets.

Minimal Style Example

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This example shows a minimal, border-based design that works well in clean, modern interfaces.

The transparent background and simple border create a lighter visual weight while maintaining clear interaction affordances.

This style is perfect for content-heavy pages where you want the widgets to feel integrated rather than prominent.

Implementation Details

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This implementation uses vanilla JavaScript and CSS transitions for smooth animations. Here's what makes it work:

  • JavaScript: Toggles classes to control visibility and icon rotation
  • CSS Transitions: Provides smooth expanding/collapsing animations
  • Max-height Technique: Allows for animated height changes
  • Semantic Structure: Uses clear class names for easy styling

The code is lightweight, accessible, and easy to integrate into any project. No external libraries required!