An expand/collapse widget is a user interface component that allows users to show or hide content on demand. This helps keep interfaces clean and organized while still providing access to detailed information when needed.
Common uses include FAQs, navigation menus, and content sections that users may not always need to see.
Space Efficiency: Collapsible sections save screen real estate by hiding content until it's needed.
Improved Navigation: Users can quickly scan section headers and expand only the content they're interested in.
Better User Experience: Reduces cognitive load by presenting information in manageable chunks.
Accessibility: When properly implemented, these widgets can be navigated with keyboard and screen readers.
This widget uses JavaScript to toggle a "collapsed" class on the content container. CSS transitions provide smooth animations when expanding or collapsing.
The button includes a rotating arrow indicator that shows the current state of the widget. When collapsed, the arrow points right; when expanded, it points down.
The implementation is lightweight and doesn't require any external libraries, making it easy to integrate into any project.
FAQ Pages: Each question can be a toggle button with the answer hidden until clicked.
Product Descriptions: Show basic info by default, with detailed specifications available on demand.
Settings Panels: Group related settings under collapsible sections to avoid overwhelming users.
Documentation: Allow readers to expand only the sections relevant to their current task.