Web Standard: Sidebar

Definitions

The sidebar navigation is the vertical list of links in the left panel of some webpages. Microsite webpages are required to have sidebar navigation, except the homepage and pages using the wide template.

Related Information

Content Requirements

  • The first link in the sidebar must be to the website's homepage. The format must be short name and the word Home. For example, "Children's Health Home" instead of "Protecting Children's Environmental Health Home". 
  • The sidebar is part of the EPA look and feel. Do not modify it.
  • The left sidebar must be identical on all webpages within a microsite web area.
  • Use title case (initial capital letters) for all major words. Do not use all caps.
  • Use standard language terms on the sidebar menu to link to content:
    • Frequent Questions. Do not use the acronym, “FAQ”, "Frequently Asked Questions", "Common Questions", "Key Questions" or any term other than "Frequent Questions."
    • Publications. Links to EPA-produced publications.
  • Do not use acronyms unless
    • the acronym is more familiar than the phrase the acronym stands for (e.g., "PCBs" is a more familiar term than "polychlorinated biphenyls") or
    • the acronym is explained in the area name at the top of the page (Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemical Program).
  • All text used on the left sidebar navigation must be an active link.
  • If you have a basic information or Learn About… webpage in your web area, you must include it in the sidebar navigation.
  • Use the page name for the sidebar menu.
  •  Keep navigation simple.
    • The left sidebar navigation can be the main navigation for the web area. If you decide to include additional navigation, put the links on the top of the page in a pipeline list. Do not use right‐side boxes for navigation menus. Consider including a right side “Related Info” box on individual pages when you wish to link to related content.
    • If a section of content has a substantial hierarchy, consider creating a web area for it.
  • The sidebar navigation should not contain entries which link to:
    • Search pages or search boxes
    • PDFs or other web files (Excel, Word, etc.)
    • Outside web areas, except to a homepage of a parent web area or to the relevant glossary page in Terminology Services
    • www3.epa.gov outdated content
    • Snapshots of www.epa.gov
    • Graphics
    • The web area’s "Contact Us" page
      • NOTE: You may link to lists of program contacts. Label these links with specific descriptions like "State Contacts" as opposed to "Contacts" or "Contact Us." If you are soliciting comments, then use sidebar language like "Send Comments" or "Comment on the Rule" instead of "Contact Us."

About this Standard

All EPA public web content must adhere to all federal requirements including; the EPA Web Standards, the U.S. Web Design System guidelines, federal plain language guidelines, and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. Internal content, including Intranet and Microsoft 365, may differ from the public content. If not explicitly stated, content must adhere to all federal requirements.

Original effective date: 09/28/2005
Last approved on: 01/11/2023
Web Council review by: 01/11/2026 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council) 

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Last updated on February 14, 2025