Key Takeaways
- Sticky headers keep navigation accessible while scrolling
- Consider shrinking headers to save vertical space
- Mobile screens need smaller sticky headers due to limited space
- Add subtle shadow to indicate header is above content
- Test on long pages to ensure good user experience
When to Use Sticky Headers
Sticky headers work well for sites with long pages where users need frequent navigation access. They're particularly useful for e-commerce, documentation, and content-heavy sites.
Design Considerations
- Height: Keep sticky headers slim to maximize content area
- Shrinking: Consider reducing header size after scroll
- Shadow: Add subtle shadow to create depth
- Animation: Smooth show/hide transitions
Mobile Sticky Headers
Screen space is precious on mobile. Consider hiding the sticky header while scrolling down and showing it when scrolling up, or use a minimal version with just essential elements.
