> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://staylime.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://staylime.com/docs/avante-themes/global-sections/sidebar-navigation.md).

# Sidebar Navigation

Set up Avante's sidebar navigation: persistent side panels replacing or supplementing the top header, including dual sidebar layout.

Avante supports an alternative navigation model where a persistent sidebar replaces or supplements the traditional top header. This layout works well for portfolio sites, lookbooks, and stores with minimal top-level navigation.

Two sidebar sections can be combined for a **Dual Sidebar** layout — a wide navigation panel on one side and a narrow utility bar on the other.

<figure><img src="https://795663372-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6DraMvJNYYlFJqlho1aV%2Fuploads%2FHRnGvLw0Fw4ff51C9jYd%2FGroup%2013%20(2).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=657fd1e0-6cea-4733-bca5-83220018e2fa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| Section                                                                                          | What it does                                                                   |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [Main Sidebar](/docs/avante-themes/global-sections/sidebar-navigation/main-sidebar.md)           | Full navigation sidebar with multi-level menus, logo, search, and social icons |
| [Secondary Sidebar](/docs/avante-themes/global-sections/sidebar-navigation/secondary-sidebar.md) | Narrow 96px utility panel with logo, social links, and language selectors      |

Sidebar navigation is activated in **Theme Settings → Appearance → Navigation layout**. There are 7 sidebar templates to choose from, with optional header alongside.

For a full overview of all layout configurations, transparent mode, and sidebar templates, see [**Appearance settings**](/docs/avante-themes/theme-settings/appearance.md).

<figure><img src="https://795663372-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6DraMvJNYYlFJqlho1aV%2Fuploads%2FDjOaKru3jNMV9ORVrHvS%2FGroup%2013%20(3).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=33d64406-8675-4d20-88ce-05641b0e9a9b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

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