> 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

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="/files/0hTBs5I2imGJmvw3e8PC" 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="/files/slOyORxlnWC3XCgmzk9r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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