> 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/main-sidebar.md).

# Main Sidebar

A persistent vertical navigation panel displayed on the left or right side of the screen, replacing or supplementing the traditional top header. Supports your full menu tree, logo, search, social links, newsletter, and much more — essentially a complete navigation system in sidebar form.

<figure><img src="/files/IiymmVUem40ON0S8EJsX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### How to find

**Theme Editor → Header group → Main sidebar**

<figure><img src="/files/IG1PHb6NLFLEnzMdRE1g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To switch your store from a top header to sidebar navigation, go to **Theme Settings →** [**Appearance**](/docs/avante-themes/theme-settings/appearance.md) and change the **Navigation layout**.

***

### Blocks

Main Sidebar supports 19 block types — the widest selection of any navigation section. A few that stand out:

**Banner** — works like a sidebar version of Mega menu. Set a **Dropdown link** that matches a menu item, and when a visitor hovers over that item, a promotional banner with an image, heading, and link appears alongside the menu. Great for visual storytelling in the navigation.

<figure><img src="/files/LmiWSWsCvhx9XZhxg6Z3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Nested menu** — adds images to individual child menu items. Enter a **Dropdown link** to match a parent item, then assign an image to each child link (up to 10). Turns a plain text menu into a visual category browser.

<figure><img src="/files/aFhnPlNGc48vEm8uYgQ0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Back to top** — a button that scrolls visitors back to the top of the page. Especially useful in sidebar navigation since the header isn't at the top in the traditional sense.

**Newsletter** — add an email signup form directly in the sidebar, visible on every page.

**Contacts** — phone and email displayed in the sidebar, always accessible.

<figure><img src="/files/8AkZBUF8jtIPO17rYyhX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Related

* [Secondary Sidebar](/docs/avante-themes/global-sections/sidebar-navigation/secondary-sidebar.md) — optional second sidebar on the opposite side
* [Appearance settings](/docs/avante-themes/theme-settings/appearance.md) — switch between header and sidebar navigation
* [Header](/docs/avante-themes/global-sections/header-and-navigation/header.md) — traditional top navigation


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