Navigation / The visual dictionary
Back button.
A control that returns to the previous screen or navigation level.
Also calledback arrowprevious screen
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UI illustrationSee it in context
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What it is
A control that returns to the previous screen or navigation level. Restore the previous view and relevant state rather than resetting the user's task.
When to use it
Use it when a screen was opened from another screen.
Know the difference
Back reverses navigation; Close dismisses a temporary presentation.
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Across platforms
WebiOSiPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinux
Web · iOS · iPadOS · Android · macOS · Windows · Linux
iOS uses navigation back controls and edge gestures; Android also supplies system-level back behavior.
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Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.