Layout / The visual dictionary

Fixed positioning.

Placement anchored to the viewport or window rather than the document flow.

Also calledfixed elementviewport anchored

See it in context

UI illustration

Always here ↗

What it is

Placement anchored to the viewport or window rather than the document flow. Reserve enough content space so the fixed region does not cover essential controls.

When to use it

Use it for persistent navigation or actions that must remain available during scrolling.

Know the difference

Fixed elements do not scroll with content; sticky elements initially participate in normal flow.

Across platforms

WebiOSiPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinux

Web · iOS · iPadOS · Android · macOS · Windows · Linux

Web fixed positioning and native overlay placement need safe-area handling around device cutouts and system bars.

Go to the source

Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.

Apple Human Interface Guidelines — Layout

FROM NAME TO NEXT BUILD

Put it into words.

Choose a device and an effect, then copy the whole description.

Building forPhone modelAnimation effectBrowse the effect library

Create a fixed positioning. Reserve enough content space so the fixed region does not cover essential controls. Use it for persistent navigation or actions that must remain available during scrolling. Make it responsive and accessible, and follow the selected platform's interaction conventions.

Your copied description includes the component, device context, and selected animation timing.

See it in context

What it is

When to use it

Know the difference

Across platforms

Web · iOS · iPadOS · Android · macOS · Windows · Linux

Go to the source

You might also mean…

Sticky header

Safe area

Viewport