Controls / The visual dictionary

Floating action button.

Floats above content to highlight one frequent action.

Also calledFABfloating button
01

See it in context

UI illustration
My notes

A floating action button is a compact, prominent action placed over the content surface. It commonly represents creation, such as composing a message, and remains visually separate from navigation.

When to use it

Use one high-value action and position it clear of important content and system gestures.

Know the difference

Floating describes placement; the control still behaves as an ordinary action button.

WebiOSiPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinux

Web

Use a native button for an action and an anchor for navigation. Preserve keyboard activation and a visible focus indicator.

iOS · iPadOS · Android

Provide a comfortable touch target, use familiar system symbols when appropriate, and show a clear pressed or selected state.

macOS · Windows · Linux

Keep pointer, keyboard, and focus behavior consistent. Common commands can additionally expose a menu item or keyboard shortcut.

Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.