Menu button.
Opens a menu containing a set of commands.
See it in context
What it is
A menu button reveals actions when activated instead of executing the displayed command immediately. The opener may be a word, icon, or a label followed by a down arrow.
When to use it
Expose whether the menu is open and return focus to the opener when it closes.
Know the difference
A select chooses a field value; a menu presents commands to perform.
Across platforms
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.
Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.