Navigation / The visual dictionary
Navigation history.
The record of previously visited locations in a browsing session.
Also calledbrowsing historyback-forward history
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UI illustrationSee it in context
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What it is
The record of previously visited locations in a browsing session. Support sensible backward and forward movement while restoring relevant screen state.
When to use it
Use it for browsers and tools where people revisit locations.
Know the difference
History reflects the route taken; breadcrumbs reflect the current location's hierarchy.
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Across platforms
WebiOSiPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinux
Web · iOS · iPadOS · Android · macOS · Windows · Linux
Browsers manage URL history; native apps may maintain a back stack without a symmetric Forward action.
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Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.