How to Compare Dropdowns vs Index Pages in Version 7.0: A Complete Guide

How to Compare Dropdowns vs Index Pages in Version 7.0: A Complete Guide

By Michael Turner

November 28, 2024 at 09:56 PM

A dropdown menu and index page serve different purposes in website navigation and content organization. Here's what you need to know about each option:

Dropdowns Overview

Dropdowns create hierarchical navigation menus to organize related pages. They:

  • Group related content under a single navigation item
  • Reduce navigation clutter
  • Are available in all templates
  • Function purely as organizational tools
  • Cannot be nested within other dropdowns

Dark blue navigation bar

Dark blue navigation bar

Index Pages Overview

Index pages aggregate and display content from multiple pages in one location. They:

  • Create dedicated landing pages
  • Display content in grids, stacked sections, or slideshows
  • Are only available in select templates
  • Can serve as homepages
  • Cannot be nested within dropdowns or other index pages

Collage of winter scenery

Collage of winter scenery

Key Differences:

  • Dropdowns only organize navigation; index pages create actual content pages
  • Template availability differs between the two options
  • Index pages offer more layout and design flexibility
  • Dropdowns focus on improving site navigation
  • Index pages excel at content presentation and curation

Best Practices:

  • Use dropdowns to simplify navigation and group related pages
  • Use index pages when you need a dedicated landing page to showcase multiple content pieces
  • Consider your template's capabilities when choosing between options
  • Test both to determine which better serves your site's needs
  • Remember that template changes may convert one type to another

Note: You cannot combine these features by placing index pages within dropdowns or vice versa.

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