# Tab Bar Navigation — Mobile app

The persistent bottom navigation bar that gives users access to the top-level sections of the app

Source: https://www.checklist.design/mobile/tab-bar-navigation

## Items

### Tab count
Limited to the most important destinations — 3 to 5 items is the typical range

_Tip: More than 5 sections dilutes each option and may not fit_

### Icon and label
Each tab paired with both an icon and a text label

_Tip: Labels may not be necessary but only if icons are explicitly clear at what lies within that section_

### Active and default states
Active should be visually distinct whether it's colour, border or icon weight

### Badge counts
Useful for tabs with unread counts like messages and notifications, updating in real time

_Tip: Instead of a number, a dot is suitable if numbers feels less relevant_

### Fixed presence
For the sections the tab bar applies to, tab bar should remain visible, and can be hidden on any page a level deeper

### Tap target size
Each tab at least 44×44pt to be reliably tappable with a thumb in any grip position

### Haptic feedback
A subtle tap haptic on tab selection confirming the action

## License for the Checklist Design collection

Checklist Design collection: https://github.com/Checklist-Design/skills
Snapshot: bfae71e507b1b7c03c12e0756402b60eb80f5d14 · Imported: 2026-11-12
Republished under the MIT License. Original checklist text belongs to Checklist Design.

MIT License

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