App Shell (Sidebar + Topbar)
aka Workspace Layout
The canonical SaaS layout: collapsible left sidebar, slim topbar, main canvas.
When to use
Any multi-page workspace product. Start here, customize after.
Anatomy
- Sidebar 240px collapsible to 56px
- Topbar 48px with breadcrumbs + workspace switcher
- Main canvas: container with max-width or full-bleed
How the industry does it
2 examples · credited
Prompt
Build a SaaS app shell layout. Left sidebar 240px wide, collapsible to 56px (icons only). Sidebar contents: workspace switcher at top (avatar + name, dropdown), search input (Cmd+K hint), then grouped nav links (Inbox, Projects, Teams) each with a small leading icon and an optional trailing count badge. Bottom of sidebar: user avatar + name + settings cog. Topbar: 48px tall, contains breadcrumbs on the left, a "New" primary CTA + a notifications bell + user avatar on the right. Main canvas: padding 32px, background slightly lighter than sidebar. Dark theme. Crisp 1px dividers between regions.Polish & tuning
2 of 4 unlockedMotion
Ease-out for entrance, ease-in-out for state. 200ms hover, 400–600ms layout. Stagger children at 30–60ms so groups feel intentional, not synchronized.
Spacing
Pick one scale (4 or 8) and don't mix. Section padding 96–128px desktop, 48–64px mobile. Headline sits ~24px above the subhead; subhead ~32px above the CTA cluster.