As many of you know, there are many options in the mobile toolbar. And there will be more, as we port more functionalities to mobile, it will become more and more crowded.
From our observation of other editor type apps and from our own needs, we have came up with four categories of designs:
Scrollable. As the name suggests, all options are horizontally listed, and the toolbar can be scrolled. The options can be loosely grouped, indicated by larger space between groups. Example: Bear.
Two-level. Most options on the toolbar will trigger a secondary menu. For example, after you choose âblock-level itemsâ, you can choose between âparagraphâ, âheadingâ, or âordered listâ. Example: Google Docs.
Hidden options. Most frequently used options are directly accessible, whereas less used options a hidden in a ââŚâ menu. Example: Dynalist before the toolbar revamp.
Customizable. You can rearrange, add, or remove options on the toolbar. There might be a fixed number of option slots on the toolbar, or you can do whatever and the toolbar will scroll.
Truthfully, I like a little of them all. Customizable with a two-level functionality and scrollable/hidden as appropriate. That said⌠thatâs a massive pain in the butt for something thatâs setup once and then generally just left alone.
I personally know I have my very few functions that I do daily on mobile⌠For me, I only really need The Date, the Right Indent (left indent can be done with enter so I donât use that dedicated button), and the complete item check.
But I know my usage may not be yours, and may not anyone elseâs. So I think that the customizable would be nice for everyone to have a few âmost usedâ favorites, but I I think a 2-level menu doesnât try to conform to anyoneâs need and gives everyone all the functionality they may desire, even if it means a couple more taps. And finally scrollable because even a multi-level menu may still not quite fit in portrait mode