layout-patterns

Design

Common UI layout patterns using fundamental-styles - login forms, dashboards, master-detail, wizards, and more

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Layout Patterns Skill

This skill provides common UI layout patterns using fundamental-styles components. Use this to build complete, production-ready interfaces by combining multiple components correctly.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

The user asks "How do I build a [pattern name]?"
The user needs to combine multiple components
The user wants a complete working example
The user asks about common UI patterns (login, dashboard, master-detail, etc.)

Pattern 1: Login Form

A complete login form with email/password fields, validation, and action buttons.

Components used:

fd-form-item - Form field containers
fd-form-label - Field labels
fd-input - Text inputs
fd-button - Action buttons
fd-message-strip - Error feedback

When to use:

Authentication pages
Sign-in forms
User credential entry

Complete example:

<div style="max-width: 400px; margin: 2rem auto;">
    <!-- Error message (hidden by default) -->
    <div class="fd-message-strip fd-message-strip--error" role="alert" style="display: none;" id="login-error">
        <p class="fd-message-strip__text">Invalid email or password. Please try again.</p>
    </div>

    <form>
        <!-- Email field -->
        <div class="fd-form-item">
            <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="email"> Email </label>
            <input
                class="fd-input"
                type="email"
                id="email"
                placeholder="name@example.com"
                required
                aria-required="true"
            />
        </div>

        <!-- Password field -->
        <div class="fd-form-item">
            <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="password"> Password </label>
            <input
                class="fd-input"
                type="password"
                id="password"
                placeholder="Enter your password"
                required
                aria-required="true"
            />
        </div>

        <!-- Action buttons -->
        <div class="fd-form-item">
            <button class="fd-button fd-button--emphasized" type="submit" style="width: 100%;">Sign In</button>
        </div>

        <div class="fd-form-item" style="text-align: center;">
            <a href="#" class="fd-link">Forgot password?</a>
        </div>
    </form>
</div>

Key points:

Use fd-form-label--required for required fields
Add aria-required="true" for accessibility
Use fd-button--emphasized for the primary action
Hide error message by default, show with JavaScript on validation failure
Use semantic HTML5 input types (email, password)

Pattern 2: Master-Detail Layout

A two-column layout with a master list on the left and detail panel on the right. Clicking an item in the master list shows its details.

Components used:

fd-list - Master list (left)
fd-panel - Detail panel (right)
fd-toolbar - Actions bar
fd-button - Action buttons

When to use:

Email clients (inbox + message detail)
File browsers (folders + file preview)
Settings pages (categories + options)
Any list-detail relationship

Complete example:

<div style="display: flex; gap: 1rem; height: 600px;">
    <!-- Master (List) -->
    <div style="flex: 0 0 300px; overflow-y: auto; border-right: 1px solid var(--sapGroup_ContentBorderColor);">
        <ul class="fd-list" role="listbox">
            <li class="fd-list__item is-selected" role="option" tabindex="0">
                <div class="fd-list__content">
                    <div class="fd-list__title">Item 1</div>
                    <div class="fd-list__byline">Last updated 2 hours ago</div>
                </div>
            </li>
            <li class="fd-list__item" role="option" tabindex="-1">
                <div class="fd-list__content">
                    <div class="fd-list__title">Item 2</div>
                    <div class="fd-list__byline">Last updated 5 hours ago</div>
                </div>
            </li>
            <li class="fd-list__item" role="option" tabindex="-1">
                <div class="fd-list__content">
                    <div class="fd-list__title">Item 3</div>
                    <div class="fd-list__byline">Last updated yesterday</div>
                </div>
            </li>
        </ul>
    </div>

    <!-- Detail (Panel) -->
    <div style="flex: 1; overflow-y: auto;">
        <div class="fd-panel">
            <!-- Toolbar with actions -->
            <div class="fd-toolbar">
                <div class="fd-toolbar__group">
                    <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact">
                        <i class="sap-icon--edit" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
                        <span class="fd-button__text">Edit</span>
                    </button>
                    <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact">
                        <i class="sap-icon--delete" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
                        <span class="fd-button__text">Delete</span>
                    </button>
                    <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact">
                        <i class="sap-icon--share" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
                        <span class="fd-button__text">Share</span>
                    </button>
                </div>
            </div>

            <!-- Panel header -->
            <div class="fd-panel__header">
                <h3 class="fd-panel__title">Item 1 Details</h3>
                <p class="fd-panel__description">View and manage item information</p>
            </div>

            <!-- Panel body -->
            <div class="fd-panel__body">
                <div class="fd-form-item">
                    <label class="fd-form-label">Name</label>
                    <p>Item 1</p>
                </div>
                <div class="fd-form-item">
                    <label class="fd-form-label">Status</label>
                    <p>Active</p>
                </div>
                <div class="fd-form-item">
                    <label class="fd-form-label">Description</label>
                    <p>
                        This is a detailed description of Item 1. It contains information about the item's properties,
                        history, and current state.
                    </p>
                </div>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

Key points:

Use flexbox for the two-column layout
Set fixed width for master (e.g., 300px)
Use is-selected class on active list item
Add overflow-y: auto for scrollable panels
Use fd-toolbar for detail panel actions
Implement keyboard navigation (arrow keys) for list items

Pattern 3: Data Table with Actions

A table with selectable rows, bulk actions toolbar, and per-row action buttons.

Components used:

fd-table - Data grid
fd-checkbox - Row selection
fd-toolbar - Bulk actions
fd-button - Action buttons

When to use:

User management tables
Product catalogs
Order lists
Any data that needs bulk operations

Complete example:

<!-- Toolbar with bulk actions (shown when rows are selected) -->
<div class="fd-toolbar">
    <div class="fd-toolbar__group">
        <span class="fd-toolbar__label">2 items selected</span>
    </div>
    <div class="fd-toolbar__group">
        <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact">
            <i class="sap-icon--delete" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
            <span class="fd-button__text">Delete Selected</span>
        </button>
        <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact">
            <i class="sap-icon--email" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
            <span class="fd-button__text">Send Email</span>
        </button>
    </div>
</div>

<!-- Table -->
<table class="fd-table">
    <thead class="fd-table__header">
        <tr class="fd-table__row">
            <th class="fd-table__cell" style="width: 50px;">
                <input type="checkbox" class="fd-checkbox" id="select-all" aria-label="Select all rows" />
                <label class="fd-checkbox__label" for="select-all"></label>
            </th>
            <th class="fd-table__cell" scope="col">Name</th>
            <th class="fd-table__cell" scope="col">Email</th>
            <th class="fd-table__cell" scope="col">Status</th>
            <th class="fd-table__cell" scope="col">Actions</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody class="fd-table__body">
        <tr class="fd-table__row is-selected">
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <input type="checkbox" class="fd-checkbox" id="row1" checked aria-label="Select row 1" />
                <label class="fd-checkbox__label" for="row1"></label>
            </td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">John Doe</td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">john.doe@example.com</td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <span class="fd-object-status fd-object-status--positive">Active</span>
            </td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact" aria-label="Edit John Doe">
                    <i class="sap-icon--edit"></i>
                </button>
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact" aria-label="Delete John Doe">
                    <i class="sap-icon--delete"></i>
                </button>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr class="fd-table__row is-selected">
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <input type="checkbox" class="fd-checkbox" id="row2" checked aria-label="Select row 2" />
                <label class="fd-checkbox__label" for="row2"></label>
            </td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">Jane Smith</td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">jane.smith@example.com</td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <span class="fd-object-status fd-object-status--critical">Inactive</span>
            </td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact" aria-label="Edit Jane Smith">
                    <i class="sap-icon--edit"></i>
                </button>
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact" aria-label="Delete Jane Smith">
                    <i class="sap-icon--delete"></i>
                </button>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr class="fd-table__row">
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <input type="checkbox" class="fd-checkbox" id="row3" aria-label="Select row 3" />
                <label class="fd-checkbox__label" for="row3"></label>
            </td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">Bob Johnson</td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">bob.johnson@example.com</td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <span class="fd-object-status fd-object-status--positive">Active</span>
            </td>
            <td class="fd-table__cell">
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact" aria-label="Edit Bob Johnson">
                    <i class="sap-icon--edit"></i>
                </button>
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact" aria-label="Delete Bob Johnson">
                    <i class="sap-icon--delete"></i>
                </button>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

Key points:

Use fd-checkbox in first column for row selection
Add is-selected class to selected rows
Show/hide toolbar based on selection state
Use fd-button--compact for in-table actions
Add descriptive aria-label for icon-only buttons
Use fd-object-status for semantic status indicators

Pattern 4: Multi-Step Wizard

A step-by-step wizard for complex forms or processes.

Components used:

fd-wizard - Stepper navigation
fd-form-item - Form fields
fd-input - Input fields
fd-button - Navigation buttons

When to use:

Multi-step forms (signup, checkout, configuration)
Guided workflows
Setup wizards
Complex data entry processes

Complete example:

<div style="max-width: 800px; margin: 2rem auto;">
    <!-- Wizard navigation -->
    <div class="fd-wizard">
        <nav class="fd-wizard__navigation">
            <ul class="fd-wizard__steps">
                <li class="fd-wizard__step fd-wizard__step--completed">
                    <div class="fd-wizard__step-wrapper">
                        <span class="fd-wizard__step-indicator">
                            <i class="sap-icon--accept"></i>
                        </span>
                        <div class="fd-wizard__step-content">
                            <span class="fd-wizard__label">Personal Info</span>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                </li>
                <li class="fd-wizard__step fd-wizard__step--current">
                    <div class="fd-wizard__step-wrapper">
                        <span class="fd-wizard__step-indicator">2</span>
                        <div class="fd-wizard__step-content">
                            <span class="fd-wizard__label">Contact Details</span>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                </li>
                <li class="fd-wizard__step">
                    <div class="fd-wizard__step-wrapper">
                        <span class="fd-wizard__step-indicator">3</span>
                        <div class="fd-wizard__step-content">
                            <span class="fd-wizard__label">Review</span>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                </li>
            </ul>
        </nav>
    </div>

    <!-- Step content -->
    <div class="fd-wizard__content" style="margin-top: 2rem;">
        <h3>Step 2: Contact Details</h3>
        <p style="margin-bottom: 1rem;">Please provide your contact information.</p>

        <div class="fd-form-item">
            <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="phone"> Phone Number </label>
            <input class="fd-input" type="tel" id="phone" placeholder="+1 (555) 123-4567" required />
        </div>

        <div class="fd-form-item">
            <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="email-wizard"> Email </label>
            <input class="fd-input" type="email" id="email-wizard" placeholder="name@example.com" required />
        </div>

        <div class="fd-form-item">
            <label class="fd-form-label" for="address"> Address </label>
            <textarea class="fd-textarea" id="address" rows="3" placeholder="Enter your address"></textarea>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- Navigation buttons -->
    <div class="fd-wizard__footer" style="margin-top: 2rem; display: flex; justify-content: space-between;">
        <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent">
            <i class="sap-icon--slim-arrow-left" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
            <span class="fd-button__text">Previous</span>
        </button>
        <button class="fd-button fd-button--emphasized">
            <span class="fd-button__text">Next</span>
            <i class="sap-icon--slim-arrow-right" role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"></i>
        </button>
    </div>
</div>

Key points:

Use fd-wizard__step--completed for finished steps
Use fd-wizard__step--current for active step
Show only the current step's content
Validate current step before allowing "Next"
Use "Previous" and "Next" buttons for navigation
Change "Next" to "Finish" on the last step
Implement keyboard navigation (arrow keys optional)

Pattern 5: Form with Validation

A complete form with field validation, error messages, and proper accessibility.

Components used:

fd-form-item - Form field containers
fd-form-label - Labels
fd-input - Text inputs
fd-select - Dropdowns
fd-form-message - Validation messages
fd-button - Submit button

When to use:

User registration forms
Profile editing
Data entry forms
Any form requiring validation

Complete example:

<form style="max-width: 600px;">
    <!-- Valid field -->
    <div class="fd-form-item">
        <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="username"> Username </label>
        <input class="fd-input is-success" type="text" id="username" value="john.doe" aria-invalid="false" />
        <span class="fd-form-message fd-form-message--success"> Username is available </span>
    </div>

    <!-- Invalid field -->
    <div class="fd-form-item">
        <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="email-form"> Email </label>
        <input
            class="fd-input is-error"
            type="email"
            id="email-form"
            value="invalid-email"
            aria-invalid="true"
            aria-describedby="email-error"
        />
        <span class="fd-form-message fd-form-message--error" id="email-error">
            Please enter a valid email address
        </span>
    </div>

    <!-- Warning field -->
    <div class="fd-form-item">
        <label class="fd-form-label" for="password-form"> Password </label>
        <input
            class="fd-input is-warning"
            type="password"
            id="password-form"
            value="weak"
            aria-describedby="password-warning"
        />
        <span class="fd-form-message fd-form-message--warning" id="password-warning">
            Password is weak. Consider using a stronger password.
        </span>
    </div>

    <!-- Information field -->
    <div class="fd-form-item">
        <label class="fd-form-label" for="bio"> Bio </label>
        <textarea class="fd-textarea is-information" id="bio" rows="3" aria-describedby="bio-info"></textarea>
        <span class="fd-form-message fd-form-message--information" id="bio-info">
            Tell us a bit about yourself (optional, max 500 characters)
        </span>
    </div>

    <!-- Select dropdown -->
    <div class="fd-form-item">
        <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="country"> Country </label>
        <select class="fd-select" id="country" required>
            <option value="">Select a country</option>
            <option value="us">United States</option>
            <option value="uk">United Kingdom</option>
            <option value="ca">Canada</option>
        </select>
    </div>

    <!-- Submit button -->
    <div class="fd-form-item">
        <button class="fd-button fd-button--emphasized" type="submit">Save Changes</button>
        <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent" type="button">Cancel</button>
    </div>
</form>

Key points:

Use state classes: is-error, is-success, is-warning, is-information
Pair states with matching fd-form-message components
Link messages to inputs with aria-describedby
Set aria-invalid="true" for error states
Mark required fields with fd-form-label--required
Validate on blur, not on every keystroke (better UX)
Disable submit button until form is valid

Pattern 6: Dialog with Form

A modal dialog containing a form for focused data entry.

Components used:

fd-dialog - Modal container
fd-bar - Header and footer
fd-form-item - Form fields
fd-button - Actions

When to use:

Quick data entry without leaving current page
Edit existing records
Create new records in context
Focused user input

Complete example:

<div class="fd-dialog fd-dialog--active" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" aria-labelledby="dialog-form-title">
    <div class="fd-dialog__content" style="width: 500px;">
        <!-- Header -->
        <header class="fd-dialog__header fd-bar fd-bar--header">
            <div class="fd-bar__left">
                <div class="fd-bar__element">
                    <h3 class="fd-title fd-title--h5" id="dialog-form-title">Create New User</h3>
                </div>
            </div>
            <div class="fd-bar__right">
                <div class="fd-bar__element">
                    <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent" aria-label="Close">
                        <i class="sap-icon--decline"></i>
                    </button>
                </div>
            </div>
        </header>

        <!-- Body with form -->
        <div class="fd-dialog__body">
            <form id="user-form">
                <div class="fd-form-item">
                    <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="dialog-name"> Full Name </label>
                    <input class="fd-input" type="text" id="dialog-name" placeholder="Enter full name" required />
                </div>

                <div class="fd-form-item">
                    <label class="fd-form-label fd-form-label--required" for="dialog-email"> Email </label>
                    <input class="fd-input" type="email" id="dialog-email" placeholder="name@example.com" required />
                </div>

                <div class="fd-form-item">
                    <label class="fd-form-label" for="dialog-role"> Role </label>
                    <select class="fd-select" id="dialog-role">
                        <option value="user">User</option>
                        <option value="admin">Administrator</option>
                        <option value="editor">Editor</option>
                    </select>
                </div>
            </form>
        </div>

        <!-- Footer with actions -->
        <footer class="fd-dialog__footer fd-bar fd-bar--footer">
            <div class="fd-bar__right">
                <div class="fd-bar__element">
                    <button class="fd-button fd-button--emphasized" type="submit" form="user-form">Create User</button>
                </div>
                <div class="fd-bar__element">
                    <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent">Cancel</button>
                </div>
            </div>
        </footer>
    </div>
</div>

Key points:

Set explicit width on fd-dialog__content (e.g., 500px)
Use form element with unique id
Link submit button to form with form attribute
Place primary action (Create) on the right
Place secondary action (Cancel) next to primary
Close dialog on Cancel or X button click
Close and refresh on successful submit

Pattern 7: Dashboard with Cards

A dashboard layout with multiple cards showing key metrics and information.

Components used:

fd-card - Information cards
fd-button - Card actions
CSS Grid - Layout

When to use:

Application dashboards
Analytics pages
Overview screens
KPI displays

Complete example:

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; padding: 1rem;">
    <!-- Card 1: Metric -->
    <div class="fd-card">
        <div class="fd-card__header">
            <div class="fd-card__header-text">
                <h3 class="fd-card__title-area">Total Users</h3>
            </div>
        </div>
        <div class="fd-card__content">
            <div style="text-align: center; padding: 2rem 0;">
                <div style="font-size: 3rem; font-weight: bold; color: var(--sapPositiveColor);">1,234</div>
                <div style="color: var(--sapContent_LabelColor); margin-top: 0.5rem;">
                    <i class="sap-icon--arrow-top" style="color: var(--sapPositiveColor);"></i>
                    +12% from last month
                </div>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- Card 2: List -->
    <div class="fd-card">
        <div class="fd-card__header">
            <div class="fd-card__header-text">
                <h3 class="fd-card__title-area">Recent Activity</h3>
            </div>
            <div class="fd-card__header-toolbar">
                <button class="fd-button fd-button--transparent fd-button--compact">View All</button>
            </div>
        </div>
        <div class="fd-card__content" style="padding: 0;">
            <ul class="fd-list">
                <li class="fd-list__item">
                    <div class="fd-list__content">
                        <div class="fd-list__title">User registered</div>
                        <div class="fd-list__byline">2 minutes ago</div>
                    </div>
                </li>
                <li class="fd-list__item">
                    <div class="fd-list__content">
                        <div class="fd-list__title">Order completed</div>
                        <div class="fd-list__byline">15 minutes ago</div>
                    </div>
                </li>
                <li class="fd-list__item">
                    <div class="fd-list__content">
                        <div class="fd-list__title">Payment processed</div>
                        <div class="fd-list__byline">1 hour ago</div>
                    </div>
                </li>
            </ul>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- Card 3: Status -->
    <div class="fd-card">
        <div class="fd-card__header">
            <div class="fd-card__header-text">
                <h3 class="fd-card__title-area">System Status</h3>
            </div>
        </div>
        <div class="fd-card__content">
            <div class="fd-form-item">
                <label class="fd-form-label">API Server</label>
                <span class="fd-object-status fd-object-status--positive">
                    <i class="sap-icon--status-positive"></i> Online
                </span>
            </div>
            <div class="fd-form-item">
                <label class="fd-form-label">Database</label>
                <span class="fd-object-status fd-object-status--positive">
                    <i class="sap-icon--status-positive"></i> Connected
                </span>
            </div>
            <div class="fd-form-item">
                <label class="fd-form-label">Background Jobs</label>
                <span class="fd-object-status fd-object-status--critical">
                    <i class="sap-icon--status-critical"></i> 2 Pending
                </span>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

Key points:

Use CSS Grid with auto-fit and minmax for responsive layout
Set minimum card width (e.g., 300px)
Use fd-card__header-toolbar for card actions
Remove padding from fd-card__content when using lists
Use fd-object-status for status indicators
Keep card content focused and concise

General Pattern Tips

Layout Best Practices

Use CSS Grid for card/tile layouts
Use Flexbox for single-axis layouts (toolbars, button groups)
Set max-width on forms and content areas (e.g., 600-800px)
Add spacing between components (1rem is a good default)
Make layouts responsive with media queries or auto-fit grids

Component Composition

Layer components logically - Container → Content → Actions
Use semantic HTML - Forms use <form>, lists use <ul>/<ol>
Group related actions - Keep primary and secondary actions together
Maintain consistent spacing - Use fd-form-item for vertical spacing

Accessibility

Always include labels - Use fd-form-label with for attribute
Link errors to fields - Use aria-describedby
Set ARIA states - aria-invalid, aria-required, aria-expanded
Provide alternative text - aria-label for icon buttons
Manage focus - Set focus on first field in dialogs

State Management

Show/hide components based on user interaction
Update CSS classes for visual state (is-selected, is-error)
Disable buttons during async operations
Clear forms after successful submission
Preserve form state when closing dialogs (ask for confirmation)

For more patterns and component details, consult:

Component Guidance Skill (component-guidance.md)
MCP Server tools (get_component_html, get_component_guidance)
Fiori Design Guidelines (https://www.sap.com/design-system/fiori-design-web/)