What's the best navigation component for embedded apps?

Shopify Apps
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Topic summary

Seeking guidance on a suitable secondary/tertiary navigation pattern for an embedded Shopify app. Current setup uses App Nav for primary navigation; needs a component for deeper levels (e.g., sidebar, tabs) to browse products, features, and settings.

Constraints noted:

  • Polaris Navigation component feels inflexible and can conflict with Shopify Admin’s native side nav, suggesting it’s better for non-embedded apps.
  • Polaris horizontal Tabs are discouraged for app-level navigation per Shopify guidelines.
  • ActionList was suggested by others, but documentation doesn’t position it as a navigation component (though Shopify Collabs appears to use it).

Key terms: “Polaris” is Shopify’s design system; “embedded app” runs inside Shopify Admin.

Request: Recommendations for a compliant, clear secondary/tertiary navigation component for embedded apps.

Status: No solution provided yet; the question remains open.

Summarized with AI on February 4. AI used: gpt-5.
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I’m struggling to find an answer about which navigation component to use for embedded navigation. We’re already using the App Nav for primary navigation however we need another component for 2nd/3rd level navigation (e.g. sidebar, tabs) so merchants can navigate through different sets of products, features and settings we have.

  • The Navigation component is not flexible and can be confusing with the native Shopify navigation on the side, so I’m guessing it’s only recommended for non-embedded apps.
  • The horizontal Tabs are not recommended for app navigation according to the guidelines.
  • Someone recommended using the Action List, however, it doesn’t say anywhere should be used for navigation (but I saw Shopify Collabs app using it)

Any help is appreciated. Many thanks!