Utility Menu

The Utility Menu (sometimes called a secondary menu) is a small navigation area used for quick access to high-value, task-oriented, or user-specific links.

Unlike the Primary Menu, the Utility Menu is not focused on site structure or content hierarchy. Instead, it supports common actions like signing in, getting help, or accessing contact information. When used thoughtfully, it improves usability by separating these actions from the main content navigation.

Utility menu purpose

The Utility Menu typically includes links such as:

  • Log in or account-related actions
  • Help, FAQ, or support pages
  • Contact information
  • Secondary tools or resources
  • Blog or events pages

Not all sites use a Utility Menu. When present, it’s usually positioned near the top of the Site Header and visually secondary to the Primary Menu.

From a usability perspective, it’s best to:

  • Keep the Utility Menu small and focused
  • Avoid duplicating Primary Menu links
  • Prioritize task-based actions over content discovery

Accessing the utility menu

The Utility Menu is managed as a template part in the Site Editor.

  1. From the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance → Editor
  2. Select Patterns, then All template parts
  3. Click utility-menu to begin editing

Alternatively, while editing the header template, select the Utility Menu block and click Edit in the block toolbar. Both approaches open the same Utility Menu template part.

Utility menu structure

The Utility Menu is built using the same navigation-focused blocks as the Primary Menu, but with a simpler structure and more limited patterns.

Because it’s a shared template part, it’s strongly recommended to:

  • Use List View when selecting and editing blocks
  • Preserve existing group structure, nesting, and settings

Editor experience

Like the Primary Menu, the Utility Menu’s editor view is focused on structure and link management, not a visual representation of the front-end design.

This means dropdowns and mega menus may not visually open and close as they do on the front end. Spacing, alignment, and layout may look simplified in the editor. Visual styling is handled by the design system, not the editor.

This is expected behavior. When editing the Primary Menu, focus on labels, links, and hierarchy, then review the front-end display after saving to confirm visual behavior.

Types of utility menu items

The Utility Menu supports two types of top-level menu items:

  1. Standard Menu Item (simple link)
  2. Standard Menu Item with Dropdown

Mega Menus are not supported in the Utility Menu.

Standard menu item

A Standard Menu Item is a single link with no dropdown.

When to use it

  • For direct, one-click actions
  • For short labels like “Login,” “Support,” or “Contact”
  • When no supporting links are needed

How to create a standard menu item

  1. Add a Standard Menu Item block
  2. Click the “Enter label text…” placeholder
    • This adds a Navigation Link block inside the menu item
  3. Type the menu label text
  4. Select the Navigation Link block
  5. Click Link in the block toolbar
  6. Enter a destination:
    • Full URL
    • Relative URL (for example, /login)
    • Or search for an existing page by name

Opening links in a new tab (use sparingly)

By default, menu links open in the same tab, which is best for accessibility.

If needed:

  1. Add the link
  2. Click the Pencil icon to edit the link
  3. Open Advanced
  4. Enable Open in new tab

Use this only when there’s a clear reason and it’s important for the user to keep the existing page open.

Standard menu item with dropdown

A Standard Menu Item with Dropdown allows a small group of related links to live under a single utility label.

When to use it

  • To group closely related actions
  • To keep the Utility Menu compact
  • When multiple links are helpful but still secondary

How to create a dropdown utility menu item

  1. Add a Standard Menu Item block
  2. Select the Standard Menu Item block
    • Using List View is strongly recommended
  3. In the block settings sidebar:
    • Enable Simple Dropdown
    • Enter the Menu Item Toggle Label

Adding dropdown links

  1. Inside the Standard Menu Item, add or select a Navigation Link block
  2. Use Duplicate to create additional links
  3. For each Navigation Link:
    • Enter the link text
    • Add the destination URL

All Navigation Links inside this block will appear in the dropdown.

Publishing changes

The Utility Menu is a template part, and previewing changes is not available.
Once updates are complete click Save to publish your changes
Changes will take effect immediately wherever it’s used.

Making changes safely

Before editing the Utility Menu:

  • Use List View to understand structure
  • Keep the menu small and focused
  • Make small, intentional changes
  • Save and review carefully

Even though the Utility Menu is secondary, it still affects the entire site.

Tips for editors

Keep it lightweight

The Utility Menu should support tasks, not compete with the Primary Menu.

Avoid duplication

If a link already exists in the Primary Menu, it usually doesn’t need to appear again in the Utility Menu.

Use dropdowns sparingly

Dropdowns can be helpful, but too many options reduce the “quick access” benefit.

Write clear, short labels

Utility links work best when labels are concise and immediately understandable.