Intro

The split button allows users to trigger different actions via two interactive areas: a default action on the left and a menu with additional actions on the right.

When to Use

Do

Use the split button:

  • To offer a group of actions when one option is used more often than the others.

Don't

Don’t use the split button:

  • To switch between different states. Use the toggle button or the switch instead.
  • For standalone actions with no additional options. Use the button instead.

Anatomy

  1. Background: Different background colors visualize the state of the button.
  2. Text / Icon: Describes or visualizes the action that is triggered by the left interactive area.
  3. Separator: Indicates that the two areas result in different actions.
  4. Arrow: Opens the menu.

Anatomy of a split button

Anatomy of a split button

Types

Three split button variants are available to indicate the default action:

  • Text only
  • Icon only
  • Text and icon

https://www.sap.com/design-system/live-examples/Split_Button/SplitButton_LE_VisualVariants.html

Split button variants to visualize actions – live examples

(from top to bottom: text only, icon only, text and icon)

The split button also visualizes the priority. Three variants are available:

  • Primary
  • Secondary (= standard)
  • Tertiary

https://www.sap.com/design-system/live-examples/Split_Button/SplitButton_LE_PrioritizationVariants.html

Split button variants for prioritization – live examples

(from top to bottom: primary, secondary, tertiary)

Behavior and Interaction

The split button has two interactive areas:

  • The left click-area triggers the default action.
  • The right area (arrow) opens a menu with the additional actions. For more information, see Menu.

https://www.sap.com/design-system/live-examples/Split_Button/SplitButton_LE_BehaviourAndInteraction.html

Split button behavior – live examples

Components

Implementation

Specifications

Components

Implementation