Radial Nav Backplate
A circular navigation backdrop expands from the left of a link to emphasize its heading.
A circular navigation backdrop expands from the left of a link to emphasize its heading.
Live Demo
Hover over the element or use Tab to focus.
Source Code
Copy the HTML, CSS or JavaScript you need for your project.
HTML
<nav class="tbx-1177" aria-label="Sample navigation"><a href="#studio">STUDIO <span aria-hidden="true">01</span></a><a href="#work">WORK <span aria-hidden="true">02</span></a><a href="#contact">CONTACT <span aria-hidden="true">03</span></a></nav>
CSS
.tbx-1177{box-sizing:border-box;width:265px;max-width:100%;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:3px;font-family:system-ui,sans-serif}.tbx-1177 a{position:relative;isolation:isolate;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;min-height:42px;padding:0 15px;overflow:hidden;border-bottom:1px solid #d8e2e7;text-decoration:none;color:#243747;font-size:13px;font-weight:750;letter-spacing:.11em;transition:color .35s}.tbx-1177 a::before{content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-1;left:-18px;top:50%;width:50px;height:50px;border-radius:50%;background:#276b7e;transform:translateY(-50%) scale(.25);transform-origin:left center;transition:transform .55s cubic-bezier(.12,.8,.2,1)}.tbx-1177 a span{font-size:10px;color:#6b8999;transition:color .3s}.tbx-1177 a:is(:hover,:focus-visible){color:white}.tbx-1177 a:is(:hover,:focus-visible)::before{transform:translateY(-50%) scale(11)}.tbx-1177 a:is(:hover,:focus-visible) span{color:#cff5ff}.tbx-1177 a:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #0899ae;outline-offset:-3px}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .tbx-1177, .tbx-1177 *, .tbx-1177::before, .tbx-1177::after, .tbx-1177 *::before, .tbx-1177 *::after { transition-duration:.01ms !important; animation-duration:.01ms !important; scroll-behavior:auto !important; } }
How to Use
Insert the HTML and add the CSS to your stylesheet. Adjust colors and sizes and avoid class conflicts.
Use Case
Useful for navigation menus and header sections.
Technical Notes
Keep controls usable on touch devices. Test keyboard focus and reduced-motion preferences.
Mobile: Ensure the interactive content remains accessible without hover on touch devices.
Browser: Uses modern CSS. Check behavior in the browsers you support.
Reduced Motion: Check that prefers-reduced-motion is respected.
