Header
<gcds-header>
Also called: global header, brand header.
The header is the responsive Government of Canada branded header landmark.
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Required on Canada.ca -
Required on GC sites
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GitHub -
Figma
Header component preview
Header anatomy
Header elements are required for GC sites unless noted.
- The signature is a branding element that identifies a page as a Government of Canada space. On Canada.ca the signature links to the Canada.ca homepage.
- The skip-to-content link lets a person pass navigation to go directly to the main content. The link is hidden until a person navigates to it with a keyboard (focus visible).
- The language toggle is a link that lets a person switch between French and English content by linking to the other Official Language.
- The search lets a person enter keywords or phrases to find content. It can be set to a local or global search form. Optional, except on Canada.ca campaign and standard pages.
- The divider line visually separates the main header elements and the page content.
- The top navigation is a primary navigation component for access to priority pages. Optional and, when used, sits beneath the divider line of the same colour.
- The breadcrumbs lay a path from the current location to each higher level page within the site hierarchy. On Canada.ca the first link leads to the Canada.ca homepage.
Design and accessibility for the header
GC Design System components are designed to adapt to the size of the screen or frame where they’re being viewed. As an exception, the text size in the header and footer is fixed.
Check header requirements
Here's what's required for the header on GC sites.
- Signature.
- Language toggle.
- Skip-to-content link.
- Always preserve the integrity of the Government of Canada signature. Never modify it in any way, stretch it, or change the colours or text.
- Signature that links to Canada.ca.
- Language toggle.
- Search.
- Breadcrumbs that link to Canada.ca from the first link.
- Skip-to-content link.
- Divider line.
- An approved program or institution specific search form instead of the global search form.
- Sign in button.
- Top navigation.
Improve the accessibility of the header
- Set up a skip-to-content link as a shortcut for people using an assistive technology and improve keyboard navigation. The link skips navigation elements to lead directly to the main page content.
- Avoid putting other elements ahead of the skip-to-content link. It’s more discoverable if it’s the first or second item.
Include optional elements in your header
- Consider using the top navigation for services and websites that need a dedicated primary navigation.
- Use the top navigation on Canada.ca pages when the service or product is self-contained and targets an internal audience, like GC Design System.
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