Resize Handle
A resize handle is a visible spot on an edge or corner. People drag it to resize a panel, field, column, or object.
Drag the handle, or use Left and Right Arrow keys.
A real example
A split editor has a wide divider to grab. Both panels resize as the person drags it.
Main parts
- 01Visible label
- 02Interaction target
- 03Current state
- 04Keyboard behavior
Use it when
Use it when people need to divide space directly and you can set sensible size limits.
Do not use it when
Never use a tiny mark or an invisible target. Resizing also needs limits and a keyboard option.
Name used in code
resize / separator handle Before you ship
Give assistive tools the control’s name (accessible name), purpose (role), value, and state. Check keyboard use, visible focus, target size, disabled and busy states, feedback, and recovery.
Outcome: Use Resize Handle to solve this user need without losing the current context. User context: A split editor has a wide divider to grab. Both panels resize as the person drags it. Recommended pattern: Resize Handle. Why it fits: Use it when people need to divide space directly and you can set sensible size limits. Do not use it when: Never use a tiny mark or an invisible target. Resizing also needs limits and a keyboard option. Product requirements: Define the default, loading, empty, error, success, and recovery states. Keep user input. Give clear feedback after every action. Accessibility and resilience: Use semantic HTML, full keyboard access, and visible focus. Make the layout work when zoomed and support reduced motion. Follow the project’s current rules. Do not add a new UI library unless the project already uses it. Acceptance criteria: The main task works with keyboard only and at 320px width. Focus and status changes are announced. Check loading, failure, retry, cancel, and reduced-motion paths. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): A formal document may still be a draft, release candidate, or final version. Check its status and browser or platform support. Unknowns to confirm: Product wording, data source, analytics events, supported devices and languages, and platform limits.
Check this request
Review the current use of Resize Handle. Definition: A resize handle is a visible spot on an edge or corner. People drag it to resize a panel, field, column, or object. Release checks: Give assistive tools the control’s name (accessible name), purpose (role), value, and state. Check keyboard use, visible focus, target size, disabled and busy states, feedback, and recovery. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.