Swipe actions

A swipe is a finger sliding across the screen. Swipe a list row left or right to delete or archive it, an email for example.

Also called: swipe, swipe action, swipe actions, swipe to delete, swipe left, swipe right, swipe away, slide to delete, delete by swiping, archive, gesture, drag a row sideways

What it is for

Swipes make common list actions faster: you don’t have to open the email and hunt for a button. While your finger drags the row, a colored background with an icon shows underneath, so it’s clear what is about to happen.

Where you see it

• Email apps — swipe an email to archive it or trash it
• Messengers — swipe a chat to pin or delete it
• To-do lists — swipe to mark a task as done

What it is called in code

• pointer / touch events
• swipe to delete

See also

• Pull to refresh — A gesture: drag a list down when it’s already scrolled to the very top. A loading icon appears and the content refreshes.
• Bottom sheet — A panel that slides up from the bottom edge of the screen over the current content, used for extra actions or settings.
• Toast (notification) — A small message that pops up briefly at the bottom or in a corner of the screen and disappears on its own.