Navigations - Messages

A Messages Navigation component serves as a direct link to the internal communication hub of your application. It allows users to access their notifications, alerts, and direct messages, ensuring they stay informed about system updates or collaborative tasks without needing to leave their current workspace.

Table of Contents

• Types of Navigation Components
• Create and Configure a Navigation Component
• Common Configurations

Types of Navigation Components

SnapApp provides several navigation elements to build your interface, such as Dashboards, Custom Views, and Pages. The Messages type is specifically used to manage communication flows within the app.

Create and Configure a Navigation Component

Setting up a Messages link follows the standard SnapApp navigation workflow, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into your chosen layout.

1. Access the Navigation Builder

1. Open Application Settings.
2. Select the drop-down from the left navigation panel under UX.
3. Click on Navigation.
4. Click the Add New button from the right-hand side of the list view.

2. Configure the Messages Navigation

Once you select the Messages navigation type, you will need to define its identity:

1. Name: Provide a clear name, such as “Inbox” or “Notifications”.
2. Description: Enter a brief summary of what the user will find here (e.g., “Access your direct messages and system alerts”).
3. Icon: Choose an appropriate icon, typically a bell or an envelope.
4. Status: Toggle the status to Active to make the navigation link visible to your users.

Common Configurations

After defining the content of your navigation link, you must determine its placement and visibility logic.

1. Choosing a Position

You can place the Messages component in one of three areas:

• Left Nav: The main sidebar for high-frequency access.
• Top Nav: The horizontal bar, often used for secondary tools.
• User Dropdown: The profile menu on the top right, ideal for keeping the main UI clean.

2. Conditional Visibility (Show If)

To make your application more intelligent, use the Show If field. By entering a SnapApp expression, you can ensure that the Messages link only appears for specific user roles or under certain conditions, such as when a user has a specific permission set.

Note: If you want your Messages link to appear inside a folder, create a Group first and then assign the Messages component to that group in the configuration settings.