> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.labii.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.labii.com/user-guide/interface/sidemenu.md).

# Side Menu

## Overview

The side menu is the main navigation panel in Labii. It gives you quick access to common areas such as the dashboard, notifications, projects, applications, and settings.

On some pages, Labii displays a second side menu with page-specific options. When that happens, the main side menu can collapse into an icon rail so you have more space to work without losing access to navigation.

## Show or hide the side menu

You can hide the side menu when you need more room on the screen and show it again at any time.

When a second side menu is present, Labii supports collapsing the main side menu into an icon rail. The icon rail keeps the main navigation available in a compact view while the second side menu remains open.

Use the side menu control to switch between these states:

1. Show side menu to expand the full menu.
2. Hide side menu to collapse the menu.
3. Use the icon rail to keep navigation visible in a compact layout when a second side menu is open.

## Main navigation

### Universal add button

The universal add button in Labii allows you to create a new record, such as an experiment, protocol, file, etc. To add a new record, simply press the green universal add button.

For more information on adding new records, see [Add Record](/user-guide/add-record.md).

### Dashboard

A dashboard is a representation of your data that can be customized with widgets. For more information, see [Dashboard](/user-guide/side-menu/dashboard.md).

### Notifications

Labii provides users with notifications, which are messages that include reminders, communication from other users, or other relevant information. The notification center in Labii allows users to stay updated on activities within the ELN/LIMS and unread notifications are displayed in the sidebar menu. For more information, see [Notifications](/user-guide/side-menu/notifications.md).

### Projects / Folders

A project functions as a container for records, similar to a folder. The sidebar displays all the projects that are accessible to the user. The project holds all the related records. For more information, see [Project List View](/user-guide/list-view/project-list-view.md).

### Applications / Tables

An application is a collection of tables created in Labii for domain-specific data management. Tables serve as individual modules to manage the research data for a particular category. For more information, see [Table List View](/user-guide/list-view/table-list-view.md).

## Organization actions

### Settings

In the settings interface, all the configurations for your organization can be accessed. Only Administrators have the power to make any changes to the settings. This interface allows you to customize and personalize your organization according to your needs. Learn more in [Organization](/admin-guide/organization.md).

### Reload organization

Labii preloads some of your account information into the local browser to speed up the user experience. For example, we downloaded all of your tables so that the system does not need to download the data every time a table is clicked. This reload organization allows you to refresh these data and is best used when the project or table has been updated.

### Switch organization

This feature allows users with accounts in multiple organizations to choose which organization's Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) they want to use. For more information, see [Switch Organization](/user-guide/side-menu/switch-organization.md).

### Reload page

Use Reload Page to load the latest version of the current page.