TiDB Cloud’s New Navigation: Built for Context, Clarity, and Scale

In June 2025, TiDB Cloud introduced a major update to its console navigation. This is more than a UI refresh. It’s a foundational shift that brings the interface in line with how users actually manage distributed databases across multiple teams, projects, and environments.

This redesign makes it easier to stay oriented, take action, and scale operations without adding complexity. Everything from resource switching to menu visibility has been rethought to improve focus and usability.

TiDB Cloud Console Navigation: Designed for Real Workflows

The changes are grounded in real usage patterns from TiDB Cloud customers. Whether you’re managing clusters, writing queries, or reviewing metrics, the new layout keeps what you need within reach and out of the way when you don’t.

Here’s what’s new:

• Collapsible Sidebar: Adjust the interface to match your working style. Collapse the sidebar for a cleaner view—especially helpful when working in the SQL Editor or on smaller screens.

• Unified Resource Switcher: Quickly switch between organizations, projects, and clusters using a single dropdown at the top of the screen. This keeps context clear and reduces clicks.
• Context-Aware Menus: Menus now adapt to your current selection, showing only the tools relevant to the chosen project or cluster. This makes navigation faster and less cluttered.

• Role-Based Visibility: Users see only the options that match their role and permissions. Whether you’re running queries or managing billing, the console keeps your view focused.
• Fixed Access to Global Tools: Support resources, notifications, and account settings now live at the bottom of the sidebar. They’re always visible, always available, and never in the way.

By aligning navigation with how teams actually work, the new console makes complex operations feel simpler and more manageable.

A Navigation System That Grows With You

We based the new structure on three core principles:

• Context First: Make it easy to stay grounded in the right organization, project, or cluster.
• Task Clarity: Organize features based on what users are trying to accomplish.
• Scalable Design: Support future growth across more use cases, services, and roles.

Navigation is not just how you get around. It’s how a platform communicates what’s possible. That’s why we treat it as a product experience in its own right.

We’d Love to Hear What You Think

Navigation is never truly finished. We’ll keep refining the experience with thoughtful updates like guided walkthroughs, contextual cues, and smoother transitions. Until then, we encourage you to:

• Try the new navigation in TiDB Cloud and explore the updates.
• Tell us what’s working and what could be better: Submit your feedback to help us build a better experience for everyone. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll share a follow-up post that details how this redesign came together. Stay tuned for more very soon!