Shadcn Context Menu

Browse 10 production-ready shadcn context-menu components for right-click interactions, bulk table actions, and destructive operations. Shadcn Context Menu is compatible with Radix UI and Base UI interaction models and is fully aligned with Shadcn Create style options so your previews match your design tokens.

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When to use

Right click actions on a file, row or canvas area, such as copy, paste, share and delete
Toggles and single choice settings changed from a right click, such as visible bars or the theme
Long command lists split into headed sections, key hints or a nested flyout of extra tools

When not to use

Actions that must stay discoverable, opened from a visible button like a row's more icon: use the Dropdown Menu component
A persistent bar of File, Edit and View lists across the top of an app window: use the Menubar component
Site links in a header bar whose panels open on hover or click: use the Navigation Menu component

Agent notes

Each dashed ContextMenuTrigger stands in for your target; wrap the row or card in it, or pass it through render on base and asChild on radix
ContextMenuLabel throws on the base twin outside a ContextMenuGroup or ContextMenuRadioGroup; the radix one renders anywhere

Markdownhttps://web.dev.reui.io/components/context-menu.md

MCPget_component("context-menu")

Installnpx shadcn@latest add context-menu

Full index for agents:llms.txtReUI MCP setup

Shadcn Context Menu: Right-Click and Destructive Bulk

Shadcn Context Menu is a right-click menu built on Radix UI primitives that stays compatible with Base UI components for focus, keyboard behavior, and disclosure, while using Tailwind-friendly styles. It is fully compatible with Shadcn Create style options, so radius, fonts, and theme tokens from the create flow apply consistently to previews and exported UI.

It displays a menu of actions triggered by right-click or context-click on a target element, with support for checkboxes, radio groups, and nested submenus.

ReUI lists context-menu components inside realistic layouts: tables with row actions, file lists with bulk operations, and asset galleries. This helps you judge trigger zones, menu width, and placement next to other UI elements, not only a minimal story. The sections below explain what the component is, why teams adopt it, which features matter, and how it pairs with data-driven interactions.

What is Shadcn Context Menu?

In UI terms, a context menu is a popup menu displayed near the cursor on right-click, showing actions specific to the clicked element. Shadcn Context Menu follows the same accessibility expectations as Radix UI primitives and fits teams that also use Base UI-style unstyled building blocks.

Components here show simple context menus, checkbox and radio items, nested submenus, and destructive actions with confirmation. They are meant to answer whether your product needs bulk row operations on a table, asset management shortcuts, or quick edits on a canvas, with styling that respects Shadcn Create options end to end.

Why Use Shadcn Context Menu?

Context menus surface actions without cluttering primary UI. Teams use them for file operations (copy, move, delete), table row bulk actions, and drawing canvas interactions. Power users expect right-click to work and appreciate the speed.

Pair context menus with a Shadcn Data Grid to add copy, move, or delete actions on rows. Use Shadcn Checkbox items for multi-select toggles and Shadcn Radio Group for exclusive choices like sort order. Show destructive actions with variant="destructive" styling and pair with a Shadcn Dialog for critical confirmations.

Shadcn Context Menu Features

Right-Click Trigger. Display menu on right-click or Shift+F10 on keyboard, providing a familiar interaction component for power users and accessibility.
Checkbox Items. Use ContextMenuCheckboxItem to toggle boolean states like mute, pin, or archived status directly from the context menu.
Radio Groups. Use ContextMenuRadioGroup and ContextMenuRadioItem for exclusive choices like sort order, view mode, or access level.
Nested Submenus. Use ContextMenuSub to nest related actions, reducing menu length and organizing complex command trees.
Destructive Actions. Style dangerous actions with variant="destructive" to warn users. Pair with a Shadcn Dialog or confirmation toast for irreversible operations.

Wrap rows or items in a Shadcn Data Grid with ContextMenuTrigger to add bulk actions like copy, move, or delete. Use CheckboxItem to toggle selection and RadioItem to change status.

Render Shadcn Button actions inside ContextMenuContent for critical operations, and pair with a Shadcn Dialog to confirm destructive changes like delete or archive.

Use context menus inside file browsers or galleries with Shadcn Collapsible folders to provide quick access to move, copy, or delete operations on files and directories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I place the ContextMenuTrigger in my HTML?

Wrap the element you want to right-click (a table row, file item, or canvas area) with ContextMenuTrigger. The trigger region inherits the size and position of its children, so place it as close as possible to the target element.

How do I show a confirmation dialog for destructive context menu actions?

Use the ContextMenuContent to render a ContextMenuItem that opens a Shadcn Dialog when clicked. Inside the dialog, confirm the destructive action before executing it.

Can I use context menu on mobile or touch devices?

Context menus are best for desktop with right-click. On mobile, use a long-press gesture or a visible action menu inside each item. Some libraries detect long-press and show a context menu, but Shadcn Drawer or Shadcn Popover menus are more mobile-friendly.

How do I disable context menu for certain elements?

Only wrap elements you want to show a context menu with ContextMenuTrigger. For others, the native context menu will appear. Use e.preventDefault() in a onContextMenu handler to suppress the menu entirely if needed.

Is context menu keyboard accessible?

Yes. Use Shift+F10 to open the context menu on the focused element. Arrow keys navigate items, Enter activates, and Escape closes. Ensure trigger text is descriptive so screen readers announce the context menu purpose.

How do I keep context menu positions consistent across submenus?

Radix UI handles positioning automatically. Use side="right" and align="start" props on ContextMenuSub to control submenu placement. Test across screen sizes to ensure menus do not overflow the viewport.

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