Show more

Show more is a disclosure pattern for progressively revealing supplementary content.

Guidance
Demo & Code

Usage

Use the Show more component to reveal one short block of supplementary content that supports a visible summary. The content is already present on the page and remains available without JavaScript.

Guidance

use when content is a single supplementary and optional detail
keep the revealed content short and specific
use clear trigger labels that describe the action and update on toggle (for example, "Show more" to "Show less")
keep the trigger location stable, directly before the revealed content
add distinguishing context when multiple Show more controls appear on the same page
ensure users can decide whether to expand from the visible summary

Don't

hide critical information required for decisions, eligibility, safety, legal understanding or evidence requirements
use for inline text truncation, truncated list reveal, or content that changes the trigger position
use this pattern for loading additional data from a server (use Load more or pagination patterns instead)
hide controls or actions users need to complete a task, such as form fields, validation messages, links, or buttons

When to avoid

If most users consistently expand the same content, show it by default instead of adding an extra interaction step. Do not use Show more to shorten a page when the content still needs to be read in sequence.

Show more or Accordion

Choose the component based on how the content is structured, not the amount of page space you want to save.

Use Show more for one short, optional detail that follows a visible summary. The trigger should not act as a section heading.
Use Accordion when there are multiple related sections with clear headings and users benefit from scanning those headings before opening the sections they need.
Do not use either component to create navigation, replace page headings, or hide content that still needs to be read in sequence. Use headings, sections, navigation components, or a list of links for those needs.

Accessibility

All components are responsive and designed to comply with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards. Full compliance depends on using and configuring the components correctly.

This component uses native <details> and <summary> so it remains functional without JavaScript.

Disclosure behaviour

Use native <summary> as the disclosure trigger.
Place revealed content immediately after the summary in the same <details> element.
Keep trigger placement predictable so keyboard and assistive technology users can re-find it after toggle.
Keep labels explicit and update visible wording between collapsed and expanded states.
To customise labels, replace the text in the show and hide label spans in the <summary>. Keep the pair clear, for example "Show eligibility details" and "Hide eligibility details".
Keep the <summary> content limited to the disclosure label, icon and optional visually hidden context.
Do not override native disclosure semantics with custom roles or conflicting ARIA.

View in new window View theming example

Supplementary content disclosure

Most people will not need this detail. Expand for accepted evidence combinations.

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Bring one primary identity document and one secondary document that includes your current address.

Primary: Australian passport, Australian birth certificate, or Australian citizenship certificate.
Secondary: Medicare card, utility bill (dated within 3 months), or bank statement (dated within 3 months).
If your name has changed, include a change of name or marriage certificate.

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Multiple supplementary disclosures with distinct context

Application A: Submitted on 4 March 2026. Evidence check in progress.

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Assessment notes: one supporting document is pending manual verification. Expected completion window is 2 to 3 business days.

Application B: Submitted on 11 March 2026. Awaiting payment confirmation.

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Assessment notes: payment reference was supplied but has not yet reconciled. If this remains unresolved after 24 hours, request a new receipt upload.

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