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Reconcile version dropdown behavior between /guide and /docs #2045

@KOTungseth

Description

@KOTungseth

Description

The version dropdown experience differs between the /guide and /docs docs. We need to align the behavior and presentation to ensure a consistent user experience across both Elastic Docs sites.

Current behavior

In /guide:

  • The version dropdown appears on the left, above the navigation.
  • Users can select different versions within the 8.x series and earlier.
  • Versions 9.0 and later are not included in the dropdown.
  • Instead, a link to the equivalent page in /docs (where 9.0+ docs live) appears at the top of every page.

In /docs:

  • The version dropdown appears on the right, above the “On this page” content.
  • Users can select any of the /guide docs in versions 7.19 and the 8.x series.

Problem

  • The placement and functionality of the version dropdown differ between /guide and /docs.
  • This is confusing users navigating between legacy (/guide) and current (/docs) docs.

Proposal

  • Decide on a unified experience for version selection across /guide and /docs.
  • Determine whether the dropdown should appear on the left or right for both locations. Most docs sites put it on the left.
  • Define consistent behavior for how 9.0+ versions are represented (dropdown inclusion vs. link).

Acceptance criteria

  • A consistent location and behavior for the version dropdown across /guide and /docs.
  • Clear logic for how users navigate to 9.0+ versions (either through dropdown or top-of-page link).
  • Updated implementation and documentation to reflect the chosen design.

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