Getting started

# Find your way around the interface

The header, the side menu, creating new items, switching platform, messages, notifications, detail panels and dark mode.

Updated October 4, 2026

Every screen in Transportial shares the same header at the top. From there you reach the dashboard, create orders, search, read messages and open the side menu with everything else.

## The header

| Element                 | What it does                                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Logo                    | Takes you back to the start page. If you work in more than one platform, the logo is replaced by the platform switcher (see below).                     |
| **Search...**           | Searches orders, vehicles, drivers, companies and locations. See [Search across Transportial](/en-us/help/global-search).                               |
| **New transport order** | Opens the form for a new order. The arrow next to it offers **File order**, to create an order from a file.                                             |
| Home icon               | Opens the **Dashboard**.                                                                                                                                |
| Orders icon             | Opens the list of **Transport Orders**.                                                                                                                 |
| Chat icon               | Shows your latest **Messages**. A number shows how many are unread. Use **New message** or **Details** in the panel, or **All messages** at the bottom. |
| Mail icon               | Opens **Emails**. Only shown when e-mail is enabled for your platform and your role.                                                                    |
| Bell icon               | Shows your latest **Notifications**. Click one to go to the item it is about, or click **All notifications**. Closing the panel marks them as read.     |
| ☰                       | Opens the side menu.                                                                                                                                    |

In Transportial Desktop the header also has an **Open in a new window** icon. See [Work with windows and pop-outs](/en-us/help/desktop-windows-and-popouts).

## Use the side menu

1. Click ☰ at the top right. The menu slides in with your name and e-mail address at the top.
2. Click **New order**, **New trip** or **New ticket** to create something new. A form opens as a panel over the current page.
3. Click any other item to open that list, for example **Vehicles**, **Drivers**, **Businesses** or **Locations**.
4. Use the items at the bottom for **Settings**, **Show shortcuts**, **Learn Key Product Features** and **Log out**.
5. Click the cross at the top, or click outside the menu, to close it.

The menu only shows the screens your role may use and your platform has enabled. Items such as **Integrations**, **Roles** or **Groups settings** are for administrators. External users (customers) see a short menu with **Businesses**.

## Switch platform

If you have access to several platforms, the top left shows the current platform's logo and name with an arrow.

1. Click the platform name at the top left.
2. Choose another platform from the list. The app reloads its data for that platform.

## Panels and pages

Lists open as full pages. Details and forms, such as an order, a vehicle or a new trip, usually open as a panel that slides over the page. You can open a panel from within a panel; they stack. Press **Esc** or use the close button to close the top panel and return to what you were doing.

## Perspectives (settings groups)

Your administrator can create settings groups that tailor the app for a team, for example a separate view for a planning or a customs desk. If you belong to more than one, open **Show shortcuts** in the side menu and click a group name under **Switch group settings**. The current one is marked **Active**. You can choose which group you start in under **Settings** \> **User interface** \> **Default perspective**.

## Banners

* **A newer version is available. Please update.** Click **Update** to reload the app with the latest version. Save open forms first.
* A billing banner appears when a payment method is needed before the platform accepts changes. Administrators can resolve it in the billing settings.

## Dark mode and layout

Go to **Settings** \> **User interface** \> **Theme** and choose **Dark**, **Light**, **System** (follow your computer) or **Light by day, dark at night** (light from 06:00 to 18:00, dark otherwise). You can also pin your chats to the bottom of the screen with **Pinned chat**. See [Change your personal settings](/en-us/help/personal-settings).

## On a phone

On a small screen the header icons move to a bar at the bottom with the dashboard, transport orders, messages and notifications. The side menu works the same way.

## Related articles

* [Search across Transportial](/en-us/help/global-search)
* [Use keyboard shortcuts](/en-us/help/keyboard-shortcuts)
* [Use the dashboard and its tabs](/en-us/help/dashboard-views)
* [Change your personal settings](/en-us/help/personal-settings)

## Still need help?

Our support team is happy to answer any question about Transportial.

[Contact support](/en-us/contact)[Report an issue](/en-us/report-issue)

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Canonical page: https://transportial.com/en-us/help/navigating-the-interface