A highly configurable and lightweight dropdown selection component.
Works with remote APIs and services, supports filtering and sorting out of the box, and gives full control over UI templates.
Supports keyboard navigation, accessibility, and responsive layouts.

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React dropdown list

Overview

The React Dropdown List component is designed for selecting a value from a predefined list of items. It supports local and remote data binding, filtering, sorting, and templates to customize every part of the UI. The component also supports minimum input length for filtering, placeholder text, and floating labels to enhance usability for different scenarios.

Get started with the React Dropdown List using a few lines of TSX code, as shown below. Also, explore the React Dropdown List example, which shows how to render and configure the Dropdown List component in React.

import { DropDownList } from '@syncfusion/react-dropdowns';

const sports: string[] = ['Badminton', 'Cricket', 'Football', 'Golf', 'Hockey', 'Tennis'];

export default function App() {
    return (
        <div className="component-section">
            <DropDownList dataSource={sports} placeholder="Select a sport" />
        </div>
    );
}

Controlled mode

The Dropdown List component supports both controlled and uncontrolled modes. The controlled mode provides full control over updating and displaying values, typically via props such as value and onChange event, for easier integration with forms. The uncontrolled mode manages its own internal state for the selected value. It is simpler to use, requires less code, and is initialized with a defaultValue prop, making it best for basic date input.

Data binding in React Dropdown List

Data binding

The Dropdown List component binds to local arrays or remote services with minimal configuration. Data mapping through the fields property supports text and value mapping, grouping, and custom query parameters for remote data.

Primitive data binding example

Filtering

Enable built-in filtering to find items quickly once the text is typed in the filter bar. The filter can also be configured for case sensitivity and custom predicates.

Filtering example

Filtering in React Dropdown List

Diacritics filtering in React Dropdown List

Diacritic filtering

Handle accented characters using diacritic-insensitive filtering to match input regardless of accent marks. This improves discoverability in multilingual datasets.

Diacritic filtering example

Sorting

Sort the list data in ascending or descending order with local or remote data using a simple configuration.

Sorting example

Sorting in React Dropdown List

UI customization

Customize the UI’s appearance through CSS variables and theme support. Adjust pop-up width and height, item height, and the number of visible items; set placeholders, the clear button, and dropdown icon.

Customization example

Header template in React Dropdown List

Header template

Add a header section inside the pop-up to introduce the list or provide context. The header supports custom HTML content and other React components.

Header template example

Display helpful information or actions at the bottom of the pop-up using a footer template. Show totals, tips, or a link to add new items.

Footer template example

Footer template in React Dropdown List

Item template in React Dropdown List

Item template

Render each list item with custom content such as images, badges, and multiline text using item templates. This is useful for visually rich lists like for products or contacts.

Item template example

Value template

Customize the selected value display area with a value template. Include icons, tags, or additional context for the chosen item.

Value template example

Value template in React Dropdown List

Empty record template in React Dropdown List

Empty record template

Show a friendly message or action when no items are found after filtering or when the data list is empty. The template accepts custom content.

No records example

Display icons next to items to improve recognition and quick scanning. Icons can represent categories, countries, or status indicators.

Dropdown with icons in React

Floating label in React Dropdown List

Floating label

Integrate a floating label to enhance clarity and save space. The label floats above the input when a value is selected or the control gains focus.

Float label example

Grouping

Organize related options within a dropdown using grouping. This makes it easier for users to find what they need, especially when the list contains many items.

Grouping example

Dropdown with grouping

Cascading in React Dropdown List

Cascading dropdowns dynamically filter options based on the selection in a parent dropdown. They show users only relevant choices, improving accuracy and usability.

Cascading dropdown example

Form support

The Dropdown List is designed for seamless integration with React forms, providing reliable data binding and validation. This ensures consistent behavior and simplified state management for selection inputs within complex form structures.

Form support example

Dropdown with form support

Accessibility

The Dropdown List component is fully accessible using the keyboard. Core actions like opening the pop-up, navigating items, and making a selection can be performed using the keyboard to support inclusive applications.

The Dropdown List view is compliant with WAI-ARIA accessibility standards. The UI includes high-contrast visuals for improved readability, and semantic roles and attributes provide accurate descriptions for assistive technologies.

Right-to-left (RTL) display

Right-to-left rendering mirrors the text and layout for RTL languages such as Arabic and Hebrew, improving readability and access in those locales.

Other Supported Frameworks

In addition to React, built-in integration is available for these major frameworks.

Remix

Preact

Gatsby

Vite

Next.js

Not sure how to create your first React Dropdown List? Our documentation can help.

Read the getting started guide

Developed using React’s core principles, this library employs functional components and hooks without any external dependencies.

GRIDS

Data Grid

DATA VISUALIZATION

Charts

NAVIGATION

BUTTONS

INPUTS

LAYOUT

NOTIFICATIONS

CALENDARS

DROPDOWNS

Dropdown List

Frequently Asked Questions

✅ Why should you choose the Syncfusion^® Essential Studio^® React Dropdown List?

The Syncfusion React Dropdown List provides the following:

A lightweight component that is easily configurable.
Advanced capabilities including filtering, diacritic-insensitive searches, sorting, and complete template customization.
Flexible data binding for local arrays and remote services.
Simple configuration and intuitive API.
Support for all modern browsers.
Touch-friendly and responsive UI.
Extensive demos for quickly exploring features.

✅ Where can I find the Syncfusion React Dropdown List demo?

You can find our React Dropdown List demo here. It demonstrates how to render and configure the component.

✅ How do I enable filtering and sorting in the React Dropdown List?

Enable filtering using the filterable property and configure additional options such as filterType and minimum character threshold. Apply sorting via the sortOrder property to control ascending or descending order.

View example and implementation details

✅ Can the Syncfusion React Dropdown List component be purchased separately?

No, 1,600+ components and frameworks for web, mobile, and desktop, including the React Dropdown List, are not sold individually. The pricing is positioned to be competitive relative to vendors that offer only a single dropdown component. Many customers adopt multiple components quickly, so a subscription provides access to all 1,600+ components. Additional discounts may be available depending on active promotions. Contact the product specialists to check eligibility for discounts.

✅ Can the Syncfusion React Dropdown List be used for free?

This is a commercial product and requires a paid license. A free community license is available for companies and individuals whose organizations have less than 1 million USD in annual gross revenue, 5 or fewer developers, and 10 or fewer total employees.

✅ How do I get started with the Syncfusion React Dropdown List?

Start with the comprehensive getting started documentation.

✅ How do I customize the pop-up?

Use header template, footer template, and item template properties to inject custom markup. The value template customizes the selected value area, and the no records template displays content when no items are found.

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