A site loading within one second converts 2.5x more visitors compared to one taking 5 seconds. Pagination design examples play a significant role in determining how quickly users can traverse your content.

Most of us have experienced endless scrolling through product pages or search results while searching for that elusive "next page" button. Users can move through large data sets smoothly when pagination works well, which prevents them from feeling overwhelmed. Research confirms that users scroll down to find pagination controls at the bottom of pages. Mobile users begin scrolling within just 14 seconds 90% of the time.

This piece showcases 10 clean pagination CSS examples from major websites. These examples range from simple numbered links to sophisticated infinite scrolling implementations that will help you create a user-friendly experience. Major web players have developed effective pagination strategies - let's see how they work!

What is Pagination in Web & App Design?

Pagination breaks long content into smaller pages, avoiding endless scrolling and making navigation clear. It’s common in search results, eCommerce product lists, and blog archives.

Its main goals are to manage content efficiently, boost performance by loading less data at once, and keep users oriented (e.g., Page 2 of 10). This gives users clear checkpoints and reduces overwhelm.

Compared to alternatives:

1. Infinite scroll suits feeds but can disorient tasks.

   
   

2. Load more adds content without new pages.

   
   

3. Pagination remains best for clarity, orientation, and SEO.

Why Pagination Design Matters?

It orients users, reduces frustration, and boosts performance by loading content in chunks instead of endless scrolls.

Key benefits:

1. Navigation & clarity: Users always know where they are (e.g., Page 2 of 10).

   
   

2. Performance: Faster sites, lower server load, fewer bounces—vital for eCommerce and search-heavy platforms.

   
   

3. Usability: Clear start, middle, end. Users can jump sections and feel in control.

   
   

4. Trust: Predictable navigation builds confidence.

   
   

5. Accessibility & SEO: Screen readers handle it better, and search engines can index more effectively.

   
   

10 Clean Pagination Design Examples to Check Out Now!

Amazon

Image Source: Wizzy.ai

Amazon’s pagination system stands out as one of the most practical and user-friendly examples in eCommerce. With millions of products across dozens of categories, the company needed a navigation method that could scale without overwhelming shoppers.

Instead of relying on infinite scrolling, which could frustrate people looking for specific items, Amazon uses traditional numbered pagination combined with clear controls. This approach balances simplicity with functionality while keeping the shopping experience efficient and organized.

What makes it impressive?

1. Clear and consistent navigation: Pagination controls appear at the bottom of search results, allowing users to move seamlessly through long product lists. The layout shows page numbers alongside “Previous” and “Next” buttons, ensuring easy navigation for users of all skill levels.

   
   

2. Strong sense of scope: By displaying the first few pages and a link to the last page, Amazon provides users with a clear idea of how much content exists without cluttering the interface.

   
   

3. Current page highlighting: The active page is outlined with a bold square border, making it easy for users to track where they are in their browsing journey.

   
   

4. Strategic application: Amazon doesn’t paginate every surface—its homepage avoids pagination to reduce overwhelm, while search and category pages use it to provide control where it’s needed most.

   
   

Key takeaway: Amazon demonstrates that thoughtful pagination design creates order within massive catalogs. By combining clarity, consistency, and restraint, it ensures shoppers can discover products easily while keeping the experience scalable for millions of listings.

Google

Image Source: Halo Lab

In June 2024, Google reversed course by moving from continuous scroll back to traditional pagination for its search results. This decision highlights that “modern” isn’t always better—sometimes tried-and-true solutions outperform trendy alternatives.

Google prioritized speed, control, and clarity, ensuring users could find results faster while avoiding the disorientation that comes with endless scrolling.

What makes it impressive?

1. Clear structure and recall: Users can easily say, “I saw that result on Page 2,” something far harder with infinite scroll.

   
   

2. Speed first approach: By not auto-loading results, pages load faster and focus only on what users request.

   
   

3. Natural stopping points: Pagination creates logical breaks, prompting users to refine searches instead of passively scrolling.

   
   

4. Global familiarity: The bottom pagination bar is instantly recognizable to billions, reducing learning curves.

   
   

Key takeaway: Google’s pivot demonstrates that clarity and efficiency often win over flashy patterns. Even at global scale, pagination offers better control, faster results, and improved user satisfaction compared to infinite scroll.

Pinterest

Image Source: Justinmind

Pinterest thrives on exploration, and its infinite scroll approach reflects that behavior perfectly. Unlike Amazon or Google, users come to Pinterest not for precision searches but for inspiration.

Endless content feels natural here, supported by a dynamic masonry grid that organizes visuals fluidly. Pinterest proves that when aligned with user intent, infinite scroll can be just as effective as pagination.

What makes it impressive?

1. Infinite scroll plus masonry layout: Images of different shapes and sizes load seamlessly, creating a flowing browsing experience.

   
   

2. Behavior-driven design: Casual, inspiration-focused browsing aligns well with endless discovery.

   
   

3. Pinned position indicator: Lets users return to where they left off, solving a common infinite scroll problem.

   
   

4. Feedback cues: Subtle loading animations confirm when fresh content appears.

   
   

Key takeaway: Pinterest shows infinite scroll works beautifully when discovery is the goal. By adding orientation aids like pinned positions, it avoids common frustrations, proving design patterns must match user behavior.

Netflix

Image Source: Beamtic

Netflix redefines pagination with horizontal scrolling carousels. Instead of numbered pages, content is grouped into rows of categories, each scrollable sideways. This pattern reflects how users consume entertainment—browsing casually through genres until something catches their eye.

Netflix combines this navigation with previews, personalization, and smooth performance to create one of the best media browsing experiences online.

What makes it impressive?

1. Horizontal carousel navigation: Removes pagination clutter and enables fast, theme-based discovery.

   
   

2. Hover previews: Instant trailers help users decide quickly without committing to a full show or movie.

   
   

3. Lazy loading: Content only loads when needed, keeping performance high.

   
   

4. Personalization: Rows adapt dynamically to individual viewing habits.

   
   

Key takeaway: Netflix demonstrates that pagination isn’t always about numbers—it’s about choosing navigation patterns that match the medium. For entertainment platforms, smooth horizontal exploration works better than traditional page structures.

Etsy

Image Source: design kojo

Etsy combines classic pagination with brand-consistent design. As a marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, Etsy leans into numbered pagination to keep shoppers oriented as they navigate millions of listings.

The design is compact, artisanal in feel, and blends seamlessly with product grids while still offering structure for discovery.

What makes it impressive?

1. Traditional numbered pages: Makes browsing predictable and easy to follow.

   
   

2. Brand-consistent styling: Pagination design aligns with Etsy’s handmade, artisanal aesthetic.

   
   

3. Clear current-page indicators: Ensures orientation is maintained while browsing.

   
   

4. Integration with filters: Works seamlessly with sidebar refinements to improve product discovery.

   
   

Key takeaway: Etsy proves that traditional pagination remains highly effective for large catalogs. By pairing it with brand-conscious design, they ensure navigation feels natural while enhancing their unique identity.

YouTube

Image Source: SerpApi

YouTube blends technical sophistication with user-facing simplicity. Developers experience pagination through token-based APIs (nextPageToken, prevPageToken), while regular users interact with a mix of infinite scroll and lightweight pagination across different areas.

This dual approach balances the massive scale of billions of videos with usability for creators and viewers.

What makes it impressive?

1. Token-based pagination for APIs: Keeps queries efficient, critical at YouTube’s scale.

   
   

2. Infinite scroll for users: Simplifies casual browsing of long video lists.

   
   

3. Scalable backend design: Manages massive datasets without slowing down.

   
   

4. Hybrid approach: Provides robust tools for developers while keeping end-user experience seamless.

   
   

Key takeaway: YouTube shows that pagination is both a front-end and back-end challenge. By balancing technical performance with user-friendly navigation, it manages one of the largest media libraries in the world.

GitHub

Image Source: GitHub

GitHub’s pagination reflects its technical audience. As the largest code repository platform, it prioritizes clarity, efficiency, and scale. Instead of flashy design, GitHub relies on simple numbered pagination that developers find reliable, supported by powerful API-based pagination behind the scenes.

What makes it impressive?

1. Minimalist controls: Small numbered links keep focus on code, not navigation.

   
   

2. Context awareness: Item and page counts provide quick scope visibility.

   
   

3. Advanced API support: Cursor-based pagination ensures data consistency and speed.

   
   

4. Developer-friendly tools: Options to jump to first/last pages improve workflow efficiency.

   
   

Key takeaway: GitHub proves pagination doesn’t need to be flashy. For technical platforms, clarity and precision matter most, and GitHub delivers that balance for both developers and end users.

Substack

Image Source: On Substack

Substack keeps pagination simple but powerful, focusing on linear reading flows. Instead of numbered pages, it relies on “Next” and “Previous” buttons, surrounded by engagement tools that make each navigation opportunity also a chance to build community.

What makes it impressive?

1. Clear Next/Previous buttons: Guides readers smoothly between articles.

   
   

2. Engagement opportunities nearby: Likes, comments, and share buttons sit beside pagination.

   
   

3. Smart subscription placement: Forms near navigation catch readers at peak engagement.

   
   

4. Consistency across devices: Works well on desktop and mobile alike.

   
   

Key takeaway: Substack shows that pagination can serve multiple roles—navigation, engagement, and conversion. By pairing simple design with strategic placement, it helps creators grow readership while guiding users forward.

Airbnb

Image Source: PandaExtract

Airbnb approaches pagination differently, focusing on location-first exploration. Instead of strict numbered pages, the platform relies on dynamic map-based updates where listings refresh as you move around. A list view with traditional pagination is still available, giving flexibility.

What makes it impressive?

1. Dynamic map pagination: Results update instantly as users pan or zoom.

   
   

2. Flexibility in views: Option to switch to list view with pagination for traditional users.

   
   

3. Performance at scale: Handles millions of listings without overwhelming users.

   
   

4. Context-driven design: Navigation aligns with travel behavior, where location is the priority.

   
   

Key takeaway: Airbnb proves pagination design must fit the product’s context. For location-based browsing, dynamic maps outperform static page numbers by aligning directly with user goals.

Shopify

Image Source: Freakdesign

Shopify empowers merchants to handle thousands of products, and pagination plays a critical role in ensuring customers can navigate large catalogs without friction. Using its Liquid templating system and GraphQL API, Shopify offers both flexibility and speed in its pagination approach.

What makes it impressive?

1. Scalable display: Supports up to 250 items per page for flexibility.

   
   

2. Cursor-based pagination: Provides faster, more efficient retrieval than traditional methods.

   
   

3. SEO-friendly structures: Canonical tags and clean URLs support indexing.

   
   

4. Designed for merchants: Balances user navigation needs with store performance.

   
   

Key takeaway: Shopify illustrates how pagination directly affects business results. By prioritizing scalability, SEO, and performance, it helps merchants deliver smooth customer experiences that drive conversions.

Conclusion

Good pagination is invisible yet powerful. It guides users, improves navigation, and keeps sites usable. From Google’s numbered pages to Pinterest’s infinite scroll and Netflix’s carousels, the best systems adapt to user intent. Clear, fast, and unobtrusive pagination reduces friction, builds engagement, and drives conversions by keeping focus on content—not navigation.

Want to create seamless navigation that turns visitors into customers? Partner with Bricx —we design user-friendly interfaces that are as beautiful as they are conversion-focused. Book a call with us today to start building better experiences.